Itinerary
Experience the best of Namibia with our 7 Day Northern Etosha Safari, featuring three top destinations: Etosha National Park, the Palmwag Concession, and the charming coastal town of Swakopmund. Immerse yourself in Namibia's diverse wildlife, and explore the coastal regions, including a visit to the Cape Fur Seals on the renowned Skeleton Coast—all while staying within your budget.
Included:
- Professional Guide
- Comfortable 8-seater Safari vehicle
- Accommodation as per Itinerary
- 6 Nights Accommodated
- Meals as per Itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D- Dinner)
- Park Entrance Fees
Excluded:
- Restaurant Meals as indicated
- Visa’s, Airport Transfers, Curios and Tips
- Optional Excursions as indicated
- Beverages
Highlights:
- Etosha National Park
- Palmwag Concession
- Skeleton Coast
- Cape Fur Seals
- Swakopmund and surrounds
Day 1: Windhoek – Etosha National Park (L, D) (Etosha Safari Camp or similar) 400km
Commencing the journey from Windhoek at 8 am, our route includes a brief visit to the Okahandja craft market. Moving northward, we traverse the quaint farming town of Otjiwarongo, making a pitstop for a delightful picnic lunch along the way. By mid-afternoon, we reach the lodge located just outside the Etosha National Park, where you can unwind by the pool for the remainder of the day before savouring a delicious dinner.
Day 2: Etosha National Park (B, L, D) (Etosha Safari Camp or similar)
Etosha National Park, located in north-western Namibia, is a captivating haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Renowned for its expansive salt pan, visible even from space, the park is a unique blend of stark landscapes and flourishing ecosystems. Etosha is celebrated for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including herds of elephants, lions, rhinos, and numerous species of antelope. The park's numerous waterholes attract a myriad of species, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Visitors can expect awe-inspiring sunsets and a truly immersive safari experience, making Etosha National Park a jewel in Namibia's natural crown.
Dedicate your day to exploring the expansive terrain of Etosha National Park, embarking on a quest to encounter its rich wildlife. While there's no guarantee, you may encounter majestic creatures such as elephants, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, springboks, and more. Additionally, revel in panoramic views of the iconic Etosha Pan as you traverse this remarkable landscape.
Day 3: Etosha National Park – Palmwag (Palmwag Lodge or similar) 286km
Leaving the Etosha National Park, our journey takes us westward towards Damaraland, with a brief pause at the Himba Village situated near the town of Kamanjab. (Entrance fee of R 250 per person is not included)
The Himba people of Namibia are a distinctive and culturally rich ethnic group known for their unique way of life. Residing in the north-western part of the country, the Himba are traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists, relying on livestock such as cattle and goats for sustenance. One of the defining features of the Himba is their ochre-infused appearance, achieved through the application of a mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment on their skin and hair, giving them a distinctive reddish-brown hue.
Progressing in a westerly direction, our journey includes a delightful pause beneath the cooling shade of an acacia tree, where we enjoy a picnic lunch. We then traverse the Grootberg mountain, entering the captivating expanse of the Etendeka Mountain range within the Palmwag concession area. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, there's ample time for a rejuvenating swim in the pool before indulging in a satisfying dinner.
Visitors to the Palmwag Concession can partake in guided safaris, nature walks, and cultural experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of the region's ecology and the conservation initiatives in place. The rugged allure of Palmwag Concession makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive safari experience in Namibia's enchanting wilderness.
Day 4: Palmwag Concession (B, L, D)
Nestled in the heart of Namibia, the Palmwag Concession is a captivating wilderness area that beckons with its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. This expansive concession is renowned for its striking landscapes, featuring rocky outcrops, ancient riverbeds, and sprawling grasslands. The area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to encounter desert-adapted elephants, lions, giraffes, and various antelope species.
Palmwag Concession is not just a sanctuary for charismatic megafauna; it also boasts a rich array of birdlife and smaller desert-adapted creatures. The conservation efforts in this concession focus on maintaining the delicate balance between the thriving wildlife and the pristine environment.
*Activities On Own Account (Must be pre booked and subject to availability)
- Morning or Afternoon Scenic Drive – 3hrs: R 1120 per person
- Full Day Concession Drive – Full Day R 2935 per person (Min 4 persons)
- Morning 2km Hike (Guided) – 1.5hrs R 345 per person
Day 5: Palmwag – Swakopmund (B, L, D) (The Delight Hotel or similar) 432km
Traveling in a southerly direction, we pass through the quaint Damara village of Bergsig (Be sure to keep an eye out for the Desert Adapted Elephants). Turning westward, we enter the Skeleton Coast National Park through the Springbokwasser gate. Our initial pause brings us to a field showcasing the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a fascinating living fossil. Pressing on, our journey unfolds through the harsh desert terrain, presenting an endless panorama of wind-sculpted gravel plains in the stark beauty of this desert environment.
As the air temperature drops, we reach the Atlantic coastline, where the chilly Benguela current prevails. Here, we take a break for a picnic lunch amidst the haunting presence of one of the numerous shipwrecks that line this stretch of the shoreline, lending credence to its evocative name—the Skeleton Coast.
Pressing onward along the southern coastline, our journey brings us to Cape Cross, a sanctuary hosting one of the largest Cape Fur seal colonies along the southern African coast. Arriving in Swakopmund later in the day, there's still ample time to enjoy dinner, and we highly recommend exploring the culinary delights at either the Jetty Restaurant or the Tug Restaurant, both offering delightful dining experiences in Swakopmund.
Day 6: Swakopmund (B) (The Delight Hotel or similar)
Swakopmund, a charming coastal town nestled between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean in Namibia, exudes a unique blend of German colonial architecture and seaside allure. Known for its refreshing sea breeze, Swakopmund offers a delightful escape with its palm-lined streets, pristine beaches, and a backdrop of towering sand dunes.
This seaside oasis is a hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering a wide array of activities ranging from quad biking and sandboarding on the dunes to dolphin cruises along the coastline. The town's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, where visitors can savour fresh seafood and experience the town's multicultural influences.
All activities must be pre booked before arrival in the town to avoid disappointment. We do recommend the catamaran cruise or the Sandwich harbour 4x4 dune tour which can be done as a combo full day tour.
Day 7: Swakopmund – Windhoek (B, L) (Accommodation on own arrangements) 365km
Concluding the 7-Day Northern tour, today marks the journey from Swakopmund to Windhoek. An optional detour to the Spitzkoppe is available, with entrance fees to be borne individually. You can anticipate reaching your chosen accommodation by mid-afternoon, as arrangements for lodging are at your discretion. If accommodation has not been prearranged, kindly inform us, and we will be happy to assist in making suitable arrangements on your behalf.
*Sandy Tracks reserves the right to amend the published accommodation in the itinerary at any time due to availability at the time of booking
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