Namibia: Sands of Time
14 Days Starting and ending in WINDHOEK
Visiting: Windhoek, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Brandberg Mountain, Brandberg Street, Palmwag, Opuwo, Epupa Falls, Kunene Region, Etosha National Park, Epupa, Okahandja
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NMB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Namibia. A land full of incredible geological wonders, spectacular landscapes, diverse game and a whole host of unexplored regions is undoubtedly one of Southern Africa’s most enthralling destinations [exclude_white_label] and perfect for a Wild Frontiers trip! [/exclude_white_label]
Our trip focuses on the diversity of this impressive country that has barely changed for thousands of years. From the rolling red sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the boulder festooned grassy plains of Damaraland, we’ll be visiting waterfalls and lands rich in wildlife.Â
Travelling from the interior to the river bound border of Angola via part of the Atlantic coast this is an incredible adventure that will stay with you forever.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Windhoek
Location: Windhoek
Accommodation: Guesthouse Terra Africa or similar
Accommodation Name: Town Lodge Windhoek or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Meeting at our hotel late this afternoon there will be a chance to freshen up before heading out on a short orientation tour around Windhoek on our way to dinner. Tonight we'll eat at a popular, characterful restaurant in town where we can talk about the big trip ahead of us.
Day 2: Windhoek – Sesriem
Location: Windhoek, Sesriem
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Hammerstein Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we’ll take a scenic drive south to Sesriem, stopping for lunch en-route. As we progress the landscape changes dramatically from rolling hills to farmland, before reaching the arid, red sands of the Namib Desert. Arriving as the temperature is dropping we’ll have time to enjoy the facilities of our lodge, set within an area of dramatic rocky outcrops of massive granite boulders. Approx. 6.5 hours driving.
Day 3: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
Location: Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Swakopmund Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We have an early start to reach the iconic red dune fields of Sossusvlei this morning, arriving as the morning light illuminates the rolling hills. There is an opportunity to climb Dune 45 before the full heat of the day and enjoy a new perspective on the surrounding landscape from its peak. From here we take a jeep drive to visit the dried-up clay pan of Dead Vlei which provides dramatic photo opportunities. We have lunch as we head north towards the coast and Swakopmund, the gateway to the skeleton coast. This evening is free to explore this quirky German-influenced town where there’s a plethora of restaurants to choose from for tonight’s dinner at your own expense. Approx. 6.5 hours driving.
Day 4: In & Around Swakopmund
Location: Swakopmund
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Swakopmund Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Located just 30km south of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay is the only deep-water port in Namibia. Here we will take a wildlife cruise onto the lagoon to spot some of the creatures that thrive in the cold water. As well as an abundance of bird life we hope to spot whales and dolphins and we’ll pass close to the local seal colony. After an early buffet lunch and the chance to sample the local seafood we’ll head back to dry land and return to Swakopmund. The afternoon/evening will be spent at your leisure, with the chance to take part in many activities that are offered here or take it easy and explore the picturesque town. Dinner tonight will be at your own expense.
Day 5: Swakopmund – Palmwag
Location: Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund, Brandberg Mountain
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Palmwag Lodge Gondwana Collection or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we leave civilisation behind us and head back into rural Namibia. After travelling north along the remote coastline, we cut inland to make our way to to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Twyfelfontein. Here we’ll find one of the largest concentrations of Stone Age petroglyphs (rock engravings) anywhere in Africa, depicting various animals and hunting scenes. This area is home to a good variety of wildlife who have adapted to the arid climate and we hope to spot many of them on our journey. Today will be a long day with some poor road conditions, but with beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way. We have dinner on arrival at our lodge, where we will be spending the next two nights. Approx. 8.5 hours drivingÂ
Day 6: Palmwag (Damaraland)
Location: Brandberg Street, Palmwag
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Palmwag Lodge Gondwana Collection or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a busy few days, we have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy spending time in the surroundings of beautiful lodge. For those who would prefer, there are optional activities offered at the lodge for an additional fee, including scenic drives, hikes and Rhino tracking. Your Tour Leader will provide more details at the welcome meeting on day 1 and assist with bookings.
Day 7: Palmwag – Opuwo
Location: Palmwag, Opuwo
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Opuwo Country Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we start making our way northwards and will get to enjoy lots of dramatic changes of scenery as we climb over escarpments and travel through small settlements. There are some rough roads but you’ll be rewarded with some breath-taking scenery. All being well we’ll arrive at our lodge mid afternoon to enjoy some free time, sundowners and a dinner cooked up by the lodge’s chef. Approx. 5.5 hours driving.
