CLASSIC NAMIBIA

Arrival at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako international airport and transfer to the Namibian capital. Located in the

windhoek is the country's highest city, perched at 1,650m in the Khomas Hochland massif

khomas Hochland massif. The Khomas region is the smallest of the country's 14 regions, covering some 37,000 km2

but has a population of around 500,000 (16% of Namibia's total population of just over

just over 3 million). Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore the city center.

You'll then settle into your accommodation and enjoy some free time until your evening meal, which you'll have either in town or at your hotel

in town or at your hotel (depending on availability).

Overnight BB (Overnight * Breakfast)

Today, you'll head southeast to reach the lodge for lunch, in the Mariental region, capital of the Hardap region

Mariental, capital of the Hardap region. This region is famous for its large "Dam", a rainwater harvesting reservoir

large rainwater harvesting reservoir, which feeds numerous crop fields on the outskirts of town (as well as the Fish River)

fish River). In addition to some of the fruits and vegetables grown here, it's fodder that dominates the area

stocks are crucial to the rest of the country in the dry season. Cattle and sheep farming are the other economic

the other economic pillars of this region, on the edge of the famous Kalahari Basin. Check-in at

after lunch and free time. At around 4:00 pm, you can take your first 4x4 excursion

a local guide through the Kalahari's most picturesque landscapes. This 10,000-hectare private reserve

is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including oryx, springbok, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe

and more). You'll wander through this part of the Kalahari, not just a desert but an immense geological

geological basin more than 4 times the size of France (2.5 million km2). An aperitif at sunset

(optional).

Overnight in DBB (Dinner * Overnight * Breakfast)

Today, you'll cross the country from east to west to reach the Namib Desert region. This day is a

is a liaison stage and you'll take it easy, trying to reach your next accommodation

afternoon to your next accommodation. Along the way, you'll pass the Nama highlands (southern

the Naukluft Mountains, before arriving in the great desert plains of the

Namib. This massif (Naukluft) was included in the Namib National Park around 1980, in order to preserve its picturesque flora and fauna

flora and fauna. The landscapes will be very different during this stage, and you'll be able to make a few

photo stops here and there. Settling in at the lodge in the early afternoon, you can set off on a guided

guided excursion in a 4x4 vehicle until sunset, to enjoy an aperitif with a magnificent view (optional)

(optional).

Overnight DBB (Dinner * Overnight * Breakfast)

Early departure to discover the famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei sites amidst the oxidized red sand dunes

oxidized red sand dunes. This day is devoted to the world's oldest desert, 55 to 80 million years old

whose immense sand mounds, up to 300m high, were proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site

uNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2013. This is undoubtedly the most popular and impressive excursion on a trip to

in Namibia. As you make your way through the Tsauchab River valley, you're likely to see oryx, ostriches, springboks and many more,

ostriches, springboks and jackals, the main mammals in this hostile environment. You can then walk at your own pace

at your own pace, and why not try a dune climb? Back in Sesriem, you'll discover its small

canyon: Sesriem Canyon. 30 m deep and 3 km long, where the first Afrikaaner pioneers

were able to take advantage of its water reserves, thus giving the place its name of "Ses-riem": 6 strips. They needed

6, each 5m long (made of leather), to reach the water at the bottom of the canyon. Exit from Namib-Naukluft

Namib-Naukluft National Park, lunch, then leisurely drive back to your accommodation.

Night in DBB (Dinner * Night * Breakfast)

This day, you'll be crossing the vastness of the Namib desert. This stretches from north to south (from Angola to South

south Africa) along more than 1,600 kms of coastline, like a belt 80 to 100 kms wide. The Kuiseb River

forms the natural boundary of the "2 Namibs": to the north, a mineral desert, and to the south of the river, a desert of red sand dunes

of red sand dunes. In total, it covers an area of 81,000 km2. Along the way, a short stop at

Solitaire, our Namibian "Bagdad Café", for a taste of its famous desert "Apple Crumble". This

day is again rich in changes of scenery, until you approach the Atlantic coast, via the

Kuiseb Canyon and the Tropic of Capricorn. You'll arrive in Swakopmund to settle in quietly

in the afternoon, and if time permits, discover this unusual Namibian seaside town. For your

dinner, we'll make reservations for you at one of the restaurants specializing in fish, seafood and other delicacies.

