Classic Namibia

Day 1: ARRIVE WINDHOEK

Arrival at Windhoek International Airport. Welcome to Namibia!

Namibia is a spectacular country… truly a land of contrasts and wide-open spaces, a sensory awakening. Allow yourself to be moved!

Upon arrival at the airport, you will collect your Gondwana Namibia2Go car rental vehicle, a Suzuki Jimny or similar. Remember that the driver of the vehicle must have his credit card ready for the collection and an amount of R 2,500 will be blocked on the card for the insurance/fuel deposit. Vehicles are available upon request at an additional cost, and we can advise you on this.

Depart for your hotel. You will spend the first night in Windhoek.

About The Weinberg Hotel
Enjoy the pleasures of city life and the serene atmosphere of Africa in style in The Weinberg Windhoek. Its iconic styling seamlessly blends old-world splendour with modern lines as well as state of the art amenities. The hotel’s elegant architecture wraps around a heritage building, which forms the heart of the Am Weinberg Estate. It also features restaurants of different culinary styles and the appealing Soulstice Day-Spa.

You have the afternoon at leisure. Spend the day exploring Windhoek. Visit the Christ Church (Christuskirche), the National Museum and the Alte Feste, or take the opportunity to go shopping in one of the modern malls. And don't forget to try a typical Namibian dish, kapana or biltong, before returning to your temporary home at the end of an exciting day.

Experience the sunset enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The Weinberg (German: vineyard) lives up to its name and invites you to choose your favourite wine from an extensive wine list while savouring the hotel’s sophisticated atmosphere.

Dinner is at leisure for your own account, there are numerous great restaurants in town that you can explore, suggestion: Joe’s Beer house.

O/N: The Gondwana Weinberg Hotel (Windhoek) or similar

Day 2: WINDHOEK TO KALAHARI

Enjoy Breakfast at the lodge.

Check out and depart for the Kalahari. This is an estimated 3.5-hour drive.

Lunch is at leisure for your own account and not included in your costs. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure and relax at your lodge.

About the Kalahari Anib Lodge
On the Eastern fringes of Namibia, the red sands of the Kalahari beckon. Let us introduce you to the place of burnished sands at Kalahari Anib Lodge. Easily accessible by sedan car and 30km from Mariental, this Kalahari lodge is a good overnight stop if travelling between Windhoek and the south or continuing to the Kgalagadi. There's nothing like feeling the good earth underfoot, so stretch legs on the trails around the lodge, keeping eyes open for springbok, zebra and wildebeest and take the chance to breathe in the character and energy of this distinctive area, feeling closer to the land. Explore the Gondwana Kalahari Park on the sunset drive and celebrate life atop a red Kalahari dune. Drink in the beauty of the Kalahari where gemsbok flourish and sociable weavers build gargantuan nests atop camelthorn trees. The optimum time to experience the Kalahari colours is when the sun dips in the late afternoon and lights up the sand as if glowing from an inner fire. Don't miss this time of day when the Earth seems to pause for Kalahari magic. Providing an oasis in the desert for groups, individual travellers and campers, Kalahari Anib Lodge is a relaxed and down-to-earth stopover for a taste of Kalahari.

O/N: Gondwana Kalahari Anib Hotel (Mariental) or similar

Day 3: KALAHARI

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Today will be at leisure to explore, you can book one of the many optional hotel activities, at an additional cost.

Optional Activities:

Morning/Afternoon Game drive – These drives are the perfect way to getting acquainted with the Kalahari Desert. The morning or sunset drive with panoramic views across the Kalahari dunes is something to remember forever. Refreshments and a light snack will be provided. The sundowner dune drive includes a +- 30-to-40-minute sundowner on a dune, where guests can enjoy a drink and snacks while watching the sun set. Arrival back at the lodge is in time for dinner. Departure for the morning drive is 30 minutes before sunrise. Please enquire at the lodge when the sunset drive departs.

Guided Dune walk - Explore the Kalahari on electric fat-bikes. Pedal through the Gondwana Kalahari Park on selected routes. A trail map is available at the reception. Only to be booked directly at the Lodge. Subject to availability.

Scorpion Night walks – Prepare to be amazed by the sight of scorpions glowing in the dark under UV light on a short-guided night walk (±45 min) after dinner. May only be booked directly at the lodge.

Morning Nature drives for families - Explore the Kalahari on foot and on your own initiative. A trail map is available at the reception.

E-biking – Explore the Kalahari on electric fat-bikes. Pedal through the Gondwana Kalahari Park on selected routes. A trail map is available at the reception. Only to be booked directly at the Lodge. Subject to availability.

Hiking trails (self-guided)- Explore the Kalahari on foot and on your own initiative. A trail map is available at the reception.

