Compare Wonders of Namibia by G Adventures vs Northern Namibia self-drive safari to Victoria Falls by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 3,787 | $ 5,128 |
| Price Per Day | $ 379 | $ 342 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
From flaming red sand dunes to arid woodlands that harbour some of the world's most majestic elephant herds, Namibia bursts with unique natural wonders. Set out on wildlife drives in the renowned Etosha National Park in search of lions, rhinos, giraffes, and the elusive leopard. Visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund to learn about efforts to protect these vulnerable cats, and delve into one of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes—the timeless Namib desert. |
Namibia is completely different to any other African safari destination. Much of its wildlife has adapted to its dry desert landscape, including elephant and lion. It has the world’s highest dunes, where barking geckos, cartwheeling spiders and quick-tongued chameleons scuttle across sun-baked sand. And, it has a long coastline where you can kayak with seals and see the skeletal remains of ships sent awry by thick coastal fog. Our Africa specialists have explored the country in-depth, from Sossusvlei to the Skeleton Coast, and can help you plan a holiday to Namibia tailored to your interests. |
Day 1 Windhoek
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2 Windhoek/Sesriem
Set off from the Namibian capital towards Sesriem, the gateway to jaw-dropping Namib-Naukluft National Park. Drive past red-hued desertscapes, stark camel thorn trees, and dramatic curved dunes while keeping an eye out for the astonishing creatures that call these arid lands home—the oryx, springbok, jackal, hyena, and more. Settle in to our lodge and relax poolside, watching a fiery crimson sunset over the desert.
Enjoy postcard perfect desert scenery around Sesriem and Sossusvlei - vast desertscapes of reds and orange, stark camel thorn trees and towering dunes with dramatic curved ridges. Also keep an eye out for the surprising amount of wildlife that call this area home such as oryx, springbok, jackal, ground squirrel and hyena.
Day 3 Sesriem
Embark on a thrilling excursion into one of Africa’s largest national parks. Explore the Namib desert, the oldest desert in the world; and venture to the massive dunes at Sossusvlei and the white clay pan of Deadvlei. Capture dramatic images of dead camel thorn trees against a backdrop of orange dunes and a crisp blue sky. Then visit the Sesriem Canyon, a natural gorge carved out by the Tsauchab River over millions of years.
Day 4 Sesriem/Swakopmund
Continue by road through changing desert landscapes towards the coastal city of Swakopmund. Look out for roaming zebra, kudu, springbok, and oryx on the way, and take a break in the quirky town of Solitaire before heading into the countryside. Here, we meet a local for a 4x4 drive through the desert, learning about the survival strategies of bushmen who lived in this inhospitable area thousands of years ago. We also search for the smaller wildlife that has managed to survive here, such as snakes, geckos, spiders, and an array of insects.
Day 5 Swakopmund
Enjoy a free morning in Swakopmund, getting a taste of the town’s unique Afro-German culture; or opt for sandboarding in the Namib desert. This afternoon, take a tour of Mondesa township with a local guide, learning about its people and history. Visit the local market for an introduction to traditional foods such as wild spinach, mopane worms, and dried sardines or kapenta. Stop by an arts and crafts shop; chat with the locals; and round off the day with dinner and a performance at a cozy family-run establishment.
Explore the town's unique mix of German and African culture and opt to visit curio shops, the museum and restaurants. Optional activities include sandboarding.
Day 6 Swakopmund/Damaraland
Make your way to Twyfelfontein—Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site—to see some of Africa’s largest concentrations of petroglyphs. Marvel at these remarkable engravings, carved by prehistoric hunter-gatherers and depicting rhinos, elephants, and ostriches, as well as human and animal footprints. Then continue to our lodge on the heart of the Damaraland area. Enjoy some free time to swim in the pool or admire a colourful sunset from the deck.
Day 7 Damaraland/Etosha National Park Area
Enjoy a relaxed morning at our lodge and explore the rich sandstone treasure of Damaraland. In the afternoon, travel towards Etosha National Park, arguably Namibia’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuary. Settle into our lodge, located outside of the park.
Day 8 Etosha National Park Area
Spend a full day on safari in Etosha National Park, where open grasslands converge on a massive salt pan. Etosha harbours some of the largest populations of lions, elephants, and other endangered species, so keep your camera on the ready as you explore in your open vehicle. Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s rest areas, where you can also take a swim; and sit back and watch all manner of creatures—including hundreds of species of birds—flock to the nearby watering hole.
After the vast desert, Etosha National Park, offers a contrast of wide open grasslands, a massive salt pan that covers 4731km² and tall camel thorn trees intermixed with Mopani trees. With a combination of natural waterholes, and diverse vegetation, wildlife flock to the park. Some of the largest elephants in Africa can be found in areas of thicker vegetation, as well as leopards. Lions, giraffe, ostrich and many antelope species can be found in the grasslands, while birders will love the salt pans which attract flamingos in the rainy season. More than 340 bird species have been counted in Etosha National Park including the European bee-eater, the kori bustard and numerous migratory birds.
Day 9 Etosha National Park Area/Windhoek
After breakfast, visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a global research and education center founded by National Geographic Grantee Dr Laurie Marker. Tour the facility to learn about the important conservation and community outreach work they do to protect the world’s fastest land animal, and enjoy a talk by one of the researchers. Then head out on a drive through the grounds to meet some of the center’s rescued and rehabilitated cheetahs. Continue to Windhoek for our final evening.
Day 10 Windhoek
Depart at any time.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Windhoek.
Day 2 : Windhoek
On arrival at Windhoek Airport you will be met by your driver and driven to your guesthouse in the centre of town. This afternoon our representative will meet with you to answer any last minute questions you may have and your vehicle will be delivered whilst they're present.
Day 3 : Central Highlands
Today your self drive adventure begins with the drive north to the Central Highlands. Here you will stay at the famous Okonjima Plains Camp - home of The AfriCat Foundation. We suggest you leave Windhoek early this morning so you can arrive at Okonjima in time for lunch and in time to enjoy the afternoon's activities (payable locally).
Day 4 : Etosha National Park
Today your journey continues to the eastern side of Etosha National Park. Here you will stay just outside the Von Lindequist gate for two nights at Mushara Bush Camp.
Day 5 : Etosha National Park
Today you can either drive back into the park yourselves or join one of the guides from Mushara and head into the park (payable locally) - with the expert eyes of your guide it is likely you will see more than if you were travelling on your own.
Day 6 : Rundu
You will drive onwards into the Caprivi today - the road is good quality tarmac so you should be able to make fast progress. Hakusembe has a lovely riverside location just outside Rundu and you might like to take an evening boat cruise (payable locally).
Day 7 : Popa Falls and Mahangu Game Park
Today is a relatively short drive to River Dance Lodge, very close to the border of Botswana. This National Park is incredibly varied combining both the aridness of the Kalahari with the lushness of the Okavango.
Day 8 : Popa Falls and Mahangu Game Park
Today you will have the chance to go on both a river cruise and also a game drive if you wish (payable locally) or alternatively explore under your own steam. There are more species of birds here than any other national park in Namibia as well as a number of larger mammals.
Day 9 : Popa Falls and Mahangu Game Park
A second day at River Dance Lodge.
Day 10 : Bwabwata National Park
Today your journey continues along the Caprivi Strip through the Bwabwata Game Park (formerly the Caprivi Game Park). As you exit the park turn south at Kongola and make your way to Mazambala Lodge. You will stay here for three nights.
Day 11 : Bwabwata National Park
A day on safari at Mazambala Lodge. You can either explore Mudumu and Mamili National Parks under your own steam, or join guided excursions (payable locally) from your lodge.
Day 12 : Bwabwata National Park
A day on safari at Mazambala.
Day 13 : Livingstone & The Victoria Falls
You'll continue along the Caprivi today to the border with Botswana where you will pass through immigration and drive to Chobe Safari Lodge. Here you will drop your car off and meet your driver from Waterberry Lodge. He will assist you over the border into Zambia where you will pay your visa fee, and drive you to the lodge.
Day 14 : Livingstone & The Victoria Falls
While you are at Waterberry there are a number of included activities. You can enjoy visits to Victoria Falls, Mosi O Tunya National Park or to local villages and craft markets. Birdwatching, fishing, picnic cruises and sundowners on the river are also available.
Day 15 : Livingstone & The Victoria Falls
A final day at Waterberry Lodge.
Day 16 : International return flight
This morning you will be transferred to Livingstone Airport.
Day 17 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
