Itinerary
  
Day 1: Arrive Windhoek, Namibia
Day 1:Arrive Windhoek You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Hilltop House, a luxurious converted home set to give travelers a wonderful view of this colonial city. Namibia was colonized in the early 20th century by Germany and its capital, Windhoek, still exhibits much of the German history in its wonderful colonial buildings. Explore Windhoek on your own.

Days 2 & 3: Sossusvlei Sand Dunes, Namib Desert
In the morning of Day 2 we transfer to the airport for our flight to Sossusvlei. The flight itself provides wonderful views of the spectacular landscape that has made Namibia a favorite for National Geographic Magazine. On our nature drives and short dune walks, we may see lone oryx, ostrich or other wildlife as they traverse these massive golden dunes. Our accommodations at Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp provide the rarest of views, perched on the edge of the desert, each chalet opening to the splendors of the Namib. Sunrise and sunset provide particularly moving moments as the giant windows allow us an intimate desert experience found nowhere else on the planet.

Days 4 & 5: Damaraland
Our journey continues as we fly over the Sossusvlei dunes to the Altantic Ocean then up the Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund. After lunch and a tour of this charming town we continue our flight to the unique desert environment of Damaraland. Located 60 miles inland from the Skeleton Coast,on the northern bank of the Huab River Valley, the region's endless rock vistas, stark plains, ancient valleys and soaring peaks provide a wildlife experience like no other. Here, rare and endangered desert elephants are often found in family groups, giving our travelers an opportunity to view them in a remote and unique environment. Also found are black-backed jackal, black rhino, oryx, springbok, ostrich and more. This remote and beautiful area is a model of eco-tourism as the camp integrates local communities with the preser vation of the Damaraland environment. The camp offers large comfortable walk-in tents facing the rock valley. The local rocky alcove hides an on-site swimming pool that feeds from a natural spring – very refreshing during our long desert days.

Days 6 & 7: Etosha National Park
We continue our winged safari with a flight to the famed Etosha Salt Pans. Here, morning and afternoon game drives reveal elephant, black and white rhino, lion and a host of other animals amidst the unique setting of the vast salt plans. Our accommodations at either Ongava Lodge or Ongava Tented Camp are set on a private reserve far from any other camp or lodge, providing the secluded experience our travelers have come to expect from our safaris. Because we are located on a private reserve adjacent to Etosha, we can go on nature walks and night game drives that are not permitted in the park. This is truly the best and most exciting way to see Etosha!

Days 8 & 9: Windhoek / Home or Okonjima Guest Farm AfriCat Project
Those travelers participating in the 8-day trip will fly back to Windhoek on Day 8, the final day of their trip. Those who choose to continue on to Okonjima will fly directly from Etosha to Okonjima Guest Farm, their home for the next two nights. Nestled in the Omboroko Mountains,part of the Waterberg Plateau, lies this small, family-run guest farm, home of the AfriCat Foundation, which is committed to researching and rehabilitating Namibia's threatened wild cat population. This on-site project offers visitors the rare chance to learn about wild cats, in particular leopard and cheetah, and gain first-hand knowledge from close range. Photography opportunities are fantastic! Okonjima Lodge offers ten en suite double rooms, a dining area and swimming pool with only one object in mind, to make your stay the highlight of your trip through Namibia. Experience the bushman trail, where guides demonstrate and explain the traditional lifestyle and philosophy of these unique and ancient people. With over 300 different species of birds that have been positively identified,this is a must for bird watchers and photographers alike. Other activities include radio-tracking the first rehabilitated cheetah, nightly wild leopard feeds, game drives and guided and self-guided nature walks.

Day 10: Windhoek / Home
Today depart by land for our 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive back to Windhoek. Continue homeward or extend your safari to Botswana, Zimbabwe, or South Africa.

 
Trip Details

Group Size Limit: 8 travelers
A very important feature of our trips is the limited group size as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers.

Included
Accommodations, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 through lunch on your final day, charter air while on the safari portion of your trip, services of professional camp guides, all game drives and activities, transfers, park fees.

Not Included
Travel to and from starting and ending point of trip, gratuities, passport and visa fees (if applicable), some beverages, items of a personal nature (souvenirs, phone calls, etc.), airport and government taxes (if applicable), and required medical evacuation insurance.

Physical Requirements
Easy
Our walking activities are usually short and optional.