Spend 14 nights in Namibia on this classic self-drive safari that incorporates highlights of the country's south and north, staying at more luxurious properties. You'll experience the striking desert landscapes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve and the towering apricot dunes of Namib-Naukluft Park, enjoy the coastal setting and colonial charm of Swakopmund, discover ancient rock art and breathtaking scenery in Damaraland, visit the wonderful Etosha National Park with its abundant game and vast vistas, and conclude with the big cats at the AfriCat Foundation.

Day 1

Starting from London Heathrow, your scheduled South African Airways flight will take you via Johannesburg to Windhoek, where you land the following day.

Day 2 Windhoek, Namibia

Upon arrival at Windhoek Airport, collect your rental car and drive into Windhoek where you will stay overnight. Spend your afternoon strolling around the array of shops, craft stalls and cafés in this vibrant and well developed African city; it's a lovely place to explore or simply relax and enjoy fantastic city views from the well situated...

Heinitzburg Hotel (bed & breakfast)

Days 3-4 Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Set off after an early breakfast for the long but very scenic drive to the NamibRand Nature Reserve. This is one of Africa's largest private conservation areas, spanning over 1,800km² of stunning and varied desert landscapes. Discover expansive vistas, rich orange sand dunes and vegetated inter-dune valleys on wonderful activities led by your expert local guide. This is a photographer's paradise and a great introduction to the Namib Desert whilst staying at the very inviting…

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge (full board & activities)

Days 5-6 Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

It's a short drive through the desert to reach your gateway to the Namib-Naukluft Park for the next two nights. The environments here are different again to those of the NamibRand. Head out before dawn to see the soft morning light on the world's tallest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and wander through the cool depths of Sesriem Canyon. There are also spectacular views from your balcony or the refreshing pool at...

Hoodia Desert Lodge (half board)

Days 7-8 Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia

Yet another scenic drive across expansive desert plains takes you to your next stop at the relaxing coastal town of Swakopmund. Here you'll find activities to enjoy both the desert and the sea: exhilarating dune-boarding, entertaining boat cruises or some gentle kayaking – to name just a few. There are also many great shops, restaurants, cafés and galleries, plus a museum, craft market and pleasant waterfront to stroll around. Swakopmund's fascinating colonial history is evident in its buildings, including your centrally located accommodation at the traditional and well run…

Hansa Hotel (bed & breakfast)

Days 9-10 Damaraland, Namibia

Journey up the coast and inland to Damaraland, where imposing granite domes and flat-topped mountains spring up from the surrounding plains. You can easily explore the region in your hired vehicle to see the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and intriguing geological formations aptly named the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. Another highlight is tracking desert adapted elephant when they are in the area - this exciting 4WD guided excursion can be booked during your stay at the uniquely designed…

Mowani Mountain Camp (half board)

Days 11-12 Etosha National Park, Namibia

Drive north-east today, via the Petrified Forest if appeals, to reach the private Ongava Game Reserve on the boundary of Etosha National Park. All guided activities are included in your two night stay here. These focus on afternoon game drives within the Ongava Reserve and morning game drives into Etosha – both offering fantastic game viewing opportunities of a wide variety of wildlife species. You don't even have to leave the comfort of your lodgings to see animals, as a floodlit waterhole attracts game right to your doorstep at…

Ongava Lodge (full board & activities)

Days 13-14 Etosha National Park, Namibia

Depart in your hire car and enter through Etosha's Andersson Gate to spend a full day game driving across to the eastern side of the park. You'll follow a network of sand roads, stopping off at waterholes along the way to see what animals have congregated there to drink. Exit the von Lindequist Gate by sunset to stay your next two nights on the eastern boundary. Explore more of this side of Etosha as well as the private Onguma Reserve on two guided activities based from the comfort of…

Onguma Tented Camp (full board & activities)

Day 15 Central Highlands, Namibia

For your final night in Namibia, drive south to stay at a family-run farm that is home to the successful AfriCat Foundation. The farm has been converted into a private wildlife reserve committed to the conservation of Namibia's predators through education and rehabilitation. Whilst here you may like to join the optional guided activities offered which include tracking predators by vehicle or on foot and learning about the dedicated work of the AfriCat Foundation. You'll stay overnight at the attractive…

Okonjima Bush Camp (half board)

Day 16

It's a little over 3 hours drive back to Windhoek Airport this morning, ensuring you return in good time to drop off your rental car and check-in for your scheduled overnight flight back to the UK, via Johannesburg, with South African Airways.

Day 17

Arrive back in London in the morning with plenty of time to connect with an on-going flight, or travel back to your home in the UK. The minimal time difference between Namibia and the UK means there's seldom any real jet lag, only wonderful memories of a magical holiday.

Cost of this trip
From	To	Cost
1-Jan-2012	30-Apr-2012	£4,382
1-May-2012	14-Jun-2012	£4,400
15-Jun-2012	10-Oct-2012	£4,650
11-Oct-2012	31-Oct-2012	£4,770
1-Nov-2012	7-Dec-2012	£4,517
8-Dec-2012	13-Dec-2012	£4,637
Notes: The prices shown are per person sharing; ask us for single person supplements. Upgrades to larger or 4WD hired vehicles are easy to arrange; speak to us for details. Note that this itinerary follows a very similar route to the Caracal Itinerary, although the Caracal is priced lower due to the accommodations used, and the meals and activities included.

This itinerary includes:

• Economy flights between London and Windhoek, plus airport departure taxes.
• Accommodation on the meal and activity basis as specified.
• A Group B/C hire car with unlimited mileage for the duration of your trip, to be collected and dropped off at Windhoek Airport.


• The rental car is covered by the vehicle hire company's Super Cover insurance. Please note that this is only valid for drivers who are aged 25 years and over. This includes unlimited mileage, theft, personal accident insurance and almost all damages. (Alternative insurance arrangements are possible for fully inclusive cover, although this alters the price of the itinerary slightly.)
• A comprehensive travel pack with maps and information covering the places that you'll be visiting.
• A complimentary copy of the Bradt Travel Guide to Namibia.

This itinerary excludes:

• Any meals and activities not included in the accommodation basis specified.
• All entry and national park fees.
• Gratuities (which are optional).
• Fuel for your rental car.
• The hire vehicle is covered by the car hire company's Super Cover insurance. This cover excludes under-carriage, sand and water damage.

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