O/N: Gondwana Kalahari Anib Hotel (Mariental) or similar

Day 4: KALAHARI TO SOSSUSVLEI

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.

Check out and depart for Sossusvlei area. This is an estimated 4-hour drive.

Lunch is at leisure for your own account and not included in your costs. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

About Namib Desert lodge
Complementing the magnificence of a red sand sea, Namib Desert Lodge lies at the foot of ancient, fossilised dunes. Make some space for wonder. A sunset or early morning drive through the red dunes exploring the sand masterpiece is breath-taking. At the ridge as the sand begins to glow deep rich sienna, a view of utter beauty is illuminated in gold, extending from the soft dunes around you to the green ribbon of riverine trees in the distance and the purple-blue mountains. One of the Sossusvlei lodges, Namib Desert Lodge is imbued with its own special character. Enjoy the relaxed and friendly ambience while cooling off at the pool, watching gemsbok arrive at the waterhole to drink, walking the trails into the dunes or dining in the cosy restaurant. Down-to-earth and homely, it is a place to put up feet, explore, discover and love. For the ultimate desert experience, spend a night in the dunes at Dune Star Camp. An intimate adventure, this slick and simple hideaway stands alone deep in the Namib Desert. The spacious wooden bungalows have beds with wheels to enable guests to sleep out under the stars and a dining area with a large wooden deck affords the best views of the landscape. Be prepared to fill up with desert splendour and a renewed energy for the incredible adventure of Life. Enjoy the quiet at Namib Desert Lodge away from the bustle around Sesriem, 60km away. Ideal for groups, families or individual travellers, there is space for all. A trip to Namibia is only complete with a sojourn in the Namib Desert.

Enjoy dinner at your Lodge, included in your overnight stay.

O/N: Gondwana Namib Desert Lodge (Sossusvlei area) or similar

Day 6: SOSSUSVLEI TO SWAKOPMUND

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Swakopmund, this is an estimated 5-hour drive. Lunch is at leisure for your own account and not included in your costs.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

About The Delight Hotel
Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. Conveniently located within short walking distance of the ‘Mole’, our modern, uplifting and inviting hotel is the ideal base for your stay. Every effort is made to surprise and delight guests with thoughtful touches and locally inspired reasons to smile. From the easy comfort of our hotel, the warm and welcoming service Gondwana is known for, to the assistance provided by our knowledgeable Delight Host for anything from activity bookings to dinner reservations – your stay is always an effortless and memorable experience.

Dinner is at leisure for your own account, there are numerous great restaurants in Swakopmund that you can explore, suggestion: the Tug or the Brewer and Butcher at the Strand hotel, or the Brauhaus.

O/N: Gondwana The Delight Hotel (Swakopmund) or similar

Day 5: SOSSUSVLEI

Breakfast at the hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy many of the activities in the area.

You can pre-book one of the many optional hotel activities, at an additional cost. You are about 60 km from Sesriem and the Entrance Gate to the Namib Naukluft Park.

Optional Activities:

Guided Sossusvlei excursion - Enjoy a guided half-day excursion to the highest dunes on Earth at Sossusvlei. They form part of the spectacular Namib Sand Sea, which was declared a World Heritage site in 2013. Including brunch, refreshments, and entrance fees to the National Park. Prebooking is essential.

Morning or Afternoon Nature Drive – Discover the fossilised dunes, the red dunes above the plateau and the many wonders of the Namib Desert on this guided drive around Gondwana Namib Park. Refreshments and a light snack included.

Sundowner Dune Drive: Approx. 2 hours, departure: 2 hours before sunset, min. 4 persons
Morning Dune Drive: approx. 2 hours, departs 30 minutes before sunrise, min. 4 person.

Scorpion Night walk - Prepare to be amazed by the sight of scorpions glowing in the dark under UV light on a short, guided night walk (±45 min) after dinner. May only be booked directly at the lodge.

E-Biking (self-guided) – Explore the Namib Desert in your own time on an electrical bicycle, a trail map is available at the reception. Only to be booked directly at lodge. Max 4 hours, return before nightfall. Bookings only directly at Namib Desert Lodge.

Hiking trails (self-guided) - Experience the Namib Desert on foot. A trail map is available at reception. For more information, please enquire at the reception.

O/N: Gondwana Namib Desert Lodge (Sossusvlei area) or similar

Day 8: SWAKOPMUND

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

You have the day at leisure.

O/N: Gondwana The Delight Hotel (Swakopmund) or similar

Day 9: SWAKOPMUND TO DAMARALAND

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Khorixas, this is an estimated 4-hour drive.

