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Ultimate Namibia

This Namibia Self-Drive and Private Guided Safari affords you the chance to experience this magnificent and memorable country in a very personal way. You will experience Namibia’s south driving in your own rented vehicle and exploring Namibia’s excellent network of gravel and tar roads.  Whilst long driving times cannot be avoided in Namibia (accept an average of 5 – 7 hours per journey, where a two week safari will easily clock over 2000km or over 1260 miles), it’s about enjoying the journey rather than rushing from place to place trying to squeeze various sights of interest worthy of a stopover. Namibia boasts an excellent infrastructure and although 70% of all roads are gravel/dirt roads, they are in good condition and well maintained.

When exploring areas on a self-drive journey, you can access most areas pending park rules (such as gates opening at sunrise and closing at sunset) and pay entrance fees direct. Certain areas are still restricted to self-drivers, though many lodges offer the option of joining one of their activities (usually at additional costs) where you will be hosted by the resident guides and managers on shared activities.  From Swakopmund onwards you will have your own private personable and very professional safari guide, whose knowledge, experience and attitude is critical to a successful safari, and turn your trip into an experience of a lifetime!

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Your adventure starts here

Days

1

Days 1

A meeting place between Africa and Europe

Windhoek, Namibia

After landing at Windhoek International (Hosea Kutako) Airport, you are met by our representative who will transfer you to Windhoek and assist with check in at the Galton House. Your rental vehicle (4×4/similar) will be delivered in the afternoon at the guest house – please ensure that you have your driver’s license, credit card, and passport on hand for the rental documentation. Dinner this evening is for your own account at one of the restaurants in town.

Windhoek, Namibia’s capital nestles among rolling hills, bounded by the Eros Mountains in the east, the Auas Mountains to the south and the Khomas Hochland in the west. It is a meeting place between Africa and Europe, the modern and the old. In the capital’s main street, well-preserved German colonial buildings are in sharp contrast with modern architectural styles, while Herero women in their traditional Victorian dresses mingle with executives dressed in the latest fashions. Centrally located within Namibia, Windhoek is an excellent starting point for an adventurous holiday for many visitors to the country and an ideal base from where to explore the rest of the country.

1 Night

Galton House

Galton House is named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Galton, it has a relaxed but efficient style which creates a very welcoming atmosphere. A mere ten minute drive from the center of town and perched on the edge of Windhoek’s northernmost affluent suburb of Eros, guests staying here will be ensured of peace and tranquility. The nine guest rooms are all equipped with internet connectivity and satellite television, with a coffee/tea station available on request and other general guest amenities. The communal areas consist of a large lounge, dining room, swimming pool and garden. There is also delightful ‘al fresco’ dining area by the pool, serving freshly prepared and very tasty meals. There are also a number of shops, restaurants and supermarkets within easy striking distance.

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Namibia with a Naturalist Guide_Ultimate en-route to Himba Village
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Days

2-3

Days 2-3

Chic desert-inspired minimalism

Sossusvlei, Namibia

This most frequently visited section of the massive 50,000km² Namib Naukluft National Park has become known as Sossusvlei, famous for its towering apricot coloured sand dunes which can be penetrated by following the Tsauchab River valley. Sossusvlei itself is actually a clay pan set amidst these star shaped dunes which stand up to 300m above the surrounding plains, ranking them among the tallest dunes on earth. The deathly white clay pan contrasts against the orange sands and forms the endpoint of the ephemeral Tsauchab River, within the interior of the Great Sand Sea. The river course rises south of the Naukluft Mountains in the Great Escarpment. It penetrates the sand sea for some 55km before it finally peters out at Sossusvlei, about the same distance from the Atlantic Ocean. Until the encroaching dunes blocked its course around 60,000 years ago, the Tsauchab River once reached the sea; as ephemeral rivers still do in the northern half of the Namib. Sand-locked pans to the west show where the river previously flowed to before dunes shifted its endpoint to where it currently gathers at Sossusvlei. Roughly once a decade rainfall over the catchment area is sufficient to bring the river down in flood and fill the pan. On such occasions the mirror images of dunes and camel thorn trees around the pan are reflected in the water. Sossusvlei is the biggest of four pans in the vicinity.   Another, famous for its gnarled and ghostly camel thorn trees, is Deadvlei which can be reached on foot over 1km of sand. Deadvlei’s striking camel thorn trees, dead for want of water, still stand erect as they once grew. They survived until about 900 years ago when the sand sea finally blocked the river from occasionally flooding the pan.

2 Nights

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Hoodia Desert Lodge lies nestled on the banks of the Tsauchab River, overlooked by the impressive Naukluft Mountains. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation in thatched and tented bungalows equipped with a private open-air bathroom, air-conditioning, minibar, tea and coffee station and a shaded balcony. The lodge restaurant serves excellent traditional and international cuisine accompanied by a wide selection of South African wines from the underground wine cellar. A wooden walkway leads you to a refreshing swimming pool sculpted into natural rock. This wonderful lodge is a welcomed oasis from which to enjoy your memorable desert experience.

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Sossusvlei Dune Portrait
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Days

4-5

Days 4-5

A perfect base for exploring the coast

Swakopmund, Namibia

Swakopmund resembles a small, German coastal resort nestled between the desert and the sea. It boasts a charming combination of German colonial architecture blended with modern hotels, shops, restaurants, museums, craft centres, galleries and cafés. Swakopmund had its beginnings as a landing station in 1892 when the German Imperial Navy erected beacons on the site. Settlers followed and made attempts to create a harbour town by constructing a concrete Mole and then an iron jetty – which attempts were ultimately unsuccessful. The advent of World War one halted developments, and the town sank into decline until half a century later when infrastructure improved and an asphalt road opened between Windhoek and Swakopmund. This made reaching the previously isolated town quicker and easier and it prospered once again to become Namibia’s premier resort town. Although the sea is normally cold for swimming there are pleasant beaches and the cooler climate is refreshing after time spent in the desert.

