Overnight flight to Windhoek via Johannesburg.

Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to Mushara Lodge. This light aircraft transfer is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Depending on arrival time, take the opportunity to join a game drive into the park in the afternoon. The luxury camp is situated on the border of Etosha and beyond the park gates are the richest concentrations of protected wildlife in Namibia, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, rhino, giraffe, hartebeest, kudu and oryx.

If relaxing on the first afternoon is of interest, the camp has a lovely pool, a game viewing hide and excellent hospitality. The hide at camp overlooks a small waterhole, which attracts various species including the majestic kudu, zebra, oryx, dik dik and steenbok. It is also a good spot for learning about Namibian birds, especially active at the waterhole towards dusk. The evening sees camp lit with lanterns and a roaring fire before inventive Namibian cuisine is served alongside very fine South African wines.
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The park gates open at 6 a.m. for those that are keen enough for an early start. The open Land Rovers are ideal platforms for watching wildlife and in Etosha time can be divided between the watering holes which are always busy with thirsty animals and the open areas around the great pan itself. If planning to spend the day inside the park, either take a picnic hamper or stop at the small restaurant inside Fort Namutoni, a former German colonial outpost, which has become a tourist attraction, or visit the small book store and enjoy lunch in the courtyard of the fort. After lunch, take the trails around the eastern edge of the pan and look for species that frequent the open plains and pan fringe. The gates to Etosha close at sunset and the transfer back to camp will depart before then. ...read less

This day can be used for further wildlife viewing inside the park, looking for wildlife to the north, which is a habitat better suited to certain species including rhino. Again, there will be the option of exploring the edge of the salt pan and the many water holes, with lunch inside the park before returning to camp in the late afternoon for a sundowner drink. Alternatively, enjoy the pool, library and curio shop at camp with time spent in the game/bird viewing hide on the edge of the property.

On the first afternoon following the transfer to the Etendeka Mountain Camp, take some time to settle in to the surroundings before leaving camp on a wildlife drive or short walk, with one of the camp’s outstanding guides, to learn more about the flora, fauna, and geography of the area. The region is famed for desert adapted species like elephant and black rhino, but the vast landscape is also home to other wonderful animal and birdlife, such as mountain zebra stallions and giraffe herds. While returning back to camp, the fascinating number of plant species, which have many uses from medicines to poisons, will be explained, but not without stopping to enjoy the solitude along with a cold drink. After a chance to shower and relax, the evening is spent watching guides cook supper over an open fire with the delights of their many tales. ...read less

Upon awaking, enjoy a hearty breakfast and the blissful silence of the surroundings, before and moving further up into the surrounding mountains to enjoy the views, wildlife and birding. The morning drive usually includes a walk for those who are keen to explore away from the 4wd trails and the elevated views makes this a unique experience. The sighting of Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, springbok, giraffe, or perhaps even the desert elephant or black rhino may add an exciting bonus to the day. This is also home to many of Namibia’s endemic birds, such as the Herero Chat, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Rüppell’s Korhaan and Damara Rockrunner.

Lunch is enjoyed under shade at camp and offers a chance to recharge camera batteries as well as energy levels. This also offers time for a siesta during the hottest part of the day. Meet again at 4 p.m. for tea and cake before heading out on the afternoon activity. This is a good time of the day to take a drive with antelope busy browsing vegetation and larger wildlife moving again after their midday inactivity. As the sun sets, the large cats, including lion, leopard, and cheetah, may be spotted as they emerge for their evening hunt. Arrive back in camp just before sundown for a refreshing shower and cold drink. If astronomy is of interest, this is one of the finest countries on the planet for clear night skies and the camp has a telescope to use.
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After an air transfer and depending on arrival time, spend the first afternoon exploring the pretty coastal town of Swakopmund. Traditional Bavarian architecture set against a backdrop of desert dunes makes this small town unique. Originally built as a staging post for the people and goods arriving during the German colonial era, this town is now a well established tourist center. Abundant window shopping is found side by side with plentiful restaurants and bars, as well as a small aquarium and museum, which covers the town’s history. Take the chance to explore the beachfront promenade which bustles with walkers, fisherman and swimmers, as well as informal open air craft markets near the lighthouse. ...read less

This day starts with a marine cruise beginning at 9 a.m. Take the chance to see flying pelicans, seals, the Walvis Bay Harbor, old boat wrecks, dolphins, and even whales and turtles during the right season. Around 11:30, the skipper will stop at a deserted beach at the Jetty at Pelican Point, to be met by a guide who will lead exploration into Sandwich Harbor by Land Rover. This excursion will lead to the Kuiseb River Delta, flamingos, saltpans and wetlands. Visit the Sandwich Harbor Lagoon, one of Southern Africa’s richest and unique wetlands, before crossing the big dunes for a light meal with snacks, salads, and local oysters and sparkling wine. On the way back cross more giant dunes, before returning to Walvis around 4:30 for dinner out on the town. ...read less

Depending on departure time from Swakopmond, this would be a good opportunity to experience a new activity. Perhaps an early morning ride in the dunes, or possibly just enjoy breakfast overlooking the ocean.

Then transfer to the Kulala Desert Lodge, which is located with the arid Namib Desert on the 37,000 hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. An afternoon property drive will be the first introduction to the area with its beautiful scenery and its surprising variety of wildlife such as oryx, ostrich, springbox, jackal, bat eared fox, and a myriad of insects and lizzards. Then have a stop along the way to enjoy a sundowner and snack while watching the sun set over the fantastic red dunes of Sossusvlei before returning to camp after dark.
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The early morning activity revolves around guided nature drives to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei through the private gate on the Tsauchab River. World-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky and flush red in the early morning sun. These dunes have developed over millions of years, and the wind continuously transforming the contours of this red sand sea. The “vlei” (Afrikaans for pond) itself only fills after rare, heavy rainfalls when, in a complete turn-around, it becomes a spectacular turquoise lake.

The afternoon can be used to just enjoy the camp relaxing in the room, cooling down in the pool or having a drink on the verandah while taking in the view of the magnificent dunes. One option is to take a drive in one of the Lodge’s SUVs around the property, if this has not been done already. For the more adventurous, choose from nature walks and eco-sensitive, guided quad-biking through the private reserve.
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Depending on departure time, an early morning option (at extra cost) is available for a ballooning safari at first light. This offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at the landing site.

Depart to Windhoek International Airport for a flight home or optional Yampu Tours add-on.