Namibia with Holly Johnson

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be an a la carte menu focusing on Namibian game meat and traditional dishes, with water included.

Overnight in Windhoek.

Breakfast at the hotel is included and typically features a continental, full American, or buffet-style spread. The exact offerings will depend on your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Sesriem, passing through remote and scenic landscapes preserved in their natural state as part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. About 30% of the route is paved, while the remainder consists of gravel and corrugated roads, which can affect travel time. Along the way, enjoy the chance to spot wildlife and take in the beauty of the surroundings. The journey can take up to 9 hours, with stops every 2–3 hours for stretching, bathroom breaks, and a picnic lunch en route.

Included picnic lunch. Your meal can include sandwiches or salads and juice. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Later today, take a guided walk through Sesriem Canyon, a striking natural chasm that plunges up to 30 meters into the earth. The canyon offers a rare year-round water source in this arid region and features sedimentary rock layers, small caves, and unique geological formations. The terrain is uneven in parts, and the descent requires some light scrambling. While the walk is shared with other travelers, the narrow setting creates a peaceful atmosphere. The walk is beginner-friendly and covers approximately 0.6 miles (1km). Hiking sticks are not provided but can be helpful for balance.

Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will be a campfire-cooked meal prepared by a local chef. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Overnight in Sossusvlei.

Start your day with tea and coffee served at camp before departing. A light breakfast will be served at Dune 45, typically consisting of camp-style items such as bread, yogurt, fruit, juice, and cereal.

Take a 1 hour private transfer from your camp to Dune 45 on paved roads for an early morning arrival. After breakfast and the dune climb, continue by bus to the 2WD parking area near Sossusvlei. From there, you will switch to 4WD vehicles and transfer 30 minutes to reach Deadvlei via sandy tracks.

Your first stop today is the dramatic Dune 45, a massive sand formation that rises over 550 feet (170m) into the air and is shaped by multidirectional winds. Known for its rich red color and star-dune structure, this is one of the most photographed dunes in the world. Though a popular site shared with other travelers, the early-morning serenity makes the experience special. The climb can be steep and strenuous in parts, especially as you near the top, so a hiking stick may be helpful for balance. The climb is generally considered a moderately challenging route, taking an average of about one hour to reach the top. Your guide will accompany the group so that you can take your time climbing up. You may also walk along the base if you prefer. Closed-toed walking or hiking shoes are highly recommended.

Next, take a 20-30 minute transfer to explore Deadvlei, a stark white clay pan surrounded by rust-colored dunes and dotted with 600–700-year-old blackened camel thorn trees preserved by the desert climate. To reach the pan, take a short 20-minute walk through soft sand from the 4WD drop-off. As a shared experience, multiple groups may be exploring the area at the same time. The contrast of colors—white pan, black trees, orange dunes, and deep blue sky—makes Deadvlei one of the most visually stunning places in Namibia. A hiking stick is optional but useful on the sandy terrain.

From the Deadvlei Clay Pan, take a 4WD private transfer back to the 2WD parking lot to board the bus back to camp.

Included picnic lunch. Your meal can include sandwiches or salads and juice. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will be a campfire-cooked meal prepared by a local chef. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Overnight in Sossusvlei.

Breakfast at camp is included. Your meal will typically be things like bread, yogurt, fruit, cereal, and juice. Hot breakfast may be offered depending on weather and time.

Today’s drive is via private vehicle and takes you across desert plains and salt roads as the Namib transitions into coastal landscapes. This part of Namibia is preserved in its natural state to maintain the beauty of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. While approximately 30% of the route is paved, the section from Sesriem to Walvis Bay consists of gravel and corrugated roads, which may affect travel time. You’ll make a stop in Solitaire approximately 2 hours into the journey, before continuing another 4 to 5 hours to Walvis Bay. The only paved portion is the final 25 mile (40km) stretch between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Additional stops for bathrooms are made about every 2 hours.

Stop at Solitaire, a one-of-a-kind desert station that offers fuel, snacks, and the famous apple pie from its roadside bakery. Surrounded by desert vistas and abandoned relics, this nostalgic pit stop is a photo-worthy moment and a sweet treat along your route.