2 Nights

The Delight Hotel Swakopmund

Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. Conveniently located within short walking distance of the ‘Mole’, this modern, uplifting and inviting hotel is the ideal base for one’s stay. Every effort is made to surprise and delight guests with thoughtful touches and locally inspired reasons to smile. Each en-suite room is designed with comfort in mind and is equipped with air-conditioning, tea/coffee station, fridge, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and safe.

Self-Drive
Self-Drive

Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

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Days

6-7

Days 6-7

A breath-taking mountainous region

Damaraland, Namibia

Strewn over a hillside amongst flat-topped mountains of red sandstone, Twyfelfontein’s boulders and slabs of red sandstone hold some 2,500 prehistoric engravings that depict wildlife, animal spoor and abstract motifs. It is perhaps the largest and finest collection of petroglyphs in Africa. The engravings show animals such as elephant, giraffe, kudu, lion, rhinoceros, springbok, zebra and ostrich that once used to drink from a fountain at the bottom of the hill. In some cases footprints were engraved instead of hooves or paws. The abstract motifs feature mainly circles. Stone tools and other artifacts found at Twyfelfontein suggest that hunter-gatherers occupied the site over a period of perhaps 7,000 years. These days a local guide accompanies visitors to showcase the rock art. The engravings lie along two circular routes, one an hour’s climb and the other 40 minutes longer. Twyfelfontein is one of Namibia’s key National Monuments and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2 Nights

Camp Kipwe

Camp Kipwe lies in the heart of Damaraland, ideally located a short drive from the local attractions in the area. The Camp is nestled amongst an outcrop of giant granite boulders , a stones throw away from the ephemeral Aba Huab riverbed where desert adapted elephants often traverse. Each comfortable thatched bungalow is simply but tastefully furnished with an en-suite open-air bathroom. In the centre of thee camp lies a large alfresco dining area, bar, lounge and reception with an inviting fireplace nearby to relax beside in the evenings. A refreshing swimming pool and sunset looked with lovely views also complement the Camp.

Guided Safari
Guided Safari

Swakopmund to Damaraland

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Days

8

Days 8

A great getaway destination

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today after a very early breakfast you set off on your journey to the Etosha National Park. A picnic lunch at a scenic spring will be enjoyed en-route and arrival will be in the early afternoon.  Pending your arrival, there could be time to visit the southern side of the Etosha National Park, returning to the camp by sunset.

1 Night

Etosha Oberland Lodge

Etosha Oberland Lodge, at the southern entrance of Etosha National Park, combines luxury with true privacy. An English garden nestles the main house with restaurant, pool, bar and a cozy lounge complete with a fireplace. In the evening a 4-course menu is served. Large mopane trees are home to many private places that have a fantastic view of the wide grassy plain and to the water hole. Guests can observe numerous wildlife with a sundowner on the restaurant terrace after eventful days in the Etosha National Park. The spacious suites are lovingly integrated into nature with each of the houses positioned apart and offering much privacy with a unique view of the savannah.

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Giraffe Crossing Etosha Pan
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Days

9-11

Days 9-11

Brimming with life

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today is dedicated to a full day of exciting game viewing within the central section of Etosha National Park from your private safari vehicle as you make your way from the southern Andersson’s Gate to Halali (where you may stop for lunch) and then on across via selected waterholes such as Goas, which are normally particularly good for game viewing, to Namutoni Camp in the east. You will have to leave the Park before sunset and head out to stay at the delightful Onguma Tented Camp with enough time to relax and freshen up before for dinner. The rest of the evening can be spent game viewing at the camp’s floodlit waterhole where game comes and goes throughout the day and night.

2 Nights

Onguma Tented Camp

The seven luxury en suite tents have been built using textures such as stone, suede, linen and steel which create a setting that is sleek and modern, but also inherently of the earth. Each tent overlooks the nearby waterhole. The main complex, also overlooking the waterhole, includes a reception area, lounge, wine cellar, bar, dining room, and swimming pool. Onguma Tented Camp is exquisitely styled for the more exclusive safari experience. Zebra, giraffe, lion, a variety of antelope and superb birdlife will accompany you during your stay.

Guided Safari
Guided Safari

Southern Etosha to Eastern Etosha Boundary

Salvadora Look Out Point Etosha
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Your Adventure Ends

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Ongava - Details 1
Onguma - Details 2
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  • 9 Nights accommodation with selected meals
From $5,469 per person

Trip Summary

Day 1
A meeting place between Africa and Europe

Windhoek, Namibia

Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, is a meeting place between Africa and Europe, the modern and the old.

Days 2-3
Chic desert-inspired minimalism

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvlei is famous for its towering apricot coloured sand dunes which can be penetrated by following the Tsauchab River valley.

Days 4-5
A perfect base for exploring the coast

Swakopmund, Namibia

Swakopmund resembles a small, German coastal resort nestled between the desert and the sea.

Days 6-7
A breath-taking mountainous region

Damaraland, Namibia

Strewn over a hillside amongst flat-topped mountains of red sandstone, Twyfelfontein’s boulders and slabs of red sandstone hold some 2,500 prehistoric engravings.

Days 8-11
Brimming with life

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Discover Namibia’s most famous national park.

Cuan

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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