Namibia, Wildlife Tours

Ultimate Namibia Wildlife & Landscapes Group Tour

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Group Tour
10 Days
From 3875
Big Cat Safari
Culture and Archaeology

Tour Introduction

10 Days from  3875 per adult. Prices based on rates applicable at the time of costing which may vary. Please ask for a definitive quote

Namibia is world-renowned for its breathtaking scenic beauty, endless horizons, towering dunes, historical tales of survival and adventure, the wild Skeleton Coast, diverse and fascinating peoples and its desert adapted wildlife inhabiting a wonderfully photogenic backdrop.

This superb value, small group tour incorporates the chief scenic and wildlife highlights of Namibia. Your experience will be further enhanced by your guide who will add deep insights into the flora, fauna, geology and cultures of this magnificent country, to be enjoyed within a small group of no more than seven like-minded travellers. The itinerary is suitable for everyone with a love of nature and we’re confident you will come away spellbound by Namibia’s unspoilt wildness and beauty.

Best of all, each group departure is guaranteed with a minimum of one guest, and the maximum number of guests is only seven – so you will never feel too crowded. The 4×4 safari vehicle is specially adapted to accommodate up to seven guests in air-conditioned comfort yet allowing for easy viewing of Namibia’s fabulous wildlife and landscapes.

Improve the experience even further with a one- or two-night extension at Okonjima’s Bush Camp to learn about AfriCat’s exemplary conservation efforts and for more game viewing, especially of leopard and the possibility of seeing brown hyena and pangolin (see Specialist Tip below).

Please Note:

  1. 1). Each year there are departures every week, usually on a Tuesday but also, in some weeks extra departures leave Windhoek on a Saturday: please enquire for exact dates. If you are looking at 2023 and beyond, do please get in touch and we will advise on departure dates and prices for you.
  2. 2). The price and departure dates refer to the actual group tour which starts in Windhoek and ends in Windhoek ten days later. The price shown is a “from” price.
  3. 3). There is also the possibility of adding a two-night extension to the famous Okonjima Bush Camp where you will enjoy game drives for such species as leopard. Please ask us for prices.
  4. 4). Any additional accommodation and services will be arranged on a bespoke basis at extra cost. You may, for example, need a first night in Windhoek the day before the group departs, and you might wish to add other days and lodges before or after the group dates. Simply discuss with us and we will quote for any additional accommodation and services.
  5. 5). The itinerary as shown is subject to change. Please enquire and we will furnish you with an up to date itinerary for your chosen date, which might differ slightly for the one seen here.

Full Itinerary

Price from  3875 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms. Single Supplement: from £610
Day 1
Sesriem

Pick up from your hotel in Windhoek and drive through the scenic Khomas Hochland highlands and down the Great Escarpment into the Namib Desert. Visit Sesriem Canyon, time permitting.

Staying at Dead Valley Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 2
Sossusvlei

Early rise to explore the stunning Namib Naukluft National Park, and Sossusvlei.

Staying at Dead Valley Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 3
Swakopmund

Scenic drive north to Swakopmund. [Optional: morning balloon ride over the desert is available at extra cost. It must be booked in advance.] Afternoon free to explore the town. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Staying at The Delight. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
Swakopmund

Choice of a morning’s sea kayaking or catamaran cruise for marine wildlife
(included) from Walvis Bay. Return to Swakopmund. Afternoon at leisure. Various optional excursions are available at extra cost.

Staying at The Delight. Includes All Meals.

Day 5
Damaraland

Scenic drive to Damaraland. Visit the extensive ancient Twyfelfontein rock engravings (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.

Staying at Camp Kipwe. Includes All Meals.

Day 6
Damaraland

Morning 4x4 excursion along the Aba Huab and Huab River valleys in search of desert adapted elephants and other wildlife. Afternoon guided walk or simply relax at the lodge and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Staying at Camp Kipwe. Includes All Meals.

