Sweet & South, a guided Safari
Sweet & South, a guided Safari, adaptable to your preferences in the southern regions of Namibia.
Ondili Meumbo means “I am at home” in the language of the Ovambo, Namibia’s largest ethnic group.
Our collaboration with Ondili Lodges blossomed from a shared weekend in their private nature reserves, which exude a unique idealism and a genuine commitment to preserving nature and practicing sustainability.
On this journey, our guests enjoy accommodation of the highest quality in breathtaking natural reserves at a fair local direct price. In addition to the Ondili Lodges, we have carefully selected two excellent lodges actively engaged in conservation, protecting vast areas and channeling a significant portion of their earnings into preserving the surrounding habitat.
This trip offers you a chance to experience Namibia’s prime attractions, with top-notch accommodations and an unbeatable offer from us.
1 night stay within Windhoek at a charming small guesthouse with a very beautiful view
Overnight stay with breakfast
Dinner @ Joes’ Beerhouse
Upon your arrival in Windhoek, an exciting day awaits, starting with a city tour exploring the culture and history of this modern African city. Compare the old architecture with contemporary structures and delve into the city’s diverse past.
Enjoy a delightful shopping experience in the downtown area, where you can browse local crafts, from hats to authentic local leather shoes called „Vellies“.
We’ll guide you through Windhoek’s informal settlements and visit the Penduka Women’s Project, showcasing the resilience and courage of these women.
After a day filled with discoveries, we invite you to unwind at the world-renowned restaurant, Joe’s Beerhouse.
2 nights in a carefully selected lodge nestled in the captivating linear dune landscape of the Kalahari.
Our journey takes us through the Camel Thorn savannah of the central plateau until we reach the diverse linear dune landscapes, crusty limestone ridges, and expansive salt pans of the Kalahari. The most captivating feature of the Kalahari reveals itself in its colours! With dark orange-hued dunes and brown-green Camel Thorn woodlands, the Kalahari is a true paradise for photographers. Along our route, you can discover gigantic Sociable Weaver nests in ancient Camel Thorn acacias. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter a Cape cobra, which often raids the nests of communal birds. We also observe a variety of wildlife, including gemsboks, springboks, frequent kudus and zebras. We particularly enjoy sightings of ground squirrels and other small mammals like meerkats.
2 Nights at a fantastically situated lodge with its private nature reserve in close proximity to the Namib-Naukluft Park.
The Namib Desert impresses with its overwhelming expanse and breathtaking landscapes in a seemingly barren yet rich environment.
Particularly striking is the dune landscape in the morning light, encompassing the highest of its kind worldwide and creating an unforgettable panorama.
The Tsauchab Dry River has cut off the path to the ocean, forming the unique “Sossusvlei” – a clay pan surrounded by ancient camelthorn acacias and green, thorny !Nara plants, framed by impressive high red star and crescent-shaped dunes. A worthwhile hike up the dunes offers a fantastic view.
The Tsauchab Dry River presents another geological attraction – the “Sesriem Canyon.” Ox-wagon drivers once had to bind six thongs together to draw water from this gorge. Take the opportunity for a short hike into the canyon; it will definitely be rewarding.
There are those things you just have to experience! Weather permitting (as it can get very windy), the hot air balloon from Namib Sky takes off amidst the dunes and hills on the gravel plains of the Tsauchab. Enjoy a beautiful view of the dune and mountain landscapes and the interplay of various colourful scenery in the morning light.
If you wish to take a balloon ride, it would be advisable to extend your journey by an additional day!
2 nights at a guesthouse in Swakopmund that we have personally tested and chosen
Overnight stay and breakfast
The town of Walvis Bay is just 30 km south of Swakopmund and offers a diverse destination with an 11,000-hectare lagoon. Tens of thousands of seabirds, seals, dolphins, and occasionally whales and sunfish “Mola Mola” enchant visitors to this world natural heritage site.
The gravel plains of the Namib stretch out before us, occasionally interrupted by mountains or a shimmering horizon. The long, straight roads are adorned here and there with small dust trails. We traverse the area through circuitous routes, passing through granitic sculptural landscapes, ancient erosion valleys, and dry riverbeds. The surroundings are marked by deadly silence, yet sometimes giraffes, often zebras, and antelopes can be spotted.
We set out on foot to explore the cave of the two geologists, whose story is recounted in the book „Sheltering Desert”. Please lace up your hiking boots.
Along the way, we discover the world-famous “Welwitschia mirabilis” (1500 years old), lichen fields, and the erosion valley of the Swakop Dry River, also known as the “Mondlandschaft” (Moon Landscape).
Swakopmund is a small coastal town where there is ample time for leisurely strolls. In good weather, you can even sunbathe, visit modern and colonial landmarks, and enjoy a cup of coffee. Private coffee roasteries, a renowned gin distillery, numerous artists of various styles, and a distinctly relaxed atmosphere may tempt you to extend your stay. Here, you’ll find, among other things, the best-managed private museum in the country, an oceanarium, a crystal gallery, and a small bathing bay we call “Mole.”
