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.
Regularly inspected, first-class accommodation with a real feel-good factor.
Glowing desert landscapes to open the journey.
Mighty gorges and the Giant’s Playground.
The free-roaming horses of the Namib and botanical rarities on the Orange River.
The highest dunes in the world in soft morning light.
Welwitschia, moon landscape and coastal flair in Swakopmund.
Ancient rock engravings and encounters with the grey giants.
Extensive game drives from a variety of perspectives.
Undisturbed, close-up wildlife viewing to round off the journey.
The best of wildlife, landscapes, culture and history in one journey.
Experience Namibia – perfectly planned, unforgettably diverse!
This journey combines well-considered logistics, a rich variety of experiences and the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. Let yourself be inspired by breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife and the unique botanical diversity of Namibia.
Look forward to the vegetated dunes of the Kalahari, the imposing Fish River Canyon, the mysterious Quiver Tree Forest and the vast landscapes of the south. Experience the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei in the finest light and immerse yourself in the cultures of different ethnic groups – from the present day to ancient rock engravings.
A special focus lies on Namibia’s game-rich regions. We spend many days in different habitats with excellent opportunities for intensive wildlife observation. From giraffes, zebras and antelope to elephants, lions and rhinos – with a little luck you will experience an impressive variety of African wildlife.
You will be accompanied by the first-class guides of Leaflove Safari – experienced naturalists with sound knowledge of flora, fauna, geology and culture. This makes every wildlife sighting even more intense and every moment in Namibia’s nature even more valuable.
With the accommodation, too, we look for excellent value for money, ideal locations and restful comfort – for a journey that lets you experience Namibia in all its diversity.
Our Land Cruisers, specially converted for game viewing, have wide window seats and the lever roof is opened at the water points. So you can comfortably take photos sitting and standing up.
1 night at a relaxing lodge located near Windhoek.
Auas Safari Lodge
After a long flight, it’s all about arriving, unwinding, and soaking up the first rays of African sun.
Upon your arrival at Windhoek International Airport, we’ll meet you and take you on a short orientation tour through Namibia’s capital. Along the way, you’ll discover a blend of old and new – from historic colonial landmarks such as the Christ Church, the Ink Palace, and the Alte Feste, to the modern cityscape of today’s Windhoek.
As you stroll through town, you’ll witness the vibrant interaction of Namibia’s many cultures. There will also be an opportunity to exchange currency and pick up a few essentials.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy – whether on a gentle walk, a short hike, or simply relaxing by the pool. For those who wish, there is also the option of joining an afternoon game drive, where you may be lucky enough to spot your first wildlife.
1 overnight stay at this wonderfully atmospheric lodge, where you’ll sleep in your own comfortable tented chalet perched on the crest of a Kalahari dune. With its private shaded deck, wide views across the red dunes and surrounding savannah, and bathroom reached by a little wooden walkway, Teufelskrallen offers a wonderfully close-to-nature experience. It’s a place to slow down, enjoy the silence, and watch the changing colours of the Kalahari as the sun moves across the dunes.
This morning walk is designed to open your eyes to the small wonders of the Kalahari – its birds, its delicate ecosystems, and the beauty hidden in plain sight. The soft morning light filtering through camelthorn acacias over red dune sand creates a photographer’s dream.
As you stroll across the dunes, keep an eye out for ground squirrels, admire the enormous communal nests of sociable weavers in ancient camelthorn trees, and scan the branches for the elusive pygmy falcon.
– With a bit of luck, you might even spot a Cape cobra, known to raid the nests of these communal birds.
In the afternoon, a game drive will take you into the dune valleys, where you’ll have the chance to observe various antelope species and giraffes moving gracefully through this unique desert landscape.
2 overnight stays east of the canyon at a well-appointed lodge, beautifully nestled within the surrounding landscape and offering excellent opportunities for walking and exploration.
Today, you’ll explore the Giant’s Playground, a surreal landscape also known as the “Wart Field”. Here, solitude, vast open skies and bizarre dolerite rock formations shape not only the scenery, but also the lives of those who call this place home.
