Namibia Luxury Fly Drive Itinerary

Namibia Luxury Fly Drive Itinerary - 15 days/14 nights

Day 1:

Arrival at Hosea Kutako Airport.

Subsequent road transfer to Olive Grove Guesthouse, Windhoek

One overnight stay at Olive Grove Guesthouse. Bed & breakfast

Olive Grove is an upmarket establishment situated close to the city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. The indoor lounge is tastefully decorated, with comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax and read a magazine. Whilst each room caters for the every need of the most discerning traveller, the emphasis remains one of simplicity and elegance.

One of Olive Grove’s main features is the large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for “al fresco” dining. The plunge pool and tranquil garden invite the visitor to make the most of Namibia’s open skies, while the open-air spa bath and lounge area provide the outdoor indulgences.

Day 2 and 3:

Road transfer from Olive Grove Guesthouse to Eros Airport. (Approx 10 mins)

Subsequent air transfer to Wolwedans Dune Lodge. (1hr flight)

Two overnight stays at Wolwedans Dune Lodge. Fullboard incl activities - local drinks included.

Wolwedans, which takes its name from the African - “where the wolves dance”, is situated in the heart of the Namibrand Nature Reserve, just south of Sossusvlei. Nestled amidst red dunes and set against a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, Wolwedans provides the perfect base from which to explore vast stretches of awe-inspiring nature and learn about an exciting variety of desert creatures. The Dunes Lodge is perched on top of a dunes plateau some eight kilometers north of the Dune Camp and overlooks panoramic vistas in all direction, capturing the desert in a most memorable way.

The building style is a combination of wooden structures, large canvas blinds and windows that open up to the desert beyond. The lodge reflects the ambience of a tented camp, but provides the comfort and protection of a permanent building. Each of the nine spacious chalets with en-suite bathrooms leads onto a private verandah and vast stretches of untouched sand. Sleeping with your canvas blinds open is as good as sleeping under the stars. The main complex, which has been completely rebuilt during 2003, consists of two lounges, a number of sundowner decks, a fireplace, a tea deck, a library, the wine cellar and two dining rooms. All communal areas of the lodge open out onto verandahs with superb views.

Accompanied by experienced guides, visitors are introduced to the many facts of Namibrand Nature Reserve’s desert habitat with its diverse fauna and flora - on foot or by car. The classic programme for a two nights’ stay would entail an afternoon drive on the day of arrival, followed by a fullday safari with picnic lunch en route. Alternatively you can join one or two halfday excursions, if you would rather spend an afternoon lazing around.

Day 4:

Road transfer to Kulala Desert Lodge. (1.5 hours)

One overnight stay at Kulala Desert Lodge. Fullboard incl activities - local drinks included.

Situated on over 21,000 hectares of private property and bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Kulala Desert Lodge lies in the heart of the Namib and offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, as well as magnificent mountainous scenery and vast open plains. Fourteen thatched and canvas chalets or “kulalas” (kulala in the Namibian language Oshiwambo menas “to sleep”) with en-suite bathrooms and showers are set on wooden platforms to provide maximum airflow. For outdoor enthusiasts, mattresses can be moved to the rooftop to sleep under the stars from a private star gazing platform. The main lodge, with décor inspired from Northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area and plunge pool, and offers a wrap-around verandah that overlooks the waterhole and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert sunset.

Early morning guided scenic drives to the spectacular dunes are through a private gate on the Tsauchab River. Drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve with incredible views, desert game and smaller desert fauna and flora. Another option, at an extra cost, is early morning ballooning. Beginning at first light, the 60 – 90 minute balloon safari offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert - with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.

Day 5 and 6:

Seat rate air transfer to Swakopmund airfield. (1.5 hours)

Collect rental vehicle at Swakopmund airfield and start with selfdrive itinerary.

Selfdrive to Erongo Wilderness Lodge. (3 hours - tar road)

Two overnight stays at Erongo Wilderness Lodge. Dinner, bed & brunch plus 1 x activity

Erongo Wilderness Lodge is nestled amid granite formations on the outskirts of an ancient volcano. These are the Erongo Mountains - a spectacular feature in the heart of a country renowned for its scenic beauty. The Lodge is a founder member of the Erongo Mountain Nature conservancy, joining thirty private landowners in a collective effort to conserve and protect this natural treasure of over 200,000 hectares. The Conservancy’s mission includes the preservation of the rich cultural heritage in the form of rock paintings and engravings that are found throughout the area.

