Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Safari

DAY 01: ARRIVE WINDHOEK – SOSSUSVLEI (Approximately 5-6-hours drive)
Welcome to Namibia! Upon arrival you will be welcomed and assisted with the collection of your rental vehicle. Proceed to the Africa on Wheels counter and collect your rental vehicle.

9 Days Car Rental – Toyota Fortuner 4 x 4 or similar (Automatic), including contract fee and Super Excess Cover 2. Leaving you with limited Excess.

Day 1: Pick up at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
Day 9: Drop off at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport

Using the directions provided drive to the Namib Naukluft Park and the Sesriem area where you will spend the next three nights at Sossusvlei Lodge.

Overnight at the Sossusvlei Lodge in a Superior Room – Dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

SOSSUSVLEI LODGE
Situated at the Entrance Gate to the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees of Dead Vlei and the remarkable depths of the Sesriem Canyon. The Superior accommodation units at Sossusvlei Lodge feature a patio to enjoy views over the desert landscapes, a spacious air-conditioned twin-bedded room and a full en-suite bathroom. Experience the true art of hospitality with the thoughtful touch of attentive staff to contribute to a truly memorable experience. Facilities include a sparkling pool, bar, sundowner deck, beer garden and an al fresco terrace where one can enjoy exquisite food, award-winning wines and magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole. The Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre provides a range of activities including Guided Excursions to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, Elim dune walks, Sundowner Trips, Quad Buggy Nature Drives, Hot Air Ballooning, Scenic Flights and much more to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Enjoy Dinner at your hotel.

DAY 02: SOSSUSVLEI & DEADVLEI EXCURSION
An early start from the Lodge to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best.

Meet all guests at Sossusvlei Lodge Reception: 05h45
Tour Departs: 06h00

This tour is offered by the Sossusvlei Adventure Centre. You will travel in an all-terrain game-viewer vehicle, custom-built in Namibia for the Lodge, with your own specially trained guide who will share all his knowledge of the area, animals, plant life and much more with you.

Regular stops are made on the spectacular ±60-kilometre drive through the dune corridor down to the Vlei to gain information or take in the vistas. At Dune 45, we make a stop to view the world’s most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2,6-kilometre round-trip guided walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the healthy visitors. The more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy Dune, one of the highest dunes in this area! (This tour can only depart with a minimum of 4 guests booked)

Enjoy a picnic breakfast and spend time exploring Sossusvlei before returning to the Lodge approximately 5½ hours later. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at the Sossusvlei Lodge in a Superior Room – Dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Enjoy Dinner at your hotel.

DAY 03: SOSSUSVLEI
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Spend the day at leisure enjoying the many (optional) extraordinary experiences as offered by the lodge. Be sure to visit the Adventure Centre.

Overnight at the Sossusvlei Lodge in a Superior Room – Dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Enjoy Dinner at your hotel.

DAY 04: SOSSUSVLEI TO SWAKOPMUND (Approximately 5-6-hours Drive)
Enjoy breakfast this morning before departing from the Sesriem area. You will drive through vast landscapes today, making your way to the coastal town of Swakopmund.

Overnight at the Strand Hotel Swakopmund in a Standard Sea-Facing Room – Bed and breakfast.

STRAND HOTEL SWAKOPMUND
Strand Hotel Swakopmund is the perfect venue for travellers wanting to explore Swakopmund. This Namibian icon has become a popular destination resort for international, Namibian and Southern African visitors. The Strand Hotel offers its residential guests and all casual visitors three exciting restaurants, bars and sea facing terraces as well as a lobby lounge, beer garden and beach kiosk. All can be accessed from the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by Ocean on three sides. Every aspect of the hotel’s accommodation has been developed according to international four-star standards. It is the benchmark against which all hotels and lodges in Namibia are measured.
DAY 05: SWAKOPMUND
Enjoy an early breakfast this morning before driving to Walvis Bay Harbour for a shared morning Dolphin and Seal Cruise.