Enjoy a slice of fresh apple pie!

In Walvis Bay, join your guide on a short orientation walk around the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a shallow coastal inlet that attracts large flocks of flamingos and other migratory birds. This peaceful stop is great for wildlife photography and birdwatching, especially in the cooler seasons.

Upon arrival into Swakopmund, you’ll be taken to the local activity center where you can book optional excursions for the following day. Optional excursions are available at an additional cost and range from sandboarding to dolphin cruises to kayaking and more! Your guide will be available to help you book activities or offer suggestions for how to make the most of the following day. Then your guide will take you on a short walk around Swakopmund. The walk includes helpful local insights as well as recommended eateries. Swakopmund is known for its striking contrast between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as its blend of German colonial design and African hospitality. You are free to explore on your own afterward.

Overnight in Swakopmund.

Breakfast at the hotel is included and typically features a continental, full American, or buffet-style spread. The exact offerings will depend on your finalized hotel.

Overnight in Swakopmund.

Breakfast at the hotel is included and typically features a continental, full American, or buffet-style spread. The exact offerings will depend on your finalized hotel.

Today’s journey takes you inland via private transfer. Road conditions are rough as you depart Henties Bay. This road often sees construction and maintenance, so expect frequent stop-and-go delays due to the roadwork. Bathroom breaks will be offered every two hours, with a picnic or packed lunch provided along the way.

Included packed or picnic lunch. Your meal can include sandwiches or salads and juice. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

This afternoon, embark on a guided hike to see the famous White Lady Rock Painting, located on the slopes of Brandberg Mountain. At 8,442 feet (2,573m), Brandberg is the tallest mountain in Namibia and a place of deep cultural and natural significance. The roundtrip hike covers about 3.5 miles (5 km) and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll navigate rocky terrain and gentle inclines while your guide introduces you to the area’s plant life, wildlife, and rock art history. The painting itself is thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old and remains one of the most well-preserved examples of ancient San culture. While this is a shared activity and other groups may be on the trail, the setting is expansive and peaceful. After the hike you’ll transfer 30 minute transfer to the campground. Distance: 3.5 miles / Elevation Gain: 500 feet / Duration 1.5 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will be a campfire-cooked meal prepared by a local chef. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Overnight near Brandberg Mountain.

Breakfast at camp is included. Your meal will typically be things like bread, yogurt, fruit, cereal, and juice. Hot breakfast may be offered depending on weather and time.

Today’s private transfer takes you from your campsite to the Twyfelfontein and Damara Living Museum areas. The road conditions can be rough in places, with bathroom stops every two hours.

Take a guided walk among the Twyfelfontein petroglyphs, some of which are estimated to be up to 10,000 years old. The short 1.5 mile path winds through large sandstone boulders etched with animal shapes, hunting scenes, and geometric designs.

Included picnic lunch. Your meal can include sandwiches or salads and juice. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the traditional practices of the Damara people with a visit to their Living Museum near Twyfelfontein. This outdoor cultural center offers a hands-on look at historic skills and rituals, including traditional dancing, blacksmithing, fire-making, and herbal medicine. A short, guided walking tour will take you through demonstration stations where Damara community members share their stories and heritage.

Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will be a campfire-cooked meal prepared by a local chef. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Overnight in Damaraland.

Breakfast is included and typically consists of a campsite buffet with yogurt, bread, cereal, fruit, and hot drinks. Hot breakfast items may also be served depending on conditions and time.

Take a private transfer from Damaraland to the Etosha region. After about 2 hours you’ll make a stop at the Petrified Forest for a short walk of the protected area. The transfer to the Petrified Forest is along a gravel road, which can be very bumpy. Departing the Petrified Forest, the first hour will see rough road conditions, after which you will continue on paved roads until you reach your destination. Along the way, the group will stop in the town of Outjo, where the crew will stock up on supplies. You will also have time to buy lunch and any additional items you may need before continuing the final 55 miles / 90 km (approximately one hour) to camp.

