16 Day Namibia Safari - Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei

Day 1:Waterberg Plateau Park

Meet the group at Windhoek International Airport or at a guesthouse in Windhoek. You will commence your Namibia safari when you drive north to Okahandja. You will continue further until you reach the Waterberg Plateau Park just 60 kilometres (37 miles) east of Otjiwarongo. The Plateau rises some 200m above its surrounding area of African bush and savannah.

The vegetation changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of the plateau to lush-green, sub-tropical, dry woodland with tall trees and grassy plains at the top. Ten fern species have been recorded here, one being endemic to Namibia and Angola.

The Resort has a well-equipped camping site and there is also a restaurant, kiosk, museum and a swimming pool. You will camp at Waterberg Plateau Park.

Day 2:Namutoni

Your Namibia safari route continues north through Otjiwarongo, Otavi and Tsumeb to arrive at the eastern gate into Etosha National Park. You will reach your campsite at Namutoni with its historic fort, and catch the first glimpse of the vast Etosha Pan stretching out to the horizon.

The Etosha National Park owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of approximately 5 000 km square. Of the 114 mammal species found in the Park, several are rare and endangered, such as Black Rhino and Black-Faced Impala.

The Elephant in this Park is reputed to be of the largest Elephant in Africa, the tallest ones measuring up to 4m at the shoulder. Their tusks, on the other hand, are relatively small, due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their diet. Enjoy sundowners before dinner. You will camp at Namutoni Campsite.

Day 3-4:Okaukuejo

Leaving Namutoni after an early breakfast you will take a long game drive to observe spectacular wildlife activity around waterholes where game concentrates during the dry season. Lunch stop en route. You will travel along the edge of the Etosha Pan and along famous and varied game routes before reaching Okaukuejo campsite.

The waterhole at Okaukuejo is floodlit at night and spectacular sightings are almost guaranteed when on your Namibia safari. Watch as the Lions, Elephants and Black Rhino come to quench their thirst almost every night. You will camp 2 nights at Okaukuejo Rest Camp.

Day 5:Ombonde

You will leave the Etosha National Park along densely populated game routes to reach the exit gate at Otjavasondu in the extreme west of the Park. You will camp in the wilderness at the confluence of the Otjavasondu and Ombonde Rivers in the wild.

You will go on game walks to look for Springbok, Gemsbok, Kudu, Giraffe and Elephant. You can climb a hill in this area to watch the sunset over Koakoland. You will camp at Ombonde in the wild.

Day 6-7:Epupa Falls

After an early breakfast you will depart on a day's drive north through Koakoland. Your route takes you far north via Opuwo to the breathtaking Epupa Falls on the Kunene River. You will set up camp for 2 nights at the falls. You will visit Himba villages to observe the lifestyle of this friendly, once nomad people.

The falls are a series of cascades where the Kunene River drops a total of 60m over a distance of about 1.5 kilometres. The area with its richly-coloured rock walls, wild fig, baobabs and multitude of birds promises to be an rewarding experience. You will camp at Epupa Falls campsite for 2 nights.

Day 8:Sesfontein

You will leave the falls and travel south through the heart of Koakoland. There may be a chance to swim at the Ongongo Falls. The Fort at Sesfontein has been a ruin for many years and has only been reconstructed almost a 100 years after it was first built. It also at some stage posed as a police station for the Schutztruppe. You will camp near Sesfontein.

Day 9:Aba-Huab River

An early start in search of Desert Elephants, which are occasionally seen in this region. Back to camp for brunch, before your Namibia safari takes you further south via Palmwag into the changing landscape of Damaraland to reach the Aba-Huab River. Find a good place to set up your wilderness camp. You will camp near the Aba-Huab River.

Day 10:Aba-Huab River

Spend the morning exploring one of the largest collections of rock engravings discovered as yet, at Twyfelfontein. You will visit Burnt Mountain as well as other places of interest in the area. In the afternoon you will go on a drive along the Aba-Huab River bed in search of Desert Elephant and Rhino. Return to camp to relax in your wilderness campsite. You will camp near the Aba-Huab River.

Day 11: Ugab

Leave the Twyfelfontein area to the vast Pro Namib to reach the Ugab River near Brandberg west. An area where you hope to see the Desert Elephant and where you can photograph the oldest of desert plant life, the Welwitchia Mirabili. You will camp at Ugab Camp.

Day 12:Swakopmund

After an early breakfast you will pack up and leave Ugab camp towards the coast. You will visit the historical site of Cape Cross, home to some 80 000 seals and drive south viewing some of the largest lichenfields worldwide. You will reach the quaint and historical town of Swakopmund.

Swakopmund is known as Namibia's seaside resort on the West Coast and is a place of singular charm. Swakopmund resembles a small Bavarian village nestled between the desert and the sea. It has a relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautiful tended public gardens. You will stay at Swakopmund Bungalows (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 13:Swakopmund

An early start to the day so that you can make the most of the various options available in the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. You will drive to Walvis Bay to see the bird life, Flamingos and Pelicans in the harbour.

An optional boat cruise into Walvis Bay Harbour gives you a chance to see the Cape Fur Seals and Bottle Nose or Heavy Side Dolphins. In the afternoon you can visit the Museum, the rug making industry and other places of interest in Swakopmund. Or you can drive up the spectacular Swakop River on your Namibia safari. You will stay at the Swakopmund Bungalows (Bed & Breakfast).

Day 14:Sesriem

Leave the coast to drive through the Namib Naukluft Park. Observe the rich diversity of desert adapted fauna and flora, including the Welwitchia Plant on your Namibia safari. Stop for lunch en route. Passing through Solitaire you will reach Sesriem campsite situated on the edge of the Namib Naukluft Park. Time to relax, rest and shower. Enjoy a campfire dinner. You will camp at Sesriem Campsite.

Day 15:Sossusvlei - Sesriem

An early morning visit to Sossusvlei is planned for your Namibia safari. This is the top destination in the Southern Region, with its towering dunes, the highest of which has been measured from its base as being 325m. The dunes have been formed through natural forces. Visit the Sesriem canyon in the afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner. You will camp at Sesriem Campsite.

Day 16:Windhoek

You will depart as early as possible for Windhoek and ascend the Spreetshoogte Pass leaving the low-lying Namibian plains behind. You will reach Windhoek International Airport in time for the late afternoon outbound flights. (Alternatively overnight in Windhoek guesthouse to connect with outbound flight the following day).