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.
The Left flank takes you to Sossusvlei where you’ll conquer the monsterous dunes of the Namib Desert, the coastal town of Swakopmund which bristles with activity and finally scenic Damaraland, where you’ll encounter some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet. Named the left flank because all three destinations are on Namibia’s western land mass, your private guide will take you on a quintessential African adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Travel Namibia with a reputable private guide
- Drive to the Sossusvlei and spend time in the world’s oldest desert
- Stay at Hoodia Desert Lodge
- Drive to Swakopmund on Namibia’s Atlantic Coast
- Stay at the Strand Hotel
- Kayak with seals on the Atlantic Ocean or enjoy a memorable cruise aboard a catamaran.
- Stay at Scenic Damaraland and experience its gorgeous landscapes first hand
- Stay at Mowani Mountain Camp
- Go on a private Elephant tracking activity in ephemeral river systems
Trip in Summary
Day 1 – Windhoek
After arriving at the Windhoek International airport a representative of Essence Lifestyle will transfer you to Essence Lifestyle where you spend your first night in Namibia. Kickback and relax to save some energy for the memorable 8 days that lie ahead of you. Your guide will come to Essence lifestyle (or if you are staying somewhere else in the city, he will meet you there for a detailed meet and greet). Dinner tonight will be held at Essence Lifestyle or at any fine dining establishment in town with your guide.
Destination: Windhoek
Stay: Essence Lifestyle (or similar)
Type: Boutique Guesthouse
Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Day 2 – Windhoek to Sossusvlei
After breakfast this morning your guide will collect you from your accommodation and you’ll head south in your private vehicle to the Namib Desert where you will spend the following two nights. The landscapes en route to and at Sossusvlei will question your understanding and have you wondering if you’re even on Earth. Thankfully your guide will be on hand on assure you that you are in-fact on the mother planet and that the Namib has just taken your breath away. If you have time this morning your guide will take you to the geographical site that is the sesriem canyon, if not you will still have the opportunity to see it tomorrow.
Destination: Sossusvlei
Stay: Hoodia Desert Lodge (or Similar)
Type: Desert Lodge
Basis: Full Board (All meals + excursions with private guide)
Day 3 – Sossusvlei
Following a light breakfast early this morning your guide will drive to Sossusvlei where you will spend a few hours seeing the most famous of the Namib Desert’s treasures. You leave early so as to arrive at the dunes near sunrise when the soft early light accentuates the curves of the towering dunes. After exploring the dunes to your hearts content you make your way back to Hoodia Desert Lodge where you can spend the afternoon at leisure taking in the sights and sounds of the Namib
Destination: Sossusvlei
Stay: Hoodia Desert Lodge (or similar)
Type: Desert Lodge
Basis: Full Board (All meals + excursions with private guide)
Day 4 – Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
After breakfast this morning you head north, this time to Namibia’s Atlantic coast where you will be spending the following two nights in Swakopmund. A change of scenery will be welcomed as you exchange the heat of the Namib Desert for the cooler air of the Atlantic. Dinner tonight will be held at one of Swakopmund’s many fine dining establishments with your guide.
Destination: Swakopmund
Stay: The Strand Hotel (Or Similar)
Type: Sea Side Hotel
Basis: Full Board (all meals and private activities with your guide)
Day 5 – Swakopmund
After breakfast this morning you head to Walvis Bay with your guide where you will take part on an exciting kayaking excursion on the Atlantic. You are joined by curious seals and if you’re lucky, even some bottlenose dolphins and Whales. Alternatively if you do not want to get too wet, you can take part on a dolphin cruise aboard a catamaran. However, your options are not limited to you and we can opt for Quad Biking, Sandboarding or perhaps an intimate Living Desert Tour. Either way, all these are bound to leave you with a sense of satisfaction. Dinner tonight will be held at the Tug restaurant where you can expect one of the best sea food sit downs in the country!
Destination: Swakopmund
Stay: The Strand Hotel (Or Similar)
Type: Sea Side Hotel
Basis: Full Board (all meals and private activities with your guide) + morning catamaran Cruise OR morning kayaking Excursion (other activity options also available)
Day 6 – Swakopmund to Damaraland
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 at 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
Type: Boutique Lodge
Basis: Full Board (All meals + excursions with private guide)
Day 7 – 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 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 and private activities with your guide)
Day 8 – Windhoek return
After breakfast this morning you depart northwards and head back to where your journey Started, the capital city Windhoek. Bid farewell to your guide and we hope you had nothing short of a wonderful time during your stay. If you are staying at Essence Lifestyle we have a wonderful surprise in store for you.
Destination: Windhoek
Stay: Essence Lifestyle (or similar)
Type: Boutique Hotel
Basis: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast this morning and depending on the time of your international flight, you are transferred to the Hosea Kutako International Airport in time for your international departure flight. We hope to see you again soon!
Breakfast
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
- Morning Kayaking Excursion or Catamaran Dolphin cruise whilst at Swakopmund.
- Private Elephant Tracking Excursion whist at Mowani Mountain Camp
- Private Sossusvlei Excursion whilst at Hoodia Desert Lodge
Excluded
- International flights
- Vehicle fuel
- Personal insurance
- Any drinks, meals, or activities not specified in the itinerary
