Diverse Namibia

Day 1- Depart London Heathrow this evening on Virgin Atlantic to Johannesburg (10 hours 55 minutes).

Depart London Heathrow this evening on Virgin Atlantic to Johannesburg (10 hours 55 minutes).

Day 2- Fly to Windhoek and transfer to Olive Grove Guesthouse. Rest of the day at leisure.

Arrive in Johannesburg and connect with your South African Airways flight to Windhoek (1 hour 55 minutes). On arrival transfer by road (approximately 30 minutes) directly to the Olive Grove Guesthouse (Luxury Room). The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3- Drive through Khomas Hochland mountains and into the Soussusvlei region.

You will be met this morning at Olive Grove Guesthouse by your Explorations guide and begin your journey by driving 340km through the Khomas Hochland mountains and down into the iconic Sossusvlei region, a driving time of approximately five hours. Spend the next two nights at Kulala Adventurer Camp(Dome Tents)which enjoy magnificent views of the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.

Day 4- Visit the top of the dunes before taking nature walks and drives to scenic viewpoints.

One of the most enduring impressions of this area is the early morning light on the sea of vivid orange dunes of Sossusvlei, some as high as 300 metres. Located in the Namib Naukluft Park, the surreal vistas of Sossusvlei are a major highlight of any visit to Namibia. Containing some of the highest sand dunes on the planet, this remarkable area affords reasonably easy access to one of the world’s most spectacular and oldest desert landscapes, where a walk to the top of one of the towering dunes can present quite magnificent views across up to 100 kilometres of timeless desert scenery. Sunrise and sunset offer the best times to visit, when the spectacular colours play across the land, burnishing it in a golden glow that presents a wealth of magical photographic opportunities. Afternoon activities include nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints and marvelling at the unique Namib fauna and flora in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve.

Day 5- Depart camp early, driving through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon, arriving in Walvis Bay. Stay at the Hansa Hotel.

We depart camp early, driving through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains before arriving in Walvis Bay and then finally driving up the skeleton coast into the quaint town of Swakopmund, a drive of about 5 -6 hours (approximately 370 km). Stay for two nights at the ideally located Hansa Hotel (standard room).

Day 6- Take a 'Dolphin and Seal' catamaran cruise.

Today we explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast, from the port town of Swakopmund to its incredible marine mammals. A “Dolphin and Seal” catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay (weather permitting) provides a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful bay and coastline. The cruise takes in the Oyster Platforms, where we learn about the oysters cultivated here – including tasting the delicacies – before moving on to Pelican Point to see the lighthouse, and an area in which three species of dolphins may be encountered, namely the rare endemic Heaviside’s dolphin, dusky and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Aside from spotting diverse pelagic (ocean-going) birdlife, pelicans and flamingo, and Cape fur seals, the massive sunfish, leatherback turtles, southern right and humpback whales can be seen in season. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the charming town of Swakopmund.

Day 7- Continue to Damaraland, stoping at Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp.

We continue our journey by road 320km (approximately 8-hour drive) to Damaraland, west of the Brandberg Mountain (the second largest monolith in the world after Ayers Rock, Australia), stopping for lunch at Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp. The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) has been involved with rhino conservation in this area since the early eighties, and has been singly responsible for helping these rare animals survive and thrive, so that today this area boasts the largest concentration of black rhino anywhere on the planet outside of a national park. Community game scouts employed by the Trust as monitors are the trackers and guides. Looking south from camp toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland offers its guests endless vistas and one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river sand canyon, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. Spend three nights at Damaraland Adventurer Camp (Dome tent).

Day 8- Activities range from nature walks, viewing rock engravings to day and night nature drives.

Once in the area around Damaraland, we are in the heart of the rocky desert, an ancient glacial landscape. Damaraland boasts a varied and breathtaking assortment of desert-adapted species including one of the highest concentrations of desert elephant and black rhino, and a surprisingly high diversity of wildlife including Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, giraffe, gemsbok, and springbok, with occasional cheetah sightings. Our activities range from nature walks, mountain biking, viewing the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein (a World Heritage Site) to day and night nature drives, exploring the mountains, hills and ephemeral river beds and springs.