Overnight BB (Overnight * Breakfast)

Today you'll be spending your day on the Atlantic coast, and here's what we've got in store for you. In the morning,

departure for Walvis Bay at 08:00, the country's main port, where you will be met by a crew and guide,

for a morning on a catamaran. Walvis Bay is the country's largest deep-water port, as well as one of the most

on the continent. You'll sail across this immense lagoon to observe fur seals, dolphins

and the many birds that populate this site, which has been protected since 1995 under the "Ramsar" label. You may also

the chance to spot humpback whales (not guaranteed, depending on the season). They descend

to the Indian Ocean from Angola from August onwards. You'll also have the chance to taste local oysters

(lunch included in the next activity). Return to port around 12:30 pm, followed by a guided

a guided 4x4 excursion through the Namib dunes to the Sandwich Harbour bird sanctuary, rounding off a day

sandwich Harbour ornithological site, to round off a sensational day between ocean and desert (optional). For dinner, we'll

in one of the restaurants specializing in fish, seafood and more.

Overnight BB (Overnight * Breakfast)

This morning, you still have some time to spend on the coast (until lunchtime if you like, as the stage isn't too long)

not too long). Today's option could be a short detour (60 kms) to discover the magnificent site of the

Spitzkoppe. Also known as the "Namibian Matterhorn" for its peaked shape, this is what geologists call an "Inselberg"

an "Inselberg", a granite island-like formation rising out of the ground as a result of erosion on the vast plain

plain on which it lies. If you leave Swakopmund mid-morning with a picnic lunch, you'll be able to

the Spitzkoppe, while strolling around the site on foot or with a guide. The best-known and most

most famous and interesting part of the site, in photographic terms, is that of "The Bridge", which appears on the Spitzkoppe map

on the Spitzkoppe map given to you at reception). Alternatively, you can go directly to the next

next lodge, which is also set against a superb granite backdrop: the Erongo Mountains (named after the region

of the region you're in). Various activities are offered on site (optional), depending on the

selected lodges.

Overnight in DBB (Dinner * Overnight * Breakfast)

Today, a good day of liaison awaits you through the ever-changing landscapes of Damaraland,

home of the Damara people. Along the way, you'll pass along the Brandberg massif, whose "Köningstein" is Namibia's highest peak

namibia's highest peak (2,573m), not far from the small town of Uis. Arrive and settle into your accommodation

with a beautiful view of one of the valleys of the Ugab River, from where you can

the famous "Vingerklip", a stone monolith overlooking the valley. This rock, which stands like a

a 35m-high peak overlooking the plain, was part of an immense plateau of a rock called

called "conglomerate" but also "sedimentary pudding" (a sedimentary deposit dating from between 10 and 20 million

years old). Please note that an alternative route is also available to the more north-westerly region of

Damaraland, towards Twyfelfontein and Palmwag, from where we can organize a superb excursion in search of the rare

in search of Namibia's rare desert elephants (optional).

Overnight in DBB (Dinner * Overnight * Breakfast)

Today, we head east for a change of scenery, to reach Etosha National Park, Africa's 2nd largest

Nature Reserve in Africa. Okaukuejo could be your lunch stop. In the afternoon, your first safari

en route to your next destination inside the Park. Etosha National Park (atypical) extends over

over 22,300 km2 (more than half the size of Switzerland) and was proclaimed in 1907 by the German administrator

friedrich Von Lindequist. Until 1958, it was known as "Réserve Sauvage 2",

it became a National Park in 1967. Its name comes from the name of the "Pan" itself: Etosha Pan

(meaning "great white expanse"), which accounts for 23% of the Park's total area (almost 5

000 km2). In the evening, you're sure to enjoy the camp's floodlit waterhole, where elephant

elephants, rhinos, hyenas and, why not, lions. Please note that, depending on the season, this overnight stay

can be booked outside Etosha (rainy season).