1 night in an enchanting landscape with a stunning view of the gigantic Hohenstein, an impressive granite boulder, at a carefully selected lodge.
In the distance, the most famous “inselberg” in Namibia, the Spitzkoppe, rises like a natural monument from the flat gravel plains of the Namib. The smooth granite walls of the Spitzkoppe bear clearly visible stories of hunting scenarios and wildlife, painted by indigenous people. The landscape imparts a fairytale-like impression and provides breathtaking photo opportunities. The gigantic granite spheres of the Erongo are truly impressive, and visitors feel almost “dwarfed” between the towering rock walls of these magma mountains. Exploring this region on hikes or walks reveals some legendary rock paintings, semi-endemic bird species, and a remarkable semi-desert flora.
2 nights amidst impressive granite formations at a carefully selected lodge.
A fascinating highlight is Twyfelfontein, known for its 4000-6000-year-old petroglyphs, the “burnt mountain,” and the basaltic “organ pipes.”
Approximately 200 million years ago, enormous prehistoric “Cordaites” trees were washed in by massive mud floods from Central Africa and covered with muddy deposits. The lack of oxygen led to petrification, and these “petrified trees” are now presented as remarkably peculiar geological formations.
The dry Huab River finds its way through this geologically significant desert area to the west. Here, the gigantic Ana trees, also known as “winter thorn acacias,” produce red pods—a delicacy for desert-dwelling elephants, let’s go and search for them.
2 nights in the central area of the National Park at an enchantingly beautiful private lodge outside the park.
The Etosha National Park is one of the richest wildlife parks in Africa, despite being relatively dry. The over 4,000 km² salt-pan generates artesian springs on the southern shore, known as “contact springs.” Especially during the somewhat drier and warmer seasons, a variety of wildlife gathers here.
The central area is more open and covered with acacias, while the middle part features a dense mopane forest.
In the east, you’ll find a dry woodland. Each of these vegetation types harbours different species of animals.
During your drive, you can naturally spot numerous animals. With a bit of luck, you may have optimal observations of elephants and big cats – patience and an early start often pay off in this regard.
2 nights at a well-located lodge in the eastern part, directly adjacent to the park.
Our Land Cruisers, specially modified for wildlife observation, feature wide window seats, and the roof can be raised at waterholes. This allows you to comfortably take photographs while sitting or standing.
We understand that many of our guests come to Namibia primarily for wildlife observation. Therefore, we have planned two nights in the eastern part of the Etosha National Park. In this region, the slightly more abundant vegetation and numerous springs guarantee a higher density of animals. The chances of seeing lions are particularly high here. Additionally, the dwarf antelopes, paradise cranes, and often rhinos make this region interesting.
Consider booking an additional guided game drive led by locals. We would be happy to recommend an experienced local guide for you.
One night at one of the prime lodges of the Africat Foundation
The Otjikoto Lake, a large doline, can be visited on today’s route—a peculiar lake with unexplored depth, mysterious and beautiful.
This is the home of the Africat Foundation, a foundation dedicated to African cats. Much time and energy are invested here in the conservation and research of various wild cats, primarily cheetahs and leopards. A successful observation of wild leopards is almost guaranteed, and you also get to see other cats like cheetahs. Another wonderful sighting would be a brown hyena!
We will participate in a game drive with local guides/experts in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Photographers will thoroughly enjoy these game drives, as their needs are taken into consideration. Well-guided walks and game drives provide visitors with insights into the nature and the workings of the project.
Hope to see you again… soon
The final leg of the journey proceeds swiftly, ensuring ample time in the capital to acquire Namibian crafts as souvenirs or indulge in a last delicious game steak paired with Namibian beer for lunch. In the afternoon, we will take you to the airport or a recommended accommodation, organising your transfer if needed.
Participants | Per Person |
---|---|
1 Person | 18.315,94 $ |
2 Persons | 11.548,19 $ |
3 Persons | 9.484,97 $ |
4 Persons | 8.452,73 $ |
5 Persons | 7.834,15 $ |
6 Persons | 7.421,76 $ |
7 Persons | 7.127,01 $ |
Single occupancy | 1.361,14 $ |
This trip is designed to cater to a broad range of interests, and you will have suitable weather for your observations at various locations throughout the year. If you are particularly interested in wildlife observation, this journey would be ideal from May to November. If you wish to savor the fantastic desert landscapes, February, March, and April would be very suitable.
Yes, this safari offers a very diverse mix of various attractions, a variety of landscapes, wonderful botany, a good insight into Namibia’s rich history, and the opportunity to see a wide range of animals.
Certainly, you tell us what particularly interests you, and we will adjust the itinerary accordingly.
This trip offers an exclusive experience in extremely comfortable accommodations, far removed from the usual, disruptive routine of tourism. The accommodations themselves are already a highlight, situated amid breathtaking landscapes that are privately protected and surrounded. Through a direct collaboration, we can offer you this trip at a direct price, making it a particularly attractive offer.
This safari was last updated on 28. August 2024 @ 11:18
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