The lodge has ten tented chalets, built on stilts, set against towering granite formations. Each chalet has its own niche amongst the rocks, ensuring peace, privacy and exclusivity. The luxury Meru tents are pitched under steep thatched roofs for shade and the en-suite bathrooms are built around the existing rocks and trees. With its own private deck, bush style mini-bar and spectacular setting, each chalet is the best way to experience the lush Erongo environment. Guided walks, nature drives, rock art, excellent birding and guaranteed relaxation are offered.

Day 7:

Selfdrive to Palmwag Lodge.. (7 hours - graded gravel road)

One overnight stay at Palmwag Lodge.

Palmwag Lodge is a paradise on the Uniab River in northwest Damaraland – a vacation opportunity with a difference. Waving palms whispering in the wind, spectacular surroundings which harbor the famous desert elephant, the rare black rhino, giraffe, zebra, gemsbok and many other wild animal species, sunsets to dream of – this is Palmwag Lodge, one of Namibia’s oldest and most popular tourist rendezvous. The lodge offers 30 beds in 2-3-bed thatched bungalows, and 10 beds in luxury en-suite tents, a fully licensed restaurant, swimming pool under shady palms, and a very cozy “pool bar” and lapa. The well-situated hiking trails let you enjoy and discover the neighboring nature.

A day excursion, which will take you to the Palmwag Lodge private concession, will be pre-booked for your. You will be leaving Palmwag Lodge after breakfast to enjoy this tour in an open 4x4 gameviewing vehicle. Spectacular close-up viewing of Namibia’s only free-ranging game e.g. zebra, kudu, oryx, springbuck, ostrich, jackal, brown and spotted hyena, and with a bit of luck the endangered black rhino and desert elephant. All in the most spectacular landscape far off the normal tourist tracks. After a picnic lunch en-route you will return to the lodge in the late afternoon.

Day 8 and 9:

Road transfer to Desert Rhino Camp. (2 hours - 4WD)

Two overnight stays at Desert Rhino Camp. Fullboard incl activities.

Desert Rhino Camp, situated in the 400,000 hectare (1 million acre) private Palmwag Reserve, offers an original and exclusive wilderness experience. The reserve’s freshwater springs support healthy populations of the famous desert-adapted black rhino, elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok and kudu, as well as large numbers of predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyena. The camp has eight meru-styled tents with en-suite bathroom comprising hand basin, flush toilet and a classic bucket shower that is filled with hot water whenever needed.

A tented dining and living area offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains, while the extraordinary Welwitschia plants dot the plain in front of camp. Activities include rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle, full day outings with a picnic lunch, and day and night nature drives. Desert Rhino Camp is run in conjunction with Save the Rhino Trust, an organisation that has been responsible for the survival of the rare black rhino in the area. Guests gain an amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area, while at the same time a portion of guest revenue contributes to the Trust and rhino conservation operations.

Day 10:

Road transfer to Palmwag Lodge. (2 hours - 4WD)

Selfdrive to Andersson Camp bordering the Etosha National Park. (5 hours - graded gravel/tar)

One overnight stay at Andersson Camp. Dinner, bed & breakfast.

Surrounded by plains teeming with wildlife and situated close to Etosha (the vast expanse of savannah and salt pan, the largest in Africa, ‘discovered’ by Sir Francis Galton and Charles Andersson in 1851), the discoverer atmosphere of Andersson’s Camp makes for a much more comfortable modern day exploration of this landscape. The resurrected farmstead now forms the anchor fronting onto a thriving waterhole, and the twenty tented guest units with en-suite bathrooms are raised on decks for an enhanced view. This model of eco-sensitive lodging provides an authentic, safe and down-to-earth experience for small groups, families and independent travellers to Etosha.

Etosha is one of the largest and best game viewing parks in the whole of Africa. The reason is in the Ovambo name Etosha, which means 'huge white area' or 'place of dry water', depending upon whom you ask. For most of the year a vast shallow pan, which was once a lake the size of Holland, shimmers a glaring bright white from crystallized salt across its entire surface. Surrounding the pans is a variety of grass and woodlands amongst which live a wonderful variety of animals and birds, insects and reptiles.

