Great Safaris Trip Itinerary for Ron & Sue Marsden Namibia 2027

Windhoek City Tour

There are two main focuses to our city tour – history and life in Windhoek today. To learn about life in Windhoek you’ll drive through some of the suburb areas, and out to the old township area of ‘Katutura’. Here you will have the chance to get a feel for what life is like for many Windhoek residents and to visit an open market where traditional foods are sold. There will also be the chance to visit one of the local enterprise projects, which could be either the Penduka Project, where people are given the opportunity to make crafts as a way to generate income, or if desired (and open) the school Mammadu, where children from vulnerable families have the chance to get a really good education, a project that Ultimate Safaris supports through our Conservation Travel Foundation.

You will then return to the centre of town where you will be able to learn more about the city’s history from the pre-colonial period through the German and South African times right up to the present day. You will get to see old Lutheran Church (Christuskirche), Parliament (Tintenpalast) and the Parliament gardens, the Alte Feste (Fort) and also to visit the Independence Museum if this appeals. Afterwards, there will be time to visit the Craft Market before retuning to Galton House.

Land transfer from Windhoek to Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas, spans an impressive 22,270 km² in northern Namibia. Its history dates back to 1907, when it was proclaimed as a game reserve by the then German colonial administration, making it one of the oldest protected areas on the continent. Over time, Etosha has become a cornerstone of Namibia’s wildlife conservation efforts, providing a refuge for endangered species such as the black rhino and the endemic black-faced impala.

A defining feature of the park is the vast Etosha Pan, a shimmering white expanse that covers approximately 4,760 km². Once part of a prehistoric lake that disappeared when the Kunene River shifted its course three million years ago, the pan is now a colossal saline desert and so large and bright that it is visible from space. Today, it fills with water only during exceptionally strong rains in Angola, creating seasonal wetlands that attract thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds. Surrounding the pan lies a mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, and savannah that supports remarkable biodiversity.

Etosha is home to 114 mammal species and more than 340 species of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors may encounter elephants dusted white from the pan’s minerals, prides of lions lounging near waterholes, or herds of zebra, wildebeest, oryx, and kudu moving across the plains. Predators such as cheetah, leopard, hyena, and even honey badger add to the park’s ecological richness.

The park’s climate contributes to its dramatic landscapes. Etosha is typically hot and dry, with summer temperatures often exceeding 35°C, while winter brings cool, crisp mornings and mild afternoons. Rainfall is sparse and highly seasonal, transforming the park from a dusty, shimmering desert into a green oasis between December and March. Combined with its captivating light, endless horizons, and extraordinary wildlife concentrations at waterholes, Etosha offers one of the most striking and beautiful safari experiences in Africa.

Game drives in Onguma Private Game Reserve

Game drives are conducted in 4x4 vehicles with experienced driver-guides, offering an immersive safari experience. Guests typically enjoy two drives per day, a morning excursion and an afternoon safari, each providing excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. An evening drive back to the lodge allows guests to encounter nocturnal species rarely seen during daylight hours, adding an exciting dimension to the safari experience.

Wildlife viewing is abundant, with the chance to spot the cats alongside numerous other species, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope. Birdlife is equally spectacular, with over 300 species recorded, ranging from colorful rollers and bee-eaters to majestic raptors. The combination of open plains, waterholes, and diverse habitats ensures memorable sightings throughout the day. Guests leave with not only incredible photographs but also unforgettable memories of the sights, sounds, and rhythms of Africa’s wild landscapes. This safari experience offers a perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and natural beauty.

Onguma Private Game Reserve

Onguma Nature Reserve consists of 34 000 hectares of Namibian wilderness, is located on the eastern edge of Etosha National Park in northern Namibia, is a stunning wilderness area that showcases the country’s rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. Covering a vast expanse of savannah, mopane woodlands, and thornveld, the reserve provides habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, oryx, kudu, and the rare black-faced impala. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards also roam the reserve, contributing to its ecological balance. The numerous waterholes scattered throughout Onguma attract animals throughout the year, creating natural gathering points where zebras, impalas, warthogs, and elephant families can be observed interacting in their natural environment.

The reserve is also a haven for birdlife, with over 300 species recorded, ranging from colorful lilac-breasted rollers and bee-eaters to majestic raptors like martial eagles. Its diverse landscapes from open plains to shaded woodland areas create striking scenery and a variety of microhabitats for wildlife. The combination of expansive vistas, seasonal waterholes, and vibrant vegetation makes Onguma a remarkable example of Namibia’s wilderness. With its proximity to Etosha, the reserve not only complements the national park’s wildlife experience but also offers a quieter, more intimate glimpse into the rhythms and beauty of northern Namibia’s natural environment.

Land transfer from Etosha East to Etosha South

South Etosha National Park

South Etosha National Park offers a classic and rewarding safari experience, distinguished by its open plains, active waterholes, and high wildlife densities. Compared to East Etosha, which is more remote, rugged, and defined by thicker bush and a quieter, more exploratory feel, the southern section is more open and accessible. South Etosha is characterized by expansive grasslands and mopane woodland, creating ideal conditions for observing large herds of plains game such as zebra, blue wildebeest, springbok, giraffe, and elephant.

During the dry season, animals gather in significant numbers around permanent and seasonal waterholes, resulting in frequent predator activity and excellent photographic opportunities. Black rhino are a standout feature of South Etosha and are regularly seen here, making this area one of the most reliable places in Africa to encounter this endangered species. Lions are commonly observed resting near water sources, while cheetah and leopard are also present, particularly in more open areas where visibility is high.

The vast Etosha Pan dominates the landscape, its bright salt flats creating striking contrasts with the surrounding savannah and drawing large numbers of birds after rainfall. Birdlife is diverse, from ostrich and kori bustard to numerous raptors and migratory species. While East Etosha appeals to travelers seeking solitude and a more off-the-beaten-track experience, South Etosha’s uniqueness lies in its combination of open scenery, concentrated wildlife, and consistently productive game viewing, making it an essential and unforgettable part of any Etosha safari.

Land transfer from Southern Etosha to Damaraland

Damaraland

This morning, after breakfast, you will continue your safari into the heart of Namibia, traveling through farmlands and small towns toward Damaraland. The region is renowned for its striking displays of color, majestic table-topped mountains, dramatic rock formations, and uniquely shaped vegetation. The landscape has been sculpted over millennia by wind, water, and geological forces, resulting in rolling hills, ancient river terraces, gravel plains, and vast desert dunes. It is the combination of this rugged variety, the expansive solitude, and the breathtaking scenery that makes Damaraland a true wilderness, offering an authentic sense of nature untouched by time.

Damaraland is one of Namibia’s most ecologically and culturally significant regions. It is home to unique desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos, which have evolved remarkable strategies to survive in the arid environment. The area also holds profound archaeological and historical importance, with ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and traces of early human settlement that provide insight into Namibia’s prehistoric past. Its dramatic geology, including volcanic peaks and petrified forests, contributes to scientific research and attracts geologists and adventurers alike. For Namibia, Damaraland represents both natural and cultural heritage—a place where conservation, history, and the rugged beauty of the land intersect. Its preservation is vital, offering visitors the opportunity to experience remote wilderness, witness extraordinary wildlife, and gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience of life in one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

Desert Black Rhinoceros

Today you will spend an exciting and memorable morning out rhino tracking with the assistance of local trackers. It is worth noting that these black rhino form part of one of the only free-roaming black rhino populations in Africa and tracking animals in an unfenced and uninhibited environment is an absolute privilege. You will return to camp for a freshly prepared lunch and with time to relax at camp during the heat of the day. Later in the afternoon you head out again for a scenic nature drive or walk to explore this vast and astounding ecosystem. //Huab Under Canvas works together with the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) - an NGO that has been instrumental in the preservation of the rare, endangered, desert adapted black rhino. Having barely survived the slaughter in many parts of Africa during the '80s and '90s, the black rhino population of Namibia increased substantially since the formation of SRT.

Namibia is home to the larger of two subspecies of the black rhinoceros found in southern Africa. The only population that remains in the wild, unfenced and outside reserves occupies an arid range in the western Kaokoveld. Their preferred habitat is the mountainous escarpment, but they follow ephemeral rivers into the northern Namib as well, especially when conditions are favorable after rains. They are the only black rhinoceros in Africa that are internationally recognized as a “desert group”. Like desert-adapted elephant, they cover great distances. They walk and feed at night and rest during the day. To meet their nutritional and bulk requirements they browse on no fewer than 74 of the 103 plant species that grow in their range. One of the few animals to eat fibrous Welwitschia leaves; they even feed heavily on the milk bush (Euphorbia virosa) with its sharp spines and toxic latex, presumably because of the high water and fat content. They are physical defenses of dryland plants without apparent harm. Once widespread in the subcontinent, black rhinoceros are an endangered species. The smaller subspecies, Diceros bicornis minor, does not range into Namibia.

