The Namibia Explorer is a 10 day camping/accommodated tour designed to give a comprehensive safari around the main highlights of northern and central-western Namibia first, notably Etosha National Park, Damaraland and Swakopmund, before heading south to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. The itinerary for this tour is assisted comfortable camping, with participation limited to only helping with the tents. This tour combines a visit to the highest sand dunes in the world, wildlife, cultural visits, San paintings and a trip to the seaside!

Alternative: The 10 day Classic is a combination of the 3 day Sossusvlei Safari and the 7 day Northern Namibia Adventure and follows, in a different order, the same route as this itinerary. The night of day 3 is spent in Windhoek, and accommodation on this night is included in the price in a quality Windhoek guest-house. Please email us for details about the Classic Namibia Safari

On the northern leg:

• Get close-up-and personal with the Big Cats at Okonjima.
• Game view and photograph the amazing wildlife in Etosha National Park
• Learn of the tribal structures, religions and daily life of the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia.
• Walk in Namibia's highest mountain the Brandberg, to view the 'White Lady.'
• Drive through the beautiful desert landscape of Damaraland
• Enjoy Namibia's premier seaside town, Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast.

• That this safari stays outside of the Namib Naukluft Park. Overnight stops are not at Sesriem Campsite, but at Agama Camp, which is 48 kms from the main entrance gate to the dunes.
• Arrival at the main gate is therefore at sunrise and then a drive through the dune field as the sun is coming up.
• This drive is stunning and one of the best ways to see the dune field with the early morning sun casting shadows and light onto the sand.
• You will not be on top of a dune to see the sun rise.

Camping Safaris | Namibia

Day 1: Windhoek - Okonjima

Adventurers will be collected from their accommodation in Windhoek between 08h30 - 09h00. The tour first heads north, stopping at small towns along the way, including Okahandja, (The Garden Town of Namibia) with time to visit Namibia's largest woodcarvers market. The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs and curios.
Continuing north and driving through mainly farmland, the tour is scheduled to arrive at Okonjima's Omboroko campsite mid-afternoon, with time to set up camp and to relax before heading out for the afternoon's activities. The lodge is home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization, committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, notably cheetahs and leopards. Activities commence at 15h00 in the winter, and 16h00 in the summer. Leopard can be viewed frequently here, (but not guaranteed) from a hide or radio-tracked from a game viewing vehicle. The cheetah project offers a valuable insight into the welfare work of the AfriCat foundation.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Okonjima Campsite

Day 2: Etosha Park

An early departure and continuing the journey north through some more small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel along the way. The first main stop is to the mysterious Lake Otjikoto, Namibia's largest permanent natural lake, into which German troops dumped weapons and ammunition prior to (another) surrender, this time in 1915.
The safari continues on to Namutoni Camp ('place we can see from far away') in Etosha National Park, arriving at lunchtime, with time to relax and jump in the pool to cool off from hot afternoon sun, before heading out for that first game drive. It is a great area for ornithologists and is sometimes called the water-bird camp. Flamingos on Fischer's Pan can be spotted from the tower. After your evening meal, Etosha's big game can be viewed at the floodlit waterhole, situated on the boundary of Namutoni and easily reachable on foot.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Namutoni

Day 3: Etosha Park

An early start to benefit from a full day's game driving, heading east on the drive towards Halali Camp, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way there are several waterholes to visit and splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan. The game viewing along this route is usually excellent.
The lunch time stop is at Halali, with time for a leisurely lunch, dip in the pool or a visit to see who's taking a drink at the waterhole. The game driving continues down to Okaukuejo, famous for its waterhole, quite rightly described as one of the 'best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa.' Black rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope pass by.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Okaukuejo

Day 4: Etosha - Kamanjab

One last game drive on the way out of Etosha National Park as the tour heads south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab, with a short stop here before continuing on to find the Himba Tribesmen.
This is the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. The Ovahimba, an offshoot of the much larger Herero group, are semi-nomadic pastoralists, who breed cattle and goats. These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm. Oase Village is located some 15-20km outside Kamanjab, the exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location, to take advantage of better grazing elsewhere.
During the afternoon, the group we will be invited into Oase Village to meet with the locals, but with a specialist guide for the duration. He will be able to translate and introduce the 'alternative lifestyle.' include marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the local Namibian religion, 'Holy Fire.'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Oase Village Camp

Day 5: Kamanjab - Brandberg

The safari drives into one of the most interesting, beautiful and dramatic regions in Namibia, Damaraland, first heading south to the capital of this region, the small town of Khorixas, and then west, travelling via the Petrified Forest geological site, to visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. At both of these locations, a local guide will conduct a short guided tour. It's then deeper into the desert to Namibia's highest mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m) an ancient Bushman spiritual site. Desert-adapted elephants are regular visitors here. Tonight's campsite will be set up under the shadow of this giant granite monolith.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Brandberg

