Itinerary Details
Swain Destinations: Best of Namibia Wing Safari
Day 1 Welcome to Johannesburg, South Africa
Upon arrival into Johannesburg you will be met and assisted on foot too your accommodation.
Johannesburg is the economic heart of South Africa, the central focus of Egoli ('Place of Gold'), as the Sotho name for Gauteng suggests. The largest and richest city in South Africa, Johannesburg's lifestyle is a fast-paced and hectic one.
Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel
Day 2 Johannesburg to Sossusvlei
This morning make your own way on foot to Johannesburg International Airport for your flight to Namibia (not included). Upon arriving into Windhoek, you will be met and assisted with connecting onto your flight to Sossuslvlei.
Internationally known as a photographer's dream, Sossusvlei with its monumental dunes was formed by multi-directional winds. The photogenic lure of this area is breathtaking, boasting exceptional scenery, as well as a wild and romantic spirit. It is made up of a vast, dry clay pan over which towers a sea of magnificent sand dunes, reputedly the highest dunes in the world. When it has rained sufficiently, the main pan draws flamingos and other aquatic birds to the area.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 3 Activities at Kulala Desert Lodge
Unique and breathtaking in its beauty, Sossusvlei is situated in the Namib Naukluft Park. The photogenic lure of this area is breathtaking, boasting exceptional scenery, as well as a wild and romantic spirit. Why not experience the unimaginable magic of flying above the desert in a hot air balloon?
Spend the day enjoying the activities offered at Kulala Desert Lodge. On guided nature walks, explore the wonders of an ancient desert - its geological formations and all its desert-adapted creatures. Gemsbok, springbok, Cape and bat-eared foxes, spotted and brown hyaenas, ostriches, aardwolf, black-backed jackals, a myriad of fascinating insects such as buck-spoor spiders and antlions, endemic dune larks, and barking geckos, whose iconic calls signal the end of day. Climb and scramble down the 300-metre red ochre dunes at Sossusvlei. Hike through Sesriem Canyon, where water carved through rock over millennia, or take a leisurely stroll near camp on the Tsauchab River Trail. Dash over the plains on an electric ‘fat bike', a family favorite. Sip sundowners as the sun fires up the sky, then fades; sleep under the most impossibly starry sky on Earth. Take it all in from the air, ballooning over this otherworldly landscape.
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4 Sossusvlei to Damaraland
Fly over the dunes of the Namib and Sossusvlei continuing to Damaraland.
Damaraland is renowned for its interesting flora and fauna dominated by rugged mountain ranges and steep escarpments, scorched by a relentless desert sun and inhabited almost exclusively by the unique semi-nomadic Himba tribe. Game species include desert elephant, black rhino, ostrich and springbok. If you want to be inspired by one of Mother Nature's rarest beasts, searching for the endangered Desert elephant in Damaraland is a must.
Wilderness Damaraland Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 Activities at Damaraland Camp
Damaraland Camp is situated in the Huab River Valley, arguably the most pristine wilderness area in Namibia, 90km from Torra Bay in the Torra Conservancy. It is lauded as one of the country's best camps, with sensational views of the surrounding desert plains, ancient valleys and soaring peaks of the Brandberg Mountains.
Spot desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife on nature walks and drives, learning their survival skills in this arid place. Search for smaller desert dwellers; follow a guide on a scorpion night walk with UV spotlighting. Travel to Tywfelfontein to view astounding San rock art dating back 6000 years. Visit farmers from the local Torra Conservancy, and hear how human-wildlife conflict has shifted to conservation. Cool off in the pool; enjoy a spectacular breakfast stop in the wilds; relish a fireside boma evening of cultural cuisine, song and dance, and incomparable stargazing.
Wilderness Damaraland Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 Damaraland to Ongava Game Reserve
Continue your air safari from Damaraland to Ongava Game Reserve which borders Etosha National Park.
Ongava is one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, with over 125 square miles to explore. With opportunities to explore both Ongava and the neighboring Etosha National Park, there is an astonishing variety of life found in this spectacular environment. Lions, black and white rhinos, elephants, giraffe and several stunning species of antelope, including rare black-faced impala, are at home on the reserve.
Please note that Ongava Tented Camp is closed from January 11, 2024 - June 30, 2024. During this period the itinerary will include Ongava Lodge in place of Ongava Tented Camp.
Ongava Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7 Activities at Ongava Game Reserve
Today you will enjoy some of the many excursions available at Ongava Game Reserve. Ongava's proximity to Etosha allows for game drives in the Etosha National Park and on the Ongava Reserve itself. Other possibilities include guided walks, birding and visiting hides. Ongava holds one of the largest rhino custodianships for the Namibian government in the country and is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where guests can see both black and white rhino.
Ongava Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8 Etosha to Windhoek
This morning enjoy breakfast and your morning game activity before fly to Windhoek. Upon arriving in Windhoek you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Windhoek combines the modern city architectural style with that of the German colonial era. The city is a bit provincial, although the atmosphere does have cosmopolitan flare as well. You will spend the night here before your morning departure flight.
The Olive Exclusive
Meals: B
Day 9 Depart Windhoek
This morning completes your Namibia journey. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: B
