Day 1: Windhoek

You will be met on arrival in Windhoek and transferred to the Heinitzburg Castle for the night.

The Heinitzburg Castle was originally commissioned by Count von Schwerin for his fiancé, Margarethe von Heinitz in 1914, but is now the enchanting Hotel Heinitzburg overlooking Windhoek. Hotel Heinitzburg combines 19th century European charm with modern comforts. Completed in 1996 in the style of the old castle, the hotel win has 16 spacious, generously appointed en suite rooms. What makes Heinitzburg special is the elegant design, from four poster beds and Italian ceramic tiles to custom fitting and specially created hand-made wooden furnishings. The Raith family has long been associated with a tradition of excellent hospitality and cuisine. Available on advanced reservation, gourmet menus are individually prepared for your party, according to your specific desires. It is our pleasure to provide secretarial services, bookings, faxes and appointments. Centrally located, Hotel Heinitzburg is a two-minute drive from the city center.

Day 2-4: Sossusvlei

You are  transferred to the Eros Airport for the light plane transfer to Sossusvlei. You will be met on arrival and transferred to Little Kulala Lodge. Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular towering dunes of Sossusvlei are through a private gate into the reserve. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, which itself is part of the Namib Naukluft National Park that stretches 400km south of Walvis Bay and is sandwiched between the west coast and the escarpment that runs parallel more than 100km inland. Its huge red dunes and flat valley floors make up the archetypical view of the Namib that is world famous. Guided drives and walks are also offered on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve with incredible views, desert-adapted wildlife and plants. A balloon safari (extra cost) offers a unique experience soaring silently above the desert before landing for a champagne breakfast.

Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok eke out an existence and are sparsely distributed here. Smaller creatures such as bat-eared fox and aardwolf can be seen at night in the cool desert air, and one bird, the aptly named dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area, so dependent is it on the area’s characteristic sands.Three nights Little Kulala. All meals, drinks, laundry and scheduled activities are included.

Little Kulala, a luxurious desert retreat, is situated in the private 37 000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve – the gateway to Namibia’s Sand Sea with its towering red dunes and clear starry skies. The 11 climate-controlled, thatched “kulalas” (the word in the “oshiwambo” language means ‘to sleep’) merge impeccably into the timeless desert landscape, with exquisite fittings and fixtures, innovative bleached decks each with a private plunge pool. Each unit has a rooftop ‘sky bed’ for romantic stargazing, with both indoor and outdoor showers. An elegant entertainment area includes a library, wine cellar, craft boutique, lounge and dining areas; dining under the clear Namibian skies is a highlight. The interiors were designed to ensure guests an all-natural and unique experience in this most beautiful environment. The extensive use of neutral colors, gorgeous textures and natural light reproduce the soothing pastel tones of the desert. Pure linens, cottons and mohair dyed with natural vegetable dyes all make for a very organic camp which takes its inspiration from its surroundings, notably from the magnificent Dead Vlei in the middle of Sossusvlei.

Day 5-7: Etosha National Park & Ongava Game Reserve

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Little Kulala Lodge to the airstrip for your scheduled light aircraft transfer to Ongava Private Reserve which shares a border with Etosha National Park.  Activities here include game drives in open 4×4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where lion, elephant, cheetah, gemsbok, springbok, and hartebeest can be seen at many of the waterholes in the park. In addition night drives and guided walks can be enjoyed on the private reserve. A hide at the camp waterhole provides superb photographic opportunities. The Ongava Reserve has resident white and black rhino, giving guests the opportunity to see both species. Three nights Little Ongava. All meals, drinks, laundry and scheduled activities are included.

Little Ongava is situated within the Ongava Game Reserve, a private 30 000-hectare reserve that is located adjacent to the southern boundary of Etosha National Park. Little Ongava is built along the crest of a hill with wonderful views onto the plains below and is an ideal base from which to explore the country’s premier wildlife destination.  Accommodation is in just three spacious luxury units made of canvas, thatch and stone. Each unit has its own plunge pool, a “sala”, en suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower and a view of the waterhole in front of the lodge. Little Ongava’s main area lends itself to relaxed, stylish dining under an African sky or under thatch.

Day 8-10: Kunene River & Serra Cafema

Leaving Ongava behind you this morning, travel by light aircraft to the Serra Cafema Camp in Namibia’s farthest northwest corner. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water here and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes. Activities include enjoying the breathtaking landscape scenes with springbok, ostrich and gemsbok (Oryx) dotted here and there, traversing the sand dunes in 4×4 Land Rovers and boating on the Kunene River. Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys is also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. One of the highlights of Serra Cafema is the carefully guided quad bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes, while allowing guests to experience a true desert. Overnight Serra Cafema. All meals, drinks, laundry and scheduled activities are included.

Serra Cafema Camp is one of the most remote camps in all of Southern Africa. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of the area and the remote explorer aesthetic, Serra Cafema is an unexpected oasis of luxury and sumptuous spaciousness perched on the Kunene River which forms Namibia’s northernmost border. Situated under large shady albida trees overlooking the dunes and the Kunene River the camp comprises 8 raised canvas and thatch units each with en suite bathroom, retractable glass doors and abundant outdoor lounging, dining and shower decks. The Ozonganda, or public homestead area, comprises indoor and outdoor dining areas, sunken lounge, river bar, library, curio shop and swimming pool. Serra Cafema shares this region with the wonderful and colorful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people in Africa.

Day 11: Depart

This morning your light aircraft transfer will take you back to Windhoek in time for your onward connections.

Please note that most international flights do not allow same day connections to Namibia so you may need to allow 2 days to get to Windhoek to begin your adventure. Photos courtesy Wilderness Safaris.