Highlights of Namibia - Unique Small Group
Your Guided Small Group Holiday To Namibia
Discover the best of Namibia, one of Africa's top safari destinations, with an exciting small group travel experience. Begin your African adventure with a panoramic tour of Windhoek, Namibia's capital city, before travelling to Sossusvlei's "Dune Sea" and iconic Dead Vlei in Namib Naukluft Park. Enjoy the sunrise over the splendour of the red dunes and conquer Dune 45 or 'Big Daddy,' towering at 325 meters. Experience Damaraland, where you can seek out the elusive Desert Elephants, found only in two places in the world. We’ll explore Etosha, Africa’s third-largest game park, showcasing free-roaming wildlife, including cheetahs and the rare black rhino, with Namibia boasting some of the highest population of these majestic creatures. Otjiwa, spot the White Rhino in one of their most concentrated areas. Discover Namibia – where sustainable tourism meets unique and pristine landscapes. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Namibia's ever-changing vistas, unspoiled deserts, mountains, and stunning coastline. Experience wildlife encounters and embrace the tranquillity of this sparsely populated utopia. Take this incredible small group holiday and uncover the highlights of Namibia.
Please Note:
- For departures from Dublin, outbound and return flights will be via London & Johannesburg, alternative routes may also be used Frankfurt or Istanbul and Johannesburg. Depending your chosen date.
- For departures from London, outbound and return flights will be via Johannesburg, alternative routes may also be used via Frankfurt or Istanbul and Johannesburg. Depending your chosen date.
- For departures from Glasgow, outbound and return flights will be via Johannesburg, alternative routes may also be used via Frankfurt or Istanbul and Johannesburg. Depending your chosen date.
- This unique small group holiday includes 10 lunches and dinners, and breakfast is included each day of your stay in Namibia
- This tour is operated by an overland Safari truck, designed for off road experience, while on tour. The roads in Namibia can often be rough and bumpy, and the robust safari truck is an ideal way to travel in this unique terrain, through the national parks, where it is more difficult for coaches to go and for optimal game viewing.
- Air-conditioning is very rare in Safari trucks in Namibia, it is mostly a dry climate; opening windows can help, however there may be heat and dust due to the desert environment.
- There will be stops for comfort breaks, and some days can be long with early starts, especially for safari experiences. The truck is small and depending on its size can fit 8 or 15 people max, offering a better safari experience through the vistas and changing contrasts that makes Namibia unique.
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Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Busy
Day
Travel to Namibia
Depart for Windhoek, Namibia
We begin our adventure as we travel to Windhoek, Namibia.
Please note
Please note holiday groups may be made up of single travellers and larger parties travelling together.
Windhoek - Including a Panoramic Tour by Safari Truck
We have arrived - panoramic transfer to our hotel in Windhoek
On arrival in Windhoek, we meet our guide. Let’s begin our adventure as we transfer to our hotel by overland safari truck (50km) one of the best ways to venture in this beautiful and rugged land. Before arriving we enjoy a panoramic tour along the way.
This is a small group a maximum of 8 or 15 people, depending on the group and safari truck size. Travel is in a small overland safari truck, one of the best ways to access off road conditions in the national parks and this unique terrain. Explore where coaches can't go and experience more on safari in a smaller group!
At Leisure in Windhoek
Let’s unpack, stretch our legs and get to know our surroundings as we enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner is included tonight and breakfast is included for each day of our stay in Namibia.
Full day ccenic transfer to Sousselvlei
Depart for the Red Dunes of Sousselvlei
This morning we head southbound towards Sousselvlei. Located in the heart of the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei has some of the highest sand dunes in the world and can inspire an air of isolation and tranquility. The closer you get to your destination, the higher and redder the dunes become. Todays’ journey will be over five and a half hours (330km).
Get settled in and enjoy the scenic drive, soak up the ever changing African scenery; from cities, veld, mountainous backdrops and dunes that meet the sea. The contrasts of the scenery is breath taking, and changes rapidly.
Keep a sharp eye out to spot wild life along the way like the beautiful Oryx Namibia's national symbol.
At Leisure
We have arrived! Check in late in the afternoon; soak up the serene atmosphere of this unique location.
The rest of our day is at leisure to relax after our journey.
Don't forget to look up at the skies at night, Namibia is known for its dark skies on a clear night, even your mobile phone can create some stunning photos.
Dinner is included tonight.
Rest up tonight as tomorrow we have an early start!
