Blessed with well – maintained and often empty roads, Namibia by vehicle is an event one can only truly appreciate when they have done it for themselves, you know our destinations are world renowned but do you know that getting there is just as epic? Alright, you love the scenery and the vast open plains bring you satisfaction, almost make you feel at ease, however you do not buy into the idea of having to ferry yourself across the country to our iconic locations. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to guided safaris. Travel in comfort and with the peace of mind that you are in the hands of an elite naturalist guide, a naturalist guide whose only concern during your stay is that you are comfortable, content and curious. This ensures that all you need to be concerned about is how much charge your camera battery has….and even then, he will be on hand to assist. Your guide will fill the role of chauffeur, friend, and concierge extraordinaire. Blessed with an intimate knowledge of the country and a knack for making others feel good, your guide will carry with him, the spirit of Essence lifestyle.
Trip Highlights
- Travel Namibia with a reputable private guide
- Learn from and experience the conservation efforts at the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
- Go behind the scenes at Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary with conservation titan Marlice Van Vuuren
- Drive to Scenic Damaraland with your private guide
- Stay at Camp Kipwe
- Go on a private Elephant tracking activity in ephemeral river systems
- Visit an Authentic Himba Tribe
- Visit the AfriCat foundation and learn about the efforts in place to preserve and grow Namibia’s big cat population
- Stay at Okonjima Bush Camp
Trip in Summary
Day 1 – Arrival transfer to Naankuse Lodge
After arriving at the Windhoek International airport you will be met by a representative of Essence Lifestyle will transfer you to Naankuse Lodge where you spend your first two nights in Namibia. Kickback and relax to save some energy for the memorable 8 days that lie ahead of you. You can look forward to a memorable sunset wilderness drive should you arrive at the lodge before 16:00. If you arriving later than 16:00, fear not as you have the option to take part on this activity tomorrow.
Destination: Windhoek Surrounds
Stay: Naankuse Lodge
Type: Lodge
Basis: Full Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast + Sunset Wilderness Drive)
Day 2 – Windhoek Surrounds
After breakfast this morning you take part on unique experience, an intimate view into the workings of a wildlife reserve and sanctuary. On this in-depth activity, you will gain insights and intimate knowledge into the field of human-carnivore conflict mitigation from an array of experts in this field. This afternoon is reserved for a sunset drive if you have not taken part on it the previous day.
Destination: Windhoek Surrounds
Stay: Naankuse Lodge (or Similar)
Type: Lodge
Basis: Full Board (Dinner, bed & breakfast + Behind the scenes conservation activity with Marlice Van Vuuren)
Day 3 – Windhoek Surrounds to Damaraland
After breakfast this morning your private guide will collect you with your private vehicle, you’ll head to Namibia’s north west and scenic Damaraland where you will be spending the following two nights at Camp Kipwe, Damaraland is characterized by a cascade of varying textures and elevations and its undoubtedly one of the most captivating places on the planet. You will arrive in the mid afternoon and the rest of the day can be spent at leisure as you make yourself at home. If you have time today, you’ll have the chance to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Twyfelfontein with your guide where you’ll be able to take in the sight of rock engravings, some of which are estimated to be over 10,000 years old.
Destination: Damaraland
Stay: Camp Kipwe
Type: Desert Lodge
Basis: Full Board (All meals + private activities with your guide)
Day 4 – Damaraland
After breakfast today you take part on an exciting Elephant tracking activity with your private guide, this will take you deep into the ephemeral river systems that define this area, giving you a first-hand look at some of the world’s most resilient animals. Surviving on unbelievably small amounts of water desert adapted wildlife almost seem to be an anomaly in these areas but as your guide broadens your understanding of their ecosystems you will realize that mother nature provides for all.
Destination: Damaraland
Stay: Camp Kipwe (or Similar)
Type: Desert Lodge
Basis: Full Board (all meals and private activities with your guide)
Day 5 – Damaraland to Central Namibia
After breakfast this morning you head east with your private guide to the base of the Omboroko Mountains where you will be spending the following three nights at Okonjima Bush Camp. En route you will visit and spend time with one of the world’s quintessential traditional tribes. The famed Ovahimba. The Ovahimba are the original traditional Herero who crossed the Kunene and came from Angola to Namibia in the middle of the 16th century. They settled in the Kaokoveld, the north-western part of Namibia and lived a semi-nomadic, pastoral lifestyle which they still do to this very day. your guide will introduce you to these titans of culture and tradition and you will have an intimate view into their lives and beliefs. Following your excursion you will arrive at Okonjima Bush Camp In the late afternoon.
Destination: Central Namibia
Stay: Okonjima Bush Camp
Type: Safari Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive (all meals, drinks and activities on a shared basis)
Day 6 & 7 – Okonjima Private Reserve
Today can be spent on a host of activities as offered by Okonjima Bush Camp. The reserves’ predator research programme has spanned three decades, and its findings have provided great insight into leopard behavioural patterns as well as an upbeat prognosis for a sustainable future for the species in today’s Africa. The Okonjima Nature Reserve is a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia, comprises a diversified ecosystem representative of both the larger and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the country’s endemic birds. Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife and, especially, its most protected species. The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small.
Destination: Central Namibia
Stay: Okonjima Bush Camp
Type: Safari Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive (all meals, drinks and activities on a shared basis)
Day 8 – Windhoek return
After breakfast this morning a representative of Essence Lifestyle will collect you from Okonjima Bush Camp in time for your international departure flight. Kindly ensure that you have booked your flight for after 15:00 so as to account for the three-hour drive back to the Windhoek International airport and check in. If your flight is scheduled for 14:00 or earlier we recommend staying an extra night in Windhoek at Essence Lifestyle or any other accommodation establishment in town of your choice.
Included
- Transfers as specified
- Air-conditioned tour vehicle suitable to tackling the Namibian road.
- Accommodation on the meal & activity basis specified
- Tourism levies, VAT, Park Entry fees, & community conservation contributions
- 24/7 on the ground support
- Mineral water on the tour vehicle.
- Entrance fees to all sightseeing attractions and National Parks as indicated
- Experienced English-speaking guide throughout.
- Shared activities at Naankuse Lodge (Sunset Wilderness drive & Behind the Scenes)
- Private Elephant Tracking Excursion whist at Camp Kipwe
- Private Himba Excursion
- All meals, local drinks and shared activities at Okonjima Bush Camp
Excluded
- International flights
- Vehicle fuel
- Personal insurance
- Any drinks, meals, or activities not specified in the itinerary
