Tour Overview
Embark on the "Premium Namibia" tour, a captivating journey through Namibia's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Begin in Windhoek, where colonial architecture meets modern charm, before venturing to the iconic Sossusvlei Dunes and the eerie beauty of Deadvlei. Experience the tranquility of Sesriem Canyon and the vibrant atmosphere of Swakopmund, a coastal town with a unique German-Namibian vibe. Discover the ancient rock engravings and petrified forests of Damaraland, and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Damara people. The adventure culminates with a thrilling safari in Etosha National Park, renowned for its abundant wildlife and stunning vistas. Throughout the journey, enjoy comfortable accommodations and exclusive experiences, making this an unforgettable exploration of Namibia's natural wonders and cultural treasures. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek
Location: Windhoek, Tintenpalast, Christuskirche
Accommodation: The Weinberg Boutique Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: The Weinberg Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Namibia! Your adventure begins in the capital, Windhoek, known for colonial German architecture and a relaxed atmosphere. On arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, perhaps head out for a stroll around town to admire the architecture of the Tintenpalast and Christuskirche buildings, or stop by a local market to peruse handmade crafts. After your meeting, head to your boutique hotel’s sky lounge for a tapas dinner made with the freshest local ingredients. From here you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valley – a perfect spot to watch the sun go down.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Sesriem
Location: Sesriem, Sossusvlei Dunes, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon, Namib-Naukluft National Park
Accommodation: Sossusvlei Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar
Accommodation Name: Sossusvlei Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, drive south to Sesriem, your gateway to the Sossusvlei Dunes, Deadvlei, and Sesriem Canyon. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights, situated next to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Take in the magnificent views, which can be enjoyed from your very own private patio. Enjoy lunch at the lodge’s restaurant, with the otherworldly landscape stretching far in each direction, then spend the afternoon relaxing by the bar or next to the sparkling pool. Later on, head out on a guided four-wheel drive (4x4) nature drive to discover the unique flora and fauna of the desert. Stop for a drink to take it all in as the sun sets, then return to the lodge for dinner and relax on the terrace overlooking the floodlit waterhole.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Sesriem
Location: Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Deadvlei, Sesriem Gorge
Accommodation: Sossusvlei Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar
Accommodation Name: Sossusvlei Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Make an early-morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. This is a great opportunity for unsurpassed views of the surrounding area. Climbing to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with a spectacular perspective of the surreal desert landscape. After breakfast, travel to Deadvlei, a clay pan that lends itself to many iconic images. When you see the skeleton trees against a vibrant orange backdrop of dunes, you’ll soon understand what all the fuss is about. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, 'Big Daddy' or 'Crazy Dune' average about 350 metres in height. In the afternoon you will visit Sesriem Gorge, a tranquil natural corridor that you can walk through and explore. Return to the lodge for the evening.
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Day 4: Swakopmund
Location: Solitaire, Moon Valley, Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund
Accommodation: The Delight or similar
Accommodation Name: The Delight or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your journey to the beachside town of Swakopmund.Stop by the small settlement of Solitaire. Scattered with abandoned trucks, cars, petrol pumps and cacti, it's the only place between Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei to feature a petrol station, post office, general store, and bakery. Enjoy a piece of the local apple pie which has earned itself quite a reputation. Continue on past moon valley, named for its eerie lunar-like appearance, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Walvis Bay is the hibernation area for thousands of migratory birds, most notably flamingos. If in season you may take quick detour to see these elegant birds. Upon arrival at Swakopmund take some time for lunch, then join your leader on an orientation walk to get a feel for this interesting township with a German-Namibian atmosphere.
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Day 5: Swakopmund
Location: Swakopmund, Cape Cross
Accommodation: The Delight or similar
Accommodation Name: The Delight or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to enjoy this gorgeous coastal town. Your accommodation conveniently located within walking distance of the town, where you can enjoy a walk on the beach, open air markets or the local museum. You may wish to take an optional trip north to Cape Cross, a breeding site for Cape fur seals. There can be in excess of 100,000 seals there at any given time, making for quite the spectacle (quite a smell too, if the wind happens to change direction). Wander the coastline and attempt to document these beautiful creatures with a photo or two, and visit the large cross that lies nearby, left by Diego Cao, the first European to arrive on Namibian soil in 1485.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Damaraland
Location: Damaraland
Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Damara Mopane Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the Atlantic Ocean coastline behind and drive towards the Namib Desert.Take in the beautiful, diverse and colourful landscapes that stream past along the way: mountains, sand dunes, ocean waves and shipwrecks. Continue to Damaraland. Home to Namibia's highest peak, ancient rock paintings and petrified forests, the harshly beautiful and sparsely populated Damaraland region is a land of extraordinary contrasts. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to see the desert elephants that roam the area. Your accommodation features a centrepiece swimming pool fringed by beautiful chalets, each with a private garden. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy the amenities as the sun goes down.
