The Great Namibia Safari encompasses all that this stunning land has to offer – breathtaking landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife. This Namibia safari explores the dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert, the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast, amazing marine life just off Swakopmund, the volcanic rock-strewn landscape of Damaraland and the game-filled savannah of Etosha.

Day 1 Travel Day – To Africa
Day 2 Sossusvlei
Day 3 Sossusvlei
Day 4 Swakopmund
Day 5 Swakopmund
Day 6 Damaraland
Day 7 Damaraland
Day 8 Damaraland
Day 9 Etosha National Park
Day 10 Etosha National Park
Day 11 Skeleton Coast
Day 12 Skeleton Coast
Day 13 Skeleton Coast
Day 14 Your Journey Ends

• Desert adapted Elephant
• Black Rhino
• Red Sand Dunes
• Skeleton Coast

A Magical Journey Awaits!

Talk To a Namibia Safari Specialist today! Call (800) 405-9463

The Great Namibia Safari

KEY: B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner
Please note that premium import brands are not included with beverages

Call for More Info: 800 405 9463

DAY 1 TRAVEL DAY – TO AFRICA

Your safari begins today as you board your international flight to Africa.

DAYS 2 & 3 SOSSUSVLEI

Welcome to Africa! On arrival in Windhoek, Nambia, you will be met and transferred by road approximately 380 kilometers (km) to Sossusvlei where you will stay at Kulala Desert Lodge for the next two nights.

Kulala Desert Lodge is situated within the arid Namib Desert on the private 37 000ha Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic red dunes of the Sossusvlei.

The lodge comprises 15 thatched and canvas “kulalas” (“to sleep” in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls are placed for guests to sleep under the myriad stars that Namibia’s clear skies portray. The main area, with décor inspired by northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole – a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista.

The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery.

Early morning guided nature drives to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei are through a private gate on the Tsauchab River. Worldfamous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous red sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously transforming the contours of this red sand sea. The ‘vlei’ itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it becomes a spectacular turquoise lake.

Activities: Nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve
Optional Activity: Hot-air balloon safari with champagne breakfast (additional cost)

Overnight: Kulala Desert Lodge (B, L, D, Beverages & Laundry)

DAYS 4 & 5 SWAKOPMUND

Today you will make your way to Little Kulala Camp for your two-night stay.

Today you will travel by road 280km northwest via the dark and craggy Kuiseb Canyon and arrive at the Hansa Hotel for your two-night stay in the seaside town of Swakopmund.

The grand Hansa Hotel forms part of Swakopmund’s architectural culture and dates back to 1905; it is said to be one of the oldest buildings in the town. It is ideally situated in the centre of Swakopmund within easy walking distance to the town and beach. The luxury of the hotel, its excellent cuisine, and friendly service are well known around Namibia and overseas. While in the Swakopmund area, you will explore the ice blue Atlantic coast, from the port towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to its incredible marine mammals. A private boat cruise at Walvis Bay and down the coast to Sandwich Harbour (weather permitting) provides a unique chance to see the diverse ocean-going birdlife, Cape fur seals, and rare Heaviside’s dolphins up close.

Activities: Private boat-cruise at Walvis Bay; exploring the coast

Overnight: Hansa Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 6 DAMARALAND

Today, you will travel approximately 280km, partly up the legendary Skeleton Coast (named for the numerous shipwrecks the treacherous shores have claimed over the years) to the Cape Cross seal colony with thousands of Cape fur seals. From here, your guide will drive the back roads through the game-rich Ugab riverbed, travelling north past the Brandberg Mountain – the second largest monolith on earth – to Damaraland. This all-day excursion ends with your arrival at Damaraland Camp for your one-night stay.

Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in 10 comfortable tented rooms, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water. The dining room and lounge are combined under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. A lovely feature of the camp is its unique rock pool.

Damaraland is a land of stark desert beauty. Early morning mists, generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the canyons, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. Rare succulent plants abound in this harsh countryside. Wildlife abounds and includes the springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, and the unique desert-adapted elephant.