Day 8: Opuwo - Epupa Falls
Location: Epupa Falls, Kunene Region
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Epupa Camp (safari style tented room) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey north continues as we head in to the Himba tribal lands, seeing various Himba settlements en route. We leave early to ensure we arrive at Epupa by the middle of the afternoon - the most northerly point on our trip and close to the Angolan border. In the evening, approximately an hour before sunset, we visit Epupa Falls and then take a jeep ride to the top of one of the hills overlooking the waterfalls for a sundowner. The beautiful landscape explodes in colours and fascinating shadows as the sun sets and makes for a memorable evening. We return to our lodge to freshen up for dinner. Approx. 6 hours driving.
Day 9: At Epupa Falls
Location: Epupa Falls
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Epupa Camp (safari style tented room) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll have some time to visit local Himba settlements. Here we will have a local Himba guide during our visit and find out more about how these semi-nomadic people live, work and worship. We can enjoy an informal Q&A with our guide, providing not only the opportunity for us to learn about their rich culture and customs but also providing an income for members of the community. We pick up useful supplies, such as maize meal, tea, sugar, coffee, cooking oil and yeast, before heading into one of the rural Himba villages to offer these gifts up in exchange for a mutually beneficial interaction and introduction to everyday life in this part of the country. After our visit we can enjoy some free time at the lodge to unwind and relax amongst this beautiful setting.
Day 10: Epupa – Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park, Epupa
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Dolomite Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is predominantly a transit day as we travel south into Etosha West, a more secluded area of the spectacular Etosha National Park. We arrive at the park mid afternoon and can then look out for wildlife from the comfort of the tour vehicle en route to our memorable lodge. We should arrive at our accommodation in time to enjoy sunset from the deck of the lodge with its endless beautiful views. Approx. 8 hours driving, inc game drive within Etosha NP.
Day 11: Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Dolomite Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start today with an early morning game drive from our lodge. In safari jeeps, we will explore this quieter area of the park, giving a good chance of spotting the more elusive game, cats and Hartmann's zebra. We return to our lodge to spend some free time this afternoon enjoying the wonderful facilities on offer here. You may choose to enjoy a swim in the infinity pool, have a drink in the bar, or relax on the balcony of your room - all of which give panoramic views of the Etosha plains from our vantage point on top of the dolomite ridge.
Day 12: Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Okaukuejo Rest Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Making our way towards our next lodge in our tour vehicle, we will explore the eastern side of the park. Because the region is so arid, the game congregates around the watering holes and we should have a chance of spotting 4 of the big 5, along with some of the 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species and 16 amphibian species which are resident within the park. After lunch at the lodge we enjoy an afternoon jeep safari, which includes a visit to the Etosha salt pan.Â
We’ll spend the night in the centre of the park where there is a permanent waterhole which is floodlit at night. Here we can watch a variety of wildlife as it congregates and interacts. In the early evenings it’s not uncommon to find black rhinoceros, elephant and lion all drinking at the same time!
Day 13: Etosha National Park – Okahandja
Location: Okahandja, Etosha National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Okahandja Country Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awaking early we will take the opportunity to have one final game drive within the park. From here we’ll drive south to Okahandja Lodge, just outside of Okahandja (approx. 4 hours driving), where we will spend our last night in Namibia and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 14: Okahandja (Tour Ends)
Location: Okahandja, Hosea Kutako International Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning after breakfast. We will be transferred back to Windhoek Airport (approx. 1.5 hours) in time for the suggested group flights.
What's Included
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MEALS
13 x Breakfasts12 x Lunches11 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
An 8 or 15-seat vehicle, depending on group size. Please see Supplementary Information section for more details
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
9 nights x Premium
4 nights x Superior -
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.comÂ
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Namibia.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional.
Road Conditions, Distance & Comfort: Namibia is a large country and you will be covering a lot of ground on this tour. As a result there will be a number of long drive days spent in the tour vehicle. Please note the road conditions vary from bitumen to rutted, bumpy and corrugated piste. If the unsurfaced roads have not been graded for a while it can be uncomfortable for some stretches if you aren’t used to travelling off-road. However, your Tour Leader will take the opportunity to stop for a leg-stretch whenever possible and you will be rewarded with some spectacular scenery! The safari jeeps used for game drives require you to climb steps on the outside of the vehicle in order to board, but help is at hand for anyone that needs assistance.Â
Please be aware that vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety can be limited in the more remote areas we visit. People with specific dietary requirements should consider such limitations carefully and we suggest you discuss your needs with us before booking this tour.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.Â
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
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Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Namibia.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
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