Avifauna – Namib to Zambezi 2025 (Feb)
Avifauna Namib to Zambezi in February 2025, the guided birding tour with natural history specialities.
Namib, Etosha, Okavango, Chobe, Zambezi to Victoria Falls
Diverse Namibia – natural – October 2025
Embark on an extensive 15-day journey through Namibia, where you'll immerse yourself in the country's rich wildlife and flora, while discovering the many highlights of this extraordinary land.
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Overview
Discover Namibia with meticulous planning, thoughtful logistics, and a diverse itinerary. Immerse yourself in rich wildlife and varied plant landscapes set in breathtaking surroundings. Experience the world’s highest dunes, encounter the fascinating cultures of different ethnic groups, and explore their storied past, etched and engraved into rocky formations. Gain insights into Namibia’s history, encounter its extraordinarily diverse wildlife, and embark on enriching hikes.
This journey is designed to take you through Namibia’s diverse habitats, focusing on key wildlife hotspots, allowing you to admire not just numerous, but also a wide variety of species. In short, this trip is a carefully curated selection of Namibia’s highlights, offering a comprehensive “all-in-one” experience.
We place special emphasis on selecting accommodations that offer an optimal balance of value, prime location, and restful comfort.
Highlights
- Most Namibian Highlights in one go: Khomas Highland, Namib Desert, Dunes, Atlantic Coast, Spitzkoppe, Erongo, Damaraland & Desert Elephants, Etosha, Okonjati Wildlife Reserve
- Experience Namibia's most exquisite highlights under expert guidance.
- Experience rich wildlife and diverse plant life in an intimate small group setting.
- Enjoy a restful stay in excellent, high-quality accommodations.
Remarks
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.
Map
Overview
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
6.10.2025
1 night at a relaxing lodge located near Windhoek.
Gocheganas Lodge
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
not inclusive:
In the afternoon, you might want to enjoy a scenic game drive, where, in addition to seeing plenty of common wildlife, you may also spot rhinos.
Colourful Acacia Savannah of the Khomas Highland Central Plateau
After a long flight, the desire to “arrive and relax” and to “soak up the sun” is always a top priority.
We will pick you up from the airport and take you to a charming lodge nestled in the acacia savannah of the central plateau.
Here, you can enjoy short hikes or leisurely strolls, or simply relax by the pool and take in the beautiful landscape. In the afternoon, you also have the option to join a game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot some wildlife.
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- Siedelweber am großen Siedelwebernest
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- auf der Pirschfahrt sieht man neben Giraffen und Antilopen auch Nashörner.
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- nahe Windhoeks bereits in der Natur sein dürfen… mit Stil
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- herrliche Entspannungsmöglichkeit auf der Gocheganas Lodge am Pool.
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- die Zimmer der Gocheganas Lodge sind äusserst komfortabel
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- auf der Gocheganas Lodge dürfen Sie neben gutem Essen eine phantastische Aussicht geniessen.
Days 2 & 3
7 & 8.10.2025
1 night at a high-quality lodge WITHIN the Namib Naukluft Park. We take advantage of the exclusive privilege of this lodge, allowing us to be in the dunes before sunrise and after sunset. This unique opportunity provides landscape photographers with an invaluable advantage!
Dead Valley Lodge1 night at a beautiful lodge situated amidst the landscape interplay of dunes, petrified dunes, linear oases, and expansive gravel plains of the Namib.
Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge
inclusive:
Dinner, bed and breakfast
Dune landscapes at Sossusvlei, the Sesriem Canyon, and stunning desert vistas
A dune landscape bathed in morning light, especially the tallest of its kind worldwide, presents an unforgettable scenic view. The path of the Tsauchab River to the ocean has been cut off by wandering dunes, giving rise to a clay pan depression known as “Sossusvlei.” Surrounded by ancient camel thorn acacias and vibrant thorny !Nara plants, Sossusvlei is encircled by stunning tall red star and crescent dunes.
Once at the top, undertaking the vigorous hike is rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view.
The Tsauchab Riverbed also features another geological erosion attraction. Ox wagon drivers had to bind six thongs together to draw water from this gorge, naming the place “Sesriem Canyon.” Take some time for a short hike into the canyon; it’s well worth it.