Lunch is at leisure for your own account and not included in your costs. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

You can book one of the many optional hotel activities, at an additional cost.

Optional Activities:

Sunset Walk (escorted) - A highlight at the end of the day is to ascend the hill to a viewing platform for a sweeping vista of the mopane woodland illuminated by the setting sun. Beverages are provided and charged to the room.

Guided Birding Walk – The serene environment surrounding Damara Mopane Lodge is a spectacular birdlife spot, unbeknown to many. Whether you are an avid birder or simply want to explore the spectacularly rich scenes of Damaraland, a guided birding walk will introduce you to a plethora of bird species – of which some are resident, rare or migratory birds. Amongst the various species observed are the Crowned Lapwing, Rüppell’s Parrot as well as the Bare-cheeked Babbler to name a few. Guests have the option of embarking either before sunrise or towards end of day before sunset. Duration: 1 – 1 ½ hours. Departure 30 minutes after sunrise or 1 ½ hours before sunset. Guests will carry their refreshments and equipment themselves. This activity is bookable at the lodge only.

Hiking trail (self-guided) - Explore the flora and fauna of the Damaraland on your own. You have two different self-guided hiking trails to choose from. They are well marked and take you through the wildly romantic scenery of the Damara Mopane Lodge house mountain. Duration: between 1 and 3 hours.

About Damara Mopani Lodge
As if an African kingdom of old, Damara Mopane Lodge is constructed in a semi-circle of interlinking pathways leading to a lavish swimming pool at its centre. Innovatively designed, each chalet has its own small garden planted with vegetables. Bright yellow sunflowers peep out between verdant spinach, beetroot and zany scarecrows, creating an enchanting lodge setting. The labyrinth of walkways leads to a large and cheerful central area. A wash of fresh green brightens the interior as does the heart-shaped mopane leaves stencilled throughout the lodge. Situated near Khorixas en route to the famed Twyfelfontein engravings, Damara Mopane Lodge incorporates the spirit of Damaraland and the Damara people, extending its hand to locals and visitors alike in a 'Hello neighbour' greeting, linking cultures and nationalities. A highlight at the end of the day is to ascend the hill to a viewing platform for a sweeping vista of the mopane woodland illuminated by the setting sun. It also is the best spot for a sundowner drink and to gain a view of the intriguing construction of the lodge. As the day darkens it's time to return to the restaurant where a fire burns in a grate and a delicious supper awaits - served with a fine selection of fresh vegetables and herbs! Damara Mopane Lodge is a Damaraland lodge that charms guests with its original themes, touching hearts and eliciting smiles. Whether sitting on your stoep looking out onto your vegetable garden, swimming in the pool or celebrating sunset from the deck, this novel and delightful lodge provides a good base from which to explore the rich sandstone treasure of Damara mopani.

O/N: Gondwana Damara Mopani Lodge (Khorixas) or similar

Day 7: SWAKOPMUND

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

You have the day at leisure.

You can book one of the many optional activities, in and around Swakopmund, at an additional cost.

Optional Activities:
- Dolphin and Seal Cruise
- Sandwich Harbour Tour
- Quad biking
- Sand boarding
- Visiting the Crystal Gallery
- Driving through the Moon Landscape
- Exploring the town.

O/N: Gondwana The Delight Hotel (Swakopmund) or similar

Day 11: DAMARALND TO ETOSHA

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Make your way to Etosha today. This is an estimated 3-hour drive.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Please note you need to settle your park fees in cash on entry into Etosha National Park. This is an extra cost if you want to self-drive in the park and for your own account, not included in the packaged tour.

About Etosha Safari Lodge
Join us at this stylish lodge overlooking a vast expanse of mopane woodland. Space is an attractive element at Etosha Safari Lodge with its lavish view, spacious deck- and dining-area and airy rooms with private verandas. It's the place to open doors to the mystery and magic of Etosha, 'Place of Legends'. This is where stories were woven into the Hai//om mythology of the origin of Etosha's chalky pan, how Elephant saved the world with his generosity of spirit and the many tales about the animals below and the stars above that are part of the cycle of life in Etosha. Explore the national park with our knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that frequent them. Take this opportunity to be introduced to African wildlife from the comfortable seat of a game vehicle. Early morning or late afternoon visits, in accordance with the Andersson Gate times, provide the best game viewing. And, after Etosha enchantment return to the lodge to relax, dive into the cool waters of the pools or indulge in quality food and wine - and peace. The lodge, only ten kilometres from the Park's central entrance and a world away from the hustle and bustle of Okaukuejo, offers top grade Etosha accommodation with easy access to the Park. Days of animal wonder are balanced with comfort and care, creating an exceptional Etosha experience. Dine under a dome of stars on the outside veranda, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the red orb of the sun sink gracefully into the landscape from the sunset deck. The day couldn't be better. As the stars begin their celestial show, soft beds and animal dreams begin to call - and the anticipation of a good tomorrow. Etosha, the heart of the country, is beckoning with the immense beauty of the natural world.