Day 9- Activities range from nature walks, mountain biking, viewing rock engravings to day and night nature drives.

Once in the area around Damaraland, we are in the heart of the rocky desert, an ancient glacial landscape. Damaraland boasts a varied and breathtaking assortment of desert-adapted species including one of the highest concentrations of desert elephant and black rhino, and a surprisingly high diversity of wildlife including Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, giraffe, gemsbok, and springbok, with occasional cheetah sightings. Our activities range from nature walks, mountain biking, viewing the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein (a World Heritage Site) to day and night nature drives, exploring the mountains, hills and ephemeral river beds and springs.

Day 10- Drive to Ongava Game Reserve, affording the opportunity to experience big game viewing and the iconic salt pan. Stay at Andersson's Camp.

We drive approximately 330km (approximately 5 hours’ drive time) to Ongava Game Reserve on the boundary of Etosha National Park, to experience big game viewing and this iconic salt pan. Etosha remains the highest density wildlife area within Namibia, its’ fame justly acknowledged. The salt pan (largest salt pan in the world) is speculated to be a remnant of an ancient glacial lake - today being maintained by scouring winds across its surface and sporadic ephemeral flooding. Springs along the edge of the pan attract and quench the thirst of a dense and varied conglomeration of wildlife, mixing savanna and desert species like impala and springbuck. Stay at Andersson’s Camp for two nights (standard permanent tent).

Day 11- Activities include day and night drives, walks and hides.

One of Africa’s great game parks, Etosha can boast a staggering variety of game and birdlife, with some 114 species of animals and 340 species of birds recorded across its desert pans and open savannahs. At its centre lies the vast depression of the Etosha Pan, which covers nearly a quarter of the park and for the most part presents a spectacular flat expanse of white salt pans, which, after particularly heavy rains can revert back to an immense lake. Game is abundant across these open spaces, with large herds of zebra, gemsbok and elephant regularly seen, as well as rare black rhino. A number of waterholes present ideal viewing areas, attracting the rich diversity of animal and birdlife. Activities include day and night drives, walks and hides. Within Etosha we visit numerous perennial springs and pans, encountering a myriad of differing species).

Day 12- Drive to Winhoek. Fly to Johannesburg and connect onto London.

Today we drive south and return to Windhoek (approximate distance - 420km). Upon your arrival you will be transferred to the international airport for your South African Airways flight to Johannesburg. Connect with your Virgin Atlantic flight back to London.

Day 13- Arrive at London Heathrow in the early hours of this morning.

Arrive at London Heathrow in the early hours of this morning.

Adley House

Adley House provides Victorian style accommodation in Oudtshoorn on a large property featuring 12 en-suite rooms 2 swimming pools, braai area and secure parking. En-suite individually decorated double rooms are equipped with air-conditioner, remote controlled colour TV with the Mnet channel, overhead fan, fully stocked bar fridge, telephone, hairdryer, clock-radio, tea or coffee making facilities and electric blankets and heaters in winter.

Olive Grove Guesthouse

Olive Grove Guesthouse is located in a peaceful area of Windhoek and features 11 individually decorated rooms. Each room has a large verandah with tables and chairs for al fresco dining. The open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia’s open skies. The inside lounge is tastefully decorated, with comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax and read a magazine. A guest computer is available, for people to check their emails and stay in touch with family and friends back home. Friendly and efficient staff are always on hand to ensure that the visitors’ stay is a comfortable and enjoyable one.

Kulala Adventurer Camp

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 10pt;">Kulala Adventurer Camp</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>,</strong> comprises of dome tents under the shade, is perfect for taking in the Reserve's expansive vistas and stark beauty and enjoys views into the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Namib</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Naukluft</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">National Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Dining under the star-filled Namibian skies and watching a blood red sunset punctuated by the cacophony of barking geckos are a few highlights, as is spending unrushed quality time at the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, known for their red colouring in the early morning sunlight, accessed through our private gate which is closer to the dunes than the main park entry gate. Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok can be seen on the reserve, as well as smaller creatures like bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal and <st1:place w:st="on">Cape</st1:place> fox. Other activities include day and night scenic drives and walks, and optional early morning ballooning, horse riding or quad-biking (the last three at extra cost). <o:p></o:p></span></p>