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- Sesriem Canyon
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- Dünenlandschaften im Sossusvlei und Dead Valley
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- im Gestein eingenistet und landschaftskonform im Iglu-Stil gebaut.
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- hohe Dünen, viel Wind und ein Strauss… ein Traum für Fotografen
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- Kunst in der Wüste
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- es kommt auf die kleinen Dinge an… die Motive die uns berühren.
Days 4 & 5
9 & 10.10.2025
2 nights in a centrally located small hotel with a North Sea charm and a hearty, homestyle breakfast.
Hotel Rapmund
inclusive:
- Bed and breakfast
not included:
- Dinner (there are several restaurants in Swakopmund, you will be happy to advise you and reserve a table for you…) While there are several excellent establishments in the area offering a diverse range of freshly caught fish and delectable seafood, don’t overlook the exceptional roast pork available here.
Activities around Swakopmund:
Explore Walvis Bay, just 30 km south of Swakopmund, with its stunning 11,000 ha lagoon—a natural wonderland. Witness thousands of seabirds, seals, dolphins, and occasional whales and sunfish at this World Heritage Site.
- For an indulgent experience, embark on a boat cruise, often on spacious catamarans, where you can savour fresh oysters, snacks, and champagne. Watch seals playfully jumping onto the boat while pelicans feed from your hand.
- To get even closer to nature, consider a kayak tour on the lagoon.
- Explore Swakopmund’s history with a knowledgeable local on a guided town stroll—a highly recommended activity.
- Take in breathtaking sights on a sightseeing flight over Namibia’s dune and desert landscapes, with a 2 to 2.5-hour option.
- Dive deeper into the desert’s wonders with an informative dune drive focusing on the “Little Five”—a collection of desert creatures including reptiles, insects, spiders, and birds.
- For an exhilarating but rewarding adventure, try a fatbike ride with Swakop Fatbike Tours. Enjoy a comfortable ride through the captivating dune landscape.
The road to Swakopmund…oldest desert to the majestic Atlantic Ocean…
The gravel plains of the Namib stretch out before us, occasionally interrupted by distant mountain peaks or a shimmering horizon. On the long, straight roads, occasionally accompanied by a small dust cloud, we deliberately traverse and explore, away from the main routes, the granitic sculptural landscapes, ancient erosion valleys, and dried riverbeds.
An almost eerily silent environment, yet often home to giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, and with a bit of luck, even cheetahs. We embark on foot to visit the cave of two geologists, whose story is recounted in the book “Wenn es Krieg gibt, gehen wir in die Wüste” – so please lace up your hiking boots.
We explain and showcase the world-famous “Welwitschia mirabilis” (1500 years old), lichen fields, and the erosion valley of the dry Swakop River, also known as the “Moon Landscape.”
Swakopmund, a charming coastal town, invites you to a leisurely stroll, sunbathing in good weather, sightseeing modern and colonial landmarks, and enjoying coffee. Private coffee roasteries, a renowned gin distillery, various artists, and a noticeably relaxed atmosphere tempt you to linger longer. The city also houses the best-managed private museum in the country, an oceanarium, a crystal gallery, and an idyllic bathing bay named “Mole.”
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- Auf der C14 ist immer starker touristischer Verkehr.
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- grüne Landschaften zwischen Gaub und Kuiseb im März 2022
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- Ohrenrobben sind häufig an der namibischen Küste.
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- Welwitschia mirabilis, auch W.bainesii genannt, ist ein lebendes Fossil der Wüstenbotanik Namibias
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- In Swakopmund sind wunderschöne historische Gebäude in geschmackvollen Farben zu bewundern.
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- Die Landungsbrücke Swakopmunds ist ein historischen Denkmal der deutschen Kolonialzeit.
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- In Swakopmund sind wunderschöne historische Gebäude in geschmackvollen Farben zu bewundern.
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- In Swakopmund sind wunderschöne historische Gebäude in geschmackvollen Farben zu bewundern.
Days 6 & 7
11 & 12.10.2025
- 2 nights in a cozy, rustic tented chalet, nestled in a fairy-tale landscape surrounded by imposing granite boulders in the Erongo Mountains.
