You will arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, where you will transfer to your centrally located hotel.

Take a rest, go to the pool, and battle jet lag. Tomorrow our adventure begins.

Meals: N/A

Overnight: The Weinberg Hotel

The Kalahari, often referred to as a fossil desert, is not technically a true desert due to its relatively high rainfall. Its captivating landscape features rolling red dunes, golden grasses, and expansive blue skies, stretching across seven countries, including Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.

Your lodge is in the central Kalahari, nestled among iconic Camelthorn trees, offering an authentic desert experience.

In the afternoon, enjoy a shared sundowner drive with the lodge. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the Kalahari, taking in the breathtaking scenery and spotting some of the region’s wildlife, such as various antelope species and zebra.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Zebra Kalahari Lodge & Spa

After breakfast, we depart for the iconic Sossusvlei. Our route takes us through the picturesque Khomas Hochland and down the escarpment via one of the scenic mountain passes, offering breathtaking views as we descend into the Namib Desert. The journey will take approximately 4 to 5 hours, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs en route.

Upon arrival, we check in at one of the region’s premier lodges, perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding desert landscapes and attractions. Enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in for a restful evening in this remarkable setting.

Situated in the Khomas region of Central Namibia, the desert town of Solitaire serves as an oasis in the Namib Desert. The town provides an important stop on the way to the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, allowing travelers to stock up on essentials as they make their way further into the wilderness. Solitaire also has a small bar where you can enjoy a scenic sundowner with views of the spectacular Namib desert.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

We begin our day with an early start to capture the soft, golden light of sunrise over the desert. In the cool morning air, we’ll take a guided walk through the dunes, with excellent chances of spotting gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich in their natural habitat.

The morning is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei. This iconic region features stark white salt pans and towering red dunes—some of the highest in the world—set against a vivid blue sky. We’ll visit the extraordinary Dead Vlei, a surreal white clay pan surrounded by soaring orange dunes and dotted with the haunting silhouettes of ancient camelthorn trees, creating a photographer’s paradise.

We’ll also stop at the renowned Dune 45, a striking star-shaped dune rising over 170 meters. Adventurous guests may choose to climb to the top for panoramic views of the Namib Desert.

Lunch will be enjoyed at Sossusvlei Lodge, offering a welcome respite from the midday sun.

As the afternoon cools, we’ll take a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon, a fascinating natural gorge carved by centuries of water flow. Afterward, we return to our lodge to relax and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

Namibia is truly a land of contrasts, and today’s journey takes us from the arid desert to the refreshing Atlantic coast. We travel across the Tropic of Capricorn and wind our way through the scenic Gaub and Kuiseb passes. As we ascend from the dry riverbed at the base of Kuiseb Canyon, the vast and dramatic desert landscape unfolds before us.

Our route brings us to Walvis Bay, where we’ll pause to visit the renowned lagoon—one of southern Africa’s richest and most important wetlands. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe an abundance of water birds, including both Great and Lesser Flamingos, Damara terns, pelicans, and avocets. We’ll also take time to visit the impressive salt works before continuing our journey.

From Walvis Bay, we follow the scenic coastal road to Swakopmund, with rolling dunes on one side and the cool Atlantic Ocean on the other.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Swakopmund, sampling the flavors of this charming coastal town.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Strand Hotel Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a delightful seaside town, known for its German colonial architecture, palm-lined avenues, excellent restaurants, vibrant shops, and beautiful beaches. Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to explore the town at your own pace.

There’s plenty to discover, from the town’s well-curated museum and fascinating aquarium to its lively markets and cafés. For those seeking adventure, a variety of optional activities can be arranged. These include boat tours featuring oysters and champagne, scenic flights or micro-light flights over the desert, fishing excursions (either from the beach or by boat), guided desert tours, quad-biking, sandboarding, and even skydiving.

Your guide will be available to discuss all the options and assist with pre-bookings. Please note that all optional activities are subject to availability and are undertaken at your own risk and expense.

Dinner tonight is at your own leisure and expense, giving you the opportunity to sample one of Swakopmund’s excellent local restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight: Strand Hotel Swakopmund

Today, our journey takes us north along the legendary Skeleton Coast, en route to Damaraland. Our first stop is the impressive Cape Cross, home to one of the world’s largest Cape fur seal colonies. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe thousands of wild seals up close, experiencing the sights and sounds of this remarkable natural spectacle.

