Classic Namibia | Sossusvlei, Damaraland and Etosha

Arrive at Sesriem Campsite in Namibia. After unpacking the vehicles and stretching our legs we visit the Sesriem Canyon late afternoon. Sesriem Canyon, about 4 km from Sesriem is a natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab river into sedimentary rock layers. The Dorsland Trek settlers named the Canyon after the fact that they had to use six oryx leather belts (Sesriem - Afrikaans) tied together to create a rope long enough to lower buckets into the canyon below to fetch water. Back at the campsite enjoy a relaxed evening around the campfire getting to know your fellow travellers while your guide enlightens you as to what expect over the next twelve days.

After coffee, rusks and cereal breakfast we head into the National Park for a morning full of adventure. Drive to Dune 45 to climb the dune to watch the magnificent sunrise over the Namib desert. Continue to the 4x2 parking area for Sossusvlei where the Bhejane team has prepared a delicious brunch, followed by an expedition to Sossusvlei and a hike to Deadvlei. After an eventful morning, we return to the campsite for some reading and relaxation, a swim or even an afternoon nap.

After breakfast, we visit Twyfelfontein, well known for its prehistoric paintings and rock engravings. The site has been inhabited for 6,000 years, first by hunter-gatherers and later by Khoikhoi herders. Both ethnic groups used it as a place of worship and a site to conduct shamanic rituals. During these rituals at least 2,500 items of rock carvings were created as well as a few rock paintings, displaying one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa. The route takes us into the Ugab River for 14km, then out the River again covering a very rocky section on the east side of the Doros Crater. Continue following the Goantagab River and then onto a 2-spoor road until we reach the Organ Pipes then Burnt Mountain up towards Twyfelfontein. The drive is full of spectacular geological and archaeological features, getting to see the bizarre volcanic rock formations of Organ Pipes as well as the eerie charred mound of volcanic debris of Burnt Mountain. On day 8 we explore the Huab River and search for the desert elephants. Another great meal prepared by the crew will be ready upon your arrival back at the campsite.

Depart after breakfast for Outjo via the Petrified Forest. The name is a bit misleading as it is not exactly a forest, which turned to stone, but rather an accumulation of enormous fossilized tree trunks about 280 million years old. Scientists discovered that these trunks haven’t actually grown in today’s Namibia but were washed down a river during ancient times carrying them to where they lie today. Stop for refueling and replenishments in Outjo before heading to our next destination -  Etosha  Enjoy a late afternoon game drive exploring a waterhole and area around the edge of the pan. Spend the rest of the evening observing the nocturnal activities taking place at the campsite’s floodlit waterhole.

Enjoy an early breakfast whilst catching the sunrise over Etosha. Today we can choose to either park in the shade and keep watch over a waterhole to see what wildlife emerges or explore the Park’s excellent road network for game viewing. This is last full day of the trip and, with Etosha being so vast, everybody has the chance to go off on their own on some game viewing experience. By now you will know which part of the park is your favorite and where you have had the most success. Bird life is exceptional with 325 identified species. The animal numbers which live around the pan approximate to 30,000 blue wildebeest, 25,000 springboks, 23,000 zebras, 5,000 kudus, 3,000 hartebeest, 2,600 eland, 3,000 oryx, 450 giraffes, 2,000 elephants, 260 lions, 200 Black Rhinos and numerous other smaller creatures. Enjoy another of our chef’s delicious dinners followed by more nocturnal wildlife viewing at the campsite’s floodlit waterhole.

Depart after breakfast and bid farewell to our new friends and travelling companions as we all head homeward bound.