Gems of Namibia

This safari begins and ends at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek.

DAY 1: WINDHOEK

On arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport you will be met by a member of the &Beyond team, who will drive you to your hotel.

Located in a picturesque valley, Windhoek's German heritage can be felt in its architecture, food, restaurants and, of course, the beer. Namibian beer is said to be the best in Africa and is brewed in Windhoek.

Spend the night at the Olive Grove Guest House. Your stay includes breakfast. 

Day 2 - 3: Okonjima Nature Reserve

Drive approximately three hours to Okonjima Bush Camp.

Just west of the Waterberg, amidst vast plains scattered with the remnants of ancient sandstone outcrops that skirt the Omboroko Mountain is Okonjima. A local Herero name meaning 'place of the baboons', this spectacular area is also home to The Africat Foundation, which supports the conservation of the world's largest free-ranging population of cheetah and Namibia's largest wildcat population.

Relax for two nights in a thatched rondavel at Okonjima Bush Camp. Your stay includes all meals and scheduled activities. Adventures include cheetah tracking on foot, leopard tracking, bird watching and the Bushmen Trail, where guests can experience a day in the life of a San Bushman.

Day 4 - 5: Onguma Private Game Reserve

Head off on a three to four hour self-drive adventure to Onguma Private Game Reserve, situated on the border of the Etosha National Park.

One of Africa's great wildlife parks, Etosha is Namibia's prime conservation area. The reserve consists of grassy plains set around a huge salt pan, which becomes a lake after heavy rains and attracts large flocks of pink flamingo. Etosha is home to the Big Five, as well as giraffe and rare species like the black-faced impala, Hartmann's mountain zebra and the world's smallest antelope, the Damara dikdik.

Indulge in two nights in a tent at Onguma Tented Camp. Your stay includes all meals, as well as two guided nature walks. Optional adventures include morning and afternoon game drives into Etosha National Park.

Day 6: Ongava Game Reserve

Drive through the breathtaking wilderness of Etosha National Park to Ongava Game Reserve, with shares an unfenced boundary with the park, enabling large game such as elephant and lion to move freely.

Spend the night in a chalet at Ongava Lodge. Your stay includes all meals and scheduled activities. Adventures include day and night game drives, visiting hides that overlook waterholes and walks with experienced guides.

Day 7 - 9: Damaraland

Hop into your care for the approximately five-hour journey to Damaraland.

A breathtaking mountainous region, Damaraland is home to an assortment of desert-adapted wildlife, including elephant, rhino and zebra. The picturesque Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountains, is home to thousands of ancient rock paintings while, nearby, the rocky outcrops of Twyfelfontein feature exceptional Bushmen engravings. One of Damaraland's more unusual habitats is the Petrified Forest, a haunting landscape of gigantic fossilised trees millions of years old.

Linger for two nights in a safari tent at Mowani Mountain Camp. Your stay includes meals and two guided nature walks. Activities available at an additional cost include guided nature drives in search of desert elephant and excursions to Twyfelfontein.

Day 9 - 10: Swakopmund

A scenic drive of five to six hours will take you to the quaint town of Swakopmund.

This charming seaside town retains a strong German flavour, with cobbled streets, picturesque buildings and typical German restaurants and pubs. The town offers many adventure sports. Sample some of the local beer and fare, such as fish, lobster and oysters.

Spend two nights at the Swakopmund Guesthouse. Your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 11 - 13: NamibRand Nature Reserve

Drive approximately five to six hours to the NamibRand Nature Reserve, passing through some of Namibia's most dramatic landscapes.

The largest private nature reserve in Africa, the NamibRand Nature Reserve spans 180 000 hectares (445 000 hectares) or unspoiled desert wilderness. The spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei, situated nearby, are among the highest in the world. Towering over a dry pan and arrayed in magnificent hues of orange, buttermilk and sienna, these breathtaking dunes are constantly twisted and shaped by the wind.

Relax for three nights at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Your stay is on a full board basis, including activities within the NamibRand Nature Reserve and a complimentary balloon safari (weather dependent). Adventures include scenic drives, guides walks and hiking trails and guided quad bike trails through the dunes, as well as stargazing in a fully equipped observatory with a resident astronomer.

Day 14: Departure

Drive back to Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek (five to six hours), where you will drop off your hired vehicle.