Hansa Hotel

The Hansa Hotel is a timeless classic built in 1905 which makes it one of Swakopmund’s oldest hotels. Located in the centre of town, the hotel offers 52 rooms all of which are individually decorated. The restaurant is among the most popular in Swakopmund; the residents bar features a large fireplace, which offers welcome relief from the cool Swakop night temperatures. The Hansa Hotel also has a secluded garden courtyard, which is well protected from the Swakopmund weather. All the rooms are well equipped and the ensuite bathrooms feature under floor heating. The restaurant is renowned for seafood and game specialties and also offers a unique wine list.

Damaraland Adventurer Camp

<div style="border:1pt solid windowtext;padding-top: 1pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none;text-align: justify; padding-top: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'century gothic';">Damaraland Adventurer Camp</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'century gothic';"> is on the area around Damaraland, this is in the heart of the rocky desert, an ancient glacial landscape. This area boasts a varied and breathtaking assortment of desert-adapted species including one of the highest concentrations of desert elephant and black rhino, and a surprisingly high diversity of wildlife including Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, giraffe, gemsbok, and springbok, with occasional cheetah sightings. Our activities range from nature walks, ,viewing the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein (a World Heritage Site) to day and night nature drives, exploring the mountains, hills and ephemeral river beds and springs. <o:p></o:p></span></p> </div>

Damaraland Camp

ituated on the northern face of the Huab River Valley and looking south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland Camp offers its guests endless vistas. Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river sand canyon, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. This comfortable and friendly camp offers walks and drives in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. Although wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland Camp is situated where the rare Desert Elephant roams, alongside Gemsbok (Oryx), Springbok, Ostrich and other hardy desert animals. Rare succulent plants somehow manage to eke out an existence in this harsh countryside. Damaraland Camp has 10 tented rooms each with an en suite bathroom including flush toilet and shower with hot and cold running water. A laundry service is offered. The stone living area combines the dining room and pub and an open fire i

Andersson's Camp

surrounded by plains teeming with wildlife and situated close to Etosha (the vast expanse of savannah and salt pan, the largest in Africa, 'discovered' by Sir Francis Galton and Charles Andersson in 1851), the Discoverer atmosphere of the camp makes for a much more comfortable modern-day exploration of this landscape. The resurrected farmstead now forms the anchor fronting onto a thriving waterhole and the 20 tented guest units, each with en-suite bathroom, are raised on decks for an enhanced view. This model of eco-sensitive lodging provides an authentic, safe and down-to-earth experience for small groups, families and independent travellers to Etosha.

Virgin Atlantic - Premium Economy

Cost: from £ 595

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy offers passengers extra space and comfort with luxurious leather seats offering 38 inches of pitch room and an increased seat width of 21 inches. Before departure clients have access to a separate check-in area and also priority boarding and where possible passengers and luggage will be prioritised off the plane. Onboard, Premium Economy passengers have a dedicated cabin crew who will provide complimentary newspapers, drinks, and amenity kit and serve upgraded three course meals which are served on stylish china plates with stainless steel cutlery. Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.

Virgin Atlantic - Upper Class (Business Class)

Cost: from £ 2995

Virgin Atlantic aims to spoil their passengers rotten with their Upper Class cabin which boasts some of the biggest Upper Class seats in the industry. The comfy 22 inch wide seats turn into 33 inch wide, 6.6 feet long totally flat beds at the click of a button. Each seat has its own 10.4 inch television with a massive list of entertainment plus an individual power point, table and laptop storage space. The elegant onboard dining experience allows passengers to choose from a wide menu of fine food and a drinks list including champagne, bucks fizz and cocktails. Prior to departure Upper Class benefits include a dedicated check-in area, a priority security lane at Heathrow and access to the exclusive Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses at Heathrow and Gatwick and those abroad where applicable ** ** In airports where Virgin Atlantic to not have a Clubhouse, Upper Class passenger’s will have access to an alternative Upper Class Lounge. These shared lounges are either owned by the airport authorities or another airline. Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.