Day 1

Depart from New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) for your South African Airways flight to South Africa.

Day 2

On arrival in Johannesburg you will connect onwards for your 2 hour flight on South African Airways to Windhoek. On arrival at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport you will be met by a representative of Tour d’Afrique who will brief you on your routing and assist with any queries you may have. You will then be transferred to your Hotel in Windhoek. You may wish to spend some time exploring the capital city this afternoon. The eclectic blend of old and new, as well as the intermingling of cultures and traditions make Windhoek a truly unique African capital.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Hotel Heinitzburg

Day 3

After breakfast your rental vehicle will be delivered to the hotel. Depart Windhoek and head south towards Rehoboth. Rehoboth is the traditional home of the Baster people. The Basters migrated north from the Cape and settled in this fertile area in the 1870’s. Their name derives from the word “bastard” and refers to their “mixed blood” (European and Khoikhoi) – far from being insulted by such a reference the Baster people are very proud of their heritage. From here continue through to the great Namib Desert.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Kulala Desert Lodge

Day 4

Today you can undertake a full day excursion to Sossusvlei (either in your own rental vehicle or as an optional excursion through the lodge) – one of the most beautiful areas in Namibia. Sossusvlei – meaning “the gathering place of the water” – is a striking white pan surrounded by Camelthorn trees and the towering orange dunes of the Namib. Here the waters of the Tsauchab River are blocked from reaching the ocean by a formidable wall of dunes, stretching sixty kilometres to the sea. Occasionally the flood waters of the river reach Sossusvlei and gather to form a small, shallow lake in the middle of the dunes. Although difficult climbing, the view from the top of one of the highest dunes in the world is well worth the effort, besides which it’s great fun sliding, jumping, rolling or “swimming” back down the dunes! Don't miss the chance to visit the small but beautiful Sesriem Canyon. The canyon is 30 metres deep and approximately one kilometre long. It was carved by the flood waters of the Tsauchab River over millions of years and the exposed canyon walls are a fine example of the sedimentary deposit called conglomerate. The name Sesriem derives from the time when early pioneers needed to tie six (ses in Afrikaans) leather ox thongs (rieme) together to draw water from the bottom of the canyon. Today there is a path that leads down into the canyon.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Kulala Desert Lodge

Day 5

Departure for Swakopmund via Welwitschia and Moon Valley. En route you may wish to stop at Ganab and Hotsas - small water holes were you may encounter Springbok, Ostrich, Warthog, Oryx and even Giraffe. Lappet Faced vultures are often seen at Hotsas. The Welwitchia Drive offers a close look at the Welwitschia mirabilis, a botanical curiosity endemic to the Namib Desert and a most intriguing plant. Sprawling on the desert plains, the Welwitschia is believed to have a life span of up to 2000 years. A large concentration of these plants is found along the Welwitschia Trail. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, Swakopmund served as the territory’s main harbour for many years. Today this historical desert town retains much of its colonial German character. Surrounded by desert and sea, it is a popular holiday destination with a variety of good hotels and pensions, restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German breads, cakes and pastries. The sweep of coastline and desert interior offers many options for adventure and relaxation.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Swakopmund Boutique hotel

Day 6

A variety of activities is on offer in Swakopmund. We highly recommend a full day trip combining a cruise in the sheltered waters of the Walvis Bay with an incredible 4x4 excursion to Sandwich Harbour. The cruise can be done separately as a morning activity and Sandwich Harbour can be done separately as a full day excursion. Head between the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean to reach the neighbouring town of Walvis Bay, the only deep water harbour on the Namibian coastline. Board ski boats and spend the morning exploring the bay area which is home to a great variety of bird life, turtles, seals and dolphins. Enjoy fresh Namibian oysters and sparkling wine while watching Cape Fur seals and Dolphins frolic around the boats. The curious seals even jump onto the boats for a better view of their visitors! Disembark at Pelican Point and board 4x4 vehicles for the journey to Sandwich Harbour. Picnic lunch en route. This remote part of the coastline is only accessible in 4x4 vehicles and even then it is not always possible for the vehicles to get all the way in! Towering dunes, quick sand and rising tides create challenges along the way. The last few kilometres are only passable at low tide when a small strip of beach appears at the foot of the dunes allowing passage into the harbour. If the tide is high the only way to reach Sandwich is to walk along the crest of the dunes as the waves break right at the foot of the dune wall! The Sandwich lagoon is fed by fresh water seeping from an inland aquifer and, apart from being a sanctuary for a variety of birds, is scenically one of the most beautiful spots in Namibia. (excursions not included in the price of this package)

