Namibia Desert & Dune

Days 1 & 2
En Route / Windhoek
Arrive at Windhoek International Airport, where you are met and transferred to the Olive Grove Guesthouse.

Days 3 & 4
Kulala Wilderness Reserve
Explore the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, taking in the famed dunes of Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, characterized by huge dunes and flat valley floors. Enjoy nature drives and walking safaris in this vast landscape, home to desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok, oryx, spotted and brown hyena, and bat-eared fox. One of Namibia’s many fascinating bird species, the dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area. Spend two nights at Kulala Desert Lodge. (B, L, D Daily)

Day 5
Swakopmund
Transfer to the charming town of Swakopmund. Spend the next two nights at Namibia’s oldest hotel, the Hansa. (B,L,D)

Day 6
Swakopmund: Marine & Desert Adventure
Enjoy an early morning cruise, exploring Walvis Bay Harbour, old boat wrecks, and opportunities to spot pelicans, dolphins and seals, and even whales and turtles in season. Your captain drops you off a deserted beach at Pelican Point, where you start a guided excursion to the Kuiseb River Delta. While exploring these saltpans and wetlands just north of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon watch for flamingos. If vehicles cannot make it there due to tides, there is time to walk the two-three miles. Alternatively, see the Lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots. En route, savor a light meal with snacks and salads, as well as oysters – some of the best in the world – and sparkling wine. Cross giant dunes en route to Walvis Bay.(B, L)

Day 7
Skeleton Coast National Park
The Wind more than 200 miles up the legendary Skeleton Coast, named for the numerous ships the treacherous shores have claimed over the years. Along the way, see the fascinating lichen plans at Wlotskasbaken, remains of the Zelia shipwreck near Henties Bay and the SW Seal shipwreck near Ugabmund. Also, take in the ghostly remains of mining operations near Toscanini. Terrace Bay, a fantastic point from which to explore the Uniab River Delta, and you may stroll along the beach to view this dramatic coastline. Overnight at Terrace Bay Lodge. (B,L,D)

Days 8 & 9
Palmwag Concession: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Continue through Skeleton Coast National Park to the Möwe Bay Museum before admiring the remains of the Suiderkus shipwreck. Other area attractions are the Klein Oase and Auses Springs hidden in the dunes, an intriguing “roaring” dune, and spectacular desert scenery. A land of rugged scenery, this remote part of Namibia is inhabited by plant and animal life that has adapted superbly to the harsh environment of mountains, vast plains, dunes and dry riverbeds. Enjoy two days of game drives and nature walks, observing desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, giraffe and springbok. Along the coast, wildlife sightings might include the elusive brown hyena and black-backed jackal. Birdlife is equally exciting including endemics like bokmakierie. Spend two nights at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, set in the starkly beautiful Palmwag Concession on the border of the legendary Skeleton Coast National Park. The concession is a joint venture with the neighboring community-based conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein. (B, L, D Daily)

Days 10 & 11
Palmwag Concession: Desert Rhino Camp
This region is known for its wealth of arid-adapted wildlife, including Africa’s largest free-roaming black rhino population. Each day, knowledgeable guides lead guided nature walks as well as rhino tracking excursions by vehicle and on foot with members of the Save the Rhino Trust. During our wildlife viewing safaris, also watch for elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu and predators such as lion, cheetah, spotted hyena and leopard. Most of Namibia’s endemic birdlife can also be found here, including bokmakierie and Ruppell’s korhaan. Spend two nights at Desert Rhino Camp. (B, L, D Daily)

Day 12
Doro Nawas / Windhoek / En Route
Bid farewell to our adventure as we transfer to the Doro Nawas Airstrip. Return to Windhoek in time for the international connecting flights home. Please Note: An additional overnight may be required depending on the international air schedule. (B)

Day 13
Arrive Home