DAY 1 | CENTRAL HIGHLANDS & KALAHARI
You'll fly into Windhoek, Namibia's capital city, via Johannesburg, then set off immediately for your lodge and introduction to this dramatic land. The unique and artistic styling of the Eningu Clayhouse Country Lodge (crafted, naturally, from clay) blends in perfectly with the russet-colored sands of the surrounding Kalahari. The rooftop deck of the lodge is the ideal choice for a relaxing afternoon scanning the lands where the two ecosystems of the Central Highlands and the Kalahari meet. Or sample the swimming pool (complete with whirlpool), archery range, or numerous marked trails near the lodge. Should time permit, a game drive will find the local antelope and other fauna of the region. Your accommodations, one of eight twin-bedded rooms, highlight Namibian arts and crafts with hand-painted floors and traditional furniture. Your room includes a private bath with shower. This is an owner-built and -run lodge, so you are assured of personal service and a friendly atmosphere. We'll end our day with a dinner, complemented by a nice selection of South African wines, down by a nearby hide as the sun sets in dramatic fashion. Then back up to the deck to take advantage of the telescope and a sky unencumbered by the lights of civilization. Overnight at Eningu Clayhouse Country Lodge.
DAY 2 | WATERBERG PLATEAU
Get your early morning walk in before breakfast, then we set off to the Waterberg Plateau, an imposing landscape that rises almost 700 feet above the surrounding sea of bush and savannah. You can't miss this formidable sight, recognizable from some distance away. Its flamboyant red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation present an island of vibrant color, even more glowing at sunrise and sunset. This vast wilderness is home to a huge variety of plants and animals, many of them rare. It is also an area steeped in history: here in the early days of the century occurred was the greatest battle between the indigenous Herero people and the German colonial forces. Our exclusive campsite provides a shady refuge beautifully situated under a dense canopy of leadwood, camelthorn, and umbrella thorn trees. Kudu and the diminutive Damara dik-dik frequent the area around our camp, and leopard tracks are often sighted. Sunset atop this perfect vantage point affords a truly magical view of the sandstone cliffs, emblazoned with colorful splashes of lichen, with the flat plains the Northern Kalahari a perfect backdrop in the distance. Overnight at our exclusive Waterberg campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | WATERBERG PLATEAU
We'll spread out over the lush plateau today on foot. This up-close perspective will provide great opportunity to spy the amazing bird population, with more than 240 species at last count. Or to view at eye level the numerous land species about, be they buffalo or, if we're lucky, rhino, the rare black or white variety. Overnight at our exclusive Waterberg campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | ETOSHA/Fischer's Pan
We leave this morning for three days of exploration in Etosha National Park, one of Namibia�and Africa's�richest reserves. Keeping to the country roads, we make our way to our exclusive campsite at the private Fischer�s Pan Game Reserve. In addition to its prime and secluded location, our campsite is beautifully situated on the edge of a small vlei (Afrikaans for marshy area), surrounded by shady terminalia and tamboti trees. A variety of animals, the leopard notable among them, roam at will in this area. Our afternoon wildlife drive will concentrate on the Namutoni area, graced by an historic fort with strong echoes of Beau Geste. Overnight at our exclusive Fischer's Pan campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | ETOSHA/Fischer's Pan
Today we hit the heart of the park, the Etosha Pan, "Place of Dry Water." This vast, dry silvery-white shallow depression shimmers with ghostly mirages. Along the southern edge of the Pan, perennial springs feed waterholes, which attract an abundance of mammal and bird species. This guarantees great wildlife viewing, and we'll have the whole day to explore the numerous acres of the Park. Overnight at our exclusive Fischer's Pan campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | ETOSHA/Okaukuejo
In late afternoon, we arrive at Okaukuejo, Etosha's longest-standing rest camp and headquarters of the Etosha Ecological Institute. We'll settle into the thatched rondavels that characterize the region. (A swimming pool and restaurant are at your pleasure.) The highlight here is the waterhole illuminated by floodlights, drawing regulars such as elephant�as many as forty at a "sitting"�giraffe, black rhino, and lion. Sundowners are followed by a barbeque, and an evening observing the antics of the waterhole's nocturnal visitors. Overnight at Okaukuejo Rest Camp. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | SOUTHERN DAMARALAND