Day 7
Etosha

Scenic drive towards Etosha National Park via the Grootberg Pass. Picnic lunch included. Arrive at Etosha Mountain Lodge, situated in the Etosha Heights Private Reserve bordering the southwestern boundary of Etosha National Park. Afternoon game drive. The lodge has six luxury chalets with breathtaking views, and a main complex with lounge, dining room, bar and swimming pool. Game species found there include black rhino and white rhino, giraffe, eland, mountain zebra, kudu, oryx, cheetah, leopard, springbuck, blue wildebeest, warthog, duiker, black-faced impala and sable antelope.

Staying at Etosha Mountain Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Etosha

Full day's game drive across Etosha National Park to Onguma Game Reserve in the eastern gate (lunch included en route). Fabulous game viewing.

Staying at Onguma Tented Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Etosha / Onguma

Morning safari in eastern Etosha National Park. Afternoon game drive in the private Onguma Game Reserve.

Staying at Onguma Tented Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 10
Africat / Windhoek

Drive south to Okonjima. Guided day visit with AfriCat where you may track leopard, wild dog or hyena in the reserve and visit the leopard and cheetah rehabilitation projects. [OPTIONAL: Extend your tour with one or two nights at Okonjima’s luxury Bush Camp to explore further that great private reserve – details below under Specialist Tips.] Later, transfer to Windhoek. End of tour.

Staying at Okonjima. Includes Breakfast.

Tour Accommodation

Namibia Northern Namibia

Camp Kipwe

Overview

Charming and full of character, Camp Kipwe lies in the heart of Damaraland and is ideally located for the local attractions. The camp is nestled amongst an outcrop of giant granite boulders, a stone’s throw away from the ephemeral Aba Huab riverbed, often traversed by desert adapted elephants.

Each comfortable thatched bungalow is simply yet tastefully furnished, with an en suite, open-air bathroom. In the centre of the camp lies a large alfresco dining area, bar, lounge and reception with an inviting fireplace nearby to relax beside in the evenings. A refreshing swimming pool and sunset lookout with lovely views also complement the camp.

Excursions are offered to Twyfelfontein’s boulders and slabs of red sandstone which hold some 2,500 prehistoric engravings depicting wildlife, animal spoor and abstract motifs. It was Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and is perhaps the largest and finest collection of petroglyphs in Africa.

Geological attractions include the Burnt Mountain with its fantastic range of colours at dawn and dusk, caused by a chemical reaction that took place roughly 125 million years ago when molten lava penetrated organic shale and limestone deposits, resulting in contact metamorphism. In ordinary sunlight it is a dull black.

The Organ Pipes are another geological curiosity in the area consisting of a mass of perpendicular dolerite columns that intruded the surrounding rocks also about 125 million years ago and have since been exposed in a ravine due to river erosion.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
10
Facilities

Private bathrooms, restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, room fans, safes, mosquito repellent, hairdryer and private veranda.

Local Wildlife

There is a population of 600 desert adapted elephants in the region, though they roam over vast areas and are not also easy to see. Other desert adapted mammals include black rhino, besia oryx, springbok, zebra, jackals and birds such as ostrich and bustards. There is also a colony of brightly coloured agama lizards around the lodge.

Optional Activities

Exploration of Damarland. Safaris in search of desert adapted elephants, and other wildlife. Excursions to Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes as well as exploration of the dramatic landscapes of Damaraland.

Namibia Central Namibia

Okonjima Bush & Plains Camps

Overview

The delightful accommodation at Okonjima Bush Camp consists of luxury thatched chalets, spaced widely apart for privacy in the tranquil bush surroundings, plus a main “lapa” area in the form of a camelthorn pod where meals and drinks are taken and activities commence. Each exclusive en-suite chalet is completely private and the green canvas ‘walls’ can be rolled up to give you a 180-degree view so you can watch life in the bush going on around you whilst you lie in bed and relax in total comfort.

The accommodation at the larger Plains Camp consists of 14 Standard en suite terraced rooms and 10 new View Rooms that are set further apart: all rooms overlook the savannah. Two of the View Rooms and four of the Standard Rooms can combine to make a family unit. Each unit has a verandah, a wheelchair-friendly ramp, two double beds, desk, chair, mini bar, coffee/tea facilities, ceiling fans, twin basins, twin showers, safe and internal telephone. The main building, the Barn, contains the restaurant, pool, shop and lounge.

Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a wildlife sanctuary founded in 1991 that is dedicated to creating conservation awareness, preserving habitat, promoting environmental educational research and supporting animal welfare. Their main focus is Africa’s big cats, especially injured or captured leopards and cheetahs.

AfriCat runs the largest cheetah and leopard rescue and release programme in the world. In the last 17 years over 1000 of these predators have been rescued with over 85% being released back into the wild. Close encounters with leopard and cheetah are an unforgettable highlight here. Activities include leopard tracking by vehicle, a visit to the cheetah welfare project and a visit to the night hide where nocturnal animals such as porcupine, caracal, honey badger, eagle owl and even leopard may be seen.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
23
Facilities

Bush Camp: 8 luxury thatched chalets; 1 luxury honeymoon suite (two double beds next to each other). Plains Camp: 14 Standard en suite rooms and 10 new View Rooms. Other facilities include restaurant, bar, boutique shop, swimming pool,

Local Wildlife

Rehabilitated and wild carnivores - in particular cheetah and leopard - can be tracked in the reserve. Spotted hyena, African wild dog, lions and commoner plains herbivores such as impala, springbok, zebra and wildebeest. There is a hide overlooking a floodlit area where cape porcupines and honey badgers are frequently seen and caracal and leopard are also possible.

Optional Activities

Visits to the big cat rehabilitation and welfare centre, visit nearby REST (rare and endangered species trust), night excursion, tracking of wild big cats and other wildlife and bird walks.

Namibia Northern Namibia

Etosha Mountain Lodge

Overview

Etosha Mountain Lodge is most notable for its tranquil setting, perched high on the side of a dolomite hill with stunning 180 degree views over the vast Etosha Heights private reserve.

The reserve offers 600 square-kilometres of unspoiled wildlife, landscapes, and tranquillity. It borders Etosha National Park to the north which is the standout reserve for wildlife in all Namibia.

The traditional lodge features nine comfortable chalets, all of which offer en suite bathrooms as well as indoor showers and bathtubs, fridges in the room and battery charging facilities.

Everything at the lodge runs on solar, keeping things clean and green (but they do have a backup generator too just in case).

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
9
Facilities

A reception area, lounge, dining room, bar, swimming pool with a sun deck, a wine cellar and complimentary laundry service. WIFI is available but unlimited WIFI is accessible for a $50 donation to the reserve’s anti poaching program.

Local Wildlife

On a game drive from Etosha Mountain lodge, you are likely to find elephants, kudu and springbok scattered across the savannah, whilst the herds of antelope, lion, cheetah and even leopard are never too far away. The endangered white rhino wander between the private reserve and nearby Etosha National Park.

Optional Activities

Morning, afternoon and night Game drives, private sundowners, Bush meals and picnics can be arranged on request, day trips to Etosha National Park and visit one of the most impressive and professional anti-poaching stations in Namibia.

Namibia Central Namibia

Dead Valley Lodge

Overview

Newly opened in 2019, Dead Valley Lodge is one of the few to be situated actually within the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

That means guests can access the famous dunes and salt pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei  before other visitors and return to the lodge long after others have had to leave at sundown. The lodge has very 20 comfortable, air-conditioned, detached tented rooms, its own restaurant serving Namibian dishes, a bar and swimming pool, all arranged to maximise views to the nearby Elim Dune, which can be explored independently.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
20
Facilities

Detached en-suite tented rooms with air-conditioning, bar, restaurant, swimming pool and views to Elim Dune and a rugged mountain range.

Optional Activities

Visits to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon

Namibia Northern Namibia

Onguma Tented Camp

Overview

Ideal for romantics desiring the safari experience under canvas, Onguma Tented Camp offers seven luxuriously appointed safari tents, each overlooking the wonderfully active waterhole. In the local Herero language, Onguma means ‘the place you won’t want to leave’, and with its tents offering the ultimate in safari chic it certainly lives up to its name.

Textures such as stone, suede, linen and steel create a setting that is sleek and modern but also inherently of the earth. Inspired by a photograph of an Oryx on Etosha’s Fisher’s Pan, the interior echoes the colours of its natural surrounds. Grey, charcoal, black, white, and creams, together with a touch of muted or unexpectedly bright green, adds sophistication and earthiness to the atmosphere.

