Namibia Exposure

DAY 1
Our journey takes us south to the vegetated red dunes of the Kalahari Desert which differ from the Namib as the dunes are greener and less stark. A late afternoon scenic drive will be undertaken in the area. Kalahari Region (Auob Lodge) - lunch, dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 2
A full day's journey takes us south through the desert dominated landscapes, to a picturesque Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop. This prehistoric tree reaches skyward with graphically forked branches, trunks that peel and form intricate patterns as the tree matures and offers rewarding subjects to photograph. 'Giant’s Playground' is an impressive jumble of massive boulders, a virtual maze where time can be spent wandering through the extensive rocky labyrinth.

Fish River Canyon (Canon Lodge) - lunch packs, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 3
Proceed to the magnificent boulder-studded plains and hills to the east of the great Fish River Canyon, where impressive surrounding rock formations provide many interesting hours for the enthusiastic nature lover. A guided excursion is taken to the majestic Fish River Canyon with its viewpoints high above the deep winding gorges. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the attractive natural surroundings of the Lodge. Fish River Canyon (Canon Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 4
The next leg of our journey takes us via the small historic village of Aus and through the vast barren expanse of the prohibited Diamond area, to Lüderitz. After a short sightseeing tour of Lüderitz, enjoy an afternoon excursion to Diaz Cross where the daring Portuguese sailors erected a stone pillar in the 1480s.

Lüderitz (Nest Hotel) - bed and breakfast basis

DAY 5
After breakfast we travel to the famous ghost town of Kolmanskop. During the afternoon we proceed across the impressive Neisip Plains to Helmeringhausen.

Helmeringhausen (Helmeringhausen Hotel) - full board basis

DAY 6
Duwisib Castle, built by legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife, was completed in 1909. Today the interior of the castle and much of its original furniture, artworks and firearms can be viewed. Proceed to southern Namib Desert. Afternoon at leisure to relax in the desert surrounds.Sesriem Area (Hammerstein Guest Farm) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 7
An early start is imperative, as this is the coolest part of the day and the best time for photography. Our journey takes us to the famous Sossusvlei, a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Climbing one of the dunes affords the energetic traveller with an unforgettable experience of endless vistas. Afternoon excursion to Sesriem Canyon. Sesriem Area (Hammerstein Guest Farm) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 8
Our destination today is the coastal town of Swakopmund via the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons and what we call the 'gramadoelas' (bad lands). Prior to arrival in Swakopmund we visit Moon Valley, an unusual view overlooking the landscape formed by the valleys of the Swakop River, one of the broadest and longest of the country's ephemeral water courses. Visit Namibia’s most celebrated plant, the ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, found on the vast gravel plains.
Swakopmund (Hansa Hotel) - lunch packs, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 9
Full day at leisure in Swakopmund to enjoy the variety of coastal activities on offer.
Swakopmund (Hansa Hotel) - bed and breakfast basis

DAY 10
Departing Swakopmund we travel northwards to Henties Bay and onwards to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, after which we head inland past the Brandberg Mountains into Damaraland. Damaraland (Twyfelfontein Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 11
Twyfelfontein, meaning 'doubtful spring' has been occupied for thousands of years with its spring attracting huge herds of game, making it an excellent base for early hunters. The slopes of the area are strewn with boulders; all dotted with thousands of engravings and some ancient paintings, a virtual open-air museum. Geological features in the area include the Organ Pipes, angular columns of dolerite which form part of Namibia’s rich natural history. A visit will also be made to the Petrified Forest.
Outjo (Namatubis Guest Farm) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 12
Enter the world famous Etosha National Park where a full day’s game drive is enjoyed, as we head east. The game and birds found here are typical of the savannah plains of Southern Africa, but include several species endemic to the western side of the continent, adjacent to the Namib desert. Herbivores such as zebra, elephant, giraffe, Eland, Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, springbok, kudu and steenbok abound. Among the rarer species, Black and White Rhino (recently reintroduced) are sometimes seen. Black-faced Impala are restricted to Namibia and southern Angola and the Damara Dik-Dik, the park’s smallest antelope is also endemic. Hundreds of bird species have been recorded, with many migrants during the summer period. Larger felines are found such as lion, leopard, cheetah and caracal, with hyenas, Cape Fox and Black- Backed Jackal seen during the early mornings and late evenings. Exit the National Park and proceed to a private lodge situated on the outside of the National Park.

Etosha National Park (Mokuti Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 13
We return to the National Park for morning and afternoon game viewing.

Etosha National Park (Mokuti Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 14
Early morning departure to the town of Tsumeb which is dominated by the central mine shaft, mining a rich ore pipe for copper, zinc, lead, silver and a variety of unusual crystals for which Tsumeb is world famous. This one pipe has produced 217 different minerals and gemstones, of which 40 have been found nowhere else on earth. Continue south through the garden town of Otjiwarongo, originally a railway staging post between Tsumeb and Swakopmund. Okahandja is the administrative centre for the Herero people and where the Kavango woodcarvers ply their trade at a large open-air craft market on the outskirts of town. We return to Windhoek in the late afternoon where the tour ends with a transfer to your hotel or the airport.