Wildlife – Big Five, a guided Safari
Wildlife – Big Five, a guided Safari biodiversity and wildlife photography in Namibia, a guided individual tour, flexibly customisable to the wildlife-rich areas of Namibia.
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Kaoko-Damara, a guided Safari
a comprehensive guided adventure tour through the captivating landscapes of Namibia, exploring the untamed beauty of Kaokoland and Damaraland, venturing into the Erongo region, and discovering game-rich protected areas.
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Overview
Undoubtedly, one of the most renowned and comprehensive adventure tours catering to nature, culture, and landscape enthusiasts, as the north-western region of Namibia remains unspoiled by mass tourism and exudes remarkable diversity!
Your journey commences with immersive game viewing in picturesque wilderness areas, offering ample opportunities to capture stunning wildlife photography. We will guide you through the captivating landscapes of Erongo, Kaokoland, Damaraland, and the Hobatere Concession Area.
The semi-desert expanse of north-western Namibia, coupled with the geologic and scenic marvels of Damaraland and Kaokoland, holds a special allure. Here, you’ll be captivated by the pastoralist OvaHimba and Damara people, as well as the awe-inspiring desert vistas. Of particular interest are the Hoanib Valley and the Etendeka Formation, renowned for their unique charm. Visitors flock to this region in anticipation of encounters with the legendary desert elephants, elusive desert lions, and the endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebras.
Picture the thrill of spotting an elephant amidst contrasting mountains, framed by towering winter thorn trees, or photographing mountain zebras in volcanic landscapes. Perhaps you’ll even have the opportunity to spot a black rhino amid the thousands of olive-green Euphorbias dotting the red landscape.
Within private nature reserves, we endeavor to showcase a diverse array of African wildlife, including magnificent big cats such as leopards, lions, and cheetahs. You’ll also have the chance to observe and photograph brown hyenas and numerous bird species, making it an optimal location for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Highlights
- Kaokoland with Epupa Waterfalls and OvaHimbas
- Damaraland with desert elephants and petroglyphs
- Erongo and game-rich protected areas
- For nature, culture and landscape lovers
- Away from mass tourism
Remark
We are very happy to extend this journey into the deep northwest to the Skeleton Coast. Since this area is offered at a very high price, we have offered this as a possible extension for the time being.
Map
Itinerary
Detailed itinerary
Days 1 & 2
- 2 nights at a comfortable lodge in the middle of a private nature reserve.
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
- 2x game drives in open game vehicles guided by well-trained rangers.
Biodiversity: Arrival & drive into a wildlife rich nature reserve
In the heart of the Acacia Savannah on the central high plateau, a captivating red sandy hilly landscape beckons, promising an array of exquisite photo opportunities. Here, you’ll discover remarkable sights like the towering termite mounds and the graceful umbrella acacias.
Our itinerary includes a two-night stay in this mesmerizing location, where locally guided game drives await to immerse you in a diverse array of wildlife encounters. The late afternoon game drives, guided by knowledgeable locals, come highly recommended, often leading to thrilling sightings of majestic pachyderms and elusive big cats.
For a leisurely wildlife-watching experience, you can unwind at the lodge’s waterholes, where giraffes, numerous antelope species, and a plethora of vibrant birdlife provide endless opportunities for observation and photography.
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- Leoparden sind auf dem Erindi Naturreservat sehr schön zu beobachten
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- Breitmaulnashörner sind sanftmütige Grasfresser
Day 3
1 night directly at the Ugab Terraces with beautiful views and high-quality ambience.
inclusive:
Dinner, bed and breakfast
The „Vingerklip“ & Namibian Monument Valley
Unpredictably, limestone reefs rise from a landscape adorned with termite mounds. The Ugab Terraces, while not as vast as America’s Monument Valley, boast a striking erosion valley that’s a geological marvel. The centerpiece is an enormous rock formation known as the “Vingerklip,” translating to “Rock Finger.”
You can embark on a brief hike through the steep Mopane savannah, tracing these dramatic reefs up to the colossal stone finger, standing tall and imposing in the midst of this unique terrain.