Day 6: Brandberg - Swakopmund

An early start benefits from the cool morning air, especially important on today's guided hike, into the mountain to see the world famous so called 'White Lady' rock painting. (Said to be over 20,000 years old and probably a male!) It can be seen deep in the wild and lovely Tsisab ('leopard') gorge and is one of a whole gallery of splendid paintings to be found in the Maack Cave.
It's then back on the road to admire more of the beautiful Damaraland scenery. The next stop is in the small town of Uis, an old mining town, and one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones, especially rough Amethyst and Tourmaline.
From here it's directly west across the 'gravel plains' on the way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. After first meeting the ocean at Henties Bay, it's north along the coast to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross, where more seals breed than anywhere else in the world. Following the skeleton coast southbound, the final overnight stop is at the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia's premier seaside town. Scheduled arrival time is for the late afternoon, with time to explore the town on foot before sunset. The coast has always held a strong attraction for visitors, and Swakopmund is no different.
Accommodation tonight is in shared bungalows, with en-suite bathroom facilities. (No camping. Yippee!) Most of the restaurants have an excellent choice of game meats and the seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organize a group meal in a local restaurant for this evening. (Participation is recommended but by no means required.) Dinner this evening is on own account.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Bungalows

Day 7: Swakopmund

The morning is available for free leisure time in and around the beaches, shops and town's amenities. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund. Optional activities such as sandboarding on the Namib Dunes, quad biking and dolphin cruises at Walvis Bay can be arranged. (At clients own risk and account.) Overnight in shared bungalows, with en-suite bathroom facilities. Lunch and dinner on own account.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bungalows

Day 8: Swakopmund - Sesriem Area

We first make a stop at Walvis Bay, situated about 40 km south of Swakopmund. South of the town there is a large marine lagoon which is home to a vast array of marine bird-life, in particular flamingos. We will make a short visit to the lagoon to see the birds and a short visit to Walvis Bay to collect any last minute supplies before once again heading out into the desert.
The second part of our journey today takes us across more of the seemingly endless Namib gravel plains. Then the landscape suddenly changes and we are into the mountain desert. We traverse both the Kuiseb and Gaub passes, driving both times to the river beds at the bottom of the canyons and then climbing the long steep road to the top and the spectacular panoramas the mountains give us. Again the scenery changes as we make our way down to the dune fields.
We cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain begins to give way to the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib and from here it is only a short distance to our next stop, the tiny town of Solitaire. We will stop here for some refreshments before continuing on through stunning desert scenery We aim to arrive at our camp during the late afternoon and watch the colours glow and change on distant mountains to the east.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Agama Campsite

Day 9: Sossusvlei

A pre-dawn departure is essential to catch the sunrise on the desert. After passing through Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes, it's straight into the heart of the dune field, reaching Sossusvlei itself by walking the last 5km through the dunes. As you travel down the valley to Sossusvlei, the huge star dunes on either side dwarf everything else. Is there life out there? Ancient mineral pans and stunted camel thorn trees make for perfect photo opportunities. But look closely at the sand! Tiny tracks at the base of the dunes might lead to 1 of 200 species of beetles living in the Namib. Larger tracks might belong to black-backed jackal or gemsbok, or might be the two-toed track left behind by an ostrich! The morning is spent in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting Dune 45. Many people think the name originates because it is about 45km from Sesriem, (which it is) but it's because of the numbering system devised by conservation staff, and by coincidence it happens to be dune number 45 on the map. There is a lunch stop at Sesriem to escape from the heat of the afternoon, and once the day cools off in the late afternoon, there is a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Agama Campsite

Day 10: Windhoek

A more leisurely start to the day, with the option for guests to take a pleasure flight over the dunes, which assistance from your guide. After breakfast the tour leaves Sesriem and heads back north, once again through the wonderful Highlands. The route is slightly different from the outward journey, but just as scenic and spectacular. After an en-route lunch stop, arrival in Windhoek at is scheduled for around 16h00.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Mode of transport

Transport for up to 8 people will be in a minibus or a Land Cruiser. For more than 8 a specially converted safari truck will be used

Number Of Participants

Maximum of fourteen

Included

All transport
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Tea & coffee in camp
All camping equipment
Park entrance & accommodation fees
Guide
Pick-up and drop-off at accommodation in Windhoek

Excluded

Beverages
Sleeping Bag (can be hired)
Tips
Travel Insurance

Other

Itinerary is assisted comfortable camping with participation limited to only helping with the tents

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.

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