12-Nights Best of Namibia: Desert & Wildlife from $4,532

Day 1: Windhoek to the Kalahari Desert

Your Namibian adventure begins as you depart Windhoek and travel south into the vast Kalahari Desert. Characterized by rolling red sand dunes, golden grasslands and scattered camelthorn trees, this remarkable landscape is far more diverse than its name suggests and supports an abundance of wildlife. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and soak up the tranquility of your surroundings. This afternoon, you may wish to join an optional nature drive through the Kalahari, offering an introduction to the region's unique scenery, wildlife and spectacular sunset.

Hotel: Intu Afrika Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Intu Afrika Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge is set within the private Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, surrounded by the iconic red dunes and ancient camelthorn trees of the Kalahari Desert. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, bar and swimming pool, providing an ideal base from which to experience the region's unique landscapes, wildlife and optional desert activities.

Meal(s): Dinner

Continue south through Namibia's ever-changing landscapes toward the Fish River Canyon region. Along the way, visit the Garas Quiver Tree Forest, where distinctive quiver trees grow among the fascinating dolerite rock formations of Giants' Playground. Later, arrive near Fish River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons and one of Namibia's most spectacular natural wonders.

Hotel: Canyon Village (3 Star Rating)

The Canyon Village sits picturesquely at the foot of a sweeping rock face in Gondwana Canyon Park. There is a thatched restaurant, coffee shop and a rustic bar, all set between massive granite boulders. Namibian artists have decorated the walls of the restaurant, and the rural atmosphere is continued in the chalets, depicting the daily life of the original inhabitants of the area, the Bondelswart Nama. Alternatively, guests are welcome to enjoy a break at the pool. It has magnificent views of the endless plains of Gondwana Canyon Park. The lodge consists of 40 Cape-Dutch style chalets. They are all equipped with en-suite bathrooms, a fan and mosquito nets. Take in the superb scenery in this haunting, arid landscape on an unguided morning hike, Canyon and scenic drive, horse-riding trek, or a guided sunset walk. Canyon Village is an ideal base and offers easy access to explore the wonders of Namibia's Fish River Canyon.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Begin the day with a visit to the spectacular Fish River Canyon viewpoint before continuing west toward the Atlantic coast. Travel past the Naute Dam with an opportunity to stop at the Naute Kristall Distillery, where drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Continue through the Namib Desert, stopping at Garub to look for the famous wild horses that roam this harsh landscape, before arriving in the historic coastal town of Luderitz.

Hotel: Luderitz Nest Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Luderitz Nest Hotel enjoys a prime waterfront location in the historic coastal town of Luderitz. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel offers comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and private beach, making it an ideal base from which to explore the town and the surrounding attractions of southern Namibia.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Visit the fascinating ghost town of Kolmanskop, once a thriving diamond mining settlement that has gradually been reclaimed by the desert sands. Continue across the vast open plains of the southern Namib Desert and the scenic Tiras Mountains before arriving near Sesriem, gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or enjoy one of the optional activities offered by your lodge.

Hotel: The Elegant Desert Lodge (4 Star Rating)

The Elegant Desert Lodge enjoys a peaceful setting overlooking the striking desert landscapes near Sesriem, providing convenient access to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool, making it an ideal base from which to explore the spectacular scenery of the Namib Desert.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Rise early to experience the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei as the morning light transforms the desert into vibrant shades of gold, orange and red. Explore the striking white clay pan of Dead Vlei, surrounded by some of the world's highest sand dunes, before visiting Sesriem Canyon. Return to your lodge to relax after an incredible day in the desert.

Hotel: The Elegant Desert Lodge (4 Star Rating)

The Elegant Desert Lodge enjoys a peaceful setting overlooking the striking desert landscapes near Sesriem, providing convenient access to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool, making it an ideal base from which to explore the spectacular scenery of the Namib Desert.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Depart the Namib Desert and travel through the tiny settlement of Solitaire before continuing along the scenic Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. As the landscape gives way to the Atlantic coastline, stop at the RAMSAR-listed Walvis Bay Lagoon, one of southern Africa's most important wetlands and home to flamingos and an abundance of birdlife. Continue along the coast to Swakopmund, a charming seaside town known for its German colonial architecture, palm-lined streets and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Hotel: Hansa Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Nestled in the centre of Swakopmund, the hotel is constructed around a garden area and close to the sea (a 3-minute walk). With the town having been built during a German Colonial the hotel which originally dates back to 1905 (one of the first in the area) forms part of period, the area resembles a Bavarian village. With a timeless quality the towns culture. Located close by are a golf course, tennis courts, and horse/camel riding. The hotel boasts 58 rooms with underfloor heating.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Swakopmund at your own pace. Browse local shops and cafés, stroll along the waterfront or choose from a wide range of optional activities. Adventure seekers may enjoy quad biking, sandboarding, scenic flights or skydiving, while wildlife enthusiasts can opt for dolphin cruises or kayaking. With its unique blend of German heritage, coastal charm and desert landscapes, Swakopmund offers something for every traveler.

