After a leisurely breakfast, you will head over the mountains to reach the Namib Desert this afternoon. We'll cross Maltahöhe which lies on the edge of the Swartland escarpment, a gateway to the wonders of the west with a predominantly Nama population. Once off this village, we will be on a gravel road that extends into the desert, where we can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Zaris Pass. Enjoy lunch en route to the Sossusvlei area.

Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of Namibia. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei—Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei—other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.

You'll be exploring Sossusvlei, an exceptionally beautiful sand sea that's filled with sand dunes of the most beautiful shapes and, near sunrise and sunset, warm sand colors. Climb a sand dune to look out over the desert, search for the perfect combination of sand ridge and silhouetted acacia tree for your Instagram selfie, or just sit back and enjoy the view.

Overnight at Desert Camp or Quiver Camp – Self Catering. On day 6 you will visit Dune 45, Deadvlei and Elim Dunes inside the park (N$/ZAR 250 per person park fees and N$/ZAR 50 per vehicle park fees payable at the entrance gate) - https://www.desertquivercamp.com/ or https://www.desertcamp.com/

On day 6 you will visit Dune 45, Deadvlei and Elim Dunes inside the park (N$/ZAR 250 per person park fees and N$/ZAR 50 per vehicle park fees payable at the entrance gate) - https://www.desertquivercamp.com/ or https://www.desertcamp.com/

After breakfast, travel to Swakopmund en route state Africa’s best Apple Pie at Solitiare and make a photographic stop at Tropic of Capricorn sign. 

You get to enjoy Walvis Bay, which is much quieter and more relaxed than better-known Swakopmund nearby. You can look out at the Atlantic Ocean from the port, dream of sand seas in the dunes close to town, and enjoy the first-class birding. Walvis Bay is especially known for its flamingos: this is Namibia's best place to see them.

Overnight at The Rez Guesthouse – Bed & Breakfast - https://www.therez.com.na/

Today is purely spent on a Marine Dune Combo (Catamaran Dolphin Cruise followed by 4x4 Sandwich Harbour Tour - included).

Go to Walvis Bay, which has been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour. Being rich in plankton and marine life, these waters draw large numbers of whales attracting whalers and fishing vessels.

From the Walvis Bay Yacht Club, board the catamaran and spend the morning exploring the bay area, which is home to a great variety of birdlife, Seals and three different types of dolphins may be encountered. These are the heavyside dolphins, which are the most prolific in being endemic to the coast of Namibia, dusky dolphins and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

The larger mammals, like the Southern right whale and the humpback whales may be spotted with a bit of extra special luck. There are rare sightings of sunfish and leatherback turtles.

Depart for an exhilarating dune drive in the Sandwich Harbour area for breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque dunes engulfed by the sea. The area hosts upwards of 70000 birds.

Overnight at Royal Sea Star Guesthouse – Bed & Breakfast - https://www.royalseastar.com/

After breakfast head to Etosha en route visit the Himba village N$/ZAR 300 per person payable at the village. 

Welcome to Etosha National Park, one of the best national parks in southern Africa, perhaps even in all of Africa. The wildlife here can be incredible, with four of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos) present and often seen. Highlights here might include the lions near the waterholes, elephants caked in the white Etosha dust, and rhinos by the water near the camps at night. The scenery is also unique, especially the vast salt pans that sweep across the middle of the park.

Overnight at Toshari Campsite – Self catering. Full day Etosha game drive (N$/ZAR 250 per person park fees and N$/ZAR 50 per vehicle park fees payable at the entrance gate). https://quiverandconamibia.com/lodges/toshari-lodge/

Full day Etosha game drive (N$/ZAR 250 per person park fees and N$/ZAR 50 per vehicle park fees payable at the entrance gate). 

The park is home to 4 of the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, and black rhino). Its waterholes support a rich diversity of birds and mammals, including rare species such as black-faced impala, cheetah, and Namibia’s smallest antelope, the Damara dik-dik.

The dry season (May to Oct) is a particularly rewarding month for game viewing as the rainwater has dried up and the game is forced to rely on the life-supporting waterholes.

But the rainy season (Nov to April) has its delights, as it is the peak calving season in the park. Young springbok, zebra, and wildebeest gambol across the plains, trying to get their legs under control, while flocks of flamingoes, ducks, and waders arrive to breed in the nutrient-rich saline pans.

Overnight at Toshari Campsite – Self catering. https://quiverandconamibia.com/lodges/toshari-lodge/

At time to be advised, tour debriefing and travel to the airport. Drop off rented vehicle and have a safe flight back home. 

Your Namibian safari ends here, and if you're anything like us, you'll be very sad that it's over. We look forward to helping you plan your next adventure.