Day 1: Windhoek, Namibia
After you board your coach in Windhoek in the early morning, you travel to Namibia's premier resort town - Swakopmund. On arrival you will be met by a representatives and transferred to your hotel.

Days 2 & 3: Swakopmund, Namibia
Founded in 1852, during German colonial rule, Swakopmund’s distinct colonial character has been well preserved over the years. Swakopmund is a hub of activity, offering several exceptional shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and art and craft stores selling rural Namibia art. Guests can also enjoy the fine beaches, a great museum, aquarium and lots of excellent galleries.

Optional excursions in Swakopmund include fishing trips, quad biking, sand boarding, sky diving, desert flights, water sports and golf. Bed and Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Swakopmund to Sesriem, Namibia
Day 4 is a day you bed farewell to  Swakopmund and head south past Walvis Bay en route to Sesriem. Sesriem is located a short distance away from Sossusvlei and is surrounded by dramatic sand dunes, reputed to be the highest in the world. Your afternoon will be spent exploring the area, while this evening you can experience an amazing African sunset from the top of Dune 45. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 5: Sesriem to Helmringhausen Area, Namibia
Day 5 you wake up at dawn to witness the beauty of an African sunrise. Tuck into a wholesome breakfast before exploring the areas of Deadveli and Sossusvlei. You can participate in an optional excursion to walk in the area with a highly specialized guide of Sossus on Foot.

Your knowledgeable and experienced guide will teach you about the history, ecology, flora and fauna of the area, as well as the fascinating cultural legacy of the Bushman people.

You then return to camp for lunch and a swim before you bid farewell to this spectacular area, heading for the Namib-Nauklauft Park. Driving south, you will spend the night at remote and authentic camp. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 6: Helmringhausen Area to Fish River Canyon, Namibia
The famous, world’s second largest and breath taking Fish River Canyon here we come on day 6. This day takes you to Hobas campsite and the breathtaking Fish River Canyon, where you will have access to several viewing points with awesome views across the canyon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 7: Fish River Canyon to Gariep River: Namibia/South Africa
Day 7 will start with a short drive onto the Gariep River (formally Orange River), the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia. Here you will have the option of a half day canoe trip on the glorious Gariep River, providing the ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the stunning bird life. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 8: Gariep River to Cape Town, South Africa
Day 8 is marked by long yet scenic days drive through the beautiful wine growing regions of Namaqualand and Ceres, making your way to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town in South Africa. Breakfast and lunch is included.

Day 9: Cape Town, South Africa
This morning your trip will end. If you wish to enjoy the many wonders of Cape Town, it is recommended that you spend a few extra days in the city post your tour. Accommodation can be arranged by Sahara Travel.

Optional Excursions:

1. Sossusvlei guided walk
2. Gariep River canoeing

Day 1: Windhoek
German Architecture in the cleanest city of Africa, Windhoek is a modern African City with a lingering heritage of German architecture. This is a must see and enjoy city where the atmosphere is inviting and the citizens are friendly. On this tour, you will be met by your guide at the hotel reception for a briefing. You will be expected to make your own dinner arrangements. Accommodation will be on a Bed and Breakfast basis. Day one is spend at leisure.

Days 2 to 4: Etosha National Park
Day two is spent on the road from Windhoek to Etosha National Park. This is one of the most visited parks in Africa. The park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa. The pan itself is a vast shallow depression 139 kilometres (86 miles) by 50 kilometres (31 miles).
Innumerable  wild animals such as Giraffes , Zebras, Blue Wildebeest, Cheetah, Springbok, Kudu, Leopard, Lion, Elephant etc. are attracted to the area. The birdlife is prolific with 326 recorded species. You will enjoy early morning and afternoon game drives. Fully serviced mobile safari. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Nights are spent at one of the Park rest camps, in the comfort of en-suite bungalows. The floodlit waterhole at the camp offers an amazing spectacle with an array of animals visiting throughout the night. En-suite bungalows. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Days 5 & 6: Damaraland, Twyfelfontein
An early morning drive  will take you to our exclusive camp at Damaraland. The changing colours of the surrounding landscapes are enjoyed on a guided sunset walk with explanations of the unique flora and geology of the area. The following morning will see you visiting  the Twyfelfontein area with walks to view the rock engravings, Organ Pipes, and the Burnt Mountain. Luxury Mobile Safari. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Swakopmund
The trip through Damaraland will lead  to Cape Cross Seal Colony, one of the largest mainland seal colonies in the world. Swakopmund, which is the next stop on your Namibia safari,  is the principal coastal resort of Namibia. Time is spent at leisure to enjoy the charm of this old town or to undertake one of the many optional activities on offer (scenic flights, hot air ballooning, etc. - own expense). Accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