You’ll have ample time to photograph the iconic quiver trees nestled among the ancient boulders, and to delight in sightings of rock agamas and the ever-curious rock hyraxes as they bask in the sun.
The Fish River Canyon is nothing short of overwhelming – both geologically and scenically. Its striking rock formations, dramatic erosion valleys and sheer depth leave a lasting impression. Long ago, this breathtaking canyon already drew early explorers to what can only be described as a monumental natural wonder.
The flora of this semi-desert landscape is just as captivating: deep-red aloes, strikingly beautiful yet highly toxic euphorbias, brilliantly camouflaged stone grasshoppers, and extraordinary light that brings every texture to life.
One young boy, when asked for directions to the canyon, once said,
“Something terrible must have happened to the Earth here, a long time ago.”
And indeed – it’s a place that stirs the imagination.
Several viewpoints are easily accessible by vehicle, and we’ll take the time to walk along the canyon’s edge, where we’ll introduce you to the local wildlife and plants – from klipspringers, rock hyraxes and Verreaux’s eagles, to mountain zebras and agamas sunning themselves on the rocks.
1 overnight stay in a beautifully secluded and highly individual lodge, nestled among striking granite formations. The views from the bungalows are simply magnificent.
The origin of the wild horses roaming the Namib Desert remains a topic of debate. Credible research suggests they may have descended from German and Boer horses left behind during the unsettled years of the First World War.
Whether or not these horses “belong” in the desert is a question best left to ecologists – but there’s no denying the thrill of watching them move freely across the arid plains.
And who knows? You might just capture that perfect shot of two stallions locked in a dramatic display of strength.
On this leg of the journey, the road itself becomes the destination. Travelling along the Orange River, we’ll be on the lookout for one of the rarest plant species in the world. Legend has it that fugitives from ancient times were turned into plants – and thus was born the biblical tale behind the “Half-Man”, Pachypodium namaquanum, a strange succulent that always turns its “head” to the north.
This seemingly lifeless metamorphic rock desert holds far more than meets the eye: stunning scenery, secretive small creatures, fascinating birdlife – and several other species of quiver trees, which we’ll be glad to introduce you to.
The lush green vegetation along the banks of the Orange River stands in vivid contrast to the arid stone desert – a beautiful reminder of nature’s extremes.
1 overnight stay at a quality lodge close to the Namib Naukluft Park.
1 overnight stay beautifully set amidst a mesmerising interplay of living dunes, ancient fossilised sandscapes, linear desert oases, and the wide gravel plains of the Namib.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
A dune landscape bathed in soft morning light – and the highest of its kind in the world – creates an unforgettable panorama.
The Tsauchab dry river was cut off from the ocean by mighty wandering dunes, creating a unique clay pan: the Sossusvlei. Framed by ancient camelthorn acacias and green, thorny !Nara plants, the pan is surrounded by imposing, glowing red star and crescent dunes.
We set off early in the morning and are at the park gate as the first rays of sun appear. This brings us to the dunes in the wonderfully soft light of the morning, when the shadows still trace every crest line sharply and temperatures are pleasantly cool – ideal conditions for impressive photography and an intense desert experience. Those who brave the climb are rewarded with breathtaking views.
Another geological highlight is the Sesriem Canyon, carved by the Tsauchab over millennia. In earlier times, ox-wagon drivers had to tie six leather straps together to draw water from the deep gorge – hence the name “Sesriem”. A short walk into the canyon is well worth it!
Beneath the young dune world lies a far older, fossilised dune landscape in glowing deep orange. Together with the endless grass plains, the gallery forests of camelthorn acacias, the dolomitic mountain scenery and the majestic dunes, it forms an extraordinary, fascinating picture. Let us show you!
2 nights in a stylish, intimate guesthouse in a quiet part of Swakopmund – just a short walk from the beach and town centre.
The best-known activity around Swakopmund. Discover the Namib’s remarkable small creatures and how they’ve adapted to one of the most extreme landscapes on Earth.
Explore the dunes on specially designed fatbikes – the wide tires make riding through the sand surprisingly easy and offer a fresh perspective on the desert.