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Swakopmund Boutique hotel

Day 7

This morning we recommend you leave as early as possible as you head inland to the beautiful Damaraland region. We suggest that you travel up the coast to Cape Cross Seal Colony en route. Home to up to 100 000 Cape Fur Seals it is a worthwhile excursion to witness the incredible sight, sound and … smell of one of the largest breeding colonies in southern Africa! In October the bulls start coming ashore to establish their territories and early in November the majority of the females start giving birth to their young. Cape Cross is also of historical importance as it was here that the first European explorers set foot on the coast of Namibia. From Cape Cross you turn inland passing the massive Brandberg Mountain complex. Here you will find the highest peak in Namibia – the Konigstein at 2573 metres above sea level. Depending on the time you arrive, try and make it through to the renowned Twyfelfontein Rock engravings this afternoon. This wonderful collection of rock art is a must for any history enthusiast, and serves as pictorial evidence to the region's past.

Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Mowani Mountain Camp

Day 8

We recommend another early start today so that you can reach Etosha by lunch time. After checking in at the lodge enjoy lunch before an afternoon spent on safari under the guidance of your experienced ranger on the Onguma Reserve, bordering the Etosha National Park. Return to the lodge for dinner and a good night's rest.

Overnight on a full board basis at Onguma Tented Lodge

Day 9

This morning awake for a full morning safari into the world renowned Etosha National Park. The Bushmen called Etosha the “place of dry water”. Springbok or Ostrich that wander out onto the pan shimmer and distend into unreal shapes in the haze. Etosha, also known as “the great white place”, owes its unique landscape to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of approximately 5000 square kilometres. Stretching across 22 275 square kilometres the park encompasses stark white pans, ancient rivers, endless plains, acacia thickets, mopane woodlands, an enchanted forest and the delightfully named Ondundozananandana hills. Home to more than 114 mammals (including several rare and endangered species) and 340 bird species the park offers brilliant opportunities for game viewing, bird watching and photography. After your safari return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax during the heat of the midday. In the afternoon you will once again head out on your photographic safari on the Onguma Reserve, before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Overnight on a full board basis at Onguma Tented Lodge

Day 10

This morning we recommend an early breakfast and then spend some time in the park in your own vehicle, before heading south back to Windhoek. We suggest you stop at Okahandja. This town is of great significance to the Herero people. Every year on 26 August thousands of Hereros converge at Okahandja to pay homage at the graves of their great chiefs. The town is also an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. They practice their skills at the Mbangura Woodcarvers market next to the main road at both the entrance and exit of the town. Arrival in Windhoek in the late afternoon for a final evening at leisure before your return journey begins.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Hotel Heinitzburg

Day 11

After a final morning at leisure for some last minute shopping or visits in Windhoek drive out to the airport where you will return your vehicle to the car rental kiosk before boarding your South African Airways flight to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg connect onwards on South African Airways to North America.

Day 12

Arrival in the United States at New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) airport.

Note

This tour can begin in Washington Dulles instead of New York, however, this would necessitate an overnight stop in Johannesburg at the beginning of the journey before flying to Windhoek. Please contact us for prices for this option.

Includes

Round trip coach air on South African Airways from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) Airport to South Africa OR Tambo International Airport ~ Regional coach air Johannesburg - Windhoek - Johannesburg ~ Accommodation as per the itinerary ~ Rental of an Avis rental vehicle category K - Kia Sportage or similar 2x4 on a maximum cover basis (includes unlimited mileage, super-cover insurances and airport surcharges) ~ Meals as per the itinerary (9 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 5 x dinner) ~ All road transfers as per the itinerary ~ Safaris as per the itinerary

Excludes

Add on air from other US cities ~ Any meals or services not mentioned above ~ Any items of personal expense - i.e. drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. ~ Gratuities for rangers/guides/drivers