Activities: Game viewing activities on foot, by mountain bike, or 4×4 vehicles

Overnight: Damaraland Camp (B, L, D & Beverages)

DAYS 7 & 8 DAMARALAND

Today, you will depart Damaraland Camp and drive into the Huab riverbed to search for desert-adapted elephants, before heading north to the Palmwag Reserve in northwest Namibia to the Desert Rhino Camp for your two-night stay.

Desert Rhino Camp offers a level of privacy and wilderness experience that few places on the planet can surpass. The camp accommodates guests in seven large East African-style Meru tents, each with an en-suite bathroom and a classic bucket shower that is filled with hot water whenever needed. Lights are powered by solar panels and the tented dining room offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains.

The mountainous and rocky paradise of the private Palmwag Reserve has a number of freshwater springs that support healthy populations of animals including desert-adapted back rhino and elephant, as well as large populations of the rare Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok and kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park including lion, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyaena. Bird life is prolific and diverse featuring most of Namibia’s endemics. Welwitschia plants (ancient and highly unusual succulents) dot the plain in front of the camp. The speciality of the area is its growing population of the rare desert-adapted black rhino, the largest concentration in the world outside a national park, which are monitored and protected by the Save the Rhino Trust.

Activities: Rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle, day and night nature drives

Overnight: Desert Rhino Camp (B, L, D, Beverages & Laundry)

DAYS 9 & 10 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Today you will head eastward by road 350 km to Etosha National Park. Enjoy spectacular game viewing on the way to Ongava Tented Camp where you will stay for two nights.

One of Namibia’s best-kept secrets, Ongava Tented Camp overlooks a waterhole where wildlife regularly congregates. The camp accommodates just 16 guests in large, comfortable Meru-style walk-in tents, each with en-suite facilities, including flush toilet and a hot shower. All meals are enjoyed in the thatched dining area and there is a small pool in which to cool off. Ongava Tented Camp is located within the private Ongava Game Reserve on the southern border of Etosha.

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier wildlife destination and one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Etosha means “place of dry water” and is centered around a huge flat pan. During most of the year it is dry, but even the smallest rain shower can bring thousands of birds and wildlife to the many waterholes. There are no fences between Etosha National Park and the Ongava Game Reserve and the wildlife move freely between the two areas. The Ongava Game Reserve is unique in that it is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where there is a chance of seeing both black and white rhino. Elephants, lions and other plains animals abound and you may also spot rare wildlife species such as the black-faced impala, tssesebe, and gemsbok.

Activities: Twice daily game drives, night drives, safari walks and hides

Overnight: Ongava Tented Camp (B, L, D, Beverages & Laundry)

DAYS 11, 12, 13 SKELETON COAST

This morning, you will enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over dramatic desert landscapes to the exclusive Skeleton Coast Research Camp for your three-night stay.

Situated in a private concession in the Skeleton Coast Park off the Atlantic Coast, Skeleton Coast Research Camp comprises six Meru-style tents with large bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. Built on an island in a dry riverbed, the camp is surrounded by pure wilderness and is truly remote.

Skeleton Coast National Park is one of the most inhospitable but hauntingly beautiful places in the world. It is desolate and unique and has everything from roaring sand dunes, windswept plains, towering canyons and saltpans to seal colonies and shipwrecks. Secret water seeps, which create freshwater springs, attract wildlife enabling you can see desert-adapted elephant, gemsbok, springbok, giraffe, ostrich, brown hyaena, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and, occasionally, lion and cheetah.

Activites: Full-day drives in 4×4 Land Rovers, cultural visits to remote Himba villages

Overnight: Skeleton Coast Research Camp (B, L, D, Beverages & Laundry)

DAY 14 YOUR JOURNEY ENDS
Today your Namibia safari comes to an end as you fly back to Windhoek where you will connect with your international flight back to the United States.

Talk To a Safari Specialist today! Call (800) 405-9463

Safari Cost

FROM $8,390 per person sharing double occupancy
*All flights within Namibia are included in safari price.
*Customized itineraries are also available on flexible dates for groups of up to 8 guests.

