Namibia is unlike any other African destination. Namibia is the ultimate African road trip destination for intrepid adventurers, with its almost otherworldly dune landscapes, ancient deserts, and amazing game viewing opportunities.
COST & VALIDITY | From ZAR 7 300.00 1st March 2021 – 31st October 2021 |
WHAT TO BRING | Comfortable shoes Warm jackets Sunhat and sunglasses Sun cream Cameras Personal belongings Personal medication |
IMPORTANT NOTE | Namibia emergency number: +264 81 127 0564 |
INCLUDED | Accommodation and boards as per itinerary Giant’s Playground Quiver Tree Forest 1x Kalahari Game Drive Entrance fees (Kolmanskop, Sossusvlei, Etosha) Qualified Professional English-speaking Driver guide Recommended vehicle for the Tour according to Namibian Standards and fuel Porterages Transfer from the International Airport to the accommodation Day 1 Transfer from the Accommodation to the International Airport Day 18 Tourism Levy 15% VAT |
NOT INCLUDED | Flights Travel insurance Visa fees (where applicable) Airport taxes |
Windhoek International Airport, Windhoek, Namibia. Your personal Guide/Driver for your Namibian Safari will meet you here. Your guide will greet you and assist you with your luggage before you embark on your journey to Namibia’s south-eastern region via Rehoboth and Mariental.
Rehoboth, like many other towns in Namibia, grew up around a mission station. Heinrich Kleinschmidt founded it in 1844, but it was abandoned in 1864. The mission was reopened when the Basters arrived in 1870. The Rehoboth Basters are half-breeds descended from the union of Cape Province Boers and Nama people. They relocated from the Cape to the Orange River in the nineteenth century.
The Kalahari Desert’s dry basin continues to develop.
The Kalahari Desert covers most of eastern Namibia and stretches for 500 kilometers north to south. The Kalahari is widely referred to as a desert because of its porous and sandy soil, which does not allow water absorption. However, it is a bustling wilderness, with vast herds of antelope and other animals grazing on its sparsely vegetated grassy plains.
Later that afternoon, go on an open jeep safari through the Kalahari Desert’s typical flora and fauna. End the day on the crest of a dune with a view in the Kalahari, with drinks and snacks given, and feel the cool Kalahari sand between your toes.
At the Kalahari Farmhouse, you can have dinner, stay the night, and have breakfast.
After breakfast, drive to Aus via Mariental.
Mariental, also known as the “Gateway to the South,” is a significant agricultural center. It is home to the most Karakul sheep in the world, and the ostrich farm just north of town was the country’s first commercial activity of its kind.
Visit the geological wonder Giants Playground and the massive Quiver Tree Forrest along the way.
A wild horse herd of about 150 animals lives in Australia. They trot back and forth between the scattered pastures and the Garub waterhole, adapting to the desert conditions. The remains of a World War I internment camp can also be found in Aus. Around 1,500 Schutztruppe soldiers were incarcerated here for four years after 1915.
Klein Aus Vista – Desert Horse Inn – Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast
Giant’s Playground is included.
The Giant’s Playground gets its name from the way the huge dolerite boulders seem to have been purposely stacked on top of each other by a massive hand. The way the boulders are stacked produces interesting rock formations and a series of mazes where if you’re not careful, you can quickly lose your bearings. Hiking between these rock formations will keep tourists entertained for a couple of hours and will provide plenty of photo opportunities.
Visitors must purchase tickets at the farm office before visiting this interesting rock formation, which is situated on the farm Gariganus.
Quiver Tree Forest is included.
A natural forest of roughly 200 quiver trees, set on a wide outcrop of blackish dolerite rocks, is located 14 kilometers from Keetmanshoop and is well worth a visit. Quiver trees are exceptionally large succulents with scaly bark and twisted branches topped with spiky, fleshy leaves, named for the pliable bark that was once used by bushmen to build quivers for their arrows. The oldest trees here are between 200 and 300 years old, with some reaching heights of up to nine metres. The forest, which was declared a national monument in 1955, is best viewed at sunrise or sunset, when the soft, warm light further enhances this already captivating sight.
Kolmanskop, a ghost town, is your destination today.
