Namibian Family Adventurer

The starting point for this trip is the Arebbusch Lodge. For those on the

group transfer, we spend sometime in the capital city to change money and

collect supplies and then drive to the Arebbush Lodge on the outskirts of the

city.

Today we embark on our longest drive of the trip as we head southwest through

the spectacular scenery of the Namib-Naukluft Park to our first campsite at

Sesriem. This National Park, one of the largest in the world, is home to one

of the driest and oldest deserts on earth. It contains the finest desert

scenery in Africa, if not in the world, with towering jagged rock formations

and incredible lunar landscapes. (350kms / 7hrs)

Today we spend all day in the Namib Desert. Rising early we catch the tallest

sand dunes in the world in the best light and have the opportunity to climb

one of the dunes as the sun rises, truly one of Africa's greatest sights. We

can either walk to Hiddenvlei or catch a transfer (optional extra) to

Deadvlei where ancient acacia trees in the desert form an eerie scene. If

we're lucky we may see gemsbok or ostrich among the sand dunes. In the

afternoon we visit Sesriem Canyon before joining a guide to see the cheetahs

at the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (please see Responsible Travel

section) - depending on time we may go tomorrow morning. (200kms / 3hrs).

A long, but very scenic, drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park to Swakopmund.

En route we visit Walvis Bay for lunch and to see local flamingos. Swakopmund

is a small German colonial resort town with quaint cake shops and coffee

houses and a centre for adrenaline activities. (300kms / 5.5hrs)

Today is spent in and around Swakopmund. There is time to go fishing, relax

on the beach, or enjoy a cream tea and a seafood dinner along the front. If

you're keen for some action, there are enough options for the whole family

such as experiencing the thrill of quad biking over sand dunes or try the

popular new sport of sandboarding.

After a relaxing start we leave the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean behind

and head inland towards Namibia’s highest mountain, Brandberg, in

Damaraland. The Damaraland area is famous for the desert elephants which roam

in the Ugab River. Star gazing is normally spectacular from this remote area

(250kms / 4.5hrs).

We begin our day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we will enjoy a walk

through valley 45 for approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way we will view

beautiful, granite rock formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley

takes us to the famous ‘White Lady’ rock painting which, along with a

number of other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left

by Bushmen at least 2000 years ago. Afterwards we will drive towards the

Khorixas area where we should pass various Himba and Herero women selling

crafts from the roadside. There is also the possibility of spotting Desert

elephants and meerkats on the way. We will arrive at our accommodation after

lunch and then in the afternoon we can view Vingerklip, a striking pinnacle

of rock balancing vertically on its own (driving 230kms / 4hrs).

The first day is spent with a scenic drive to Etosha. We should arrive in

time to do a late afternoon game drive before setting up at our camp. Our

itinerary allows plenty of time to really enjoy this fabulous game park.

(240kms / 3.5hrs)

Etosha is a huge park of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large

salt pan. Etosha is home to a great variety species, which are generally easy

to find as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes.

Wildebeest, zebra, impala, springbuck, kudu, elephant, giraffe, lion and even

rhino are all common sights here. Take plenty of camera memory and lots of

patience and you will be rewarded by one of the greatest game spectacles in

Southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place for birds, with plenty of water

birds on the lakes (when filled with water), and weaverbirds and hornbills in

the trees. While in Etosha we typically stay within the park on some or all

of the nights (subject to availability) and some of these are located next to

waterholes. These camps also offer optional night drives which you can book

and pay for on arrival

Day 10 meals included: Breakfast

After a relaxing start to the morning, we drive via Tsumeb and Otavi where we

can stretch our legs before stopping at Otjiwarongo for lunch. We then spend

our final night of camping under the African night sky on a private farm.

(380kms / 6hrs).

This morning we drive to the Waterberg Plateau, a 200 metre high gigantic

flat-topped plateau covered with bushveld. It is one of the more fertile

areas in Namibia and very colourful especially after the rains. Here there

are several walking trails, including one leading to a spectacular viewpoint

near the top of the plateau for a great view. In addition to a guided walk,

there are many smaller walks that can be explored without a guide. (120kms /

2hrs)

A drive of three and a half hours or so brings us back to Windhoek. Those not

travelling with the group to London will leave us during the day. (320kms /

3.5hrs)

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