Day 7: Damaraland
Location: Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest, Living Museum of the Damara
Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Damara Mopane Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning visiting the Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest with expert local guides to provide insight on these wonders. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie. Continue on to the Living Museum of the Damara, which aims to reconstruct and preserve the 'lost culture’ of the Damara people. Your leader will tell you all about this fascinating traditional culture that is, along with the Bushmen, the oldest in Namibia. Return to the lodge in the afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax by the pool with a book.
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Day 8: Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Etosha Safari Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Damaraland behind and head towards Etosha National Park. On arrival, the afternoon will be free to relax at your lodge. Maybe cool off in the pool, read a book, or enjoy a sundowner by the bar. Be sure to charge your camera tonight as tomorrow will be a full day in the park. This is one of the world's premier game-viewing destinations; spotting animals in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores.
Day 9: Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Etosha Safari Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise early for a full-day 4WD safari in Etosha National Park. Keep a close eye on the landscape for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The park is also home to some 340 bird species. After, return to your lodge and reflect on the day's adventures as you take in the views from the outdoor pool, viewing deck, or spacious veranda overlooking the mopane woodlands.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Windhoek
Location: Windhoek
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning after breakfast you will make your way back to Windhoek. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival. Please do not book any international flights departing from Windhoek before 8pm this evening to allow for any unexpected delays. If you would like to extend your stay, additional accommodation can be booked in advance (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Windhoek - Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Windhoek to kick off your Namibian adventure.
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Sesriem - Guided Nature Drive & Sundowners
Experience a guided nature drive in Sesriem, complete with sundowners.
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Sesriem - Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Salt Pan Visit
Visit the stunning Sossusvlei and Deadvlei Salt Pan in Sesriem.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Windhoek are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Swakopmund Museum visit are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
Transport
- In East Africa, we use 8-seater 4WD safari vehicles. For smaller groups of up to 6 travellers we will use 1 safari vehicle and for larger groups between 7-12 we will use 2 vehicles.
- There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you.
- African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it's certainly our aim to avoid them, it's important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night.
Important Information
- 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
Travel in Namibia is conducted using 8-seater 4WD safari vehicles, with one vehicle for groups up to 6 and two for groups of 7-12. Expect early starts and long drives on rough roads, with potential for breakdowns and route changes due to weather, adding to the adventure.Accommodation
Throughout the tour, accommodation may vary, but typically includes boutique hotels, lodges, and permanent tented camps. Some properties offer unique features like private patios, swimming pools, and terraces overlooking waterholes. Rooms are prepared for early arrivals when possible, and similar standards are maintained if changes are necessary.Check out our Q&As
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What type of vehicles are used during the tour in Namibia?
In Namibia, the tour uses 8-seater 4WD safari vehicles. For smaller groups of up to 6 travelers, one safari vehicle is used, and for larger groups between 7-12, two vehicles are used.
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What should I expect regarding the road conditions and travel times during the tour?
There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people enjoy watching the changing landscape and daily village life, long periods of inactivity may not appeal to everyone. The tour provides approximate distances covered each day and how many hours it normally takes to drive. ...more ...less
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What happens if there is a vehicle breakdown during the tour?
African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles, and while the vehicles are meticulously maintained, occasional breakdowns can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The style of accommodation indicated in the itinerary is a guideline and may change due to availability. Alternative arrangements will be made if necessary, using a similar standard of accommodation.
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Is there any special consideration for travelers using a Sleep Apnea Machine?
If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine, ensure it is battery-operated as lodges and permanent tented camps are often powered by generators that are turned off during the night.
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What is included in the tour at Sesriem?
The tour includes a guided nature drive and sundowners, a visit to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei Salt Pan, a visit to Dune 45, and a visit to Sesriem Canyon.
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What activities are included in Swakopmund?
In Swakopmund, the tour includes a leader-led orientation tour and a visit to Walvis Bay.
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What cultural experiences are included in Damaraland?
In Damaraland, the tour includes visits to the Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings, Twyfelfontein Heritage Site, Petrified Forest, and the Living Museum of the Damara.
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What wildlife can I expect to see in Etosha National Park?
In Etosha National Park, you can expect to see black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope, Damara dik-dik, and some 340 bird species.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Premium Namibia
10 Days Starting and ending in Windhoek, Namibia
Visiting: Windhoek, Tintenpalast, Christuskirche, Sesriem, Sossusvlei Dunes, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Gorge, Solitaire, Moon Valley, Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Cape Cross, Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest, Living Museum of the Damara, Etosha National Park ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UBPN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