Kolmanskoppe, a former diamond city, is about 12 kilometers from Lüderitz. In 1908, a black railroad worker discovered the first diamond while working on the tracks. Diamond fever broke out a short time later. Kolmanskoppe once housed 300 professionals and their families, as well as several thousand black workers. Many of the buildings are now silted up to the second floor, while some, such as the gymnasium, are still in excellent condition, complete with gymnastic equipment.
Return to the lodge and relax for the rest of the day.
Klein Aus Vista – Desert Horse Inn for Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast
You will depart Aus after a leisurely meal. The Namib Desert is the next stop on your trip.
The Namib Desert, which extends over 1900 kilometers from South Africa’s Cape Province to Angola, is long and narrow. It is thought to be one of the world’s oldest deserts. The Namib is cut across by two year-round water-bearing rivers.
The Kunene forms Namibia’s northern border, while the Orange forms its southern border. It stretches up to 200 kilometers inland in the driest regions.
We-Kebi Safari Lodge (dinner, overnight, and breakfast)
You have an early departure today for the Sossusvlei, where you will have the opportunity to scale one of the world’s highest sand dunes. The dune landscape’s unique color example will undoubtedly inspire you, and you will undoubtedly be able to take beautiful photographs here.
Sossusvlei is a dune wonderland with 300-meter-high dunes surrounding a massive, dried-up pan. The rich tints of the dunes range from pale apricot to bright reds and oranges, and they stretch as far as the eye can see. The Tsauchab River flows into the pan during a successful rainy season, creating a haven for water birds. Oryx, springbok, and ostriches can be seen feeding on the sparse vegetation along the watercourses even during the dry season.
This is the Vlei itself, where the waters of the Tsauchab River are now disappearing into the Namib’s red sand.
A visit to the Sesriem Canyon can be added to this.
You walk through the Sesriem Canyon before leaving the sand dunes. The Sesriem Canyon, a deep ravine that is best explored on foot, is a striking natural feature of the region.The canyon’s name means “six belts” because early settlers used it as a source of water, drawing water with six lengths of leather. It’s where a 1 km-long gorge has been carved out by centuries of erosion. Deep pools of water at the bottom of the gorge, which drops 30 to 40 meters, are replenished after good rains.
Return to your lodge and relax for the afternoon.
We-Kebi Safari Lodge (dinner, overnight, and breakfast)
We’ll travel through the Namib Desert’s endless boulders through Solitaire, the Gaub Pass, and the Kuiseb Pass until we arrive in Walvis Bay.
The word “solitaire” has two meanings: one refers to a single solitaire diamond, and the other refers to the area’s isolation or loneliness. The two definitions were combined to form the concept of a unique, valuable, and solitary place. A gas station, post office, general dealer, and restaurant/bar are all located in the middle of the Namib Desert, and the restaurant/bar is well-known for its delicious apple pie. It’s the ideal place to stop on your way between Sesriem and Sossusvlei and Swakopmund or Windhoek.
Walvis Bay is Namibia’s main harbor area, and it’s quickly becoming a sought-after destination for beach vacations. The lagoon, with its abundant birdlife, attracts visitors, with an estimated 80 000 wading birds, including flamingos and rare white pelicans. On March 1, 1994, Walvis Bay, a former South African enclave, and the offshore islands were integrated into the Republic of Namibia. The town has a well-developed and productive port, and its fishing harbor serves as the center of Namibia’s rapidly expanding fishing industry.
Drive to Swakopmund from there. The road to Swakopmund runs along the coast, with the sea on the left and dunes that almost meet the sea on the right.
Check into your hotel in Swakopmund in the late afternoon.
The Hansa Hotel is where you’ll spend the night and have breakfast.
Between the Namib Desert and the cold Atlantic Ocean lies this idyllic area, also known as Namibia’s playground. This desert metropolis is a symphony of thrills, excitement, discovery, and relaxation. Swakopmund has many magnificent colonial and Bavarian-style houses.
Namibians consider Swakopmund to be a welcome respite from the inland sun. It is also well-liked by tourists due to its old-world charm and laid-back atmosphere. It was founded in 1892 during the German colonial era and served as the territory’s main harbor for many years. The distinctive German colonial character has been well preserved, and many of the old buildings are still functional today. The Woermann Building, which was built in 1905, now serves as an art gallery. Previously, the Woermann Tower was used to keep an eye on ships entering the harbor. Such historic buildings worth visiting include “Die Alte Kaserne,” “Hohenzollern Haus,” and the Railway Station House.
Today is yours to do as you want. You can choose to participate in one of the many activities available in and around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, or you can explore the city on your own, walk through the woodcarving market, or simply stroll along the beach while sipping a cup of coffee right on the beach.
The Hansa Hotel is where you’ll spend the night and have breakfast.
Levo Dolphin & Seal Tour is an optional extra.
This dolphin and seal cruise leaves from the Walvis Bay Tanker Jetty at 8:30 a.m. and lasts about four hours. The trip starts with a tour of the Walvis Bay Harbour, which includes a stop at the fish factories, followed by a trip to Bird Island, which includes a stop at Pelican Point to see the Cape Fur Seal Colony. Birds such as pelicans, flamingos, cormorants, and others can be seen along the way. While watching the dolphins play in the calm waters, guests will enjoy fresh oysters and champagne. Around 12:30 p.m., the boat returns to Walvis Bay Tanker Jetty. Due to the possibility of storm, no afternoon trips are available.
Living Desert Tour with Tommy’s Tours and Safaris (optional).
The Living Desert Tour is a special 4×4 adventure drive through the dunes outside of Swakopmund, Namibia, which was created by Tommy himself in the 1990s. Even if you just want to drive through the dunes, Tommy will show you a lot more than just sand. The tour takes you from the dunes’ vegetated, life-rich eastern side to the Atlantic Ocean on the dunes’ western side.
After breakfast, travel to Omaruru via Usakas.
Usakos, a small sun-drenched town nestled in the Khan River valley, grew up around a station on an old narrow-gauge railway built in 1900. Beyond Usakos is the Trekkopje Battlefield, the location of one of the most significant battles fought between South African and German forces during the short-lived 1915 campaign.
Axel Eriksson, a Swedish traveler and hunter, founded his trading ventures in Omaruru in 1870. In the same year, a mission station was built on the banks of the Omaruru River, and the mission house, which is the town’s oldest structure, now serves as a museum, displaying early missionaries, an antique cool drink machine, and farming implements, among other things. Omaruru means “bitter curd” in Herero, referring to the bitter taste of milk provided by cows that have consumed the bitter bush.
Onduruquea Lodge: Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast
Today is yours to do as you want.
You may engage in a variety of events at the lodge.
Onduruquea Lodge: Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast
After breakfast, travel to Etosha National Park via Outjo.
The town was established in 1880 by trader Tom Lambert and is located near a year-round water source.
A German military unit arrived five years later. The Franke House, an old stone house designed in 1899 by German troops under the command of Captain von Estdorff, was one of Outjo’s first homes.
Etosha National Park, located in northern Namibia, is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural areas. Governor von Lindequist proclaimed Etosha a nature reserve in 1907, covering an area five times the size of today’s national park. Etosha National Park is currently 22 270 square kilometers in area.Huge herds of springbok, impala, zebra, and wildebeest live in the national park, as do about 1500 elephants, 1800 giraffes, 300 lions, leopards, cheetahs, and 300 black rhinos, as well as over 300 bird species and 110 reptile species.
Etosha Safari Camp: Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast
After breakfast, have a full-day game drive by coach across the famous national park.
In the late afternoon leave the park and drive back to your lodge.
Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast at Etosha Safari Camp
Prepare your camera for another full-day game drive through the popular national park by coach.
Exit the park on the eastern side in the late afternoon.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge: Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast
Today you’ll travel to Ghaub Lodge via Tsumeb.
Since 1905, the town of Tsumeb, which serves as the northern gateway, has been inextricably connected to the mining industry. Tsumeb’s history is represented in the Tsumeb Museum, which also houses a large collection of rare minerals. A series of restored canons and other armaments that were dumped into Lake Otjikoto by German forces are on display in the Khorab room.
You may engage in a variety of events at the lodge.
Ghaub Lodge: Dinner, Overnight, and Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious breakfast. Then, via Otavi, travel to the Waterberg Plateau Park’s environs.
The Waterberg Plateau is one of northern Namibia’s most beautiful landscapes. The National Park’s plateau is 50 kilometers long and 16 kilometers high, and it rises 200 meters above the surrounding area as a table mountain. The National Park’s water-scarce plateau is covered in tree and bush savannah; however, the vegetation at the plateau’s foot is very diverse.
