Looking for a breathtaking journey through deserts and savannahs of Namibia? This trip takes you from Namibia's bustling capital to the historic coastal town of Swakopmund and the stretching red sand dunes of Sossusvlei. There's also an unforgettable safari through Etosha National Park (its specialties include desert lions and white dusted elephants) with game drives, luxe lodges with swimming pools, desert glamping and interactions with indigenous communities as well as spending time with the indigenous San Bushmen in their village. This is a unique Namibian adventure with the chance to get under the skin of the region's historic nomadic culture and vast and beautiful landscapes – and one that you'll never forget.
Locations Visited
Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund
Countries Visited
Namibia
Travel Style
For 18 - 35 year olds
Accommodations
6 nights included
Age Requirements
Travel for 18-35 year olds
Day 1
Accommodation
Town Lodge, Windhoek (or similar)
Day 2
After breakfast, we'll hit the road together to admire the beautiful countryside. Namibia's main attractions are spaced far apart so expect some long drives with jaw-dropping views along the way. Beautiful desert scenery, as well as historical and cultural stops on the route - we promise the drives won't be a bore. Our first stop will be for lunch near the Nauklauft Mountain Range on a vineyard, in the middle of the desert. Wine tasting anyone?
This evening, we arrive at our accommodation near one of Namibia's most iconic attractions: Sossusvlei, a huge salt and clay pan framed by enormous dunes (some of the highest in the world). We'll check in to our lodge and then get ready for a morning’s exploration with a big ol’ buffet dinner.
Accommodation
Soft Adventure Camp (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 3
We're up early today – let’s get exploring the desert before it’s too hot! We start out at the Namib-Naukluft National Park, keeping our eyes open for Oryx and other desert-dwelling wildlife. Soon we'll jump off the vehicles and take a mesmerising walk into the sand dunes (barefoot of course) with cameras ready for 360 degrees views. Wandering along Big Daddy sand dune and down into Deadvlei, admiring the views, you’ll finally realise where your desktop background images come from.
We'll hit the long road again, admiring more scenery on our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund. After checking into our hotel take yourself for a sunset stroll and enjoy some of the local delicacies here.
Accommodation
Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Explore Sossusvlei, snap shots of Deadvlei and wander around Big Daddy sand dune
Day 4
Welcome to Swakopmund, AKA adventurer's paradise as we explore the ocean and the surrounding desert. Wanna catch glimpses of dolphins, whales and seals (and other fascinating marine life)? Then join us for a morning seal kayaking experience at Pelican point. This afternoon, you have free time to explore this quaint German Town as you please. So, go for a beer in a Brauhaus, grab lunch on the pier, or even better - head to the dunes for a dose of adventure. And if you're more about those chill vibes, you'll love the tour of Mondesa Township this evening, where you'll meet the locals and feast on a home-made dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Accommodation
Prost Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 5
Today we head back inland for our Namibian safari destination of choice – Etosha. Before we arrive, we’ll stop off in the Erongo Mountains to visit the San Bushmen of Omandumba. Here, we’ll learn some of their language and be wowed at their skills and crafts as they educate us on how to survive and thrive in harsh desert conditions.
Then we're headed to our accommodation near Etosha (a pan so large it can be seen from space!). But it's the natural waterholes lining the edge that interests the wildlife, and that's why it interests us. Enjoy sundowners at the lodge while the excitement builds for tomorrow's game drive.
Accommodation
Ijaba Lodge (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Experience life in an African bushman village, as the local people give you a snapshot of their desert lifestyle.
Day 6
We're up early for our first Namibian game drive in Etosha! From big cats to desert-savvy antelope, the wildlife viewing experience here is like nowhere else on Earth. At midday we'll head back to the lodge for lunch and siesta by the pool. Tonight, on our last night together, we’ll treat ourselves to one last buffet dinner.
Accommodation
Ijaba Lodge (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 7
After breakfast, we drive back down to Windhoek to catch the afternoon flights back home, saying goodbye to new friends but cherishing our lifelong memories.
Please Note: Do not book flights that depart before 14:30pm on the last day of the trip.
Meals
Breakfast
Title
A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
*Temporary changes to standard terms and conditions apply to bookings until further notice: In accordance with travel restrictions imposed by government advisories worldwide, Contiki has temporarily suspended all trips across the globe for trips departing up and until 31 August 2020 (with the exception of those listed here for travellers from the UK and Europe). For further details and terms and conditions, please click here.
Trip Notes:
Please note that airfare to and from your start/end destinations are not included in the cost of your trip.
Call 0808 169 8807 for great deals from the UK to & from all start/end cities for your selected itinerary.
Internal flights as specified on individual trip itineraries are included as part of the trip price.
Travel from the UK often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of your itinerary start date.
Terms & Conditions:
