Namibia Luxury Fly-Drive

Fly to Johannesburg.

In Johannesburg connect on to a regional service to Windhoek, landing in the early afternoon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the nearby Omaanda where you will be spending the night. Spend the afternoon revelling in the luxurious surroundings of the lodge, taking in a spa treatment or heading out on a game drive through the beautiful Omaanda Reserve before returning for drinks and dinner by the camp fire.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic Eros airport for a scenic flight down to Sossusvlei – home of Namibia’s iconic red sand dunes. From the airstrip you will be transferred to &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, a stunning modern lodge which commands panoramic views out over the desert. Sit back and relax by your private plunge pool this afternoon and take in the stunning vistas which unfold in front of you.

Set off with your guide before dawn to explore the endless sand dunes and eerily beautiful vleis that make up Sossusvlei. If you are feeling active there will the chance to climb one of the dunes or you can simply take a gentle stroll along the ridges before descending to photograph Dead Vlei with its ancient leadwood trees and shimming white floor. En-route back to the lodge there will be a stop at Sesriem Canyon and then an afternoon to relax.

Today can be spent exploring the wider NamibRand Nature Reserve, home to a huge array of desert wildlife, ancient rock art sites, hiking and biking trails and many more besides. Alternatively you can simply enjoy the facilities on offer at what is undoubtedly one of Namibia’s most luxurious lodges, including a superb spa, swimming pool and sundeck, as well as an extensive wine cellar. The clear desert nights are perfect for stargazing with their resident astronomer.

You will be transferred back to the airstrip this morning for a flight up the coast to Swakopmund, a chance to see Namibia’s dramatic coastline from the air. From the airport a transfer will take you to the lovely Strand Hotel, a modern seaside property overlooking Swakopmund’s main beach for a 2 night stay. Take the afternoon to relax and explore this charming little Germanic town, home to some excellent seafood restaurants and beautiful architecture.

Take possession of your rental car early this morning and then the day is yours to explore as you please. A short drive away is the town of Walvis Bay where a number of activities including drives through the dunes, boat trips and kayaking with seals can be enjoyed. A little closer to Swakopmund there are places to enjoy quad biking, horseriding and even skydiving – plenty to keep even the most active and adventurous traveller happy.

Continue your adventure by road this morning as you head inland through the deserts towards the Twyfelfontein region of southern Damaraland. Here you will spend 2 nights at the beautiful Mowani Mountain Camp which is perched atop a rocky mountain amongst towering boulders. Spend the afternoon enjoying the views from the swimming pool before heading up to the clifftop bar area to enjoy sundowner drinks in the most dramatic spot imaginable.

This morning will see an early start as you head out to search for desert adapted elephant in the dry river beds of the desert plains. This is a truly amazing experience and allows you to learn more about how these remarkable creatures have adapted to living in this harsh, seemingly waterless environment. En-route back to camp take a trip to the ancient rock art sites at Twyfelfontein and marvel at the incredible geological formations known as the Organ Pipes.

After breakfast set off for the Etosha National Park, driving through the interior of Namibia and marvelling at the stunning scenery as you drive. Your destination is the Ongava Game Reserve, a private concession which borders the main National Park and is home to all manner of wildlife. The glorious Anderssons at Ongava will be your base for the next 3 nights and a superb spot from which to explore this wildlife haven.

With a team of expert guides on hand to look after you, your days at Anderssons will be full of incredible wildlife encounters, with lion, leopard, elephant and rhino all regularly seen on the reserve. Indeed, Ongava means “place of the rhino” in the local dialect and there will be a chance for you to track white rhino on foot if you happen across one in the right setting – a truly amazing experience.

Anderssons is also home to the Ongava Research Centre where you can learn more about the conservation and sustainability work that the reserve is heavily involved in. If you are so inclined you can take a trip in to the main Etosha National Park for a game drive or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the heavenly surroundings of the lodge – it is truly the best in the region with unparalleled levels of service and cuisine.

Enjoy a final morning activity at Ongava before breakfast and then set off on your journey south towards Windhoek. You will enjoy one final stop at the renowned Okonjima Nature Reserve – home to the wildlife charity the Africat Foundation. Spend the night at Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp, a stunning spot which boasts easy access to the Africat centre as well as a night hide where you can see rare nocturnal creatures such as porcupine and honey badger.

Set off early this morning for the drive down to Windhoek airport where you will drop off your rental vehicle and then catch a flight to Johannesburg for the overnight connection to your home country.