The Classic Namibia Tour is a 14 day accommodated tour which visits many of Namibia's highlights. The tour departs from Windhoek and first heads into the southern section of the country this part of the Classic Namibia Tour includes:

• A visit to the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert.
• A short visit to the Quiver Tree Forest near the town of Keetmanshoop. The name Quiver Tree refers to the Bushmen's ancient custom of hollowing out the tree's branches, and using them as quivers in which to carry their hunting arrows.
• The Fish River Canyon. It took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape and is161km long and up to 27km wide. The depth varies from 457m to 549m.
• Through the Namib Desert to the small settlement of Aus, and the desert-adapted feral horses.
• Northwards to Sossusvlei. A large clay pan, surrounded by massive dune fields.
• Coastal town of Swakopmund.

From Swakopmnd the tour heads further north into Namiba, the second part of the trip includes:

• The impressive rock engravings at Twyfelfontein.
• The rugged semi-desert region of Damaraland, just inland from miles of wild, deserted beaches.
• Learning of the daily life and tribal structure of the nomadic, pastoral Himba people and why the women are famous for covering themselves with a mixture of butter fat, ochre and herbs.
• The magical and famous Etosha National Park, with 114 species of mammal and over 340 bird varieties.

Day 1: Windhoek - Kalahari Desert

Guests will be collected from their Windhoek accommodation at around 07h30, before heading south to Rehoboth, (capital of Namibia's Baster community) for a short stop including a brief tutorial about the area. The travels continue to Kalkrand (comfort stop) crossing The Tropic of Capricorn via the settlement of Stampriet, looking out en-route for German War Memorials. Lunch is taken en-route (on own account) before continuing into the Kalahari. After checking in at the overnight stop at Auob Lodge, it's time to proceed on a guided scenic drive in an open vehicle, topped off with a sundowner on top of a sand dune. This lodge is a wonderful green oasis, situated near a river of the same name, at the edge of the Kalahari Desert.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Auob Lodge

Day 2: Auob Lodge - Fish River Canyon

The journey moves on through the Kalahari to the Quiver Tree forest, situated north of Keetmanshoop. This is a much favoured topic for photographers as these trees grow about 3m -5m tall, producing bright yellow flowers during the winter months. The botanical name of the tree, Aloe dichotoma, refers to the way in which the branches grow. Di means two and toma means branches, as the branches of the tree always forks in two's. Kudu's eat the leaves of this tree, a repellent to parasites, once absorbed into the blood stream. A light lunch is taken in Keetmanshoop (on own account), before continuing via the Naute Dam (Namibia's second largest) and on towards the Fish River Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Canon Lodge - Fish River Canyon

Day 3: Fish River - Aus

After breakfast its on to Hobas, an entrance to the Fish River Canyon, the 2nd largest canyon in the world. The vantage points offer a breathtaking and spectacular views over the northern fringes. From the Fish River Canyon, the tour heads eastwards towards the town of Aus and a visit to it's Information Centre and a lunch stop (on own account). See the desert-adapted feral horses on entering the Namib Desert. The arrival at Klein Aus Vista heralds the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Aus Mountains, on an un-guided walk or to join an optional scenic sundown drive.
Accommodation: Desert Horse Inn - Klein Aus Vista

Day 4: Aus - near Sesriem

Possible optional excursion to the ghost town of Kolmanskop near Luderitz (requires a minimum of 4 participants). From Aus it's northwards towards Maltahohe, along the small D707 (district road) - this road runs along the edge of the Namib Desert and is one of the most scenic drives in the country. There is a visit to Duwiseb Castle en-route and Hammerstein Rest Camp is situated between the Nubib and Tsaris Mountains and has beautiful surrounding scenery.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge .

Day 5: Sossusvlei - Namib Naukluft Lodge

Early morning visit to Sossusvlei, a large clay pan, which is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, and is only filled with water in years of exceptionally good rainfall. From the 2x4 car park you are 'shuttled' into the heart of the vlei, a photographer's paradise. Then on to the Sesriem Canyon, which was formed over millions of years by the flow of the Tsauchab River.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Namib Naukluft Lodge

Day 6: Namib Naukluft - Swakopmund

The route proceeds through the Kuiseb Canyon towards the coast and the unique Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant which lives more than 1000 years, and is endemic to the Namib Desert. After a short stop to enjoy the birds on the Walvis Bay Lagoon, it's northwards to the popular holiday resort of Swakopmund. The name of the town is derived from the river which enters the Atlantic just south of the town. This afternoon's visit is to the Moon Landscape just outside of the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hansa Hotel or similar accommodation in Swakopmund

Day 7 & 8: Swakopmund (unguided)

Time to yourselves to explore lovely Swakopmund. (Unguided) Guests are free to book an optional day tour, (on own account) or visit the aquarium, museum or Crystal Gallery. There is an overwhelmingly Teutonic feel to the town, which emphasizes it's German origins and the wide and decent range of banks, shops, restaurants and bars are well worth a visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hansa Hotel or similar

Day 9: Swakopmund - Damaraland

There is an early morning departure on the salt road towards Henties Bay, before heading into the desert and on to the former mining town of Uis. The drive now heads to one of Namibia's most important archaeological sites, Twyfelfontein, the nearby Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. After enjoying a picnic lunch, the tour continues on to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, an ideal stopover to experience the magnificent Damaraland scenery, whilst having a refreshing splash in the pool.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge or Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Day 10: Damaraland

Enjoy an optional morning guided hiking trail and learn of the flora and fauna of Damaraland. Lunch is at the lodge and in the afternoon participate in a sundowner drive in the Aba Huab River with the possibility of seeing the desert-adapted elephant, (not guaranteed) springbok, oryx and kudu. Birdlife includes the endemic Rüppell's korhaan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge or Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Day 11: Damaraland - Etosha

After leaving Damaraland, it's straight off to visit a Himba village near Kamanjab, to learn of the cultures and traditions of these nomadic, pastoral people, before hitting the small town of Outjo. (Lunch on own account). Passengers joining for the Etosha section of the tour will embark here. Arrival at Etosha National Park is scheduled for the early afternoon and the first game drive of the safari follows later.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Camp (or similar accommodation in Etosha)

Day 132 Etosha National Park

An entire day exploring the waterholes along the enormous saltpan. Search for herds of elephant, lions and the world's largest population of rare black rhinos, all roaming the vast plains of Etosha. The name Etosha has various interpretations including 'Great White Place' and 'Place of Emptiness.'
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Camp (or similar)

Day 13: Etosha National Park

Another day to explore the magical Etosha National Park, with it's plains and waterholes teeming with game from sunrise to well after sunset. Enjoy spotting animals hidden in the bush, or simply wait for them to come to you. Herds of wildebeest, flocks of ostrich and lines of zebra, cautiously emerge out of the heat haze for refreshment. Waiting and watching are some hungry predators. Lunch stop at one of the rest camps. (On own account.)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Okaukuejo, Halali or lodge outside the park gates

Day 14: Windhoek

The final leg of the journey it back to Windhoek via Otjiwarongo, where there is an opportunity to join the group en-route to Victoria Falls. The travels continue to Okahandja, (The Garden Town of Namibia) with a visit to the local woodcarvers market, with it's great selection of curios and souvenirs. The tour ends on arrival in Windhoek, some time during the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast

Mode of transport

Air-conditioned vehicle

Number Of Participants

Maximum of ten

Included

German & English guided, unless otherwise indicated. Enquire about other languages. The guide is also the driver.
Accommodation and meals as listed on the itinerary
Park entrance fees
Pick-up and drop off at any central Windhoek Hotel or Guest House included.
Bottled water on board
Passenger liability insurance

Excluded

Beverages
Items of a personal nature
Tips
Travel Insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Any optional activities
Visas

Route & Accommodation

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated.