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Highlights of this Namibian self-drive adventure include exploring the world-famous sand dunes in the Namib Desert, visiting seal colonies on the Skeleton Coast, searching for desert-dwelling elephants in Damaraland, and visiting one of the best safari areas in Africa at Etosha National Park.
Upon your arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to the car hire office to collect your designated vehicle, fully equipped for Namibia's diverse roads. Your car comes with essential amenities like a convenient cool box and an emergency mobile phone. Additionally, you'll receive an information pack containing driving directions, comprehensive accommodation particulars, and essential contact numbers.
Once you're accustomed to your vehicle, chart your course southward towards the periphery of the Kalahari Desert, a drive spanning approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Relish the tranquil ambiance of the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge during the leisurely afternoon, or opt for an optional extra-cost activity offered by the lodge to further enhance your experience in this serene setting.
After breakfast, you’ll leave the Kalahari and drive to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert in the southwest of the country. You’ll stay in Sossusvlei for the next two nights and you’ll have time to explore the iconic towering sand dunes, as well as other incredible geographical formations of the region, such as Sesriem Canyon.
As you bid farewell to the captivating Namib Desert this morning, your journey northward unveils a tapestry of breathtaking canyons and mesmerizing landscapes en route to the charming town of Swakopmund nestled along the picturesque Skeleton Coast.
En route, a must-visit gem lies just outside Swakopmund—Walvis Bay, an exquisite destination deserving of a stopover. Embraced by the Pelican Point sand spit, Walvis Bay's tidal lagoon hosts a vibrant array of birdlife, including elegant flamingos and graceful pelicans.
Swakopmund itself is steeped in history as a former colonial town renowned for its distinct German architecture and culture. The town exudes a unique charm where German is commonly spoken, and its cultural heritage is celebrated through events like the Oktoberfest beer festival. An ideal interlude awaits as you spend a few days here, bridging the exploration of the Sossusvlei dunes with the allure of northern Namibia's myriad attractions.
This morning you will resume your Namibian road trip and head further north up the Skeleton Coast to Damaraland. If you choose to drive along the coastal route we recommend that you stop at Henties Bay to see the Cape Cross seal colony and you may wish to visit the shipwreck of MS Winston at Durissa Bay, during heading back inland.
On arrival, you’ll settle into your accommodation and you can spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge, or if you wish you can take a walk in the surrounding area, stopping at viewpoints to marvel at the beautiful Damaraland landscape.
Today included in your trip are two activities with Camp Kipwe Lodge. There are options for you to head out on a nature drive with an experienced guide in search of Namibia's famous desert-dwelling elephants, and you may wish to also join the Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain, and Organ Pipes excursion to see the rock engravings at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein.
Following breakfast, your journey continues as you drive eastward toward the renowned Etosha National Park.
Etosha stands as a haven for unparalleled wildlife sightings, particularly around its waterholes. Expect awe-inspiring encounters with an array of magnificent creatures, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, zebras, springbok, and gemsbok. Moreover, this park stands out as one of Southern Africa's premier destinations to witness the rare and endangered, such as cheetahs, black rhinos, and elusive antelope species like the black-faced impala, Damara dik-dik, and the regal roan antelope.
Among our selection of exceptional accommodations, the Etosha Oberland Lodge stands as a highlight on the park's border, included in this expedition. Its strategic location offers a splendid vantage point for exploring the park's wonders and provides a comfortable retreat for an immersive experience in this wildlife-rich region.
Today you’ll have a full day to explore Etosha National Park.
Despite being one of Africa's largest national parks, Etosha is easy to drive around yourself as all roads lead back to the main road. This means you can take your time visiting the many different waterholes where large concentrations of wildlife tend to congregate.
You can also choose to embark on a guided safari with the lodge, in Etosha National Park available at an extra cost.
Almost a quarter of Etosha consists of salt pans, including the Etosha Pan which is undoubtedly the park’s most distinctive and dramatic feature. The Etosha Pan is the only known mass breeding ground for flamingos in Namibia and at times there can be up to a million flamingos here.
Today is your last morning on your 10-day Classic Nambia trip. Following your breakfast at Okonjima, the drive back to Windhoek Airport should take approximately 3 hours. On arrival, you’ll have time to get some lunch and drop off your hire car, before heading to the airport to catch your international flight home.
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