Omandumba Bushcamp
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
Spitzkoppe & the mighty Erongo
Even from a distance, Namibia’s best-known “inselberg”, the Spitzkoppe, stands out like a natural monument, protruding from the flat gravel surface of the Namib.
San Bushmen, or so we all like to believe, have painted clearly visible scenarios of hunting and wildlife on the smooth granite walls. The landscape looks like a fairytale and offers wonderful photographic opportunities.
The gigantic granite spheres of the Erongo are impressive, as the visitor feels literally “dwarfed” between the towering rock faces of these bulbous magma mountains. Some legendary rock paintings, semi-endemic bird species and a remarkable semi-desert flora await the hiker or walker here..
Bushman Walk (optional): Here we meet authentic Bushmen who will be happy to open your eyes to their world on a short walk. You will learn how they set traps, use herbal remedies and go hunting with poisoned arrows. You will also see how a fire can easily be lit in this great semi-desert and how pretty jewellery can be made from ostrich eggs and colourful seeds.
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- Granitkugeln, viele Vögel und Kulturgeschichte an der Bulls Party
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- Namibornis herero, = after the Herero Tribe
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- Der Bogenfels oder “Rock Arch” ist eine bekanne Granitformation an der Spitzkoppe
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- Der Fleckentoko, Tockus monteiri, imponiert als Halb-Endemit hier auf einem Weinrebengewächs auf der Spitzkoppe.
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- Oreotragus oreotragus
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- Die Buschleute / san zeigen gern ihre Kultur, Bräuche und Felsmalereien
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- Buchleute sind geschickt aus natürlichen Materialien Falle zu stellen
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- Klippschliefer auf der Erongo Wild Lodge
Days 8 & 9
13 & 14.10.2025
2 nights amidst marvellously gigantic granite bubbles at a specially chosen lodge.
Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp – Premium tented Chalet
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
- Guided tour to the petroglyphs at Twyfelfontein
- Guided (you know your way around) four-wheel drive game drive into the dry river Awa-Huab to look for desert elephants.
Desert Elephants & Twyfelfontein
The Huab Dry River and its tributary Awa-Huab traverse the fascinating desert region in the picturesque west. The banks of the Huab are lined with impressive Ana trees, also known as “Winter Thorn Acacias,” whose red pods are gladly consumed by desert-dwelling elephants. Equipped with all-wheel drive, as navigation in this challenging landscape is demanding, we are well acquainted. We navigate through deep sand, follow the tracks of the pachyderms, admire ostrich and springbok herds, explore fascinating succulents, and hope to encounter the sought-after desert elephants. The encounter with such nature in this semi-desert is unforgettable.
In the “Roadside” program, you will experience additional highlights: 4000-6000-year-old petroglyphs at “Twyfelfontein,” the “burnt mountain,” and basaltic “organ pipes.” About 200 million years ago, huge, prehistoric “Cordaites” trees were washed here in large mud floods from Central Africa, and through petrification, they now present themselves as remarkably peculiar geological formations.
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- In der Nähe Twyfelfonteins im Damaraland sind basaltische Orgelpfeifen zu finden.
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- Bei Twyfelfontein im Damaraland sind Petroglyphen und Felsgravuren unter Denkmalschutz zu sehen.
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- Im Trockenfluss Awa Huab und Huab sind einige Wüstenelefanten unterwegs
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- Im Trockenfluss Awa Huab und Huab sind einige Wüstenelefanten unterwegs
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- Fotografen & Sesamgewächse
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- Pirschfahrzeug des Hoanib River Camp von Natural Selection
Days 10, 11, 12 & 13
15, 16, 17 & 18.10.2025
- 2 nights in a well-appointed private lodge located outside the park but within the central area of the national park.
Taleni Etosha Village 2 nights at a good lodge located in the eastern part, directly adjacent to the park.
Onguma Bush Camp
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
Why choose a safari with us?
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
The Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s richest wildlife reserves, despite its dry nature. The impressive 4000km² salt-pan on the southern shore generates artesian springs, known as “contact springs,” and particularly attracts a variety of wildlife, especially in drier and warmer seasons. The central area of the park is open and dotted with acacias, the central part features a dense mopane forest, while the east extends into a dry forest. Each vegetation zone hosts different species of animals.