Experience Sossusvlei & Deadvlei - Half Day
Guided Excursion to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and ‘Big Daddy’
Lets see more of this beautiful country! This morning we depart very early, for a guided excursion into Sossusvlei, and the Deadvlei to avoid the heat during the day. We arrive early enough to catch the sunrise and have time for some great photo opportunities. We fall in love with the beauty of the Deadvlei, with its stark scenery, orange dunes, white cracked ground and the 900-year-old Camelthorn trees coming out of the saltpan. An iconic image of Namibia, and a must see for any adventure in this beautiful country! You will also have the option to climb the highest dune “Big Daddy” at 325 meters. It is not for the faint hearted and a tough climb, however you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Deadvlei. For those who prefer not to climb the dunes, you will have free time to explore around the Deadvlei and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Free time to relax in Sossusvlei
After this morning’s early morning start to see the sunrise, we depart the Deadvlei in time for a well-deserved lunch (included).
The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy our surroundings.
Dinner is included this evening
Transfer to Swakopmund and stop in Solitaire for Apple Pie Break!
Swakopmund & Panoramic Orientation Tour
This morning we depart for Swakopmund one of Namibia’s biggest tourist destinations, it will take around five and a half hours (370 km) drive before we will arrive into the coastal town. Swakopmund is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Namib dunes, it was established by German colonists back in the late 1800s and is filled with historic buildings, landmarks, and museums making this town a great place to further explore in your free time.
As we make our way to Swakopmund we make a stop in Solitaire at a café, famous for their apple pie! It is also a great place to make a stop to take photos of the old baakies (trucks) sitting in the desert like background. This unique stop is a favourite for those Instagram shots!
Lunch is included today.
On arrival, experience an orientation tour of the town before checking in to our hotel in the afternoon.
Explore Swakopmund at Our Leisure
Our expert guide will be happy to make suggestions for local restaurants where we can purchase dinner and places to enjoy a drink afterwards.
Please note - Swakopmund is known for various adventurous excursions. These excursions are not pre bookable with Travel Department and our guides will not be selling these excursions locally.
Discover Swakopmund – Mondesa Township - Half Day
Morning At Leisure
This morning we can explore Swakopmund in our own time as we take a stroll down to the jetty, spend time on the pier and soak up the atmosphere and views, shop in the local markets or souvenir shops.
There may be the possibility to join in some optional tours sold locally:
See more, with a three-hour optional Living Desert tour which takes place just outside Swakopmund in the coastal dune belt. Learn about some of the life forms that are not always so easy to spot with the naked eye; from Track Palmato Geckos, sand diving lizards, fog basking beetles, Chameleons, snakes, and spiders, during this three-hour exploration. End the tour with a short dune drive. Our guide will be happy to provide additional details and help book this optional excursion locally; subject to availability.
Uncover Mondesa on a Guided Township Tour
Uncover more of Swakopmund, on a guided tour of the township of Mondesa. Meet local people, hear about their community projects and everyday life in the township. Learn of the many different tribes that created today’s melting pot of people, tradition and culture in Namibia.
Uncover Swakopmund at Leisure - Full Day
Explore Swakopmund at Our Leisure
Today is a day of leisure, our guide will be happy to tell us of further places of interest and options for you to do today.
There may be the possibility to join in some optional tours:
Experience a half day optional Sandwich Harbour tour. Take a Sandwaves morning tour, in a 4 x 4 vehicle into the lower Kuiseb Delta hummock- duned valleys, salt pans, into Namib – Naukluft Park (where ocean and desert come together) and Sandwich Harbour Lagoon. Enjoy a refreshing stop in the dunes for a glass of sparkling wine and snacks. There will also be photography opportunities along the way for those budding photographers and straight out of a Wilbur Smith novel! Soak up the stunning scenery of dunes and seascape.
Please ask your guide for more details on this optional excursion, subject to availability.
Please note various optional excursions that are adventurous are not sold by our guide locally, or part of our programme. Should you wish to purchase these optional tours, please ensure you have adequate insurance to cover such activities.
Uncover the Rugged Beauty of Damaraland
Scenic Transfer Drive to Damaraland - Twyfelfontein and Cape Cross - Full Day
Today’s destination is Damaraland!
After breakfast we transfer for the untamed and rugged scenery that is Damaraland; the journey will take around five hours (340 km). Take in the scenic beauty during our drive, with the “Brandberg Mountain” as your backdrop. A stop is included along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy lunch (included).
Along the way to Twyfelfontein we stop at Cape Cross to discover one of the larges fur seal colonies in the world where the seals can be views from the walkway.
At Leisure - Twyfelfontein
Arrive in the late afternoon, the rest of the day is at leisure to further enjoy your surroundings.
Dinner is included tonight.