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- Im Ugab Erosionstal steht die Vingerklippe als Überbleibsel der Erosion.
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- Landschaften der Ugab Terrassen bei der Vingerklippe
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- Calendulauda sabota, Tswana Wort für Lerche
Additional Days in Etosha Park?
2 nights in the central area of the National Park at a good private lodge outside the park or in a semi-state Waterhole Chalet directly at the world famous Okaukuejo Waterhole.
inclusive:
Dinner, bed and breakfast
Etosha National Park – central
The “Great White Place,” an expansive expanse covering over 4000 km2, stands as a canvas of vast emptiness, its borders adorned with ever-shifting vegetation. Our journey takes us through a arid forest, leading into an endless grassy steppe where zebras roam freely. This expanse transforms once more into an acacia savannah, where graceful giraffes graze, and if we’re fortunate, we may spot lions seeking respite in the shade of dense mopane trees.
In this realm, wildlife has grown accustomed to the presence of vehicles, providing exceptional opportunities for both game viewing and photography. Along the way, you’ll encounter several antelope species, including springbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest, steenbok, dik-dik, and even the rare black-nosed impala and oryx. Predators such as lions make frequent appearances, while leopards and cheetahs may grace us somewhat less often. Pachyderms, including both rhino species and elephants, also call this place home, with giraffes gracefully towering above the trees. Additionally, there’s an abundance of small animals and a vibrant avian presence to observe and admire.
Important Remark!
Our Safari Cruisers, specially converted for game viewing, have wide-window seats and the lever roof is opened at the water points. You can thus comfortably take photos sitting and standing up.
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- Es ist wunderschön die Schwarznasenimpalas im März zwischen den Sesamum Blumen zu sehen.
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- Im Etoscha Nationalpark sind trotz Wilderei immer noch behörnte Spitzmaulnashörner, auch schwarze Nashörner genannt, zu sehen.
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- Die Hengste der Steppenzebras bekämpfen sich spielerisch um sich auf den Tag der ernsthaften Kämpfe vorzubereiten.
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- Die Tüpfelhyäne oder Fleckenhyäne (Crocuta crocuta) ist eine Raubtierart aus der Familie der Hyänen (Hyaenidae)
Days 4 & 5
- 2 nights at a lodge situated directly on the Otjovasandu dry river, in the middle of the Mopane savannah near large winter thorn acacias.
inclusive:
- Full board
- 2x local guided game drives / night game drives
Hobatere Communal Nature Reserve in Damaraland
If you’ve chosen the extended drive through Etosha National Park’s western region, expect a captivating journey filled with surprises. You’ll visit waterholes where Africa’s wildlife frequently gathers, providing unforgettable encounters.
This area offers unspoiled natural beauty, with endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebras, abundant antelope, and graceful giraffes. While lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants roam here, spotting them requires a bit of luck and experience.
Bird enthusiasts will delight in species like the Bare-cheeked Babbler, Little Sparrowhawk, and Scops Owlet, often found in the lodge’s garden.
For nighttime adventures, the lodge offers thrilling night drives where you might spot aardvarks, porcupines, genets, bat-eared foxes, spring hares, and other nocturnal wonders, adding a touch of enchantment to your safari experience.
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- Am Wasserloch wurde auf Hobatere diese Löwenfamilie beobachtet.
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- wer gut schläft ist besser wach
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- ruhiges Ambiente mit Blick auf das Wasserloch
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- gemütliche kleine Bungalows
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- Tierbeobachtungen und sehr viele endemische Vögel sind auf Hobatere zu sehen.
Days 6 & 7
- 1 night at a rustic tented lodge on the Kunene River at the Epupa Falls
- 1 night at a good lodge just outside Opuwo, the core of Kaokoland
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
- Locally guided game drive to a Himba village. Contact, communication and opportunities for photography by the local guide (mostly Himba himself).