Day 11 and 12:

Selfdrive to Mushara Villa. (4 hours National Park road)

Two overnight stays at Mushara Villa. Dinner, bed & breakfast.

Villa Mushara is situated a mere eight kilometers from the von Lindquist gate of the world famous Etosha National Park - thus allowing the best of both worlds. The rugged harsh wilderness of Etosha combined with the exquisite accommodation and cuisine of Villa Mushara offers a stark contrast, which has been depicted in the villas through the use of opposing textures. With individuality in mind, only two exclusive villas have been designed to create an ideal retreat from the stress of modern day life, where an aura of tranquility and contemplation prevails. Experience the best of both world: timeless appeal, shrouded by Etosha’s eminent mystique. Whether it is your memories of relaxing in the private plunge pool or lounging in the “sala” that is immersed in bush. Villa Mushara is a place that will leave you yearning for more, long after you depart.

Each villa has its own unique ambience, designed with a classic appeal. Each fine detail has been considered within the confines of the 140 square metre living spce, from a small private library in each villa to a silver candle snuff in the en-suite bathroom. Air-conditioning will moderate the outside climate and the mini bar with its comprehensive selection of beverages, will satisfy even the most discerning palates. If music is required, an interesting selection of CD’s ranging from Mozart to Santana will provide the ideal mood.

From here you can explore Etosha National Park.

Etosha has dozens of waterholes, some are natural while others are artificially fed from boreholes. During the dry season, staking out a position at a waterhole viewpoint is a rewarding way to watch game without moving from one spot. A veritable 'Noah's Arc' of species queue up to take a drink, with elephants hogging the lion's share! Plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, springbok, impala and eland abount in great numbers on the grasslands and congregate at waterholes in the dry season. Herds of fifty elephants are not unusual and often walk right down the middle of the road giving people in cars an incredibly close and thrilling encounter. Lions and hyenas must be searched for, but silver-backed jackals trot around almost oblivious to you. The desert dwelling oryx, upon which the mythical unicorn must surely be based, will certainly be seen here along with the impressive curly horned kudu. Etosha also contains endangered black rhino and unusual species like the blackfaced impala - a larger and darker subspecies found only in southwestern Angola and northwestern Namibia.

Etosha birdlife is absolutely wonderful with every kind of feathered friend. One to look for is the ground hornbill – looks like a downhearted widow with a red scarf around her face. Other less terrestrial hornbills are the cheeky yellow-billed hornbills whose squawk and loping flight becomes a familiar sight. Lilac breasted rollers are colour enough as they sit on their favourite perch, but when they take off in pursuit of an insect, their underwings give blinding flash of electric blue. Eagles and vultures cruise high in the warm air currents or perch on branches with beady eyes alert.

Day 13 and 14:

Selfdrive to Okonjima. (5 hours - tar road)

Two overnight stays at Okonjima Bush Suite. Fullboard incl activities

Okonjima lies nestled in the unspoilt beauty of the Omboroko mountains, part of the well known Waterberg Plateau. In the Herero language Okonjima means 'place of the baboons'. Okonjima is so much more than just a luxury lodge. It is also home to the AfriCat Foundation, which is committed to researching and rehabilitating Namibia’s threatened wild cat population. AfriCat is known internationally after featuring in an award-winning documentary filmed for the Discovery Channel.

This select, private Suite is a uniquely designed African Bush cottage. The Okonjima Bush Suite has two select, luxury, en-suite bedrooms. Each room has two queen-size beds, air-conditioning and heating facilities, a roof-fan, a private safe, a bath, an inside and outside shower, a private toilet and bidet, and a ladies dressing-table. One of the wheeled, queen-size beds, rolls out onto the terrace, to sleep under the star-filled sky. The Suite also has Wi-Fi wireless or dial-up internet facilities, a large swimming pool overlooking a savanna bushveld and the Omboroko Mountains. For true privacy you have a private kitchen complete with a personal host, chef, guide and game-drive vehicle. Please note that Okonjima cannot accommodate children under the age of 8 years. This is a fully inclusive rate (including meals, local drinks and activities).

Day 15:

Selfdrive to Hosea Kutako Airport. (4 hours - tar road)

Return rental vehicle.

Check-in for your outbound flight.

Please contact us for 2008 rates.