What you can expect from this 10 day Sahara Jewel Tour, Kaokoland & Damaraland Safari:

Ever heard of desert adapted Elephants? The Sahara Jewel Tour gives you a chance to see not only the unique elephants but other desert adapted animals like Springboks in a stunning scenery. This tour will be incomplete if you do not go on a mountain hike to see the famous White Lady Bushman painting.

Day 7: Giribes Plains / Sesfontein / Palmwag
East bound,the route goes through the wide open plains of the Giribes, towards Sesfontein and Palmwag Lodge. The route takes you through spectacular sceneries  where herds of springbok, oryx and desert adapted giraffe can be seen.

Palmwag Lodge is an oasis paradise on the Uniab River in northwest Damaraland. Waving palms whispering in the wind, spectacular surroundings which harbour the famous desert elephant, rare black rhino, giraffe, zebra and many more. Accommodation in thatched bungalows or luxury tents and a variety of extra activities on offer such as hiking trails, game drives and daily tours.
Guided: Accommodation at Palmwag Rhino Lodge,   all meals included
Self-drive: Accommodation at Palmwag Lodge - Dinner & Breakfast included
Optional Accomodations: Damara Land Camp

Day 8: Desert Adapted Elephants / Twyfelfontein, Namibia
The trip gets southwards bound through mountains and dunes areas to the heart of Damaraland. This region is an unexploited  wilderness, home to a wide variety of desert adapted animals, especially the Elephants who have made the Huab River valley their home.

Imagine a  full day set aside to visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, Huab River wetlands, dunes, etc. There are  over 2000 plus rock engravings at Twyfelfontein in Kunene region. The engravings are estimated to be 6000 years old and the newer paintings approximately 2000 years old. The striking art work was awarded World Heritage status at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Christchurch, Newzealand. In the Huab valley in the north-western Namibia is a place of the San/Bushman, the original inhabitants called /Uis-//aes, meaning ‘place among packed stones’. Many stone artefacts, tools, ostrich eggshells, beads and pottery typical of hunter gatherers of the last 10 000years were excavated from this site.   This is also a superb area to do some walking during your Namibia tour.
Guided: Accommodation at Xaragu campsite - all meals included
Self-drive: Accommodation at Xaragu campsite - no meals included

Day 9: Damaraland / Damara villages / Brandberg
On this day of your Namibia safari tour, you will travel through some rough roads, to the banks of the dry Ugab Riverbed, with an afternoon excursion to the Brandberg Mountain for a hike to see the White Lady Bushman painting or travel on to the Spitzkoppe granite hills.

Guided: Accommodation Ai-Aiba Lodge all meals included
Self-drive: Accommodation Ai-Aiba Lodge - no meals included.

Day 10: Windhoek, Namibia
Early morning rise for a short walk and then head back to Windhoek. Arrive in Windhoek mid-afternoon where this Namibia safari will end.

Included (Guided safaris):

1. Guide fees
2. All accommodation
3. Vehicle and all vehicle costs
4. Meals as indicated in the itinerary
5. Park entry fees and all other permits
6. Bottled water on board vehicles only
7. Camping equipment if a camping safari. This includes bedding (bedrolls), tents and all kitchen equipment.
8. Game drives in all parks. Game drives at lodges and / or concession areas are not included in the itinerary.
9. First Aid Kit but this only includes items and medical equipment to treat bruises, cuts and stings. Guides are NOT qualified to carry out medical duties and clients are advised to bring their own medicine for allergies.

Included (Self-Drive Option)

1. All accommodation except when camping at community campsites.
2. Meals in lodges – breakfast and dinner (as per itinerary)
3.  Meet and greet by a company representative the day the guests arrive in Windhoek.