Continuing inland, we reach the small town of Uis, a former mining settlement renowned for its semi-precious stones. This is an excellent place to browse for Namibian gems such as rough amethyst and tourmaline, often available at excellent prices.

As we travel onward, we pass by the majestic Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, before arriving in the Twyfelfontein area by afternoon. Here, we’ll embark on a scenic drive along the dry riverbeds in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants that inhabit this region.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

This morning, we will explore the renowned Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of Africa’s largest and most significant concentrations of ancient rock art. Here, you can view around 2,500 Stone Age rock engravings spread across 17 sites, as well as 13 additional sites featuring remarkable rock paintings—a fascinating glimpse into the region’s prehistoric cultures.

After our visit, we journey north toward Palmwag, passing through the village of Bersig and taking in the ever-changing landscapes of Damaraland. In the afternoon, we’ll join local trackers from the Torra Conservancy for an exciting desert rhino tracking experience. This unique excursion offers a rare opportunity to observe the endangered black rhino in its natural habitat, while learning about the vital conservation efforts underway in the region.

We continue to Palmwag Lodge, beautifully situated in the Palmwag Concession in northern Damaraland. This area is renowned for its dramatic table mountains, sweeping vistas, and remarkable wildlife, including mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, giraffe, lion, desert-adapted elephant, and the elusive black rhino.

Dinner will be enjoyed at the lodge, surrounded by the unforgettable scenery of this wild and wonderful region.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Palmwag Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

Today, we journey northeast toward the iconic Etosha National Park, passing through the town of Kamanjab. Along the way, we will visit a local Himba village, one of the last communities in Africa to maintain a strictly traditional lifestyle. This visit offers a unique opportunity to observe the Himba people in their natural environment and gain a deeper understanding of their fascinating culture, customs, and daily life.

After this enriching cultural experience, we continue to our lodge, located just outside the southern gate of Etosha National Park. If time permits, we’ll embark on an afternoon game drive inside the park, returning just before sunset.

Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, home to over 100 mammal species, 340 bird species, and 110 reptile species. The park’s larger inhabitants include lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, zebra, and eland. During the dry season, animals congregate around Etosha’s numerous waterholes, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing. The park’s landscape is a mosaic of mopane woodlands and open grassy plains.

Our accommodation for the night is at Etosha Safari Lodge, set atop a hillock with sweeping views. Each chalet features a private verandah with panoramic vistas, while the main lodge area offers a spacious deck, dining area, bar, lounge, and inviting swimming pool—perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park. We’ll spend most of the day on game drives, visiting several waterholes, prime spots for observing wildlife as animals gather to drink. One of the highlights will be a stop at the Etosha Pan, a vast, shimmering salt flat spanning over 5,000 km² and aptly known as the “place of dry water.” Witnessing large herds of game against this striking backdrop is a truly unforgettable experience, with mirages often dancing on the horizon.

We may pause at Halali Rest Camp for lunch and a short break before continuing our search for wildlife. The game viewing in Etosha is exceptional, offering close-up encounters with springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, and a rich variety of birds and other species.

After a rewarding day of wildlife sightings and scenic vistas, we return to our lodge to relax and recount the day’s adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection

After breakfast, we will go on a final morning game drive before checking out and departing Etosha.

We will drive south to Okonjima, arriving in time for lunch and check-in.

The 22,000 hectare Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to AfriCat, an organization dedicated to the long-term conservation of some of Namibia's large carnivores including the brown hyena, leopard, and cheetah. The Reserve gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland.

This afternoon, you will enjoy a Cheetah Conservation AfriCat activity to learn more about what the Okonjima is doing and how they are protecting and educating farmers about endangered cheetah population in Namibia.

Enjoy your evening at your accommodations, the Okonjima Plains Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp, Otjiwarongo

Enjoy breakfast before we check out from Okonjima Plains Camp and transfer to Windhoek.

On our return to Windhoek, we will stop by the small town of Okahandja. Here, we will visit the biggest craft market in Namibia. The stalls are operated on a co-operative basis by the local community, and the market is a good place to do last-minute shopping for authentic African souvenirs.

After lunch, your transfer will drop you off at your hotel in Windhoek.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight: The Weinberg Hotel

After breakfast and checking out of your accommodations, we will meet our private transfer and make our way to the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek. From here you will board your flight with service to the USA. *Flight details, TBD.

Thank you for traveling with Limitless Planet!