Road Trip: Desert Adventure, Waterfalls and Safari Magic

Visit the legendary Joe’s Beerhouse in Windhoek for an upbeat afternoon or evening on this self-guided activity. You can enjoy the quirky vibe of the restaurant that is decorated with old trinkets, road signs, barrels, and bottles, and styled like a rustic village with thatched roofs, courtyards, and archways. Choose to sit around one of the makeshift barrel tables with wooden tops, sip chilled Namibian or German beer from the bar, and share travel stories with the local people and tourists. You can also relish Namibian cuisine with a German twist, including the tastiest succulent cuts of game meat, in the partially open dining area. (Self-organized Activity; No Guide & No Transfers; Food & Drinks are not included)

Join in an adventurous walk in the company of bushmen (San) to their demonstrational village. Here you will be honored to get a peek into the traditional bushman life in the wild. Get insights into their daily survival skills and secrets inherited and preserved from the times of their forefathers. You will be joyfully welcomed by a bushman family who will show you various traditional practices and crafts. You will be thrilled by how they keep water in ostrich eggs, set up hunting traps, and the craft of making bead jewelry.

Experience stunning natural beauty in the vast Kalahari desert on an adventurous night safari. Start from Bagatelle Game Ranch and drive through the eerie desert atmosphere past acacia trees and unludating sand dunes. Watch the star-studded sky and the expanse of desert bathed in moonlight. Look out for nocturnal animals such as the Earth’s wolf, wild cats or owls in the moonlight. Hear about intriguing desert experiences and local tales from your well-trained gamekeeper guide.

Situated deep in the nature reserve, Desert Homestead Lodge offers exciting excursions into the Sossusvlei. Enjoy the magnificent view of the dunes of the Namib Desert while driving to the Sossusvlei in open safari vehicles. A combination of scenic beauty and profound knowledge of the area imparted by the professional guides will satiate your travel lust. Experience the sights, sounds and smell of the desert around you during the early morning or afternoon drives. Afternoon drives are best suited for the guests looking for a more private experience of the dunes. (Full Day; Duration: 7 hrs; Sunrise until Early Afternoon; Shared Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate; Notes: Wear comfortable clothes and closed toe walking shoes, carry enough water)

Discover colonial landmarks in the historic coastal town of Swakopmund (German for “Mouth of the Swakop”), situated 350km west of Windhoek, and sandwiched between the Atlantic ocean and the Namib Desert, at your own pace on this self-guided activity. 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 the prominent Damara tower, and now a public library. Run through glimpses of Namibian history in the Swakopmund Museum. Admire incredible crystal formations, including the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster in the Kristall Galerie. Choose to visit the lighthouse built in 1903 from hewn quarry stones and the pier known as the Mole. Explore the Altes Gefängnis prison, designed by Heinrich Bause in 1909. Finish your day at the Swakopmund jetty with its iron bridge that was abandoned in 1916 and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets Africas. (Half Day; Any entrance fees, snacks and beverages on guest account.)

Dine offshore at the Jetty 1905 Restaurant, located in the Swakopmund Jetty, and effortlessly blends maritime history, delicious food, and breathtaking views. Enjoy a short 640-meter walk over the roaring Atlantic sea along the iron bridge built in 1911 by German settlers, abandoned in 1916, and renovated and reopened in 2010. Why don't you then settle down at one of the tables and take in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the long coastline? Watch a spectacular sunset if you happen to be there at dusk. Sip a glass of wine, and relish fresh seafood dishes, sushi, and steaks to the company of lashing waves. (Costs for meals and beverages on guest account.)

Set off at a convenient time on this enjoyable self-guided exploration of the country’s oldest winery. Make your way to the sprawling Kristallkellerei farm located just outside of Omaruru town to know more about the wines produced in this part of the world. Stroll around the lush vineyards near the Erongo Mountain range that sit on sandy soil irrigated with well water. Gain insights into how vintners nurture their vineyards in a region known for its extreme fluctuations of heat and cold. Get a glimpse of the equipment used to extract wine from the grapes and the techniques that give the wine its unique taste. Learn all about the differences between a Colombard and a Tinta Barocca. Before you wind up your tour, savor a taste of the house wines as well as schnapps to return with some memorable experiences. (1-2 hrs; This is a stopover activity; Meals and beverages and any activity costs at guests account. We recommend to prebook the visit.)

