Namibia Highlights: Fly-Drive Journey

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Windhoek. Start by exploring the striking landmarks on Robert Mugabe Avenue by car or on foot. Visit the renovated State House, the erstwhile seat of former South West African administrators, and now the official residence of the country’s Prime Minister. Then, head to Christ Church, or the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was built in 1910. See the influences of Neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and Art Nouveau styles in its architecture. Do not miss the stained-glass windows donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Later, walk east to the Tintenpalast, which means Ink Palace, housing the Namibian Parliament and overlooking the beautiful Parliament Gardens. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Early in the morning, head out to explore the Sossusvlei region within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Drive through the dramatic landscape, and admire the lofty sand dunes that appear to change shades throughout the day. Take a break at the landmark Dune 45, which you can climb on foot. Back on the road, try to spot desert wildlife including oryxes, snakes and geckos. Visit Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the region. Traverse up the dune ridge and enjoy panoramic views of Sossusvlei. Next up is Deadvlei, a stunning location featuring a white clay pan formed by the flooding of the Tsauchab River. Marvel at the ancient petrified acacia trees that stand out against the ochre dunes around. Shortly after, enjoy a picnic brunch surrounded by the shifting sands, before returning to your accommodation. (Duration: 6 hrs; Time of the day: early morning; Shared activity & transfers; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: moderate; Please wear comfortable clothes & closed toe walking shoes, and carry drinking water)

Early in the morning, head out on a scenic drive to the Sossusvlei region within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Admire the lofty sand dunes as the sun slowly rises in the sky. Take a break at the landmark Dune 45, which you can climb. Back on the road, spot desert wildlife including oryxes, snakes, and geckos. Pass Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the region. Traverse up the dune ridge and enjoy panoramic vistas of Sossusvlei against the bright sun. Next up, head to Deadvlei, a stunning location featuring a white clay pan formed by the flooding of Tsauchab River. Marvel at the ancient petrified acacia trees that stand out against the ochre dunes. Shortly after, enjoy a picnic brunch surrounded by the shifting sands, before returning to your accommodation. (Duration: half day; Time of the day: early in the morning; Shared activity & transfers;  Meals include: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: moderate; Please wear comfortable clothes & closed toe walking shoes, carry drinking water)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions in Swakopmund. This historic coastal town, which means ‘Mouth of the Swakop’ in German, is sandwiched between the Atlantic ocean and the Namib Desert. Learn about the colonial history of the town that was founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German southwest Africa. Visit the National Marine Aquarium that features aquatic creatures from the cold Benguela Current in the south Atlantic Ocean. Drop by the Woermannhaus, with its prominent Damara tower, which is now a public library. Gain an understanding of Namibian history at the Swakopmund Museum. Admire incredible crystal formations, including the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster in the Kristall Galerie. You could also visit the lighthouse that was built in 1903 and the pier known as the Mole. Explore the Altes Gefängnis prison, designed by Heinrich Bause in 1909. End the day at the Swakopmund jetty, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting the Tug Restaurant. Situated meters from the town center, the restaurant lies at the entrance of Swakopmund’s iconic jetty. Built around the original Danie Hugo Tugboat, it features indoor and outdoor dining areas that overlook the waterfront. Feast on a diverse menu of dishes, comprising locally sourced fruit and vegetables, seafood dishes and prime cuts of meat prepared on flavorful mopane wood charcoal. Pair your meal with a wide variety of fine South African wines, premium spirits and French champagne. Try John Dory goujons with tartar sauce, crispy kingklip burgers or garlic prawns in melted cheese. Sample three-week, wet-aged cuts of beef, which include rump steaks, springbok Cordon Bleu and panko and parmesan beef filet. For dessert, indulge in a chocolate fondant or a flaky pastry made with Marula nuts and dry fruits that is served with Greek yogurt ice-cream and Amarula liqueur. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Timings: 1700-2130 hrs (Mon-Fri), 1100-2130 hrs (Sat & Sun); Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Get up close to unique, native marine life in the natural harbor and sand dunes of Walvis Bay (Whale Bay) during this self-guided activity. Watch the flocks of lesser and greater flamingos and other avian species feeding in the lagoon, the Salt Works or in the artificial pools of the Birds Paradise sanctuary, the three of which together form the most important coastal wetland for migratory birds in southern Africa. Birdwatch from the observation tower or go on a nature walk in the sanctuary. You could choose to climb the country’s highest dune, Dune 7, the seventh dune you encounter after crossing the Tsauchab river. Go on a boat ride and try to spot seals and southern right whales. Later, explore the Walvis Bay Museum with its cultural, archaeological, maritime history and visual art collections. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Walvis Bay Museum timings: o900 – 1630 hrs (Mon – Fri); Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Discover the pre-historic rock engravings at the ancient site of Twyfelfontein on this self-guided exploration. Reach the site of the petroglyphs, located on the banks of the Aba Huab River, at a convenient time. Join a guided tour once here. Walk down to the rocks that are located in a valley between the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. Marvel at some of the 2,500 engravings that have been discovered in this region as a guide shares interesting details about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop to admire some of the unusual natural geological formations. After you are done, head back to your accommodation.  (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Fitness level: moderate; Guide not included; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; It is compulsory to be accompanied by a local guide who will escort you to and from the site)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting two unusual geological attractions in the Damaraland region. Make your own way to the outskirts of Khorixas town near the Burnt Mountain. Follow the path that leads to a small gorge that is home to a 328 feet stretch of unique basalt rock formations that resemble organ pipes. Get a good look at the cluster that is believed to be 150 million years old. Afterward, travel to the petrified forest where you can find ancient tree trunks. Get a close up view of the unique tree trunks that are thought to be 260 million years old. Learn about how the trees are said to have been swept downstream to this spot in a massive flood. After you finish exploring, head back to your accommodation. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Book a game drive to explore the southern part of the Etosha National Park. Drive through the wildlife rich park and admire the natural landscape teeming with life. Spot big cats, herds of elephant, wildebeest, zebra, eland and springbok, as well as the national park’s resident rhino population, on your safari ride.  Stop at one of the many waterholes dotting the park, where the animals congregate in the morning and evening. If you like, take a break at one of the government-run lodges within the park for a meal before you wrap up. (Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting German Locomotive Number 41.  Make your way to Otjiwarongo railway station where this locomotive built by the Henschel company of Kassel, Germany, in 1921 is housed. Learn about the locomotive that was retired in 1960s after the narrow gauge became obsolete. Afterward, head to a popular city restaurant for a great meal. You can choose from Casa Forno, known for its home-style cooking with a range of freshly baked breads and pizzas, along with excellent wines. Or, lunch at Bean Tree restaurant with its flavorful coffees and German cuisine. Alternatively, you could dine al fresco on exotic crocodile meat delicacies at the Crocodile Farm restaurant. (This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Make your own way there from your hotel in Otijwarongo. On your arrival, you will need to book a group guided tour. They are held every hour starting at 0900 hrs until 1600 hrs. At the appointed time, meet your CCF guide and proceed to explore the Field Research and Education Center together. Learn about the history and habits of the world’s fastest land animal and get an introduction to the organization’s orphan cheetahs. Your guide will also explain the threats to the cheetah’s survival and the work CCF is doing to safeguard the species in the wild. Then, get an introduction to the livestock guarding dog programme and how it has helped reduce livestock losses from predators. Proceed to the Cheetah Museum, after which you can continue to observe the cheetahs from the on-site café while sipping a cup of coffee. If you happen to visit during feeding times, you can participate in feeding the cheetahs as well. (Duration: 1 hr; Self-explore activity; Time: every hour from 0900 to 1600 hrs; Entrance fees included; Transfers & meals are not included; Fitness level: easy)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend experiencing the Cheetah Drive at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). Organize your own transport from your hotel to the fund’s headquarters, located about 45 minutes outside of Otjiwarongo. On your arrival, sign up for the next available Cheetah Drive slot. At the appointed time, meet your CCF guide and drive into one of the expansive enclosures. Your guide will introduce you to some of the fund’s cheetahs and enable you to get some excellent close-up photos and videos of these beautiful, endangered animals. Following the drive, browse the Cheetah Museum to learn more about this big cat and the challenges it faces. You can also tour the Visitor Centre, which contains the Cheetah Cafe, Gift Shop, education classrooms and genetics laboratory. If you visit during feeding time, you will get an opportunity to feed the cheetahs as well. The feeding session generally lasts about half an hour. Afterwards, return to your hotel on your own. (Duration: 1 hr; Time: every hour from 0930 to 1530 hrs; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy)