Activities Included

You will be picked up at 07:15 in the morning from your accommodation. The drive will take you northwards through the towns of Okahandja and Otjiwarongo and Outjo before meeting the gravel roads of southern Damaraland. Arrival at the lodge is expected in the afternoon. If time allows you can go on a guided sundowner walk in the late afternoon, learning more about the geology, plants and culture of this fascinating area. Dinner will be prepared by your guide on the open fire.

After an early breakfast you will set off to explore the vast unfenced territory that is Damaraland. The area provides some of Namibia’s most scenic landscapes and you will traverse the ephemeral rivers and open plains in search of the desert adapted elephants. These elephants have over millenia found a way to survive in this rugged desert landscape. The exact length of the activity depends on the how far the elephants are from the lodge. Remember these are free roaming elephants in a vast wilderness area and sightings cannot be guaranteed!

Today will be spent understanding the cultural heritage of the area. You will explore the Twyfelfontein area, visiting the World Heritage Listed rock engravings with a local guide before learning more about the local Damara culture by interacting with some of the local people in the area. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about the communal conservancy concept and how this relates to conservation in this area.

After an early breakfast we set off towards the coastal town of Swakopmund. The first part of your journey will take you through the scenic southern Damaraland. Along the way you will see the Brandberg massif in the distance, rising strikingly above the surrounding landscapes. You also have the opportunity to purchase some semi-precious stones and hand crafted souvenirs from the local small scale miners, before reaching the famed Skeleton Coast. Once on the Skeleton Coast, you take a 90 km detour and visit the incomparable Cape Cross seal reserve, to experience (and smell! ) one of the largest seal colonies in the world. From there you will proceed south via the town of Henties Bay with a planned late afternoon arrival in Swakopmund where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Dinner tonight will be at your own cost but the guide can make a reservation at one of the excellent restaurants.

You will have the opportunity to explore the coastal town of Swakopmund in the morning. The center of town is well worth exploring with its interesting historical buildings. A number of activities is also on offer including sand boarding, quad biking or scenic flight over the desert. (All activities will be at own cost). Departure from Swakopmund is around noon for your drive back to Windhoek.