Discover the pre-historic rock engravings at the ancient site of Twyfelfontein on this self-guided exploration. Set off at your own pace and make your way to the site of the petroglyphs on the banks of the Aba Huab River. 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 your official guide narrates interesting details about this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop to admire some of the unusual natural geological formations along the way as you follow your guide back to the exit. (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Fitness Level: Moderate. It is compulsory to be accompanied by a local guide who will escort you to and from the site. For guests on self-drive: All expenses on guest account.)

Embark on this self-guided discovery tour of two unusual geological attractions in the Damaraland region. Set off at your own pace and make your 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 (100 m) 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 the distance to the petrified forest where you can find tree trunks that are up to 111 feet (34 m) in length. Look up close at the 50-odd tree trunks that are thought to be 260 million years old. Listen as your local guide speaks about how the trees are likely to have been swept downstream to this spot in a massive flood. Explore this national monument to your heart’s content before returning to your accommodation. (Duration: Half Day; For guests on self-drive: No transfer and entry fees included; Fitness Level: Moderate. It is compulsory to be accompanied by a local guide who will escort you to and from the site.)

Discover the romance of an ancient landscape at dusk! As the sun begins to set on Okutala ranch, set out from your camp in the direction of the vast horizon. Amid this rugged, unspoiled land, your guide will help you choose the perfect vantage point from where to watch the changing colors before you. Settle down for your cool drink of choice, enjoying the golden rays on your back, listening to the quiet sounds of nature all around you, and observing an abundance of wild animals make their way back to shelter. Once dusk settles, wrap up your picnic in the African wild and return to your camp for the night.

Experience the fascinating Namibian wilderness inside Etosha National Park, from its eastern edge. Set out on a typical safari vehicle armed with an experienced ranger and expert tracker, who will introduce you to the surrounding flora, fauna, and local mythology. Visit the shimmering silvery-white Etosha Pan, the largest of its kind in Africa, gracefully stretching into the horizon. Fringed by open savanna grasslands with fairy circles, diverse vegetation, and distinct waterholes, Etosha presents an air of excitement, where, with patience, you'll be rewarded with excellent wildlife sightings. Hang around the many watering holes, each with a distinct character, and witness the daily spectacle of wildlife unfold. Elephants splash about and spray water, giraffes nibble on Acacia, and herds of game gather to quench their thirst, while lions, leopards, and hyenas among others wait to catch their prey. You might have a chance encounter with the endangered black and white rhinos, and a bevy of birds as well!

Experience the fascinating Namibian wilderness inside Etosha National Park, from its eastern edge. Set out on a typical safari vehicle armed with an experienced ranger and expert tracker, who will introduce you to the surrounding flora, fauna, and local mythology. Visit the shimmering silvery-white Etosha Pan, the largest of its kind in Africa, gracefully stretching into the horizon. Fringed by open savanna grasslands with fairy circles, diverse vegetation, and distinct waterholes, Etosha presents an air of excitement, where, with patience, you'll be rewarded with excellent wildlife sightings. Hang around the many watering holes, each with a distinct character, and witness the daily spectacle of wildlife unfold. Elephants splash about and spray water, giraffes nibble on Acacia, and herds of game gather to quench their thirst, while lions, leopards, and hyenas among others wait to catch their prey. You might have a chance encounter with the endangered black and white rhinos, and a bevy of birds as well!

Experience the fascinating Namibian wilderness inside Etosha National Park, from its eastern edge. Set out on a typical safari vehicle armed with an experienced ranger and expert tracker, who will introduce you to the surrounding flora, fauna, and local mythology. Visit the shimmering silvery-white Etosha Pan, the largest of its kind in Africa, gracefully stretching into the horizon. Fringed by open savanna grasslands with fairy circles, diverse vegetation, and distinct waterholes, Etosha presents an air of excitement, where, with patience, you'll be rewarded with excellent wildlife sightings. Hang around the many watering holes, each with a distinct character, and witness the daily spectacle of wildlife unfold. Elephants splash about and spray water, giraffes nibble on Acacia, and herds of game gather to quench their thirst, while lions, leopards, and hyenas among others wait to catch their prey. You might have a chance encounter with the endangered black and white rhinos, and a bevy of birds as well!