An atmosphere of elegant dining prevails, complimented by the daily activities taking place around the watering hole, approximately 60 meters away. The surrounding nature lends itself to long lazy afternoons, spent relaxing on the sofas in the lounge, watching the animals go. And when things heat up, all that is required is a gentle stroll to the rim flow pool. Sit and relax in the flowing waters while enjoying an ice cold cooler.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
7
Facilities

Each tent features an indoor and outdoor shower, bath, twin vanity area, minibar, safe, fans and mosquito nets.

Local Wildlife

Situated on the eastern side of Etosha, bordering Fisher's Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia's best kept secrets! Here you will be afforded the opportunity of experiencing Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve has more than 34,000 hectares of protected land and wildlife.

Onguma nature reserve boasts over thirty different animal species consisting of plains game including kudu, giraffe, eland, oryx, hartebeest, zebra, impala and many more roam freely as well as predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, being common residents of the area.

The latest addition to the already abundant wildlife at Onguma Game Reserve is a family of black rhinos! More than 300 bird species can also be viewed at Onguma Game Reserve. During the Namibian summer months the nature reserve becomes a bird-watcher's paradise with thousands of species migrating to the wetlands created by the seasonal rains and ephemeral river systems.

Optional Activities

Game drives in the nearby Etosha national park or sunset drives in Onguma park. Interpretative bush walks are also on offer with the lodge’s experienced naturalist guides.

Namibia Swakopmund

The Delight Swakopmund

Overview

Opened in 2015, The Delight is centrally located in the heart of Swakopmund close to the Mole, a small town beach, and various popular restaurants such as seaside  eateries the Tug, Wreck and Jetty, useful since the hotel only serves breakfast.

Colourful paintwork and modern decorations gives the hotel a wonderfully contemporary look and feel. The rooms are arranged around a central quadrangle providing a safe space for children.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
54
Facilities

Double or two-storey family rooms, each with en suite, a/c, climate control, safe, minibar, WiFi, patio, kettle, tea/coffee. In the hotel there is a breakfast room, bar, curio shop, lounge area, small gardens. Laundry service is available and there is 24-hour concierge service.

Route Map

Departure Dates

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Flight Info:

Fly from London to Johannesburg, connecting to Windhoek

Best Visited:

March to December

Are you ATOL Registered?

Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.

Alan Godwin

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

This was our second visit to Namibia in just over 12 months, with Reef and Rainforest and our seventh consecutive wildlife trip with them. I think that speaks for itself. This year we were particularly keen to try and observe some desert adapted Lions. The Lions found in ‘The Namib Desert’ are genetically identical to those found in the rest of Southern Africa but have adapted to live in one of the harshest environments on earth. They number around 150 and have a huge range, and are rarely seen. They came to prominence in the outstanding documentary film ‘Vanishing Kings’. The best chance of observing members of this subset of Lions is during a stay at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, although sightings cannot be guaranteed and weeks can pass by without any success. Therefore a stay at this camp was at the heart of our itinerary and we were very lucky to spend time with a Lioness and her niece who had killed an Oryx in the conservancy. The camp itself is absolutely outstanding in every respect and the location is just spectacular.

Visitors should be aware that this is not ‘The Serengeti’ and that the wildlife is quite thin on the ground. However you would have to be very unlucky not to see Elephant, Giraffe and several other species. Whilst we were out in the desert we were lucky to bump in to Dr P. Stander who has dedicated the whole of his adult life to the conservation of The Desert Lion, what a thrill. The day trip out to the coast was pretty special as well.

The rest of the itinerary worked very well and we were very pleased to have three full days in Etosha N.P. where we recorded 25 mammal species, including 32 individual Lions, observed the aftermath of 4 zebra kills, 11 Rhinoceros (both Black & White), an African Wildcat and the rarely seen in Etosha, elusive Leopard.

So a big thank you to ALL at Reef and Rainforest, another highly successful trip, you certainly delivered again.

Mr JW - Scottish Borders