Desert Adapted Elephant

The wildlife roams large tracks of unfenced desert landscapes and finding game can be challenging, but this is all part of the adventure of exploring this wild untouched gem of Namibia. Today’s focus will be largely on searching for the elusive desert adapted elephants in the ephemeral river systems, an activity which will mean spending most of the day out. Your guide will take along a delicious picnic lunch and you will return to camp in the late afternoon.

In habitats with sufficient vegetation and water an adult elephant consumes as much as 300 kg of roughage and 230 litres of water every day of its life. Consider what a herd of them would eat and drink in a week or a month or a year. Finding an African elephant in a desert? Well, yes and not only elephant, but other large mammals as well, such as black rhinoceros and giraffe. Their ranges extend from river catchments in northern Kaokoveld as far south as the northern Namib. Apart from the Kunene River, seven river courses northwards from the Ugab provide them with possible routes across the desert, right to the Skeleton Coast. The biggest are the Hoarusib, the Hoanib, the Huab and the Ugab Rivers. Desert adapted elephant in Kaokoland and the Namib walk further for water and fodder than any other elephant in Africa.

The distances between waterholes and feeding grounds can be as great as 68 km. The typical home range of a family herd is larger than 2,000 km², or eight times as big as ranges in central Africa where rainfall is much higher. They walk and feed at night and rest during the day. To meet their nutritional and bulk requirements they browse on no fewer than 74 of the 103 plant species that grow in their range. Not a separate species or even a subspecies, they are an ecotype unique to Namibia in Africa south of the equator, behaviourally adapted to hyper-arid conditions. Elephant in Mali on the southwestern fringe of the Sahara Desert are the only others known to survive in similar conditions.

Damaraland to Swakopmund

After an early breakfast the drive today takes you south past Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg which peaks at 2,573m above sea level, and west to meet the coast at Henties Bay. You then continue south to the coastal town of Swakopmund where you can enjoy the pleasant seaside location and cooler coastal air for the night.
You stay on the eastern outskirts of the town, overlooking the Swakop River valley and desolate desert dune landscapes. Tonight, includes dinner at a popular restaurant which specializes in locally harvested fresh seafood as well as other local and international dishes.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund, often described as a quaint German coastal resort, lies strikingly between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, offering a unique blend of desert landscapes and coastal charm. Its streets are lined with elegant German colonial architecture, punctuated by colorful façades, ornate gables, and historic buildings that transport visitors back to the early 20th century. Today, the town is a vibrant hub, featuring modern hotels, boutique shops, cafés, craft centers, galleries, and museums that celebrate Namibia’s culture and heritage.

Swakopmund’s history began in 1892 when the German Imperial Navy erected beacons along the coast as a landing station. Settlers soon followed, attempting to establish a harbor town with the construction of a concrete Mole and later an iron jetty, though these early efforts were unsuccessful. The outbreak of World War I brought development to a halt, and the town entered a period of decline. It was only about fifty years later, with improved infrastructure and the opening of an asphalt road connecting Windhoek and Swakopmund, that the town regained prominence.

Today, Swakopmund is known as Namibia’s premier seaside resort, attracting both locals and tourists with its mild coastal climate, contrasting sharply with the arid desert beyond. While the Atlantic waters are usually too cold for long swims, the beaches are ideal for strolls, sandboarding, and adventure sports. The town also hosts cultural festivals, markets, and historic walking tours, making it a fascinating blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty. Its enduring charm lies in this unique combination of German heritage, coastal tranquility, and desert adventure.

Land transfer from Swakopmund to Windhoek

Half day Sandwich Harbor Tour

This morning your guide will drive you along the scenic coastal road to Walvis Bay, getting you there in time for your guided half-day Sandwich Harbour excursion. After a short break at the Walvis Bay Lagoon to see masses of flamingos, the drive takes you to the Kuiseb river delta, a dry riverbed where we look for smaller creatures inhabiting the dunes, such as the Palmato gecko and the Sidewinder snake. If weather and tides allows, you will drive right to the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon, one of Southern Africa’s richest and unique wetlands. Wedged between the sea and the Namib Dunes, potable water seeping from the underground aquifer sustains the freshwater vegetation at the base of the dunes. If the vehicles cannot drive all along the beach to get to Sandwich Harbour because of the tides, you will get a chance to see the lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots and will have the time to walk and explore. You stop along the way to enjoy some local oysters, sparkling wine, savory snacks, and drinks. Depending on the weather condition, this will be done on top of a high dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the beach, or among the dunes.

You return back to Walvis Bay where your guides will be waiting and transfer you back to Swakopmund where you will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the quint town by foot or enjoy some shopping.

Land transfer from Swakopmund to Windhoek

Departure Flight from Windhoek

Bid farewell to Africa, for now until your next Safari !