Drift along the river Kavango by boat, delighting in the glistening water and sunset hues. Sip on some champagne to add to the experience. This cruise offered by the Gondwana Hakusembe River Lodge is also apt for quiet conversations and relaxation, far from the crowds. The areas around the Kavango are noted for their wildlife, so if you are lucky, you might even catch sight of animals that come to the river bank at dusk for water. Enjoy the unique ambience offered by the Kavango river, the lifeblood of the people of the region that sustains agriculture, fishing and other forms of livelihood.

Set off on an exciting adventure with a game drive through Buffalo Game Park. Home to numerous game, a visit to the Buffalo Core Area, as its is officially called, will not leave you disappointed. Keep your cameras ready as your guide points out to big herds of elephants, buffalos, roan and sable antelope going about their daily routine in an exceptionally scenic environment. Catch sight of lions, leopards, impalas, reedbucks, hippos and some of the 400 species of birds that call this place home. With your guide sharing information and insights about the rich biodiversity of the region, this game drive becomes a truly enriching experience. Head back to your lodge with images and memories for a lifetime. (Duration: Half Day; Fitness level: Easy)

Set out on a boat cruise from Nunda River Lodge to experience a magical color show in the sky as you float down the Okavango river. Head to Popa Falls, which are more rapids that falls, to view the cascading water split into multiple channels. With a large number of species calling this place home, you are sure to get some truly fabulous animal sightings, including that of elephants, hippos, buffalo, sable antelope and some of over 450 bird species. As the sun sets over the horizon, watch the sky change hues with every passing minute. Head back to your hotel as you take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful region with only the chirping and chattering of birds giving your company. (Half Day; Time: Late Afternoon; Fitness level: Easy)

Set out in an open 4×4 vehicle and spend half a day exploring the wildlife at Buffalo National Park. You will be accompanied by an expert ranger from Divava Okavango Resort and Spa, who will guide you on the best spots to find game and enlighten you regarding the biodiversity of the region. You could chance upon a myriad of animals here, including elephants with their babies, buffalos, hippos, roan antelopes, impalas, and crocodiles, apart from a plethora of bird species. (Duration: Half Day; Please note that the narrow roads leading to this park could get flooded during the rainy season, Jan—Feb, when the Okavango river rises).

Go on a boat cruise to view a magical sunset and the exquisite wilderness surrounding the river Okavango. From your accommodation at the Divava Okavango Resort and Spa, get onto a small or large boat that drifts gently along the river allowing you to absorb and appreciate the natural landscape around you. A local guide will throw light on the animal and bird species you see along the way, as well as the significance of the river to the people living in the area. The cruise will end close to Popa Falls where you can enjoy some refreshments while watching the sunset near the waterfall.

Step aboard a comfortable boat for your sunset cruise down the majestic Zambezi river. Sit back and relax as you wind your way through the waterways where hippos lounge on the bank and elephants quench their thirst. Click some great pictures of crocodiles basking quietly in the late afternoon sun. Sip your refreshing drink and relish the light snacks as you watch the birds make their way home before nightfall. Feel lulled by the gentle movements of the boat as you enjoy the beauty of the river and the dense jungle that borders it. Sail back to the lodge as the sun bids adieu and the sky turns a myriad of colors. (Duration: 1.5 hrs; Meal Included: Light Snacks and Beverages; Fitness Level; Easy)

Experience exciting game drives and bush walks, get a glimpse of African every day life and feel awed by the beauty of Africa on wonderful boat safaris on the majestic Chobe River. Marvel at the beautiful afternoon light and the reflection of the sun as you peacefully glide over the river while enjoying your favorite drink and observing hundreds of elephants along the shores of the river – bathing, drinking, playing and cajoling. This is one of the most memorable safari experiences you will ever have!

Strap on your boots and get ready for an exciting early morning journey into the bush on foot. The sooner you set out, the better it is – early morning is the best time to witness the African bush in all its glory. Watch wild surprises unfold right in front of you as meander down the walking trails with an experienced guide. You can also opt for game drives in the morning, afternoon, and evening, or for the full-day, to explore the concession. Watch hippos, zebras, giraffes, elephants and wildebeest move around in their natural habitat from up close. Your guide will provide you with valuable information on the behavior and habits of different animal species. Stop by the watering hole, a favorite gathering spot for animals, for a thrilling close encounter with the Presidential Elephant Herd. Head back to your lodge with rare images and unforgettable memories.