Trip Price Includes meals from lunch on Day 1 to dinner Day 13, drinks (except premium brands) while at a camp in the Sossusvlei area (Little Kulala, Kulala Desert Lodge or Kulala Wilderness Camp); Damaraland Camp; Desert Rhino Camp; Ongava Tented Camp & Skeleton Coast Research Camp, national park and concession fees, laundry (except at Hansa Hotel and Damaraland Camp), accommodations, activities and all internal charters as specified in the itinerary, services of professional English-speaking guides and staff, comprehensive safari preparation.

Trip Price Excludes flights (other than specified in the safari itinerary), visas, travel insurance, all relevant entry and departure government taxes, excess baggage fees, all drinks while in Swakopmund (Hansa Hotel or The Stiltz), all personal purchases including curios, premium brand liquors, telephone calls etc., gratuities (approx. $15 per person per day), optional activities, pre and post safari tours and meals or accommodation before or after the safari.

Safari Notes

• Departure Confirmation: Each departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 confirmed guests, with a maximum of 8 guests per safari.
• Guides: The entire safari is guided and hosted by a professional guide, offering in-depth knowledge for a seamless safari experience.

• Exclusive: To ensure as much privacy and exclusivity as possible, most areas in which we travelare private concessions in prime locations. All camps are private and for the use of our safari guests only.
• Transfers: To maximize guests’ travel time, a variety of travel modes that bring out the best of each area is used: flying in private charters and overland transfers provide both a bird’s-eye view and an in-depth experience of the contrasting landscapes of Namibia. Please note that the Great Namibian Journey include long road transfers on gravel roads which may cause discomfort for guests with back or kidney problems. Please consult your doctor for advice if this is the case.
• International air connection to start the safari: If you stay in Windhoek the night before the safari begins, you will be met and transferred to the safari from your hotel. If you arrive by flight on the day the safari commences, you will be met and transferred from the airport. If arrival is planned for the day of the safari’s departure, please ensure that this is with the earliest possible international flight arrival, preferably by 9:00am. International air connections leaving the safari: Please ensure that your departure flight is booked after 3:30 pm from Windhoek. For earlier international departure flights, an additional transfer will be required to arrive for this connection, subject to extra cost.
• Bilingual safari: This service aims to facilitate a greater level of experience for guests that do not speak English fluently. A guide will lead the safari; however there may be a translator to assist the guide. Please note on all bilingual safari dates the guide or translator’s home language is English / Afrikaans. This additional free service does not guarantee the level of fluency and depending on group dynamics, a varying amount of the foreign language will be spoken.

• Flashlights: Please ensure that a minimum 2-D cell flashlight is brought on safari, with spare batteries. Headlamps are also useful. We do not supply flashlights.

• Camera battery charging facilities: Please note that a 12V cigarette lighter adaptor will be required (that is compatible with camera make) on this safari for charging batteries while on game drive or transfer drives. 110/ 240V outlets are available at the permanent lodges; however Skeleton Coast Research Camp only has 12V electricity.
• Dietary requirements and special occasions: Due to remote locality of the camps, please ensure that full dietary requirements and special occasions are advised at the time of your booking confirmation.
• Age limits: Children from the age of 12 are welcome on all scheduled departures. For guests over the age of 75, a recent certified medical certificate of full health must be submitted on booking confirmation.
• Lodging changes: We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute a lodge or location with another of comparable quality at no extra cost.
• Luggage allowance: There is a 12kg luggage allowance per person.

Booking Conditions

Rothschild Safaris: Terms and Conditions applicable on all tours. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended.

Deposit Requirements: 20% per person deposit is required to confirm the booking. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Currency Exchange Rates (for South Africa services only): Due to the volatility of currency markets, we can only offer the most competitive pricing on South African tours by tying these costs directly to the value of the South African Rand. This is calculated based on an in-house exchange rate of 7 Rand to 1.0 USD. Approximately 90 days prior to your safari, we finalize the cost of the South Africa portion of your trip and make any necessary changes to the price on the final invoice. Generally, price changes are not necessary.

Additional Information

• Packing list, detailed information on each country, a suggested reading list, medical information, and other pertinent travel information will be sent to you once your safari is booked.
• International flights can be arranged upon request utilizing our excellent consolidator airfares.
• All of our safaris can be customized to suit your specific interests, time frame and budget.

A Magical Journey Awaits!

Talk To a Namibia Safari Specialist today! Call (800) 405-9463