Kaokoland & the Himba at Epupa Falls
We journey towards the Kunene River, marking the border between Angola and Namibia. Along the way, we encounter vibrant herds of cattle, a colorful mix of lean creatures with long horns, often accompanied by oxpeckers, providing excellent bird-watching opportunities. Interestingly, these herds are tended by Himba people, and as we continue, we start to see the first settlements, offering us a glimpse into the traditional life of these pastoralists.
Guided by a local Himba guide, we visit a “Kraal” or village, where we learn about their customs, such as the application of ochre fat by the women. The Himba guide acts as a cultural bridge, allowing us to capture moments through photography without concern for causing offense.
Our journey continues to the remarkable Epupa Waterfalls, a natural wonder that serves as a playground for wildlife, local residents, and a handful of tourists.
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- Die Epupa Wasserfälle sind umsäumt von Affenbrotbäumen und Makalanipalmen
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- Die Epupa Wasserfälle sind umsäumt von Affenbrotbäumen und Makalanipalmen
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- Ova Himba Frau am Ziegenmelken
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- Ova Himba Frauen in ihrem Alltag
Days 8 & 9
- 2 nights at a strategically located lodge on the Hoanib Dry River.
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
- locally guided game drive: Desert Elephant Experience ( Full Day )
Hoanib, River of the Desert Elephants
Vast stretches of fine sand dunes weave their way through a rugged terrain, bordered by slate, sandstone, and granite mountains. Valleys, adorned with lush grass, meander through the landscape, while dry rivers are often flanked by dense stands of mopane trees. This captivating medley of landscapes creates a truly breathtaking experience.
Venturing far beyond the typical tourist circuit, the untouched wilderness of Namibia beckons for exploration. We invite you to journey into the Hoanib Valley, where a sandy, arid riverbed is graced by towering Winter-thorn acacias, providing the essential pods that sustain desert-dwelling elephants.
The dry rivers of Kaoko and Damaraland serve as linear oases and the natural habitats of the desert elephant. We’ll embark on extended game drives in search of these magnificent creatures, and if fortune smiles upon us, we may even catch a glimpse of lions. It’s worth noting that this is one of the last semi-desert wilderness areas where elephants, rhinos, and lions still coexist in their natural habitat, making it a truly remarkable and unique destination.
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- Im Damaraland leben in den Trockenflüssen Aba-Huab, Huab und Hoanib Wüstenelefanten
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- Zwei alte Bullen…
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- Die Kulisse im Hoanib ehrt die Schauspieler
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- Elefanten fressen auch Gras und lieben grüne Weiden…
Additional programme – “once in a lifetime” in the Skeleton Coast Park
- 2 nights where the Atlantic Ocean, linear oasis of the Hoarusib, the Skeleton Coast and the fantastic landscapes of the Namib meet.
Accommodation class: luxury
inclusive:
- Full board
- locally guided game drives leading to encounters with desert elephants and some wilderness surprises!
Shipwreck Lodge, an experience in the Skeleton Coast Park… unique solitude
Yes, it still exists, this one abandoned place in the world that is truly beautiful and unique in untouched wilderness… without ever having to meet the neighbour or other any tourists. No one is allowed here! Except, for now, you!…The Skeleton Coast Park offers in its rough desert nature wonderful nature observations in extremely changeable completely untouched rugged, yet stunningly beautiful, wilderness – landscape.
Yes, it still exists, that one abandoned place in the world, a realm of unspoiled beauty and unique untouched wilderness. Here, you won’t encounter neighbours or other tourists—this place is strictly off-limits to everyone, except for you, at least for now.
The Skeleton Coast Park is a haven of raw desert nature, offering incredible opportunities for observing the ever-changing, untamed, and strikingly beautiful wilderness landscape.
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- moderne gemütliche Atmosphäre in den Bungalows
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- Es müssen nicht immer Wüstenlöwen sein…
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- Die Shipwreck Bungalows passen in die Umgebung
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- Ausflüge in die Wildnis der Trockenflüsse
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- Hier ist frau nett zu uns…
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- Die Shipwreck Lodge ist ein “once in a lifetime” Abenteuer. Man muss es erlebt haben.