From meeting with pelicans to viewing playful seals, and if luck permits, leaping dolphins and shy turtles – all this and more can be experienced on this educational dolphin and seal cruise.
You depart between 08h45 and 09h00 (check-in 08h30) from the Jetty at the Walvis Bay Waterfront for a marine educational sightseeing tour in the bay area in search of the marine big 5: Whales, Dolphins, Mola, Leatherback turtle and seals. While serving hot coffee and tea, our initial route takes us past oyster farms as we approach Pelican Point with its landmark lighthouse and 60,000 resident Cape Fur Seals.

You round the point and head into the open sea. In season (July to November), larger mammals such as the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whales are often spotted, while other whale species, such as the Gray whale and the Pygmy Right whale have made appearances. Bottlenose, Heaviside and Dusky dolphins are regularly seen, as are Sunfish and Leatherback Turtles. Accompanying the catamaran throughout is a variety of seabirds, such as the Kelp Gull, Hartlaub’s Gull, Pelicans and Cape Cormorant. Your journey from Pelican Point takes you past some of the more interesting ships and oil rigs in the bay as fresh oysters with sparkling wine, savoury snacks and desserts together with light drinks, cooldrinks and water, is served. Return to the Waterfront at around 12h30.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at the Strand Hotel Swakopmund in a Standard Sea-Facing Room – Bed and breakfast.

DAY 06: SWAKOPMUND – ERINDI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (Approximately 4-5-hours drive)
Enjoy breakfast this morning and check-out. Using the directions provided drive to the Erindi Private Game Reserve where you will spend the next three nights on safari.

Upon arrival at the Erindi Old Traders Lodge you will be welcomed with something cool to drink and proceed to enjoy lunch. (Served between 12h00 and 14h00). Retreat to your Luxury Room to freshen up.

Later, enjoy a delicious high tea served at the lodge, before being treated to a world-class informative game drive this afternoon. Roam the expansive landscape of the Erindi Game Reserve with a qualified and knowledgeable guide in the comfort of an open 4×4 vehicle. Return to the lodge in time for dinner in the restaurant overlooking the water.

Overnight at the Erindi Old Trader’s Lodge in a Luxury Room – Full Board basis, all meals and twice daily game drives included.

OLD TRADERS LODGE
Old Traders Lodge is set on Erindi Private Game Reserve, a stunning 71,000 ha wildlife wilderness. As it is only a few hours’ drive from Windhoek it is popular with individual travellers, families and self-drive tourists in Namibia. Many rare and endangered species are conserved here, notably lion, leopard and cheetah. Black rhino and the rare African Wild Dog thrive in Erindi’s safe surroundings. The reserve itself is situated in the Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Omaruru triangle, where more than 15,000 head of game roam. Landscapes vary from savannah to mountain with the added advantage of being in a malaria-free area. Erindi means ‘The Place of Water’, in the local Herero language. The main building at Old Traders Lodge comprises of an indoor dining area that leads on to spacious and comfortable viewing decks. Hippo, crocodiles (not indigenous to central Namibia) and a variety of other game drink and graze at the floodlit waterhole. High tea is served in the afternoon. Dinner is served buffet style complimented with a selection of wines, beer and cool drinks from the bar. It is recommended those with dietary requirements and the physically challenged book their requirements in advance. Children of all ages are welcome on the game reserve. The indoor and outdoor play centres provide a safe environment for them. Kids are welcome to make use of the pool, but under supervision.

Enjoy Dinner at your hotel.

DAY 07 & 08: ERINDI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Spend the days at leisure enjoying all that this private reserve has to offer. Guests are treated daily to world-class informative game drives. Roam the expansive landscape of the Erindi Game Reserve with a qualified and knowledgeable guide in the comfort of an open 4×4 vehicle. Drinks and snacks are provided on the drives so sit back, relax and feel part of Africa!

The day begins before first light. Meet at the main lodge where the kitchen prepares hot brewed coffee, tea and muffins. Then you depart for an early morning game drive in specially adapted safari vehicles, the air fresh and the morning alive with the sounds of the bush.

Many travellers rank Erinidi as their most memorable wildlife-watching experience in Namibia. With over 70,000 hectares of savannah grasslands and rocky mountains it is easy to see why. Elephants and giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs and black rhino can all be found here. The rangers have an intimate knowledge of the environment, reading signs of the previous night’s activity.

