14 Night Splendid Desert of Namibia Package

Splendid Desert of Namibia is a 15-day tour through Namibia. The trip takes participants through Bagatelle Lodge and Reserve, explores the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, passes by the Fish River Canyon, and goes along the eastern Namib Desert. After exploring the Tiras mountains the trip ends at Sossusvlei and Sesriem.

The package includes all transport as per the itinerary's routing, accommodation on a shared basis, meals as specified in the itinerary, activities and park fees as specified in the itinerary, and mineral water.

The package excludes expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone expenses, gratuities and other personal purchases, all drinks, personal as well as medical and evacuation insurance, and any additional activities.

DAY 1:

Depart Windhoek early morning and continue via the towns of Rehoboth, Uhlenhorst, Stampriet and Aranos to Kalahari Game Lodge. It is a long day's drive, but all worth it. Kalahari Game Lodge lies in the heart of the Kalahari Desert adjacent to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The Kalahari Game Lodge is a genuine desert biome providing a habitat to 55 mammal, 58 reptile and amphibia, 105 bird and 185 plant species. The Kalahari Game Lodge lies amid red sand dunes. Enjoy the unique dune topography and the diverse bird and animal life of this area on a late afternoon nature drive.

Overnight in the lodge's en-suite chalets - full board.

DAY 2:

Today we are out to track the lions on the 23 000 hectare lion camp which forms part of the 43 000 hectare reserve of the Kalahari Game Lodge. There are 18 lions in the lion camp of the Kalahari Game Lodge. An abundance of game ensures that they can hunt and feed in their natural habitat. The lions are tracked by the radio signal from their collar-transmitters.

Overnight in the lodge's en-suite chalets - full board.

DAY 3:

The route today takes us further into the Kalahari and into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park situated on the western boundary of South Africa which borders Namibia. After the completion of the usual border crossing formalities at Mata Mata continue to the wilderness camp in the southern area of the park. Late afternoon game-viewing drive in the nearby vicinity with opportunity to experience the abundance of game inclusive of predators in the endless acacia- and grass-overgrown red sand dunes.

Overnight in chalets at a Kgalagadi Wilderness Camp - full board.

DAY 4 and 5:

Early morning game-viewing drive into the park in search of the Kalahari predators and plains game. Numerous herds of springbuck, gemsbok, eland, as well as the blue wildebeest roam the plains of this unique park and camel thorn trees provide the necessary shade and vantage points for lion, leopard, and many raptors.

Two overnight stays in chalets at a Kgalagadi Wilderness Camp - full board.

DAY 6:

Leave the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park via Mata Mata in a full day's journey through the desert-dominated landscapes to a picturesque Quiver Tree Forest. This prehistoric tree reaches skyward with graphically forked branches. Giant's Playground is an impressive jumble of massive boulders; a virtual maze where time can be spent wandering through the extensive rocky labyrinth.

Overnight in the rustic bungalows of the Mesosaurus Fossil Camp - full board.

DAY 7 and 8:

Today?s journey leads you through the town of Keetmanshoop to the spectacular northern fringes of the Fish River Canyon. Experience this unique landmark of Namibia with breathtaking views from various vantage points.

Overnight in en-suite chalets at the Canon Lodge or similar - full board.

DAY 9:

Enjoy the beauty and rapid change in scenery and landscapes of Namibia's deep south on the journey to the Orange River. The route follows the winding course of the Orange River with its stark contrast, rich landscapes between sky, water and sand to the village of Aussenkehr on the banks of the river. Enjoy an unforgettable sundowner on a sundowner trip on the floating raft of this special retreat.

Overnight in chalets on the banks of the river at Norotshama in the Aussenkehr Nature Park - full board.

DAY 10 and 11:

A sea of bright flowers in the vast plains of the southern Namib after the soft winter rains is a unique attraction in the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park in the vicinity of Aus. Experience the desert and its wild horses during one of the scenic drives into the park. A day excursion to the coastal town of Lüderitz with visits to the famous Kolmanskop ghost town and surrounding area will form part of the highlights of this region.

Overnight in chalets at Klein-Aus Vista's Eagles Nest - full board.

DAY 12:

Half way between Aus and Sesriem amidst the scenic Tiras Mountains on the edge of the Namib Desert lies the Koiimasis Ranch. The scenery varies from red sand dunes to quiver tree forests between red granite boulders.

Overnight in bungalows at Koiimasis Ranch with excellent opportunity for a relaxing nature walk and perfect stargazing opportunities - full board.

DAY 13:

Today we travel through some of Namibia's most spectacular sceneries along the western escarpment of the Rooisand Ridge. Vast expanses of yellow savanna are dotted with shrubs and solitary camelthorn trees. Distant mountain ranges take on different nuances of purple and blue as the day progresses.

Overnight at Hoodia Desert Lodge - dinner, bed & breakfast.

DAY 14:

Very early departure into the Namib Naukluft Park to witness one of Namibia's most scenic attractions, i.e. a sunrise in the Sossusvlei area on top of one of the highest dunes in the world. Experience the dramatic change of colours of the surrounding dunes as the sun rises towards its zenith. Visit the nearby Dead Vlei, a dried out natural water pan with its dead acacia tree trunks rising to the blue sky.

The Sesriem Canyon is another attraction worth seeing. Back to the campsite. A relaxing sundowner on top of the nearby ridge ends off an unforgettable day in the desert.

Overnight at Hoodia Desert Lodge - dinner, bed & breakfast.

DAY 15:

The return journey to Windhoek via the scenic Remhoogte Pass and the spectacular Naukluft mountain range with a lunch stop at the Oanob Resort and dam near Rehoboth ends this adventure-packed tour.