Enjoy a short walk through the Petrified Forest, a protected area where massive fossilized tree trunks—some up to 150 feet (45m) long—lie scattered across the desert floor. Formed around 280 million years ago, these trees were transported by ancient floods and preserved through mineralization. You'll also see Welwitschia Mirabilis, a plant species often called a “living fossil” due to its age and resilience. The 0.2 mile (300m) trail is flat and easy, making it accessible for most travelers.

Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will be a campfire-cooked meal prepared by a local chef. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Overnight near Etosha National Park.

Breakfast at camp is included. Your meal will typically be things like bread, yogurt, fruit, cereal, and juice. Hot breakfast may be offered depending on weather and time.

Spend the day exploring Etosha National Park, known for its vast salt pan and exceptional wildlife viewing. Home to over 110 mammal species and 340 bird species, Etosha offers high chances of spotting elephants, lions, rhinos, and more. Traveling in open 4WD vehicles with a local guide, you'll visit key waterholes where animals gather. The drive is mostly seated and beginner-friendly, with bathroom stops arranged where possible. Early morning blankets are provided, but you’ll want to bring a jacket, hat, sunscreen, and a dust mask for dusty roads. This relaxed guided experience is ideal for photography and enjoying the landscape at a comfortable pace. Please note that your group will split into multiple smaller vehicles, each seating up to 9 people.

Lunch is included during the safari and will either be picnic-style or taken at a designated rest stop within the park. Expect a light and simple meal such as sandwiches, salad, and juice, subject to change.

Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will be a campfire-cooked meal prepared by a local chef. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Overnight near Etosha National Park.

Breakfast at camp is included. Your meal will typically be things like bread, yogurt, fruit, cereal, and juice. Hot breakfast may be offered depending on weather and time.

Enjoy a private transfer through Namibia’s interior. Roads improve as you leave Etosha, but conditions may become rougher near Waterberg. Bathroom stops will be provided every two hours, and lunch will be picnic-style.

Lunch is included and served en route. Expect a picnic meal with sandwiches or salad and juice, subject to change.

Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will be a campfire-cooked meal prepared by a local chef. Please note that Namibia is a desert country, and supermarket supplies can be limited, especially in remote areas. Despite this, your qualified and professional chefs will create an appetizing and nutritious meal with whatever ingredients are available on hand.

Set out on a game drive near the striking Waterberg Plateau, led by an experienced guide who will share fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife and landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled for rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species, as well as the park’s incredible birdlife—over 200 species have been recorded here, including black eagles and Namibia’s only breeding colony of Cape vultures. While predators like leopards and cheetahs roam these lands, they are elusive, making any sighting a special moment. Please note your group will split into multiple smaller vehicles during the game drive.

Overnight in Waterberg.

Breakfast is included. Before departing this morning you will have some coffee and cereal. Then, after returning to camp from the game drive, you'll enjoy a full breakfast. Your meal will typically be things like bread, yogurt, fruit, cereal, and juice. Hot breakfast may be offered depending on weather and time.

This morning begins with an early start to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife on a game drive. From the reception area, you’ll meet your local guide and set out to explore the diverse landscapes of Waterberg Plateau Park. Please note that your group may be split into separate vehicles as each vehicle can only seat 9-10 passengers. While predators are elusive here, the side-striped jackal is frequently seen, and with some luck, you might catch sight of a cheetah, leopard, brown hyena, or even the rare African wild dog. The park is especially rich in herbivores, with common sightings of zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and a wide range of antelope—from the towering eland to the tiny Damara dik-dik. Oryx and the striking sable antelope are also regularly encountered. Birdwatchers will find plenty to enjoy as well, with over 200 recorded species, including Verreaux’s (black) eagle and Namibia’s only breeding colony of Cape vultures. Before departing this morning you will have some coffee and cereal. Then, after returning to camp from the game drive, you'll enjoy a full breakfast.

After the morning activity, take a private transfer to Windhoek. Roads may be rough as you leave the Waterberg region but improve significantly as you approach the capital. Stops will be made every two hours for restrooms and snacks.

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be an a la carte menu focusing on Namibian game meat and traditional dishes.

Overnight in Windhoek.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Typical Hotel breakfasts are full buffet breakfasts. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by the finalized hotel.