After a thrilling morning in the bush, return to the luxury of your lodge to relax and enjoy lunch at the restaurant, overlooking the waterhole.

Late afternoon, a delectable high tea with sweet and savoury treats are served, before departing on another exciting game drive.
During the afternoon game drive, the guides look for the best spot to toast the setting sun. Intense golden hues make the evening surreal as group members sip drinks and enjoy light snacks. As the sun dips behind the horizon, the air cools day transforms to night. This time-of-day nocturnal animals start to leave the safety of their daytime shelters.

As you return to the lodge, look out for little creatures such as striped polecat, African wild cat, bat eared foxes, porcupine and pangolin, brown hyena, spotted hyena and jackal.

Arrive back at the lodge in time to freshen up and enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge restaurant.

Overnight at the Erindi Old Trader’s Lodge in a Luxury Room – Full Board Basis, all meals and twice daily game drives included.

DAY 09: ERINDI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – WINDHOEK (Approximately 3-hours drive)
Enjoy breakfast and a final game drive, time-permitting, before checking out. Make your way back to the Windhoek International Airport.

Upon arrival, drop off your rental vehicle and check in for your onward flight.
END OF SERVICES

COST INCLUDES
Meet and assistance upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport.
09 Days Car Rental – 1 x Toyota Fortuner 4 x 4 or similar (Automatic), including contract fee, Super Excess Cover 2 Insurance, Unlimited kilometres, 2 Drivers, Collision damage waiver, Theft loss waiver.
Accommodation and Meals as follows:
3 Nights at the Seclusively Lodge in a Superior Room – Dinner, bed and breakfast.
2 Nights at the Strand Hotel Swakopmund in a Standard Sea-Facing Room – Bed and breakfast.
3 Nights at Elinda Old Traders Lodge in a Luxury Room – Full Board basis, all meals and twice daily game drives.
Shared guided Day tours as follows:
Guided possessively and Dead Vile Excursion with entrance fees and picnic breakfast.
Morning Dolphin and Seal Cruise in Swakopmund with light refreshments.
CAR RENTAL RATES INCLUDE:
Unlimited kilometres
2 Drivers
Collision damage waiver
Theft loss waiver
Super Excess Cover 2 (SEC2) includes glass and tyre damages.
Contract fee
Vat

COST EXCLUDES
International flights and airport taxes
Porterage at airports and hotels
Visas and passport (If Applicable)
Any services, drinks and meals, additional activities or day tours not specified
All Park Fees, entrance/ gate fees
Car rental extras not specified such as rental deposit/excess and fuel (Excess on SEC2 Super Cover is R 2000)
Tipps/Gratuities for Rangers and Staff
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Comprehensive Medical and Travel insurance
Health requirements if applicable, example Malaria precautions etc. Please consult with your local travel clinic or Dr.
Covid tests to enter or departure from your destination.

GENERAL CAR RENTAL NOTES:
Rentals are subject to the standard rental conditions as described on the current brochure and rental agreement.
Driver minimum age is 23 and maximum age is 70 years.
Only driving licenses in English or international driving licenses are accepted.
The Renter must have a valid credit card for the excess deposit. (Visa or Master Card only)
Early returns are not refundable.
Rental charges are calculated from the time the vehicle reserved. Late collections are not credited.
Night driving outside of towns is not permitted.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Rates is not valid over block out periods: Peak season, festive seasons or during festival times.
This is a quotation only and subject to availability at the time of booking. Services are subject to change and rates will then be adjusted.
An International Driver’s Licence showing photo ID and written in English, is required for Namibia.
Depending on your nationality, a tourist visa to enter Namibia may be issued upon arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. A valid passport, at least 6 months after date of travel, with at least 4 consecutive blank visa pages, is however required. Please check with your travel consultant.
The current COVID-19 travel regulations are as follows (subject to change without prior notice):
to enter Namibia, all travellers, arriving by air, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test that is not older than 72 hours. This test must be done in the country of origin, prior to departure.
on departure, your destination country’s health requirements will apply, as well as any transit points. Airlines may also enforce their own health requirements.