Arrive Windhoek – To Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert
Upon arrival in Windhoek, transfer by light aircraft to the vast Namib Desert. Commence your adventure in Sossusvlei, home to the highest sand dunes in the world. Enjoy two nights in the 91,400-acre private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, with its own private gate into the park. Accommodation consists of raised, canvas and thatched “kulalas” with en suite bathrooms and private verandahs overlooking the dunescape in the distance. A plunge pool offers respite from the midday heat. Kulala Wilderness Camp or Little Kulala – 2-nights (D)

Sossusvlei & the Namib Desert
Spend the day exploring the nearby world-famous Sossusvlei, an enormous clay pan flanked by the famous sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously refashioning the contours of this red sand sea. The vlei (seasonal shallow lake) itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turnaround, it transforms into a spectacular turquoise lake. (B, L, D)

Option: Soar above the highest sand dunes in the world on an early-morning hot-air balloon ride in the Namib Desert.

Option: Camel rides are offered as well, where guests can enjoy a leisurely walk on these “ships of the desert” and learn about their adaptation to desert environments.

To Damaraland
Fly via Swakopmund to Palmwag and transfer to your wilderness camp in the remote Huab River Valley. Boasting panoramic vistas of stark plains, ancient valleys and the soaring Brandberg Mountains, your eco-friendly camp integrates the local community and the environment in one of the most wild areas of Namibia. A unique feature of this sustainable camp is that it is owned and largely run by members of the local community, who come from tribes such as the Nama-Damara, Herero, Owambo, and the displaced Riemvasmakers of South Africa. Tonight, perhaps enjoy dinner al fresco under the great southern skies. Damaraland Camp – 2-nights (B, L, D)

Damaraland
Embark upon morning and afternoon game drives or guided walks in search of desert-adapted elephants, gemsbok, greater kudu, springbok, and occasionally lion, cheetah, elephants and black rhino. Interesting flora such as euphorbias and shepherd’s trees can be viewed on the way to some of Africa’s best known rock engravings, including the famous Twyfelfontein etchings. In the heat of the afternoon, why not spend some time in the pool? This evening after dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories and then do some stargazing. (B, L, D)

To Etosha National Park and Ongava
Fly to Ongava Private Game Reserve, bordering the world-famous Etosha National Park in northern Namibia. Your wilderness lodge is perfectly situated to appreciate the grand vistas and incredible natural beauty of this remote area. Settle into your room, savor a cool drink and look out upon game on the expansive Ongava plains and a nearby waterhole. Gather for a tasty home-cooked dinner at the lodge tonight. Andersson’s Camp, Ongava Lodge or Little Ongava – 3-nights (B, L, D)

Ongava and Etosha National Park
Spend the days exploring these magnificent game reserves and parks. Activities revolve around day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides that overlook waterholes and walks with experienced guides. Game drives and day trips into the easily accessible Okaukuejo area of Etosha National Park are rewarding, with sightings of lion, elephant, gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, and rhino. The Ongava Game Reserve is unique in that it is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where there is a chance of seeing both black and white rhino. (B, L, D)

Fly to Windhoek and Depart
Bid farewell to one of the last truly wild places in the world as you fly to Windhoek to connect with your onward flight. (B)