Overnight flight to Windhoek via Johannesburg

Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to Windhoek to collect a rental vehicle. Then drive a few minutes to the accommodations, to be met by a guide and briefed on the safaris. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. An easy to walk, European-styled city, the main attractions that include several architectural highlights, local restaurants, shops, and the city’s outdoor market can all be visited.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart to the AfriCat Foundation, in Okonjima, via the B1 highway. Upon arrival, be welcomed by the Okonjima staff at the gate and directed to accommodations. The total drive time is approximately 3 hours.

The AfriCat Foundation is a non-profit organization that is devoted to the conservation of Namibia’s large cats and carnivores. In cooperation with commercial farmers and local communities, the Foundation provides environmental education, as well as rehabilitation and welfare programs, to provide solutions to human-wildlife conflict issues.

Following afternoon tea and cake, radio-track leopards, where they roam freely and catch their own prey within the 4500-hectare rehabilitation area. Afterwards, enjoy dinner and cold drinks around the camp fire. Optionally, observe some of the local nocturnal creatures from the night.
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This morning choose from several options, including an excursion on one of the self-guided walking trails (up to 8 km), radio tracking of Spotted Hyenas on foot, or taking part in one of the AfriCat feeding runs for cats that cannot yet hunt for themselves. Enjoy lunch at camp between activities, to take the chance to peruse the curio shop or take a dip and lounge by the pool.

In the afternoon, visit The Cheetah Project, a valuable understanding of Foundation’s work will be gained. Here, learn more about the science that goes into conserving these animals as well as a bit of AfriCat’s 18-year history.
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Before departing this morning, there will be a final chance to radio-track the rehabilitating cheetahs on foot. Once checked out, with a packed lunch in hand, begin the journey through the mining towns of Omaruru, Karibib, and Usakos, before finally arriving at Swakopmund. The estimated driving time today is about 4 hours.

After arriving, spend the first afternoon exploring the town. In addition to its German architecture, there are plenty of small shops, a beachfront promenade, open air markets, a small aquarium and historical museum. After an afternoon at leisure, choose one of the town’s many restaurants for dinner, and be sure to take advantage of the exceptional local seafood.
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Today will be a day spent at leisure in the town, with a choice of plenty activities that can be added on at an extra cost. One highly recommended activity is the half day Marine Cruise of the nearby Walvis Bay to explore the rich sea life and beautiful habitat. Another option would be to join a tour of the living desert just outside of town, where the expert guides will introduce guests to many of the fascinating and hidden life in this seemingly desolate landscape.

In the afternoon, choose to join a community township tour of Swakopmund. This rare opportunity will give an insight into the livelihoods of working class Namibians, as their schools, houses, and craft stalls will be visited. Alternatively, visit some of the local outfitters to try some of Swakopmund’s famous adventure sports. The options range from quad biking and sand-boarding through the huge dunes, to kayaking the coast or even skydiving. In the evening, choose another restaurant of choice to experience the local cuisine.
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Depending on departure time, take a final opportunity to engage in any of the activities that have yet to be tried, or perhaps take a leisurely morning to enjoy breakfast before hitting the road towards Sossusvlei. This drive will lead out of the coastal dunes, through the flat yellow desert and the Kuiseb Canyon, and finally to the towering red dunes of the Namib.

Upon arrival, settle into a comfortable room at the Mountain Homestead, where soon after, a sundowner drive through the pristine desert habitat of the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve will be embarked on. This will be a relaxing way to end the day, with the beautiful views of the landscape, before heading back for dinner.
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Start the day with an early morning self-guided trip into the Namib Naukluft National Park, to visit the classic red dunes around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei (both large clay pans). Here the photographic opportunities are endless and maybe even climb the dunes to enjoy even more expansive views of the seemingly endless sea of red sand. This experience of the park can take up to 7 hours to fully enjoy it, so be sure to take a packed lunch from the Homestead.

Once returning to the Homestead, there will be plenty of time for a swim and some snacks before meeting a guide in the late afternoon, for a number of options including a drive or walk around the Reserve, or perhaps even a tour of the land on horseback.
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Depending on when guests choose to depart, there is the option of enjoying a sunrise balloon flight (at extra cost) over the desert. Afterwards, take a 5-hour drive through the Naukluft Mountains and back to Windhoek for one final night.

Depending on the time of departure, return the vehicle transfer to the airport for a flight home or optional Yampu Tours add-on.