Wild fig trees, several acacia species, fire lilies, and the coral tree are among the flora. Water buffalo and leopards, as well as several breeding pairs of the uncommon Cape vulture, ibex, klipspringer, sable, and eland antelope, as well as other mammal and particularly bird species, have been reintroduced here. The decisive battle in 1904 between the Imperial Schutztruppe and the rebellious Hereros made the region historically important. At the foot of the mountain, there is a military cemetery that bears witness to the events of the time.
At Frans Indongo Lodge, you can have dinner, stay the night, and have breakfast.
Today is yours to do as you want.
You may engage in a variety of events at the lodge.
At Frans Indongo Lodge, you can have dinner, stay the night, and have breakfast.
Today you can drive to the final lodge of your Namibian adventure.
Return to Windhoek via Otjiwarongo and Okahandja.
Otjiwarongo was originally known to the Herero as Kanubes, which means “pretty spot” or “place of the fat cattle,” as the region is known for its cattle ranches. The Otjiwarongo district, about 250 kilometers north of Windhoek, is home to a number of guest farms and lodges situated on a slope amid undulating plains. The Otjiwarongo Crocodile Ranch, which breeds crocodiles, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund, an internationally recognized organization, are two interesting features of the town. The Cheetah Conservation Foundation is committed to ensuring the cheetah’s long-term survival through science, conservation, and education.
Okahandja, a town of great importance to the Herero since it was the seat of Chief Samuel Maharero, is located directly north of Windhoek. Thousands of Hereros gather here every year in August for a pilgrimage to pay homage to their great chiefs’ graves. Woodcarvers from the north flock to Okahandja.
At Voigtland Guesthouse, you can have dinner, sleep, and have breakfast.
Today is yours to do as you want.
There are several activities available at the lodge.
In the afternoon, take a city tour of Namibia’s capital, including stops at Christ Church, the Old Fortress, the Ink Palace gardens, and the Klein-Windhoek and Katutura districts, which are home to the Bantu-speaking community. We’ll also travel down Independence Avenue, Windhoek’s “boulevard” (formerly Kaiserstrasse).
Windhoek, the country’s largest city and political, economic, and cultural hub, has a population of 450,000 people. The city is nestled between the Auas Mountains to the south, the Eros Mountains to the northeast, and the Khomas Highlands to the west, at an elevation of 1650 meters.
At Joe’s Beerhouse, you can unwind and enjoy dinner.
Voigtland Guesthouse is where you’ll stay and eat breakfast.
It’s time to pack your belongings today. Before the airport move, the day is yours to do as you want. Say your goodbyes to the tour guide.
We wish you a safe return flight.
We eagerly anticipate your return to Southern Africa!
Kalahari Farmhouse is located 53 km northeast of Mariental in Stampriet (Kalahari).
Kalahari Farmhouse is closed to the public from 01 January to 31 March each year.
A lush secret-garden in the arid Kalahari. This intimate lodge has 11 chalets finished with colourful quilts, fireplaces and cosy farmhouse charm. Visit the adjacent Self-Sufficiency Centre, join a trip into the Gondwana Kalahari Park to watch the sunset over the fiery red dunes, and rest.
Desert Horse Inn is located 2 km west of Aus on the B 4 (Aus / Wild Horses).
Where the subtle colours of the grassy Pro-Namib merge with Namib sands in a lovers’ embrace, you’ll find Klein Aus Vista. Surrounded by the rocky Aus hills, Desert Horse Inn is an attractive base for a sojourn in south-western Namibia en route to the famed dunes of Sossusvlei.
In the almost forgotten tongue of the San Bushmen, We Kebi means invitation. To hold true to the tradition of the San people of the desert, who roamed the plains and mountains surrounding We Kebi for thousands of years. Come and experience the solitude, privacy and tranquility at We Kebi Safari Lodge. Each of the free standing en-suite luxury chalets has its own pavilion and a 180 degree uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape. An hour’s drive from We Kebi on the C19 will bring you to the world famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
Centrally situated, the hotel serves as the perfect getaway to all tourists amenities which Swakopmund and surrounding areas have to offer, from sand-boarding some of the highest dunes in the world to big game viewing in one of our country’s world-known game parks. Surrounded by local tour operators, aviation and safari offices and five minutes from the beach, the Hansa Hotel is perfect for the discerning traveler looking for an adrenaline filled holiday or merely a bit of relaxation.