An unforgettable experience over the dunes to Sossusvlei or along the Skeleton Coast. We particularly recommend the two- to two-and-a-half-hour flight.
A guided walk with a true Swakopmund local – history, background stories, and little-known secrets of the town, straight from the source.
About 30 km south lies Walvis Bay, home to an 11,000-hectare lagoon and an important wetland. During the cruise, you’ll encounter flamingos, pelicans, seals, dolphins, and, with luck, whales or sunfish – topped off with fresh oysters and a glass of sparkling wine.
For a more immersive nature experience: paddle the lagoon and get within a few meters of curious seals, enjoying the tranquility of this unique coastal landscape from a whole new perspective.
The vast gravel plains of the Namib stretch out before us, occasionally interrupted by distant mountain peaks or a shimmering horizon. Along long, straight roads – sometimes trailing a faint dust cloud – we venture far from the main routes to explore sculpted granite landscapes, ancient erosion valleys, and dry riverbeds.
This almost eerily silent environment is surprisingly full of life: giraffes, zebras, and antelope often appear – and with a bit of luck, even cheetahs may cross our path.
On foot, we visit the secluded cave once used by two geologists whose story is told in the book “Sheltering Desert” – so be sure to have your walking shoes ready.
Along the way, we’ll introduce you to the world-famous Welwitschia mirabilis, some over 1,500 years old, as well as ancient lichen fields and the dramatic Swakop dry river valley, also known as the “Moon Landscape” for its otherworldly terrain.
Our journey leads us to Swakopmund, a charming coastal town that invites relaxed strolling, sunbathing (weather permitting), and visits to both modern and colonial landmarks. Cosy cafés, local coffee roasters, a renowned gin distillery, vibrant art galleries, and an unmistakably laid-back atmosphere often tempt visitors to linger longer than planned.
Swakopmund also boasts Namibia’s best privately run museum, a crystal gallery, and the picturesque bathing bay known as the Mole.
Not to be missed are the 4,000–6,000-year-old petroglyphs at Twyfelfontein, the “Burnt Mountain” and the basaltic “Organ Pipes”. Around 200 million years ago, giant primeval Cordaites trees were washed here in vast mudflows from central Africa, buried under sludge and fossilised. Today they can be admired as a fascinating geological formation.
A 4×4 excursion through the Huab dry river takes us in search of the desert-dwelling elephants. What fascinates is not only their ability to survive in this extreme environment, but also the unique desert landscape that surrounds them.
A detour leads to Cape Cross with its gigantic seal colony and the historic relics of the Portuguese seafarer Diogo Cão, who erected a stone cross here in 1486 as the first European.
2 nights @ a tranquil retreat tucked beneath shady trees on the eastern edge of Etosha. This intimate camp combines rustic charm with warm hospitality, offering comfortable thatched chalets, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to excellent wildlife viewing in Onguma’s private reserve.
Our Land Cruisers have been specially modified for wildlife observation, providing spacious window seats. Additionally, the rooftop can be opened at watering holes, allowing you to comfortably take photographs while sitting or standing
Etosha National Park is one of the most wildlife-rich parks in Africa, despite its arid nature. The 4,000 km² salt and clay pan in the southern part of the park feeds natural springs that attract large numbers of animals, especially during the dry and hot seasons.
The park is divided into distinct vegetation zones: central Etosha features acacia savannah, the middle region is dominated by dense mopane woodland, and the eastern part transitions into dry forest – each zone home to a different variety of wildlife.
As you travel through the park, you’ll have the chance to observe a wide range of animals, including elephants and big cats. Early mornings and a bit of patience are often rewarded with remarkable sightings.
We’ve planned two overnight stays in the eastern part of the park, where the denser vegetation and numerous water sources support a particularly high concentration of wildlife. Your chances of seeing lions, Damara dik-diks, blue cranes, and even rhinos are especially good here.
“Give more back to nature than you take”
This is the guiding philosophy — and the goal — of Jan Oelofse, a world-renowned conservationist who founded the Okonjati Game Reserve in 1975.