Damaraland and Desert Elephant Safari - Half Day
At Leisure in Damaraland
This morning, enjoy a relaxing breakfast and a sleep in.
For those who want to see more, there is the possibility to book an optional excursion (depending on availability) to the Rock Engravings of the San Bushmen including the Burnt Mountain and the Organ pipes (very similar to the Giants causeway). The rock engravings depict animals and their spoor more than human images.
Please ask the guide for assistance and information on booking this locally; subject to availability.
Guided Desert Elephant Safari
After our relaxing morning, we enjoy some lunch at the lodge before we go on our safari excursion.
Let's see more as we discover Damara Living Museum - Daily routine in a traditional museum, including traditional blacksmith (making of weapons and tools), tanning of leather (production of traditional clothes), jewellery and crafts, dancing, singing and traditional games.
Join us as we go in search of the elusive Desert Elephant, which can only be found in two places in the world, Mali and Namibia. These majestic animals have adapted to their dry, semi-desert environment by having a smaller body mass, longer legs and rather larger feet to other elephants. They have also been designated as a top priority for their protection by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready! After our search for the desert elephants we will savour a sundowner including refreshments.
Return to our hotel, relax and recharge. Dinner is included tonight.
Transfer to Etosha National Park – South Full Day Safari Drive
Full Day Safari drive, Etosha National Park
Join us on a day of adventure as we transfer to South Etosha, enjoying a safari in search of all the African animals. The drive will take around four hours (300km), during this time we take the opportunity to search near waterholes, where an abundance of wildlife like congregate, especially in dry seasons. Birders will also love the experience, where more than 340 bird species have been counted in Etosha National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lion, giraffe, the elusive leopard (who blends extremely well into the background), black rhino, (Namibia currently boasts one of the highest concentration of black rhino), and free roaming cheetah.
Cameras ready for action!
Enjoy a lunch stop in the park along the way.
At Leisure
Check into our accommodation and enjoy more free time at leisure, immerse yourself into our African surroundings, relax and unwind after an adventurous day.
Dinner is included tonight.
Etosha National Park East
Transfer to Etosha National Park East
After breakfast we transfer to Etosha National Park East, the third biggest park in Africa, the drive will take approximately four hours (275km). The park is home to many species including the endangered black rhino and even leopard. It is also is one of the few places where animals still roam freely and unrestricted by human influence. Relax sit back and enjoy the scenic drive towards our hotel. Lunch is included today.
At Leisure
On arrival to our hotel check in, relax and enjoy your evening at leisure, dinner is included tonight.
Etosha East National Park
Etosha Safari Game Drive
Experience more on a four-hour guided game drive, in an open truck, one of the best ways to enjoy a safari and makes a great opportunity for taking photos! Take in the beauty of this natural landscape and the variety of wildlife, in wide open grasslands, large camel thorn and Mopani trees and an enormous salt pan, that can be seen from space! The diverse vegetation accounts for the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the park. Lunch is included today
At Leisure in Etosha
After the excitement of your safari, take time to relax and enjoy your African surroundings.
It may be possible (depending on availability) to book an extra game drive, your guide will be happy to assist you.
Dinner is included tonight.
Transfer to Otjiwa - Enjoy a Game Drive
Discover more wildlife on a Safari Game Drive
In the morning we transfer towards Otjiwa (320km); the drive will take around 4 hours. We have arrived, let's enjoy some lunch (included). Later we will discover this private game reserve on a two-hour game drive, in an open truck, passing water dams, with their own natural bird habitats, while searching for white rhino, giraffe, and other wildlife.
Otijwa Safari Lodge is one of the oldest game farms in Namibia, and offers around 25 species, including the white rhino.
Dinner is included tonight.
Okonjima - AfriCat Foundation Tour
AfriCat Foundation Tour Otijwa
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Before lunch we have our first encounter with wildlife on a guided tour of the AfriCat foundation in Okonjima. The AfriCats’s Carnivore Care Centre, rescues and rehabilitates carnivores. The centre offers a second chance in hope that the animals they rescue can be released back in the Okonjima Nature Reserve.
Lunch is included today.
At Leisure
After our excursion to the AfriCat Centre we return to our hotel and enjoy our final evening in this enchanting country.
Tonight join our fellow travelers for our final dinner (included).
Transfer to Windhoek Airport
Depart for Home
We say farewell with fond memories of our journey through the Highlights of Namibia, with an early morning transfer for our flights home.
We depart for Windhoek Airport, the drive will take us approximately five and a half hours (260km). Sit back relax and savour the last of the changing scenery before we catch our flights home.
Arrive Home
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.