Overnight in DBB (Dinner * Overnight * Breakfast)

Today is your first full day of safari in Etosha National Park. The

san (Bushmen) "Hai//om" hunter-gatherers were the original inhabitants of these hostile lands until

1954, when they left these lands (deprived of traditional hunting rights), which were gradually opening up to local tourism

to growing local tourism. Nevertheless, a few generations later, some of them

work for the park authorities (notably as trackers). As your safari progresses, the ecosystems will change

ecosystems will change, and what you see will require a good visual exercise

(leopard habitat). Once again, you'll be moving from waterhole to waterhole, as you explore the

central part of Etosha. Please note that depending on the season, this overnight stay may be booked outside Etosha (rainy season)

season).

Overnight in DBB (Dinner * Overnight * Breakfast)

Today, a second full day in Etosha National Park awaits you. No fewer than 114

mammal species and 340 bird species have been recorded. This is the 2nd largest Nature Reserve

After Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, stretching between north-western South Africa and Central

Botswana over no less than 38,000 km2. For this 2nd and final day in the Park, we recommend that you

the north-eastern part of Etosha. You could be in Namutoni for your

lunch. In the afternoon, you'll continue your exploration of Etosha, exiting before sunset.

Settle into your accommodation at the end of the day (outside the Park).

Night in DBB (Dinner * Night * Breakfast)

After breakfast, you'll head south, linking Etosha, the Central Plateau and the Waterberg

Plateau and the Waterberg. Along the way, there's a chance to visit the CCF (Cheetah Conservation Fund) information center and meet the Cheetah Ambassadors

(Cheetah Conservation Fund) information center and meet the cheetah "ambassadors" of this foundation which preserves the

and leopards of Namibia. Lunch in Otjiwarongo and continuation of your tour. The Waterberg Plateau

Waterberg Plateau is famous for the 1904 battle between the Herero ethnic group and the German colonial army

unfortunately, the Hereros were decimated and forced to flee to the Kalahari and Botswana. The Waterberg

waterberg Wilderness Lodges offers two beautiful walks via various viewpoints, in a very wild and green

natural setting. We recommend a short hike (or the next morning, in the cooler

is just as good).

Overnight DBB (Dinner * Overnight * Breakfast)

Today, you won't be in a hurry and you could still enjoy a pleasant digestive walk

after breakfast on the Waterberg. Then it's on to the Okonjati Private Game Reserve,

which you'll reach for lunch without any worries, and settle in for the afternoon.

Okonjati Game Reserve covers no less than 36,000 hectares and was the dream of Jan Oelofse, a renowned Namibian

ecologist. After several years' experience, training and expertise in game capture around the world

around the world, it took Jan and his wife 30 years of perseverance to create this famous reserve. The

Namibia's Central Plateau has few safari lodges, and our alternative in this region would be the

otjiwa private reserve. Rhino tracking is offered at all these lodges. At Mount

Etjo Safari Lodge, a 4x4 guided safari on the reserve is included in your package.

Overnight DBB (Dinner * Overnight * Breakfast)

After breakfast, you'll take the road to the Namibian capital, Windhoek, perched at 1,650m above sea level, the highest city in the country

altitude, the highest city in the country. Nevertheless, you'll still have plenty of time to take part in a final

last guided tour if you wish (optional and to be booked the day before). On arrival in Windhoek, we

we recommend a visit to Windhoek's beautiful Craft Centre, located in the city center on the former premises

of the national brewery. This will give you the opportunity to do your last shopping and enjoy a fine meal

prepared by the Craft Bistro. Then it's off to your final accommodation.

Night in BB (Night * Breakfast)

All good things must come to an end, and your discovery of our magnificent country (for

this time). We hope you've made the most of it. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll need to check in

check-in your luggage 3hrs in advance. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation

accommodation to transfer you to Hosea Kutako International Airport.