O/N: Gondwana Etosha Safari Lodge (Bordering Etosha National Park) or similar

Day 10: DAMARALAND

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel.

Today is at leisure to enjoy some of the Twyfelfontein Heritage sites or just relax at your hotel.

Other optional activities in the area to consider, for most of these activities you need to drive out yourselves and pay entrance fee on arrival:

Organ Pipes: These dolerite pillars along a riverbed formed during a volcanic event 120 million years ago when the continent of Gondwana was breaking apart. Liquid lava intruded into slate, and as it cooled and contracted, the rock split vertically, forming straight, narrow pieces of rock that look just like organ pipes – hence the name. Over time, erosion has exposed them for us to admire. The site is particularly impressive in the middle of the day when early morning or late afternoon shadows don’t spoil the effect.

Burnt Mountain: About a kilometre past the Organ Pipes is Burnt Mountain, which embodies some impressive stats: a 1000-degree volcanic reaction, a 12km-long volcanic ridge, an 80-million-year-old stream of lava turning rocks into intriguing black and purple colours. Despite these big numbers and the fact that Burnt Mountain has been a national monument since 1956, it looks a bit like a tailing pile left over from mining activity. Nonetheless, it’s worth seeing because it’s so close to Twyfelfontein and you don’t even have to get out of your car unless you want to.

Twyfelfontein engravings: Twyfelfontein, where your entrance fee pays for a professional guide to take you around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are about 43 000 engravings in Namibia. The ones here are between 2000 and 6000 years old, from the Late Stone Age. They’re named after a spring discovered by farmer David Levin in 1946. He was looking for water but wasn’t sure if he would find it – hence the name (twyfel is Afrikaans for doubtful or uncertain). You can still see the ruins of his farmhouse. The Damara name is /ui-//aes, which means water among rocks. In the cool air of early morning, we kept to the path through mopane bushes before stopping at a ‘blackboard’ of engravings on a large rock, representing animals like rhino, zebra and giraffe, animal tracks and waterholes. ‘These engravings were used to teach young hunters, so as a means of communication and education, whereas Bushman paintings were part of storytelling,’ she explained.

Petrified Forest: On the way from Khorixas, stop to see the Petrified Forest about 50km northeast of Twyfelfontein. No, it’s not a standing forest, but a collection of fossilised trees lying flat. You can try to do the walk of about 800m on your own, but in my opinion it’s worth paying a professional guide to enrich your experience. On some of the trees you can see bark preserved in stone. Your guide will also point out various plants of interest, such as that Damaraland special, the welwitschia. You’ll learn that white-barked commiphora is used by the Damara for woodcrafts, brown-barked commiphora by the Himba for perfume, and that euphorbia (milk bush) has a poisonous latex that Bushmen used on their arrow tips to paralyse an animal. Once the animal collapsed, the hunters would go closer and kill it with their spears, then cook the meat twice to get rid of the effect of the poison.

O/N: Gondwana Damara Mopani Lodge (Khorixas) or similar

Day 12: ETOSHA

Breakfast at the hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy many of the activities in the area.

You can book one of the many optional hotel activities, at an additional cost.

Optional Activities:

Half Day Game drive in Etosha National Park - Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, and entrance fees to the National Park are included. Departing morning or afternoon. Approx. 5-6 hours.

Full Day Game Drive into Etosha National Park - Explore the National Park and its amazing wildlife in a 9-seater game vehicle. Refreshments, snacks, and entrance fees to the National Park are included. Approx. 9 hours.

Guided Walk - Enjoy the discovery walk through the mopane woods and lean about the indigenous plants, birds and other wildlife. Refreshments included. Morning or afternoon, duration 1-2 hours.

O/N: Gondwana Etosha Safari Lodge (Bordering Etosha National Park) or similar

Day 13: ETOSHA TO WINDHOEK

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out and depart for Windhoek, this is an estimated 5-hour drive.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Dinner is at leisure for your own account, there are numerous great restaurants in town that you can explore, suggestion: Joe’s Beer house.

O/N at the Gondwana Weinberg Hotel (Windhoek) or similar

Day 14: WINDHOEK - DEPARTURE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Check out and drive to the Gondwana Namibia2Go car rental offices to drop of your hired vehicle.

From here you will be transferred to the airport, to be in time for your onward flight. This is a 40-minute transfer so please allow enough time to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure.

END OF NAMIBIAN SERVICES