Onduruquea lies adjacent to the Erongo Mountains and is home to more than 20 different game species, such as giraffes, zebras, blue and black wildebeests and warthogs. The thatched en-suite bungalows are spacious and comfortably furnished with either a double or single bed as well as comfortable armchairs, air conditioning, fridge and a hairdryer.
From the swimming pool you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view and the kitchen team will spoil you with an extensive breakfast and delicious snacks for lunch.
Etosha Safari Camp is located 10 km south of Andersson Gate on the C 38 (Etosha National Park).
Tap toes to an African beat in the novel Oshebeena Bar and relax at this friendly Camp, 10 kilometres from Etosha National Park. 50 chalets, shaded by mopane trees, and a grassy campsite provide a comfortable home from which to explore the abundant animal kingdom. Legendary.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge is the perfect venue for travellers wanting to explore the famous eastern side of Etosha National Park and is located on its own private 4 000 hectare nature reserve, which shares a common border with this impressive wildlife reserve. Known for its excellent and diverse wildlife encounters, it has become a popular venue for meetings, incentives, weddings and honeymoons. This intimate lodge has 90 rooms and 16 luxury rooms. Recently refurbished, they are all air conditioned and come equipped with satellite TV, a mini-fridge, safes, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee-making facilities and en-suite bathrooms. The lodge also offers the Tambuti Dining Room and Marula Bar, the Pool Bar and Terrace, two tennis courts, a spa, a gym and the only open air African Boma in the area.
Ghaub Lodge of Ghaub Nature Reserve & Farm is located in the agricultural heartland of the fertile Otavi triangle in northern central of Namibia. Sprawling lawns dotted with palm trees and original old-style mission buildings roll into wild bush and a view of Otavi Mountains in the distance.
The major attraction at Ghaub are the white rhinos which can be experienced at very close range on a Rhino drive or a Rhino tracking tour on foot. Adventurous guests can join a guided excursion of the Ghaub cave. With its passages leading down to a depth of 38 m below the surface and in total being 2.5 km long, it is Namibia’s third largest cave. Well-marked nature trails also invite to explore on your own the mountainous landscape with lush vegetation and more than 250 species of birds.
WELCOME TO FRANS INDONGO LODGE
Is your heart yearning for Africa? For the savannah and the scent of grasses and acacias? For silence and wide horizons? And at the same time you want to enjoy all modern comforts? Then Frans Indongo Lodge warmly welcomes you.
You can truly relax with us. Let us pamper you – after all, you are on holiday. Relax on the sundeck at the swimming pool and watch a succession of Sable Antelope, Black Springbok and Nyala quench their thirst at the nearby water hole. Relish the special African atmosphere: the lodge and the interior decoration feature stylish traditional elements from the Ovambo culture in northern Namibia – the birthplace of Frans Indongo.
You can’t afford to miss this! Watch cheetahs sprinting and learn more about the fastest terrestrial animal on the planet at the nearby Cheetah Conservation Fund or explore Waterberg Plateau Park, where water is plentiful.
While staying with us you will also experience the purest nature, of course. The 170 km² farm boasts an extraordinary abundance of game, including White and Black Rhino, Black Wildebeest and Hartebeest. We take you game-viewing on sundowner drives. For active holidaymakers we have laid out trails which meander through the bush savannah and lead onto a hill with a magnificent look-out point.
We are right on your way. Frans Indongo Lodge is located north-east of Otjiwarongo and north-west of Waterberg Mountain. Thus it is ideally suited as a stop-over on your way from Windhoek to Etosha, the far north, to Bushmanland or the Caprivi. We are close to the tar road but nevertheless in the midst of the African bush savannah. [map]
One little hint: take your time. Our guests keep complaining that they would have liked to stay longer…
Originally built in 1900 atop a hill in Windhoek, Voigtland Guesthouse combines old world charm with a modern style. The guesthouse immerses guests among nature while still being close enough to the capital city.
The property is home to a guesthouse featuring various guestrooms, a spacious living and a dining room. The guesthouse offers the choice of delicious home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and suppers. The property also houses four en-suite chalets, two of which are equipt with a kitchenette.
General Terms
See your doctor for advice in regards to vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.