HIGHLIGHTS
GREAT FOR
Families – Flying cuts down on commuting time between lodges
Honeymooners – Some of Etosha’s premier lodges to enjoy
Photographers – A week to focus on getting the shots you want
AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES
Game drives
Night drives
Nature walks
BEST TIME TO GO
High Season⊕: July to October
Green Season⊕: November to March
OVERVIEW
Namibia is a country of superlatives: the oldest desert, tallest dunes, enormous distances and true ‘big sky’. The Milky Way is out in force virtually every night and desert-adapted megafauna like elephant, rhino and lion still walk their ancient migration and territory routes. If you have limited time and want to see as much wildlife as possible, then this highly focused itinerary makes that not only possible but easy and seamless.
The key is its concentration of top lodges in private reserves around the jewel of Etosha National Park. Not only do you get to access ‘the great white place’ as Etosha is traditionally known but you can also shed the crowds with time in a fascinating big cat sanctuary!
TRIP SUMMARY
DURATION
9 Nights / 10 Days
DESTINATIONS VISITED
Windhoek, Namibia
Ongava Private Game Reserve, Namibia
Greater Etosha National Park, Namibia
Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia
ACCOMMODATIONS VISITED
DAILY ITINERARY
Windhoek is full of surprises, where streets can be named after Austrian composers and African presidents, and German delicacies are enjoyed in the seemingly endless Namibian sunshine.
After jetting into Hosea Kutako International Airport, you will be met and driven to The Weinberg Hotel, located with views of sun-kissed golden vineyards. Rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning and satellite television with some opening onto courtyard gardens and others up in the loft with enough space for families of four.
Why we love The Weinberg Hotel:
- On-site spa for soothing post-flight massages
- Lovely mix of historical building with modern add-ons
- A convenient travel desk to help with city sightseeing
- The restaurant is perfect for breakfast before a day’s adventures
It’s back to Hosea Kutako International Airport for your flight to Ongava Private Game Reserve via Doro! Nawas or Swakopmund. You will head north and touch down at Ongava Lodge, situated in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana mountains.
Ongava is a conservation hub and the Research Centre houses a visitors’ area where you can learn more about its projects. An undeniable highlight is the population of black and white rhino, which can be appreciated on game drives and nature walks.
Why we love Ongava Lodge:
- Approach rhinos on foot
- Lovely hilltop location
- Views of the productive waterhole
- Special photographic hide
Waving goodbye to your guide, you take off from Ongava Airstrip for the short hop to Mokuti Airstrip. While airborne, be sure to appreciate the enormity of the landscape below, with virtually no roads or towns: just plenty of space to breathe.
Touching down at Mokuti, your next guide will be waiting to tell you all about Mushara Lodge. This elegant but unpretentious lodge is very close to the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern border of Etosha National Park.
Why we love Mushara Lodge:
- Stylish blend old, new and natural
- Large swimming pool shaded by tall trees
- Extremely easy access to Etosha
- Very well-spaced, private chalets
After two full days, you will know Etosha intimately, from its massive pure white salt pan and immense baobabs to sometimes hundreds of plains game clustered around a waterhole and, if you’re lucky, a coalition of cheetah.
It is now time to start the journey back to Windhoek with a wonderful overnight stay at Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp. Flying from Mokuti to Okonjima Airstrips maximises your day here and time you can spend at the renowned AfriCat Foundation for predator preservation.
Why we love Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp:
- Chance to see leopard, lion and other big cats
- Possible sightings of pangolin and brown hyena
- Floor-to-ceiling windows for constant game viewing
- Thatched chalets that echo back to traditional huts
Okonjima is one of the most reliable places in Namibia to see leopard because its more mountainous terrain is their natural habitat. As part of conservation research projects, they are also tracked, meaning they can be found more easily and approached when they are relaxed.
Hopefully you can muse on such incredible sightings on the guided drive back to Windhoek today. You’ll leave the bush behind and start reconnecting to the city where you’ll once again stay at The Weinberg.
Depending on the time you have to be at Hosea Kutako International Airport for your flight home, you may be able to fit in some shopping and sightseeing. Windhoek has a sprinkling of upscale boutiques and quirky souvenir shops where you can find something unique to remind you of your time in Namibia.
With its focus on a serious wildlife experience around Etosha National Park, this itinerary is ideal for photographers, nature lovers and those who have a passion for safari.
INCLUDED*
EXCLUDED*
* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.
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