We take a final drive around Etosha before heading to the dramatic landscapes and cultural treasures of Southern Damaraland. This remote and rugged area, between the Ugab and the Huab rivers, is a vast wilderness with magnificent scenery marked by rolling plains and distant mountains. A variety of desert flora and fauna, fascinating geological formations, and a wealth of rock paintings form the unique attractions of Damaraland. Enjoy a late afternoon stroll amongst the boulders and kopjes (small hills) around our campsite. Drink in the tranquility of one of Africa's unspoiled gems. Overnight at our exclusive Damaraland campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | SOUTHERN DAMARALAND
We set out early this morning for Twyfelfontein, site of ancient rock paintings not far from our campsite. Here, thousands of years ago, the local San (Bushmen) created paintings and engravings on the hills. But geology stars even more in the region: the Burnt Mountain, a striking image south of Twyfelfontein in a desolate landscape of volcanic rock; or the geological curiosities known as the Petrified Forest, and the formation of perpendicular basalt known as the Organ Pipes. Depending on the interests of the group, we will also include game drives in search of the rare species that have adapted to the region's harsh elements, the desert elephant and the elusive desert black rhino. Overnight at our exclusive Damaraland campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 9 | SWAKOPMUND/Swakopmund Hotel
On to the coast. The coastal town of Swakopmund retains its 19th-century Bavarian character even as it reigns as Namibia's premier seaside resort. But first, we make a stop at Cape Cross, where the Portuguese seafarer Diego Cao landed in 1486, the first European to set foot on Namibian soil. More than 80,000 Cape fur seals make their home here; extensive lichen fields along the coast form a dramatic backdrop to the braying animals. Hedged by the desert and the wild Atlantic, Swakopmund offers old world charm, a relaxed atmosphere, and a host of activities. Our upscale digs for the night will be found at the four-star Swakopmund Hotel, which now occupies the space of the impeccably restored train station, originally built in 1904. But first, dinner at a local seafood restaurant to sample the fruits of the local fishing gentry. Overnight at Swakopmund Hotel. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | SWAKOPMUND/Swakopmund Hotel
We venture out onto the water in today's seal and dolphin cruise. Walvis Bay Harbour, with its fishing factories, Russian trawlers, and fishing boats of numerous nationalities, only hints at the importance of what has been called Namibia's national sport. Then, it�s on to Bird Island and Pelican Point�flocks of flamingos, cormorants, pelicans, and numerous shorebirds grace our cruise. But it's the visiting wild seals, boarding the boat for a handout that provides our daily highlight. As we enjoy the antics of the seal colony, and that of the dolphins around the boat that often join the fun, we'll enjoy fresh oysters, champagne, and assorted snacks. Back on land, the afternoon is yours to select from a host of optional activities (all at additional cost): quad biking, a scenic flight over the dunes and coast, a round on one of the world's five registered desert golf courses. Overnight at Swakopmund Hotel. [B,L,D]
DAY 11 | NAMIB NAUKLUFT
After a leisurely breakfast, we head back inland, to the Namib Naukluft Park. Here landscapes range from an impressive mountain massif to desert plains and high dunes. No, really, high dunes, the highest in the world: the awe-inspiring dunes of Sossusvlei. Some soar to almost 1,000 feet, and the play of the setting sun turns them into extraordinary palettes of apricot to orange to dark maroon�a photographic bonanza. Our exclusive campsite is surrounded by the huge Naukluft Mountains, a rugged range characterized by sheer cliffs, deeply incised river valleys, and rolling hills. These hills are sanctuary to Hartmann�s mountain zebra, oryx, springbok, and kudu. Man's relics also add a hint of interest to our campsite: the ruins of an old police station from the time of the Schutztruppe (the pre-WWI German occupation). Overnight at our exclusive Namib Naukluft campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 12 | NAMIB NAUKLUFT
We spend a second day in Namib Naukluft, today heading to one of the more pristine gorges in the Park. We set off by 4x4 as far as the plateau. From then on the rest of the journey is by foot as we hike through the granite gorge, with its many quiver trees and rock pools. Plunge in for an afternoon cool down, even if you can't swim around. A nearby guest farm, the Namib Naukluft Lodge, offers horseback riding as an optional afternoon activity. Overnight at our exclusive Namib Naukluft campsite. [B,L,D]
DAY 13 | DEPART TO JOBURG AND HOME
After breakfast we return to Windhoek via the Khomas Hochland Conservancy, stopping off at a guest farm for lunch. You might like to stick around in this "mile-high city" for an extra night to taste its capital charms. Otherwise, you'll be transferred out for your flight home. [B,L]
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