Not Included (Guided Safaris)

1. Holiday or personal insurance
2. Camping costs as they are all community based
3. Guide and other staff gratuities
4. Flights unless included in the itinerary
5. Visa or departure taxes (where applicable)
6. Personal needs or items such as laundry and phone calls
7. Alcoholic beverages or any drinks in restaurants / hotels / lodges (except where included in the itinerary)
8.  Self-drive option does not include Car hire

Day 1: Kalahari Region
The tour starts from the hotel in Windhoek where your guide will meet you to start your 12day exploring Namibia tour. You will journey to the south to the vegetated red dunes of the Kalahari Desert which differs from the Namib with the dunes being greener and less stark. Although the area is called a desert, it bears good vegetation and after rain the valleys between the deep red dunes and the plains are covered with carpets of flowers.  An optional afternoon sundowner drive into the dunes can be richly rewarding. Overnight at the Bagatelle Kahari Game Ranch, a lodge which lies amid red sand dunes of southern Kalahari, 50km from Mariental on C20 and D1268 district road.  Dinner is included. 

Day 2: Fish River Canyon
Travel south to the picturesque Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanskop and Giants Playground, which is an impressive jumble of massive boulders. Proceed to the magnificent boulder-studded plains and hills to the east of the great Fish River Canyon. An optional sundowner walk / drive is available. Overnight at Canon Lodge, right in the Gondwana Canon Park 20km from the Fish River Canon. Breakfast and Dinner included. 

Day 3: Luderitz
Start the day with a guided excursion to the majestic Fish River Canyon. The next leg of your journey takes you via the small, historical village of Aus and through the vast barren expanse of the Prohibited Diamond Area, to Luderitz. After a short sightseeing tour of Luderitz, enjoy an afternoon excursion to Diaz Cross. Overnight at Nest Hotel. Breakfast and Dinner included. 

Day 4: Kolmanskop / Helmeringhausen / Central Namib Desert
After breakfast in your Namibia safari you will travel to the famous ghost town of Kolmanskop and head inland across the impressive Neisip Plains to Helmeringhausen. Experience the changing landscape from the white gravel plains to the magnificent red dunes. Proceed to the central Namib Desert. Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge. Dinner and Breakfast is included.

Day 5: Sesriem / Sossusvlei
An early start is very important as your journey takes you to the famous Sossusvlei, with its star shaped dunes. This amazing sight provides photographers with a spectacular display of images to capture. You may climb the dunes to admire the endless vistas across a sea of dunes. You will stay at Sossusvlei Lodge. Breakfast and Dinner included. 

Days 6 & 7: Swakopmund
Your destination is the coastal town of Swakopmund via the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. Prior to arrival in Swakopmund you will visit Moon Valley, an unusual view overlooking the landscape formed by the valleys of Swakop River. You will visit the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis which is Nambia's most celebrated plant. Guests have the opportunity to particpate in many excursions. You will stay at Hansa Hotel. Day 6: Breakfast and Lunch packs included. Day 7: Breakfast included.

Day 1 & 2: Kulala Tented Camp, Sossusvlei
From Windhoek on your Namibia  Expose, travel by vehicle approximately 380km to Kulala Tented Camp, enjoying aweinspiring views of the mountains and the desert floor – on a clear day you can see the fog banks of the Skeleton Coast. En route, we enjoy a lunch in a private area overlooking the Khomas Hochland escarpment onto sweeping vistas below. One of the most enduring impressions of this area is the early morning light on the sea of vivid orange dunes of Sossusvlei, some as high as 300 metres. Afternoon activities include nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints and marvelling at the unique Namib fauna and flora in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve.

Kulala Tented Camp is a nine-roomed camp situated at the foot of a mountain. It comprises 9 tents on elevated wooden decks which are linked to the main dining room, bar, reception area and swimming pool by pathways. The interiors are simple yet stylish and each tent has solar powered 12V lighting and an en-suite bathroom with solar-heated hot water. The main dining area, bar and reception are built from canvas with thatch roofing.

There is a fully stocked bar and traditional 3-course dinners are served. At night, lanterns light up the main area. On the edge of the oldest desert in the world, wildlife here is sparse but fascinating. Sightings of animals such as springbok, oryx, ostrich, bat-eared fox and aardwolf are exciting in these rugged conditions.