Today’s journey takes you to the striking red sandstone formations of Mount Etjo, surrounded by the dense Acacia savanna of the Okonjati Game Reserve. Established by Jan Oelofse in 1975, the reserve has grown over the decades to cover approximately 36,000 hectares and now provides a protected home for around 10,000 animals and more than 600 bird species. Despite its name, meaning “Place of the Buffalo”, buffalo are no longer found here.
During an open vehicle game drive with experienced guides, you will explore this diverse wilderness in search of its remarkable wildlife. Elephants, rhinos, giraffes and lions are regularly encountered, while greater kudu, warthogs and many other species are common throughout the reserve. The landscape is also characterised by impressive termite mounds, some reaching heights of up to five metres.
Many of your guests opt to combine the final leg of their journey with the airport transfer and check-in during the afternoon. However, recognizing that some prefer to explore the city further or minimize the last-day stress, you arrange an extra night in Windhoek or a stylish accommodation near the airport upon request.
Namibia boasts excellent connectivity, with various airlines departing from either Windhoek, the capital, or Walvis Bay, providing flexibility for your travel preferences.
Additionally, some guests choose to enhance their experience with an added component, such as a fly-in to the Caprivi, a visit to the Okavango Delta, or a few days in Cape Town. The choice is entirely yours, and you’re here to accommodate your preferences.
The final travel day unfolds efficiently, leaving time – if desired – for a last stroll through the capital to pick up handcrafted Namibian souvenirs, or simply to let the landscapes of the past two weeks sink in.
As most international flights to Europe depart in the afternoon, late afternoon or overnight, we recommend spending your final night just outside Windhoek. This allows you to unwind at the end of your journey, while still reaching the airport with plenty of time and no rush.
In the afternoon, we will either take you directly to the airport, or to a recommended lodge, from where we will arrange a reliable transfer to your departing flight.
| Participants per vehicle | per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Participant | 18883,00 $ |
| 2 Participants | 11681,00 $ |
| 3 Participants | 9281,00 $ |
| 4 Participants | 8080,00 $ |
| 5 Participants | 7360,00 $ |
| 6 Participants | 6880,00 $ |
| 7 Participants | 6537,00 $ |
| Single supplement | 978,00 $ |
For this trip, we have carefully selected accommodations ranging from upscale mid-range standards (which are considered high in Namibia compared to other parts of Africa) to premium options.
Please get in touch with us, and we will be happy to send you the detailed itinerary with specific accommodation information and relevant links.
Why April is an ideal time for landscape photography in Namibia:
The trip definitely begins and ends at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. However, additional days can be arranged upon request, with transfers included.
Walvis Bay is served daily from Johannesburg and Cape Town and makes an excellent addition to the itinerary, as many of our guests choose to spend a few days relaxing in Cape Town or Swakopmund after the tour.
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.
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.
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.
📱 +264 81 249 8760
✉️ ticketing@tokkiestravel.com
➡️ Anja has already assisted many of our guests – reliable, fast, and solution-oriented.
📱 +264 81 202 6002
✉️ sonja@moloafricatravel.com.na
➡️ Sonja is also highly experienced and particularly helpful when it comes to last-minute rebookings.
I would love to talk to you about this personally, since we would have to find something which suits your interest, budget and timeframe…
This Safari was last updated on 6. September 2026 @ 9:49.
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.
18 Days, 16 November – 3 December 2027
Guided Birding Tour with Unique Natural Highlights
Spots Available – Non-Binding Booking Still Possible
From Windhoek’s highlands to Victoria Falls – birding across four corners of southern Africa.
Dune Lark and Damara Tern, Etosha’s big game, boat trips on the Okavango, Zambezi and Chobe – and the quest for the Leaflove, Namibia’s rarest bird. Small group, a window seat for every guest, reserve without obligation.
7–23 September 2027 | 17 days | Roundtrip Natura small-group safari through Namibia: Kalahari dunes, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe and the Erongo, then Etosha and the Mount Etjo game reserve. Guided, comfortable, a fixed departure in a small group.
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