Days 10 & 11
- 2 nights at Hoarusib on Okahirongo, one of Namibia’s most individual and exclusive lodges.
inclusive:
- Full board
- locally guided drives in the Hoarusib and surroundings
Hoarusib, pristine desert paradise
The Hoarusib River, another one of those linear oases, meanders its way through the “deep” Kaokoland. Yet, it remains easily accessible for exploration through guided four-wheel drive tours. This well-planned journey allows you to immerse yourself in both the upper and lower Hoarusib, offering excellent chances to witness the kind of breathtaking moments typically reserved for television.
As we traverse the Hoarusib riverbed, we’re continually captivated by ever-changing landscapes and surprisingly diverse wildlife. This segment of the trip is especially intriguing because it feels untouched by tourists and still uncharted. Later on, we venture into the western Hoarusib, unveiling an entirely new facet of this arid paradise.
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- Im Kaokoland neben Pirschfahrten auch einen Pool geniessen.
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- Okahirongo Lodge Am Hoarusib Im Kaokoland
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- Okahirongo Lodge Am Hoarusib Im Kaokoland
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- Okahirongo Lodge Am Hoarusib Im Kaokoland
Days 12 & 13
- 2 nights in high quality safari bungalows overlooking the Etendeka Mountains and the palm grove of the Uniab River.
inclusive:
- Class: Comfort Bungalow
Dinner, bed and breakfast
optional activities:
- “Rhino tracking day game drive
- Sundowner game drive
- Guided walks
Damaraland & Etendeka
Nestled within the basaltic Etendeka Formation of Damaraland lies the Palmwag spring, ensconced amidst dense reeds and swaying Makalani palm trees. This oasis of water exerts a magnetic pull on the desert’s denizens, drawing in desert elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelopes like springbok and oryx. Amidst the backdrop of poisonous Euphorbia bushes, one might even catch glimpses of small herds of the endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra.
The dry rivers of Damaraland serve as the habitat for desert elephants, black rhinos, and desert lions, making them a sought-after destination in this semi-desert landscape. Consider taking an optional locally guided day tour designed to introduce you to the endangered black, also known as hook-lipped, rhinoceros. During this excursion, you’ll also have the opportunity to observe other wildlife, including desert elephants on the move and, on occasion, the elusive and skittish desert lions.
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- Anhand eines Tracking-Ausflugs kann man versuchen die bedrohten Spitzmaulnashörner des Damaralandes zu finden.
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- Nashornpirsch und Wüstenelefanten im Damaraland
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- Nashornpirsch und Wüstenelefanten im Damaraland
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- Nashornpirsch und Wüstenelefanten im Damaraland
Additional programme – Hiking in the wilderness
- 2 nights on a high-quality ecocamp in the middle of the Etendeka.
inclusive:
- “All inclusive”
Alternative – Hiking in the wilderness, insight into the real Damaraland
You will be picked up as the four-wheel drive route takes you deep into the real wilderness of the Etendeka volcanic landscape. On the way there, our guests could already observe desert lions and see desert elephants grazing in the red scree between the thousands of Damara spurge bushes. The area is “breathtaking” and the wilderness camp is an accommodation in its own highly individual way. We recommend this alternative for active nature and landscape lovers, as some of the activities are on foot, but without the stress of hiking.
The lodge, more of a high-end camp in the mountainous wilderness, operates very close to nature and has a very nature-friendly “low impact approach”. You feel like a guest in nature here and are travelling in an environmentally friendly way.
Days 14 & 15
- 2 overnight stays amidst exemplary gigantic granite bubbles at a specially chosen lodge.
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
- Guided tour to the petroglyphs at Twyfelfontein
- Guided four-wheel drive game drive into the dry river Awa-Huab to look for the desert elephants.
Twyfelfontein
Notable attractions in the region include the ancient petroglyphs at “Twyfelfontein,” which date back to 4000 – 6000 years ago, the intriguing “Burnt Mountain,” and the basaltic wonder known as the “Organ Pipes.” Remarkably, around 200 million years ago, colossal primordial “cordaites” trees were transported here in massive mud floods from Central Africa and buried in layers of mud. Under conditions that lacked oxygen, petrification occurred, and today, these “fossilized trees” stand as a peculiar and remarkable geological formation.
