An astronomical object comprising a luminous spheroid of plasma held together by its own gravity, this is the internationally accepted definition of a star. We know stars as beacons of hope used by our ancestors for exploration. We refer to our most influential film actors and musicians as stars and when we are told to dream big, we are told to shoot for the stars. A star is not only a wonder of physics but it also a guideline for excellence. Our own star gives us life and light, and by night the countless others serve as a transit point, allowing for the exit of life’s worries. When stress and worry leave, we provide the platform to dream. Namibia is home to one of the world’s select few Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserves and this has inspired us to create itineraries for the dreamers, the achievers and those who reach for the stars. Welcome to The Celestials.
Procyon is the primary component in a binary star system located only 11 light-years from Earth in the constellation Canis Minor. It is the brightest star in Canis Minor and the 8th brightest star in the sky. Like its brighter neighbour Sirius in Canis Major, Procyon is one of the nearest stars to the Sun. This 8-day luxury safari focuses on Namibia’s wildlife gems, taking you north to and across the Etosha National Park as well as scenic Damaraland where you will have the opportunity to see some rare desert adapted wildlife.
Trip Highlights
- Travel Namibia with a private naturalist guide
- Drive to the Eastern Boundary of Etosha National Park
- Stay at Onguma Camp Kala
- Drive from the Eastern Boundary to the Southern Boundary of Etosha National Park
- Stay at Anderssons at Ongava
- Take Part on Guided game drives within the Etosha National Park with your own personal guide
- Marvel at Scenic Damaraland
- Stay at Mowani Mountain Camp
- Track Desert Adapted wildlife in ephemeral river valleys
Trip in Summary
Day 1 – Windhoek Surrounds
Upon arrival at the Windhoek International Airport or Eros Regional Airport you are met by a representative of Essence lifestyle who will transfer you in a luxury vehicle to your first destination, Zannier Omaanda located 40 minutes’ drive from the Windhoek International Airport. Here you will have time to kick back, relax and take in your new surroundings. An Essence Lifestyle representative will run through your exciting guided safari in detail and will provide you with your travel documents as well as an accompanying surprise from us. If you are arriving earlier than 16h00 you have the chance to take part on a private wilderness drive on the Zannier Reserve giving you a sneak peak of the trademark Namibian Bushveld. If not, you have the option of taking part on a morning drive the following day.
Destination: Windhoek
Stay: Zannier Omaanda
Type: Boutique Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All meals, local drinks and private activities + luxury transfer in Range Rover.
Day 2 – Omaanda to Eastern Etosha National Park Boundary
You guide will collect you from Zannier Omaanda today for your drive north on Namibia’s B1 to the Eastern Boundary of Etosha National Park where you will be spending the following two days. Your camp for this stay is Onguma Camp Kala. Offering luxurious accommodation and a great platform from which to explore the eastern side of the national park.
Destination: Eastern Etosha Boundary
Stay: Onguma Camp Kala (Or Similar)
Type: Intimate Safari Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All meals, local drinks and private activities with Private Guide
Day 3 – Onguma Camp Kala
This morning you head into the Etosha National Park with your private guide for a day full of memorable wildlife viewing. He will stop at the most active waterholes and be on a constant lookout for the elusive animals ensuring you are able to get the maximum out of your excursion. Lunch will be held withing in the park, giving you some time to stretch your legs and to catch your breath during what should be an exhilarating experience. After making your way back at Onguma Camp Kala you have some time to kick back, relax and feel the calming peace of the savannah. You can take part of scintillating sundowner drive this afternoon on the private Onguma Reserve.
Destination: Eastern Etosha Boundary
Stay: Onguma Camp Kala (Or Similar)
Type: Intimate Safari Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All meals, Local drinks and private activities with private Guide
Day 4 – Onguma Camp Kala to Anderssons at Ongava
After breakfast this morning you set off with your guide on an extended game drive a across the Etosha National Park. You’ll be making your way from the Eastern Boundary of the Park to the Southern Boundary where the difference in the rainfall gradient will allow for a more diverse range of animal sightings. Pay attention to how the vegetation changes from area to area and feel the breath of the African savannah on your face. You’ll have lunch within the park and after that you’ll make your way to Anderssons at Ongava, arriving in the mid to late afternoon.
Destination: Southern Etosha National Park Boundary
Stay: Anderssons at Ongava (or similar)
Type: Luxury Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All meals, Local drinks and private activities with private guide
Day 5 – Southern Etosha
This morning you will rise early and head back into the Etosha National Park with your private guide and vehicle, you spend the next few hours on an exciting game drive taking in the sights and sounds of the southern section of the iconic national park. You will return back to Anderssons at Ongava in time for lunch. After an afternoon sala you take part on an exciting game drive on the Ongava Private Reserve ending in a surreal sundowner.
Destination: Southern Etosha National Park Boundary
Stay: Anderssons at Ongava (or similar)
Type: Luxury Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All Meals, Local drinks and private activities with private guide
Day 6 – Anderssons at Ongava to Mowani Mountain Camp
After breakfast this morning you and your guide head to Namibia’s north west and scenic Damaraland where you will be spending the following two nights Mowani Mountain Camp. 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.
Destination: Damaraland
Stay: Mowani Mountain Camp (or similar)
Type: Boutique Lodge
Basis: Full Board – All meals + private activities with private guide
Day 7 – Mowani Mountain Camp
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 looking at some of the worlds 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 ecosystem you will realize that mother nature provides for all.
Destination: Damaraland
Stay: Mowani Mountain Camp (or similar)
Type: Boutique Lodge
Basis: Full Board – All meals + private activities with private guide
Day 8 – Mowani Mountain Camp to Zannier Omaanda
After breakfast this morning you depart northwards and head back to where your journey Started, the capital city Windhoek and the chic Zannier Omaanda Lodge. You’ll also bid farewell to your guide after what should have been a memorable time on safari.
Destination: Windhoek
Stay: Zannier Omaanda (or similar)
Type: Boutique Hotel
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All meals, Local drinks and private activities.
Day 9 Departure
After breakfast this morning and depending on the time of your international flight, you will be collected by a representative of Essence Lifestyle and transferred in luxury to the Hosea Kutako International Airport in time for your international departure flight. We hope to see you back soon!
Breakfast
Depart
Included
- Transfers as specified
- Air-conditioned tour vehicle suitable to tackling the Namibian Road in luxury.
- 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
- All meals as stipulated above
- Private Etosha National Park Drives
- Private Elephant Tracking Excursion whist at Mowani Mountain Camp
Excluded
- International flights
- Vehicle fuel
- Personal insurance
- Any drinks, meals, or activities not specified in the itinerary
