Africa & Beyond Namibia Quick Guide

Namibia

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When to goNamibia is a year-round destination. In the cooler winter months, there is no rain and days are clear and sunny. In the summer months (December - March) possible rainfall in some areas can make driving tricky, but visitors are well rewarded as this is when the desert blooms and ancient dry river beds flow anew.

Most days temperatures stay consistently warm, but a warm fleece is recommended for winter in the desert when the temperatures plummet when the sun goes down.

What to doWatch the colours and shadows create illusions over mile after mile of some of the highest sand dunes in the world around Sossuslvei, track desert-adapted elephant and the largest population of free roaming black rhino in Africa in the Darmaraland/Hoanib region.

Around the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay there are a wealth of adventure activities from quad biking to kite surfing, kayaking and boat cruises, but heading further north brings the eerie Skeleton

Coast, littered with ship wrecks and home to an unbelievable wealth of wildlife. Namibia is also home to Etosha National Park where visitors can see the Big 5 as well as countless numbers of giraffe, zebra and bird species.

Namibia is located in southwest Africa. It is a large and mainly arid country sharing borders with Angola to the north, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the south and, in the Caprivi Strip, a narrow panhandle of Namibian territory jutting from the northeast corner of the country, with Zambia and Zimbabwe. To the west is nearly 1000 miles of some of the most desolate and striking coastline in the world.

Along its entire length, the vast shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert spread inland for 50 to 80 miles. In the interior, the escarpment of a north–south plateau slopes away to the east and north into the vast interior sand basin of the Kalahari. In the far northwest, the 25,500 sq miles of the Kaokoland Mountains run along the coast, while further inland lies the Etosha Pan (a dried-out saline lake), surrounded by grasslands and bush which support a large and varied wildlife. The Etosha National Park & Game Reserve is one of the finest in Africa, in that it remains, to a large extent, free of human influence.

Namibia

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WINDHOEK

Fish RiverCanyon

Waterberg

Damaraland

Estosha National Park

Sossusvlei

SkeletonCoast

Caprivi Strip

Swakopmund

Walvis Bay

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Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa’s finest and most important Game Reserves. It was declared a National Park in 1907 and covers an area of 22,270 square km. The Park is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.

Meaning “Great White Place”, Etosha is dominated by a massive mineral pan. The pan is now a large dusty depression of salt and dusty clay which fills only if the rains are heavy and, even then, only holds water for a short time.

This temporary water in the Etosha Pan attracts thousands of wading birds including impressive flocks of flamingos. The game viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent, the best time being from May to September - the cooler months in Namibia.

Visitors to Etosha Game Reserve can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lion. More fortunate visitors will also see leopard and cheetah.

Etosha National Park

Onguma Tented Camp• Luxurious tented rooms• Game drives on Onguma Private Reserve & Etosha National Park• Bush walks & night drives• Swimming pool & waterhole

Ongava Lodge• Luxury bush chalets• Game drives in Etosha National Park & on Ongava Private Reserve• Watch wildlife from the hide• Family unit available

Mushara Lodge• Airy & modern central area• Spacious guest chalets• Swimming pool• Game drives in Etosha National Park• Family friendly

Ongava Tented Camp• Luxury bush tents• Game drives in Etosha National Park & on Ongava Private Reserve• Swimming pool• Family unit available

Andersson’s Camp• Spacious tented rooms• Family friendly• Game drives in Ongava Private Reserve & Etosha National Park• Ideal for seeing white and black rhino

Onguma Bush Camp• Game drives on Onguma Private Reserve & Etosha National Park• Family friendly• Bush walks & night drives• Swimming pool overlooking waterhole



Mushara Villa• Exceptional luxury villas• In villa meals available• Private plunge pools• Game drives in Etosha National Park• Private ‘sala’ area

Mushara Bush Camp• Luxury tented accommodation• Family friendly• Light airy central areas• Dedicated children’s pool & activities• Game drives in Etosha National Park

Dolomite Camp• Elevated luxury guest tents• Rare black rhino within the area• Game drives inside Etosha National Park• Swimming pool with viewing deck• Waterhole for close up game viewing

The Sossusvlei, Namibia’s famous highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan, enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular hills of sand stand at a height of 300 metres, the highest in the world.

The dunes of the Namib Desert have developed over many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf.

The best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade, while sunset also offers excellent photo opportunities.

Sossusvlei

Wolwedans Dune Camp• Spacious tented rooms on elevated platform• Sleep outs on private deck possible• Indoor/outdoor dining with lovely views• Horse riding, hot air balloon flights• Nature walks & game drives

Kulala Desert Lodge• Rustic luxury rooms with raised deck• Roof top space for sleep outs• Close access to dunes for early climbs• Nature walks & game drives• Horse riding, quad biking & hot air balloon flights

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge• Luxury guest rooms with 360° veranda• Never ending desert views• Easy access for dune climbs• Hot air balloon, quad biking• Wildlife walks & drives

Desert Homestead• Stylish, cool stone rooms• Swimming pool with sun/shade terrace• Close to Sesriem gate for dune climbing• Nature walks & game drives• Horse riding, quad biking & hot air balloon flights

Desert Homestead Outpost• Spacious wooden family friendly rooms• Swimming pool with sun/shade terrace• Close to Sesriem gate for dune climbing• Nature walks & game drives• Horse riding, quad biking & hot air balloon flights

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge• Luxury wood & glass guest rooms• Elevated rooms for great views• Swimming pool with sun terrace• Horse riding, hot air balloon flights• Nature walks & game drives


Hoodia Desert Lodge• Light, airy canvas and thatched tents• Surrounded by mountain, set on the Tshauchab river bank• Close to Sesriem gate for dune climbs• 4x4 desert drives & picnics• Hot air balloon flights & horse riding

Sossus Dune Lodge• Spacious eco-friendly chalets• Private viewing verandas• Dune drives & climbs, nature walks• Swimming pool and sun deck• Restaurant & bar with desert views

Boulders Safari Camp• Exclusive private camp• Just four luxurious, spacious guest tents• Scenic drives and walks on the private reserve• Nestled amongst giant granite boulders• Big sky views from your private veranda


The Kunene Region of Namibia covers a vast swathe of harsh and inhospitable desert. It covers much of north-west Namibia and is divided into several huge private conservancies where the most reliable source of water is the fog created by the Atlantic waters that meet the warm air of the coast. From rolling sand dunes to stark endless plains, ancient valleys and dry river beds give way to the desolate Skeleton Coast in this wild and yet beautiful landscape where only the hardiest of species survive.

Remarkably these seemingly inhabitable surroundings are home to superbly adapted wildlife that has evolved over time to survive in this arid environment. Herds of nomadic elephant are found traversing the dried seasonal riverbeds in search of water and vegetation. These small oases also provide sustenance to a wide range of superbly adapted species including springbok, gemsbok, giraffe and a variety of other species, as well as lion and cheetah.

This is also home to the largest free roaming population of black rhino as well as several endemic Namibian species of bird. Nomadic Himba tribesmen still live their traditional nomadic lifestyle and Africa’s largest collection of prehistoric rock engravings and San rock art can be found at Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first World Heritage Site.

Damaraland & Surrounds

Etendeka Mountain Camp• Spacious tented rooms• Remote, tranquil location• Game drives and nature walks• See desert adapted elephant and rhino• Recognised top rated Eco-lodge

Damaraland Camp• Elevated thatched guest rooms• Safari drives on the Torra Conservancy• See desert adapted rhino & elephant• Swimming pool, outdoor ‘Boma’ area• Supports community projects

Serra Cafema• Luxury canvas, thatched guest suites• Remote, tranquil location• Nature walks, cultural experiences• Quad biking on dunes & boat safari• Swimming pool, indoor/outdoor lounge & dining

Desert Rhino Camp• Spacious, luxury guest tents• Game drives & walks on Palmwag Concession• Rhino Tracking• Swimming pool• Indoor/outdoor lounge & dining

Doro Nawas• Huge canvas, thatched guest units• Spacious veranda with views• Sleep outs on the veranda possible• Game drives and walks available• Twyfelfontein visits & birdwatching

Mowani Mountain Camp• Domed thatch/canvas guest tents• Elevated position for specatular views• Game drives & nature walks• Visits to Twyfelfontein & ‘Organ Pipes’• Swimming pool & terrace


Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp• Spacious luxury guest tents• Remote, exclusive area• Skeleton coast tours to see seals and ship wrecks• Game drives & nature walks• Wooden terrace and lap pool

Camp Kipwe• Luxury stone, thatched dome chalets• Tranquil unspoilt location• Game drives & nature walks• Swimming pool• Indoor/outdoor dining with endless views

Vingerklip Lodge• Set in 1600 hectares of private reserve• Two swimming pools• Light and airy guest rooms• Family friendly• Walking, sundowner drives & mountain biking


Windhoek is often the starting or finishing point to a holiday in Namibia. It accommodates an estimated 240,000 inhabitants, representing an ethnic cross section of Namibia. Indigenous groups include the Owambo, Herero, Damara, Nama, Kavango, Caprivians, Bushmen, Tswana and Basters, as well as Germans, Afrikaners and other international groups.

Pulsing with life, opportunity and a sparkle of adventure, Windhoek is a multicultural city characterised by tranquil co-existence and enough space for all its citizens. Visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds like the more European-style culture and comforts offered in the city, to the vivid drumbeats of Africa in its environs.

Windhoek & Surrounds

Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp• Home of Africat Foundation• Rustic, luxury accommodation• 2.5 hrs drive from Windhoek• Nature walks, drives & big cat interaction• Indoor/outdoor dining & swimming pool

Heinitzburg Hotel• Traditional city hotel • Individually designed rooms • Swimming pool & gardens• Family friendly • Onsite restaurants & bar

Erongo Wilderness Lodge• Small secluded bush lodge• Raised rooms with views• 10 Luxury tented chalets• Nature drives, walks & birdwatching• Indoor & outdoor dining, delicious home cooked meals

Galton House• Small stylish guest house• Just 8 individually styled rooms• Indoor/Outdoor dining, a la carte menu• Swimming pool• Close to Windhoek centre and Eros Airport

The Olive Grove• Exclusive boutique hotel• Individually designed suites• Private plunge pool in the premier suite• Close to Windhoek centre and airports• Exquisite seasonal menu

Okonjima Plains Camp• Home of Africat Foundation• 2.5 hours drive from Windhoek• Double & family rustic rooms• Nature walks, drives & big cat interaction • Dining room, lounge & pool areas


The appearance of the town, with its 30,000 inhabitants, is characterised by numerous colonial buildings with the Woermann House from 1905 as its landmark. Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort with a nostalgic atmosphere, many tourist attractions and a lovely climate in summer.

Some 30kms south of Swakopmund, the special attraction of Walvis Bay is the huge natural lagoon with its overwhelming abundance of seabirds. 120,000 birds were counted recently in the lagoon, innumerable flamingos and pelicans among them. Each year they are joined by some 200,000 migratory birds, making this a birder’s paradise.

Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

Cornerstone Guest House• Small family run guest house• Family friendly guest rooms• Close to city & coast• Centre for adventure sports• Dolphin watching, kayaking, dune surfing

The Stiltz• Uninterrupted views across the ocean• Huge wooden guest rooms on ‘Stiltz’• Family friendly• Kayaking, dolphin cruise, quad biking• Close to Swakopmund centre

Pelican Point Lodge• Luxury lodge with converted lighthouse• Remote, tranquil location• Wonderful onsite restaurant• Close to Walvis Bay centre• Ideal location for adventure sports

Pelican Bay• Small hotel overlooking Walvis Bay• Family friendly• All rooms have deck or balcony with sea views• Dolphin watching, kayaking, dune surfing

Burning Shore Hotel• Close to Swakopmund centre• Family friend hotel• Views over the Atlantic Ocean• Inhouse restaurant and cocktail bar• Explore the coast and try adventure sports

Hansa Hotel• Large international style hotel• Family friendly• Ideal location for city and coast• Centre for adventure sports• Onsite bar & restaurant


Ultimate Fly-In Safari

Day 1Arrive in Windhoek, the country’s capital and immediately you’ll feel the relaxed, friendly vibe of the city.

Spend the day relaxing or exploring and overnight in accommodation to suit your style from traditional hotel to boutique guesthouse.

Day 3-5Depart from Windhoek Eros airport heading for the remote wonderland of the Namib Desert. Spend your days exploring and climbing the giant sand dunes, maybe try horse riding or quad biking across the vast plains or for the ultimate rush, witness the breath-taking landscape from on high with a sunrise hot air balloon flight.

We recommend Kulala Desert Lodge which offers rustic yet luxurious accommodation and is set within the park limits, giving guests earlier access to the dunes. Another recommended option is Desert Homestead Outposts, a cosy ranch set within 7000 ha of private reserve, just a short drive into the National Park and a prime destination for those seeking seclusion and adventure in one glorious setting.

Day 6-8Next, fly along the rugged Atlantic coastline to

Damaraland, a vast region where the coastal dunes roll into dramatic desert plains filled with ancient valleys, mountain peaks and hardy desert adapted animals including rhino and elephant.

Expert guides will introduce you to the unique surroundings, and adventures on foot to track rare black rhino are a true highlight. Game drives and ‘sleep outs’ under the stars are also possible. Accommodation choices are excellent here.

We recommend Entendeka Mountain Camp, Mowani Mountain Camp and Desert Rhino Camp, all set in secluded locations with endless views. Here luxury and comfort are essential elements to the guest experience, whilst the wildlife and landscape remain in the spotlight.

Day 9-11An eastward flight takes guest next to Etosha National Park, a prime wildlife region where game drives concentrate around the central mineral pan, especially in the drier seasons where it becomes one of the only sources of water for wildlife.

Here guests will find a wide variety of accommodation from ensuite tented accommodation to luxury private villas all offering games drive within the park and surrounding private reserves.

Day 12Fly back to Windhoek connecting with flights home or to continue your adventure.

Big Cat Module4 Day AdventureOkonjima is home to Africat - a wildlife charity that is passionate about the protection of the Big Cats of Namibia. The country supports the largest population of cheetahs in Africa, but with that comes conflict when cheetahs meet farmland.

Africat rescues injured cats and whenever possible will relocate them to more remote areas where human contact is more limited. But for those they are unable to release, they get to live at Okonjima, a 55,000 acre private reserve, where guests come to learn more about these most elegant creatures and see them up close.

A choice of accommodation welcomes all guests, whether you’re looking for the family friendly Plains Camp or the total exclusivity that The Grand African Villa provides.

Coastal ModuleNamibia boasts one of the largest coastlines of any country. It stretches for almost 1000 miles flanked on one side by the Atlantic and rolling sand dunes on the other. The towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay provide the country’s playground, making the most of the landscape. Boat cruises, kayaking, quad biking and kite surfing to name a few are all possible.

Whilst strewn along the coast are ship wrecks, long washed up on the shore where just the bare frames of the ships remain giving this unforgiving region its name ‘Skeleton Coast’. Heading to the most accessible northerly point is Cape Cross, famed for its huge and ‘fragrant’ cape fur seal residents.

Namibia Itineraries

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Africa & Beyond Namibia Quick Guide