Fly overnight to Windhoek, where on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore your surroundings.

This morning you will explore this friendly modern city, beautifully set among rolling hills, on a drive-by orientation tour that includes Alte Feste, an old fortress, the 1896 Christ Church and the modern Supreme Court. Depart the city, travelling through spectacular desert landscapes typical of Namibia, heading to Sossusvlei. This evening enjoy a spectacular dune dinner in the heart of the desert, as the sun sets and the stars emerge.

Discover the hidden corners and delicate detail of the desert as you explore the Namib-Naukluft Park. Arriving at sunrise, discover Sossusvlei, the stark, salt-clay pan at its heart, nestled among orange dunes and stand before the towering Dune 45. Pause for a well-deserved picnic lunch at the starkly beautiful Deadvlei then walk through Sesriem Canyon. At thirty metres deep and only two metres wide at points, it was carved by the Tsauchab River – follow the pathway upstream to find the lovely pool, inviting you in for a swim.

Travel north through more desert landscapes, pausing for a packed lunch en route, to reach the city of Swakopmund, Namibia’s most popular seaside resort. Where the desert meets the ocean, Swakopmund was founded in 1892 and was the most important port of German South West Africa. Enjoy a city tour, learning more about the history of this coastal town.

This morning, embark on a cruise around the glorious Walvis Bay, where you’ll be on the lookout for the Marine Big 5 – whales, dolphins, mola (or sunfish), leatherback turtles and seals. Pass Pelican Point, with its lighthouse and colony of noisy Cape fur seals, oyster farms, ships and oil rigs, the views complimented by a serving of fresh oysters, sparkling wine and other sweet and savoury snacks. Back on dry land, hop in a 4x4 for an adventure to Sandwich Harbour. En route you’ll see the flamingos of Walvis Bay lagoon and the Walvis Bay salt pans, reaching a spectacular lookout point at the peak of a high sand dune that overlooks Sandwich Harbour Lagoon, former trading post turned protected area.

Depart Swakopmund and journey into Namibia’s northwest, to the foot of Brandberg Mountain. The mountain has been sacred to the indigenous San people for millennia; visit the Tsisab Gorge to see the San (‘Bushmen’) rock paintings, including the famous White Lady, believed to be over 2,000 years old. As you explore, keep an eye out for the mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, and desert elephant that roam the area. Make your way to your lodge accommodation.

Travel to Etosha National Park, a haven for wildlife and one of the most important game reserves in Southern Africa. On the way, stop at a Himba village, to meet the community and experience the rich culture and traditions of this semi-nomadic indigenous group. Glimpse a daily life full of age-old ritual, unique dress, and communal ways of living. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Today, spend a full day exploring the wilds of Etosha. More than 144 different animal species call this huge national park home, living among diverse habitats that range from dense bush to open plains – the game viewing here is world class! Your safari will include the Etosha Pan, an area where animals gather to drink from springs and waterholes, including lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and a huge variety of birds.

Travel back to Windhoek, stopping at the AfriCat Foundation, an NGO dedicated to the conservation of Namibia’s wildlife. Learn about the project and about the lions, leopards, and cheetahs they are particularly working to protect. Continuing to Windhoek, visit the Okahandja wood carving market and chat to the fascinating residents of the neighbourhood, many from the Herero tribe. This evening, sit down to a final group dinner and together, reflect on your Namibian adventure.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to New Zealand.