Day 3 & 4: Aonin Dune Camp, Kuiseb, Namib Desert
Travel north-west via the Kuiseb Canyon with its dark, craggy canyons and via a lunar landscape of flat gravel plains (with stops along the way including visiting the extraordinary Welwitschia plants). After travelling approximately 250km, we arrive at the exclusive Aonin Dune Camp, close to a palm tree-filled oasis in the depths of the desert. Our camp looks onto enormous sand dunes, perfect for a walk to the crest to watch the sunrise. Nature walks and drives as well as spectacular sundowners are other activities that take place here. On Day 4 of your Namibia tour, view the formidable Namib dune fields by quad bike and possibly visit Sandwich Harbour to see its enormous flocks of shocking-pink flamingos.

Day 5: Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund
Day 5, a memorable experience is lined up for you. You depart Aonin to explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast, from the port towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to its incredible marine mammals. You get to see the one of the few coast in the World where the desert meets the ocean. You will be able to sail through the calm waters of Walvis Bay to see Cape fur seals and rare Heaviside’s dolphins up close. This activity is rounded off with a private seafood lunch, before driving the final stretch of approximately 80km to relax at the exclusive Hansa Hotel.

The grand three-star Hansa Hotel forms part of Swakopmund's architectural culture and dates back to 1905; it is said to be one of the oldest buildings in the town. It is ideally situated in the centre of Swakopmund within easy walking distance of town and the beach. The luxury of the hotel, its excellent cuisine and friendly service are well known and appreciated countrywide and overseas.

Days 6 & 7: Damaraland Camp, Damaraland
Travel approximately 480km up the legendary Skeleton Coast (named for the numerous shipwrecks the treacherous shores have claimed over the years) via the Cape Cross seal colony with thousands of breeding Cape fur seals, massive Messum Crater and Brandberg – the second largest monolith on earth. Damaraland embodies stark desert beauty and a sense of isolation. Early morning mists, generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the stark canyon, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region.

Rare succulent plants somehow manage to eke out an existence in this harsh countryside. Activities include explorations on foot, by bike or 4x4 vehicle, viewing Springbok, Oryx and Ostrich, and tracking the unique desert-adapted Elephant. Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in 10 comfortable tented rooms, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water. (Due to water shortages, it is unfortunately not possible to offer a laundry service.) The dining room and pub are combined under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. A feature of the camp is its unique rock pool.

Days 8 & 9: Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha National Park
We depart Damaraland and drive approximately 380km to Etosha National Park, where we experience the pinnacle of game viewing – but from the privacy of an exclusive bush camp situated on an extensive private game reserve. Activities include wildlife day and night drives, walks and hides. Within Etosha visit numerous perennial springs and pans, encountering Lion, Leopard, Elephant and black Rhino as well as plains game.

Ongava Tented Camp comprises 8 large comfortable walk-in tents, each with en-suite facilities, including flush toilet and a hot shower. All meals are enjoyed in the thatched dining area that overlooks an active waterhole. There is a small pool in which to cool off as well.

Days 10, 11 & 12: Skeleton Coast Research Camp, Skeleton Coast National Park
Enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over dramatic desert landscapes to the exclusive Skeleton Coast Research Camp situated in a private concession in the Skeleton Coast Park. This is one of the most inhospitable but hauntingly beautiful places on the planet: desolate and uninhabited. It has everything, from roaring sand dunes, windswept plains, towering canyons and saltpans to seal colonies, and shipwrecks. Full-day explorations in 4x4 Land Rovers will take all these in, picnicking on the way. Included are cultural visits to the remote villages of the Himba people.

Day 13: Charter flight to Windhoek
Say farewell to your Namibia tour as we return by air charter to Windhoek.

1. Combination Wilderness lodges, fully serviced camping in private concession areas, Hansa Hotel Namibia is a land of stunning landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife – and the Great Namibian Journey encompasses it all.
2. This cross-section explores the dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert, the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast, amazing marine life just off Swakopmund and the game-filled savannah of Etosha.
3. The activities provide a wide range of differing impressions, from scenic flights up the Skeleton Coast, dolphin cruises with private beach lunch, to hiking and cycling in Damaraland, quad biking in the Namib’s great dunes and interacting with traditional Himba people.
4. This safari combines the exclusive luxurious lodges of Wilderness Safaris with the remote locations of private Discoverer campsites, in unique hexagon tents. The style of accommodation in the private Discoverer campsites takes you back to the era of Africa’s exploration - on the ultimate Safari.
5. Flowing linen of heavy, pure cottons, brass bucket showers and basins, separate flushing toilets and shower areas all add to the atmosphere, while luxury comforts and amenities are elegantly provided.
6.  Group size is limited to eight guests and all meals are included. Accommodation includes most nights in comfortable tented camps as well as hotels.