Hotel: Hansa Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Nestled in the centre of Swakopmund, the hotel is constructed around a garden area and close to the sea (a 3-minute walk). With the town having been built during a German Colonial the hotel which originally dates back to 1905 (one of the first in the area) forms part of period, the area resembles a Bavarian village. With a timeless quality the towns culture. Located close by are a golf course, tennis courts, and horse/camel riding. The hotel boasts 58 rooms with underfloor heating.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Depart the Atlantic coastline and travel inland through the settlement of Uis toward the spectacular landscapes of Damaraland. Pass Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, before arriving in one of the country's most remote and geologically diverse regions. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with the opportunity to join an optional sundowner excursion or nature drive offered by your lodge.

Hotel: Ondjamba Hills (3 Star Rating)

Ondjamba Hills is nestled among the granite hills and open plains of southern Damaraland, offering sweeping views of one of Namibia's most scenic regions. The lodge features comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool, providing a peaceful base for exploring the dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and ancient cultural heritage of Damaraland.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning, set out on a scenic nature drive through the private Otjimboyo Concession toward the Brandberg Massif. Travel along the ephemeral Ugab River, where desert-adapted elephants are often found feeding among the camelthorn trees that line the riverbanks. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the remarkable scenery before returning to your lodge. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing or taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Hotel: Ondjamba Hills (3 Star Rating)

Ondjamba Hills is nestled among the granite hills and open plains of southern Damaraland, offering sweeping views of one of Namibia's most scenic regions. The lodge features comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool, providing a peaceful base for exploring the dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and ancient cultural heritage of Damaraland.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Begin the day with a visit to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable collection of ancient San rock engravings. Continue to the Living Museum of the Damara, where you'll gain insight into the traditions and culture of one of Namibia's oldest communities, before visiting the Petrified Forest, home to fossilized tree trunks dating back millions of years. Along the way, see the extraordinary Welwitschia mirabilis, a unique desert plant found only in Namibia. Continue to your lodge near Etosha National Park.

Hotel: Etosha Safari Camp (3 Star Rating)

Etosha Safari Camp is located on the southern edge of Etosha National Park, just a short drive from Andersson Gate, making it an ideal base for wildlife viewing. The camp offers comfortable chalet-style accommodations, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and inviting outdoor spaces, providing a relaxed atmosphere after rewarding days exploring one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Spend the day exploring Etosha National Park in your tour vehicle alongside your Sense of Africa guide. One of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, the park is centered around the vast Etosha Pan and an extensive network of waterholes that attract an incredible variety of wildlife throughout the year. Keep watch for elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, springbok and numerous antelope species, while bird enthusiasts can look forward to spotting some of the park's more than 340 recorded bird species. Each waterhole offers a unique wildlife viewing experience, making every game drive memorable.

Hotel: Etosha Safari Camp (3 Star Rating)

Etosha Safari Camp is located on the southern edge of Etosha National Park, just a short drive from Andersson Gate, making it an ideal base for wildlife viewing. The camp offers comfortable chalet-style accommodations, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and inviting outdoor spaces, providing a relaxed atmosphere after rewarding days exploring one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Continue exploring Etosha National Park with your guide, visiting additional waterholes and searching for wildlife you may not have encountered the previous day. Later, depart the park and travel south through Namibia's bushveld landscapes to your overnight stop at Sachsenheim Guest Farm.

Hotel: Sachsenheim Guest Farm (3 Star Rating)

Sachsenheim Guest Farm is set on a working farm in central Namibia, offering a peaceful countryside setting between Etosha National Park and Windhoek. Surrounded by open landscapes and abundant birdlife, the guest farm features comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool, providing a relaxing place to unwind before continuing your Namibian journey.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast, travel south through the heart of Namibia toward Windhoek. Time permitting, stop at the famous Okahandja Woodcarvers Market, where local artisans display an impressive selection of handcrafted carvings and souvenirs. Upon arrival in Windhoek, you'll be transferred either to your individually booked hotel or to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport for your onward journey.

Meal(s): Breakfast