During your journey through the park, you will be able to observe many animals, and with luck, you may achieve optimal sightings of elephants and predators. Patience and early rising are often rewarded.
As we know many of our guests specifically come to Namibia for wildlife observation, we have also planned two overnight stays in the eastern part of Etosha Park. Here, the lush vegetation and numerous springs guarantee a higher density of animals, and the chance to see lions is particularly high. Encounters with dwarf mongoose, paradise cranes, and not uncommonly rhinos make this area particularly interesting.
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- an den Wasserstellen des westlichen Etosha sind regelmässig Löwensichtungen möglich.
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- In den heissen und sehr trockenen Monaten September, Oktober und tweilweise November ist an der Wasserstellen des westlichen Etoshaparks sehr viel Leben.
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- In den trockenen Monaten ab August sind in der Etosha an den Wasserstellen Elefantenherden zu sehen.
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- schon früh am Vormittag stillt das Nashorn seinen Durst. Beobachtung ab Juli möglich.
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- Geparde sind schwierig zu entdecken. Auf den Ebenen der Etoshapfanne jagen diese Raubkatzen sehr gern.
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- kämpfende Steppenzebras im Etoschapark
Day 14
19.10.2025
“Give more back to nature than you take.” This is the guiding principle and goal of Jan Oelofse, a world-renowned conservationist who founded the Okonjati Wildlife Reserve in 1975. 1 night at the renowned
Mount Etjo Safari Lodge
inclusive:
- Dinner, bed and breakfast
- 1x game drive in open game vehicle guided by well-trained rangers.
Experience Wildlife in the Okonjati Reserve at Mount Etjo
Today, we head to the central northern region to explore the stunning red Etjo mountain and hill formations, surrounded by dense acacia savannah. This area is part of the Okonjati Wildlife Reserve, founded by Jan Oelofse in 1975. Over the course of 30 years, he expanded the reserve to 36,000 hectares, which now provides a sanctuary for approximately 10,000 mammals and over 600 bird species. Despite its name, “Place of the Buffalo,” no buffaloes inhabit this area.
The region is home to a captivating array of wildlife, including greater kudus, warthogs, and towering fungus termite mounds that can reach up to 5 meters high. On thrilling safaris in open vehicles, guided by experienced experts, you’ll have the opportunity to observe elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and many other fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
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- eine Antilope, die Fleisch frisst.
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- Kudus neben einem großen Hügel der Fungustermite
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- Breitmaulnashörner sind sanftmütige Grasfresser
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- Der Sekretär, Sagittarius serpentarius
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- Elefanten scheuern sich an Termitenhügeln und haben oft die gleiche Farbe wie der Sand.
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- In der Etjo Sandsteinformation sind Termitenhügel am Wegesrand zu finden
Day 15
20.10.2025
Would you like to fly today or tomorrow?!
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.
a sad farewell…
Today, as we journey along the north-south connecting route, our pace is brisk, allowing for ample time in the capital. You can use this time to shop for Namibian handicrafts as souvenirs or indulge in a final delicious game steak paired with Namibian beer.
In the afternoon, we’ll provide transportation to either the airport or a recommended accommodation. We’re here to assist with booking transfers and any additional logistics you may require, ensuring a seamless experience for your onward journey.
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 fees
Indicative prices for 2025
| Participants | per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Persons | 9.428,10 $ |
| 3 Persons | 7.570,20 $ |
| 4 Persons | 6.640,70 $ |
| 5 Persons | 6.083,00 $ |
| 6 Persons | 5.712,30 $ |
| single supplement | 896,50 $ |
We are happy to answer frequently asked questions in advance
Who books the flights?
If you would like to book the flights including seat reservations through a travel agency, we would be happy to recommend Ms Natalie Hirt from Passage Reisen. Otherwise, please book the flights on the internet. We will be happy to advise you on which flights would be suitable.
Which additional days are useful?
I would love to talk to you about this personally, since we would have to find something which suits your interest, budget and timeframe…
Fill out a non-binding enquiry for 'Diverse Namibia natural - October 2025'
This Safari was last updated on 28. August 2024 @ 11:18.
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