Day 5: Helmringhausen Area to Sesriem, NamibiaHeading north we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a good place to experience the Namib and its many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world.
Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing area. An optional (and must do) excursion is to walk around the area, learning about the amazing history, geology, flora and fauna from the specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot.
They also give us a glimpse into the cultural legacy of the San people. View the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Day 6: Sesriem to Swakopmund, NamibiaAfter watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave the serenity of the dunes and head in a north-westerly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay.
Following the coast for some 35km, we arrive at the holiday destination of Swakopmund, where we enjoy 3 nights of rest and relaxation. Accommodation in Swakopmund will be in dormitories. Upgrades are possible, but depend on room availability. Brunch included. Days 7 & 8: Swakopmund, NamibiaFounded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit.
There are a lot of optional excursions and activities available. Enjoy sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund. Breakfast is included on both days. Day 9: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe, NamibiaOur departure from Swakopmund takes us to the „Matterhorn of Namibia‟ - Spitzkoppe. The 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia's most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings. Tonight we bush camp under the African stars. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Day 10: Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park, NamibiaToday you drive to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving the Cheetah population in Namibia. You get to meet the resident Cheetahs. This is an amazing photo opportunity. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Day 11: Cheetah Park to Etosha National Park, NamibiaAfter stopping briefly in Outjo to get supplies, you head to Etosha. Covering 20 000 square km, Etosha is the premier nature reserve in Namibia. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of African wildlife and bird species, the extensive network of gravel roads affords you the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. You spend the remainder of the day exploring the southern area of Etosha National Park. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. |