10 Days South Africa Desert Safari

This morning, bid The Fort and Etosha fond farewell, and fly to mystical Marianfluss Valley situated on the banks of the Kunene River, which is the home of the Himba people. The Okahirongo River Camp is built high in the hills of this scenic area and offer views over the spectacular landscape.

While away the day lounging on the sun deck at the swimming pool or at the library and lounge. Visit an authentic Himba village to learn more about their culture and ingenious ways of adapting to the at-times unforgiving environment. The boat-based birding is superb – do not be surprised to see the occasional crocodile sharing the Kunene with you! The energetic may want to dust off their hiking boots for a walking safari of the valley or in search of Marianfluss’s ‘fairy circles’. This puzzling phenomena is characterized by circular areas of ground where nothing grows, giving the landscape a polka-dot look, especially from a chartered scenic flight.

After breakfast at Okahirongo River Camp, you are flown to the remote north-western Namibia where Okahirongo Elephant Lodge in the heart of the Kaokoveld is your comfortable base for the next two nights.

The cottages are decorated in a rich fusion of African colours, each with its own unique qualities. The lodge has a spectacular wrap-around view and you can enjoy your stay by either lazing around the swimming pool, reading a book in the cool comfort of the library, or relaxing in one of the two open-air lounges or having a body massage. The menu changes daily, a delicious fusion of Italian and African cuisine. Dinner is served by candlelight in one of the two dining rooms or in the fire-lit traditional ‘boma’ under the stars. The Kaokoveld is the only place in the world where the elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, lions and other African animals live in a desert area. Elephant tracking is an inspiring way to experience this slice of Namibia.

A charter flight wings you to the Germanic coastal town Swakopmund for lunch. A quick flight after lunch takes you to Little Kulala in the unending Namib-Naukluft Reserve.

Experience nature close-up at Sossusvlei in complete comfort. The entire lodge is made of thatch and natural materials to blend into the vistas of the reserve. Enjoy a drink at the bar or sundowner deck with before retiring to your en suite room. Rooms have private plunge pools and open-air star-beds on the roofs.

The next day, explore the unique Namib-Naukluft with morning and afternoon excursions by 4x4 over the endless grassy plains and awe-inspiring mountain formations. Uncover the ancient hunting spots of the indigenous San people and spot the small and large animals of the desert. Feed your soul with the clear skies, desert plains and endless wilderness.

Enjoy early morning tea in the comfort of your bed, followed by a delicious breakfast at your leisure. You are then transferred to the airstrip and bid Namibia farewell.