Day 1: Windhoek / Kalahari Desert, Namibia
Head south from Windhoek through desert shrub savannah to the Mariental, and then to the fringes of the Kalahari Desert. A beautiful area for photography, especially in the late afternoon and early morning. Overnight at Auob Lodge. Dinner and breakfast is included.
Guided & self-drive: Overnight at Auob Lodge or Anib Lodge. Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 2 & 3: Namib Desert / Sossusvlei, Namibia
From the Kalahari, you will travel west to the Namib Desert where a full day is set aside in this area. The highlight will be the visit to the Sossusvlei Dunes area where half a day will be spent on photography, dune climbing, visit Dead Pan as well Dune 45. The late afternoon is set aside to visit the enchanting Sesriem Gorge and Elim dune for sunset.
Guided & self-drive: Accommodation at Desert Homestead or Namib Desert Lodge. Extra activities include horse riding, sun-downer drives, guided walks, hiking, ballooning, quad biking and flight excursions. Breakfast and Dinner is included during this Namibia tour.

Day 4 & 5: Swakopmund / Kuiseb Canyon / Walvis Bay, Namibia
Travel west through desert gravel plains, via the stunning Kuiseb Canyon to visit the amazing prehistoric Welwitschia plants and Moonlandscape before arriving at the German colonial style town of Swakopmund. The first morning is set aside for an excursion to the Walvis Bay lagoon where a wide range of birds such as flamingoes, pelicans and waders can be seen. The afternoon is free to spend in Swakopmund.

Optional extra activities: - scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast (recommended) - Dolphin boat cruise at Walvis Bay (recommended) - Dune 4X4 quad biking etc

Guided & self-drive: Overnight at Europa Hof Hotel or Rapmund Hotel. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Twyfelfontein / Cape Cross, Namibia
Travel north along the Skeleton Coast to the Cape Cross where a breeding colony of Cape Fur Seals (80000 - 100000) can be seen. Then head inland to Uis, the centre of Damaraland. From here, head north through this semi-desert are, beautiful with eroded granite hills and dolerite dykes to the Twyfelfontein area. If time permits, visit the “open air museum” of Twyfelfontein in the afternoon, or the next morning.
Guided & self-drive: Overnight at Xaragu Chalets. Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 1: Windhoek / Kalahari Desert, Namibia
Depart from Windhoek and head south to Rehoboth and then on to Mariental to the Kalahari Game Reserve for the first night, a beautiful place to spend the first evening.

Guided & self-drive: Overnight at Auob Lodge / or Anib Lodge. Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 2: Quiver Tree Forest / Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Head south to the Fish River Canyon with a detour to the Quiver Tree Forest, a fascinating place where there is a 'forest' of the beautiful Aloe Dichitoma 'trees'. This area, a semi-desert, offers extremely harsh but beautiful views of barren landscapes and mountains. If time permits during your Namibia safari, a late afternoon view of the Fish River Canyon is planned.

Guided: Accommodation at Hobas campsite - all meals included. Camp food is prepared on the fire and is all freshly made. Dinner will be a starter (eg soup) with the main course normally one meat, two vegetables, one starch and a green salad.
Self-drive: Accommodation at Hobas campsite - no meals included

Day 3: Namib Desert / Desert Horses, Namibia
Early morning rise to the Fish River Canyon view point from where you will head west to the Namib Desert, past Aus to Klein Aus Vista. The afternoon is set aside for a hike in this beautiful area with a possibility of seeing the desert Horses of the Namib Desert.

Guided: Accommodation at Klein Aus Vista campsite - all meals included
Self-drive: Accommodation at Klein Aus Vista campsite - no meals included

Day 4: Luderitz / Kolmanskop 'Ghost Town' / Diaz Point, Namibia
This day is set aside for a full day excursion to the coastal town of Luderitz where activities will include Diaz Point as well as a visit to the desert 'ghost' town of Kolmanskop. Return to Klein Aus Vista late afternoon, looking for the desert Horses along the way.

Guided: Accommodation at Klein Aus Vista campsite - all meals included
Self-drive: Accommodation at Klein Aus Vista campsite - no meals included