Amidst this geologically captivating desert landscape, the dry Huab River winds its way westward. The towering Ana trees, also known as “winter thorn acacias,” produce red pods that are a favored food source for desert-dwelling elephants. We’ll take you off the beaten track to get up close to these magnificent creatures, ensuring a unique and memorable encounter.
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- Bei Twyfelfontein im Damaraland sind Petroglyphen und Felsgravuren unter Denkmalschutz zu sehen.
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- In der Nähe Twyfelfonteins im Damaraland sind basaltische Orgelpfeifen zu finden.
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- eine Welwitschia mirabils und der verbrannte Berg… Fossilien, lebend und historisch
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- Bei Twyfelfontein im Damaraland sind Petroglyphen und Felsgravuren unter Denkmalschutz zu sehen.
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- Die Schlieferratte ist eigentlic eine große Felsenmaus
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- Versteinerter Wald / Holz, auf der Farm Blaauwkranz im Damaraland
Days 16 & 17
- 2 nights in a fairytale landscape surrounded by monstrous granite spheres in a selected lodge
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
Spitzkoppe & the mighty Erongo
Even from a distance, Namibia’s most iconic “island mountain,” the Spitzkoppe, rises like a natural monument from the flat gravel expanse of the Namib Desert.
On the smooth granite walls of this majestic formation, ancient Bushmen have left vivid depictions of hunting and wildlife. The landscape resembles something out of a fairytale, offering enchanting photo opportunities at every turn.
The enormous granite spheres of the Erongo Mountains are equally impressive, and visitors often feel dwarfed by the towering rock formations created by ancient volcanic activity. As you explore, keep an eye out for legendary rock paintings, unique bird species native to the area, and fascinating semi-desert flora, making it a captivating destination for hikers and walkers.
For those seeking a deeper cultural experience, consider the optional Bushman Walk. Here, you’ll meet authentic Bushmen who will enlighten you with a short walk, teaching you essential skills such as setting traps, using herbal remedies, and hunting. You’ll also witness how effortlessly a fire can be kindled and discover the artistry in crafting jewellery from ostrich eggs.
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- wir finden sie, die Vögel, für Dich!
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- Achaetops pycnopygius, also dichter “Rücken”
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- Klippschliefer auf der Erongo Wild Lodge
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- Die Buschleute / san zeigen gern ihre Kultur, Bräuche und Felsmalereien
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- Im Erongo und anderen Gebirgszügen sind Klipspringer gut angepasst.
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- Western Rock Sengi / Westliche Klippen-Rüsselmaus
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- Der Fleckentoko, Tockus monteiri, imponiert als Halb-Endemit hier auf einem Weinrebengewächs auf der Spitzkoppe.
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- The San show their culture and way of life on short walks
Day 18
Good weather for departure…
Departure today or tomorrow?!
Many night flights to Europe or the Americas are available, allowing our guests to make a choice regarding their last day arrangements. Some prefer to combine the airport transfer with an afternoon check-in, while others seek to explore the city further or eliminate the stress of their final day.
For those who wish to extend their stay, we can arrange additional accommodations within Windhoek or offer stylish lodging options near the airport. Furthermore, some guests opt for extra components, such as a fly-in experience to the Caprivi, the Okavango Delta, or a few days in captivating Cape Town. We aim to provide flexible choices to enhance your travel experience.
We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you again soon
As we travel along the east-west connecting route today, we’ll move efficiently to ensure that you have ample time in the capital. Whether you wish to shop for Namibian handicrafts as souvenirs or savor a final delicious game steak paired with Namibian beer, there’s time to enjoy these experiences.
In the afternoon, we’ll provide transportation to either the airport or a recommended accommodation, and we’ll arrange a transfer for you as needed. Safe travels, and until we meet again!
Inclusions:
- Transportation in a travel- and safari-friendly four-wheel-drive Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Transfers as outlined in the itinerary.
- Guaranteed window or single seat for each participant.
- Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Scheduled activities as per the itinerary.
- All entrance fees to National Parks and attractions as outlined in the itinerary.
- An experienced trilingual tour guide proficient in English, German, and Afrikaans.
- Guided tours conducted in English, with the option for the guide to communicate in German and Afrikaans.
- Complimentary drinking water provided in the vehicle.
Exclusions:
- Personal expenses
- Beverages and gratuities
- International & regional flights
- Visa Expenses
Indicative Rates for 2026
We’re happy to provide your personal direct rate – depending on travel period, time of booking, and preferred room category.
| Attendance Rates are per Person | per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $23,466.00 |
| 2 Persons | $16,800.00 |
| 3 Persons | $14,623.00 |
| 4 Persons | $13,533.00 |
| 5 Persons | $12,881.00 |
| 6 Persons | $12,445.00 |
| 7 Persons | $12,134.00 |
| Single room supplement | $3,290.00 |
We are happy to answer frequently asked questions in advance
At what time of year is this trip suitable?
The cooler months, may to september, are perfect for this trip, as it doesn’t get so bitterly cold in the northwest, but the summer, i.e. from October to December, is blisteringly hot and dusty.
Which airport is suitable as a start and end point?
Start and end point Windhoek is common, but a bit further and it takes longer.
Walvis Bay International is served daily by several airlines and is excellent for this trip, but you have to stop over, which is very inconvenient for many.
Are we safe in the wilderness?
Yes, we know our way around and the vehicles are well tested. Although the northwest is very vast, we find good accommodation and need not fear man or beast.
This trip is very expensive, why no alternative?
Accommodation preference: Northwestern Namibia offers only a limited selection of accommodation categories. This itinerary includes mainly comfortable mid-range lodges, but also a few extremely high-end and expensive accommodations. These exclusive lodges are located exactly where you want to stay, in the heart of the wilderness and they are often the only ones that provide access to these remote and worthwhile areas. We can certainly adjust the trip to be more budget-friendly by choosing alternative accommodations. However, this would require a high degree of flexibility and tolerance when it comes to comfort and location.
Why is the classic version so expensive?
We prefer to let our guests stay at upmarket lodges at various very remote accommodations. The budget lodges are very rustic and not so strategically located.
Why Booking Flights Through a Travel Agent Still Makes Sense in the Digital Age
In a time when flight bookings are just a few clicks away, it may seem old-fashioned to involve a travel agent. But when it comes to navigating the ever-changing world of air travel—delays, reroutes, strikes, cancellations, and the charming surprise of “you no longer have a seat”—working with a real human still has very real advantages when unexpected challenges arise, such as:
Delays and last-minute flight changes
Strikes or changes made by the airline
Seat changes without prior notification
The need to rebook during your trip
Especially in those moments—just imagine being on safari while these changes occur—it is incredibly helpful to have a reliable contact person who handles everything quickly and professionally.
Our Recommendation:
Even if booking flights through a travel agency may seem slightly more expensive, it is absolutely worth the investment. The service, support, and peace of mind it provides, particularly in problematic situations, are priceless.
We’ve had consistently excellent experiences with the following agencies – they are professional, fast, and reliable.
Important:
Please make sure to always mention that you are booking through Leaflove Safari / Albert Voigts.
This is the only way we can ensure that all flight times are accurately recorded and that we can coordinate with the agents to perfectly align the itinerary with your travel plans – e.g. for organizing transfers, airport greetings, or handling last-minute changes.
Namibia:
Anja Badenhorst – Tokkies Travel
📱 +264 81 249 8760
✉️ ticketing@tokkiestravel.com
➡️ Anja has already assisted many of our guests – reliable, fast, and solution-oriented.
Sonja Etzold – Molo Africa Travel
📱 +264 81 202 6002
✉️ sonja@moloafricatravel.com.na
➡️ Sonja is also highly experienced and particularly helpful when it comes to last-minute rebookings.
An offer especially for you! Simply let us know your change requests in this form.
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This Safari was last updated on 4. December 2025 @ 7:59.
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