The Ultimate Namibia Itinerary - 14 Nights
Namibia truly is a land of contrasts, it needs to be seen to be fully understood. Our 15 day Ultimate Namibia Tour will enable you to experience the highlights of this abstract and diverse country in comfort and style. The light aircraft transfers help you to make the most of your time.
Day 1
On arrival at Windhoek International Airport you will be met by a Mahlatini representative for your light aircraft transfer to Sesriem in the Namib Naukluft National Park. On arrival at the airstrip you will be met and transferred to Kulala Desert Lodge at the foot of the Sossusvlei dunes. This friendly and relaxed lodge has a many tiered bar and dining area overlooking the stark desert landscape of the Namib, and a swimming pool with a wonderful view across the desert. Each tented room has a private veranda and the small number of units allows for an intimate and homely atmosphere. Each room also has a roof-top sleeping platform offering guests the unique opportunity to sleep under the stars.
Accommodation: Overnight at Kulala Desert Lodge
Day 2
This morning depart early for a full day visit to the Namib Naukluft NP. The entrance opens at sunrise and this is the best time to see the dunes. Enjoy the amazing scenery of the desert, and maybe take a short walk to Deadvlei, a bizarre collection of ancient camelthorn trees, or climb the nearby dunes.
Accommodation: Overnight at Kulala Desert Lodge
Days 3-5
Depart Kulala after breakfast this morning and fly onwards to the semi-nomadic Palmwag Rhino Camp situated inside southern Africa's largest private conservancy area of 450,000ha. The camp itself is run in conjunction with the Save the Rhino Fund and is the central research base for monitoring and tracking Africa's last free roaming Black Rhino population, giving you an incredible opportunity to learn and understand a little more about these highly endangered creatures.
The camp consists of luxury tents with en-suite facilities including bucket showers with hot water on call, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests. All activities are fully inclusive and include tracking on foot, with the aid of local guides, game driving, both night and day and general nature walk. This massive area of Damaraland is also home to Brown Hyena, Desert Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, offering a wonderful, unexploited and exclusive view of game in its natural environment.
Accommodation: Overnight at Palmwag Rhino Camp
Days 6-7
Early morning light aircraft transfer to one of the most remote areas in Namibia, Kaokoland. Situated on a lush green island in the Kunene river on the furthest border of the Skeleton Cost National Park overlooking Angola, Serra Cafema is one of Namibia's most remote luxury lodges.
The semi nomadic Himba tribes are the only local people. Surviving virtually untouched by outside influences, they still live a very simple, unchanged lifestyle, similar to that of their ancestors who first settled in this region thousands of years of ago. The river is the area's only permanent water source producing a striking contrast to the harsh, dry mountains and dunes that surround the river. Just to the south of the camp is the huge grassland plain of the Hartmann Valley, an area famed for its game, beauty and one of its smaller inhabitants, the very rare and beautiful Cinderella Waxbill. Fully inclusive activities include 4x4 game drives, boat trips, local bird walks and visits to local Himba villages
Accommodation: Overnight at Serra Cafema Lodge, Kaokoland
Days 8-9
Continue south today, to Ongava Lodge located on the southern border of Etosha. Many fascinating species can be found in Etosha, and you may hope to see animals including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra & antelope in addition to many bird species.
Ongava is located in a private nature reserve bordering the Etosha National Park. In addition to the early morning and late afternoon game drives that are offered from the lodge into Etosha itself, you will be able to enjoy viewing the many species present around the lodge grounds. The waterhole situated in front of the main deck provides the perfect place to relax and watch the movements of the many animals quenching their thirst. The accommodation is in luxurious brick & thatch chalets and a bar, dining area and swimming pool blend in to the surrounding environment.
Accommodation: Overnight at Palmwag Rhino Camp
Days 10-12
Fly today from the great Etosha National Park the short distance to Otavi where you will be collected and transferred to Mundulea, around 30km drive. Enjoy three nights exploring a unique and unspoilt area of Namibia. This beautiful private farm is located 25 minutes drive from Otavi and is characterised by Dolomite crags, lush green valleys and an abundance of fascinating flora and fauna ranging from large mammals to reptiles, many varied bird species and a magnificent variation of floral habitat. Wildlife that has been sighted in the area includes leopard, caracal, cheetah, brown & spotted hyena & many antelope including eland, kudu, Oryx & klipspringer. Around 260 birds are found on the reserve.
Accommodation is basic but in beautiful wild surroundings; permanent tents with stretcher beds, lamps, bedside tables & separate ablutions (hot water on request, heated on the fire). Your personal guide, Bruno Nebe, has lived and worked as a guide and photographer throughout Namibia for many years and has a thorough knowledge of the unique geology and wildlife heritage of his country. Walks are geared to your personal interests and stamina, and campsites will be set up in advance of your arrival. Take time to learn about this ancient region and the interactions of its many inhabitants.
Accommodation: Overnight at Palmwag Rhino Camp
Days 13-14
Fly southwards today from Otav for Okonjima and the Africat foundation. The unique and inclusive activities here include lion viewing, nature walks, cheetah & leopard tracking, and bushman walks. After dinner you will also be offered the opportunity to visit a night hide where many nocturnal animals, including porcupine, honey badger and leopard are frequently sighted. Maintaining a quintessential bush flavour, the lodge offers Edwardian safari elegance, subtly combined with modern necessities and comforts. The large, spacious rooms open out onto the grass and acacia savannah. Each split level room has a day bed, bar, tea & coffee facilities. The large bathrooms contain his and hers sinks. Choose to sleep with the blinds open allowing you to enjoy the unique stillness of the African night.
Accommodation: Overnight at Okonjima Bush Camp
Day 15
Transfer by light aircraft to Windhoek for international connections.
Note: This is simply a suggestion of how you can spend your time. Mahlatini will tailor make the itinerary specific to interests and budget. The region offers a wide variety of places to stay ranging from formal hotels to informal holiday flats, game lodges and reserves, guesthouses etc. There is usually something to suit everyone’s budget! Should you wish to have the car hire delivered or if you would prefer transfers this can easily be arranged.