The land of unrelenting sun, where the ground seems to beg the heavens for rain, and the landscapes stretch uninterrupted for hundreds of kilometers on end. Deserts where one gazes in wonder and amazement at the animals and plants that survives in this harsh environment. This tour covers all of the highlights of central and northern Namibia, but also concentrates on "off the beaten track" routes and attractions. Flexibility and an awareness of the elements are essential in order to get the most out of this tour.

DAY 1: WINDHOEK – NAMIB
Setting off from the capital, Windhoek at 09h00, we travel south to Rehoboth, and then into the true Namib to the DRIFTERS DESERT CAMP adjoining the Namibrand Nature Reserve. Here we camp alone in the wilderness with only the rocky mountains and towering dunes to keep us company. The sunset over the desert landscape is a sight to behold. We enjoy a traditional meal under the desert skies before falling asleep to the sounds of the wild. D

DAY 2: NAMIB DESERT
Awake to desert vistas that extend further than the eye can see. We spend two nights at the DRIFTERS DESERT CAMP nestled against a towering rock outcrop within this protected wilderness that DRIFTERS has conserved and restored with the proceeds of tourism. During our stay here, we will conduct extensive guided walks and game drives both during the day and at night in order to better understand the desert fauna and flora. B L D

DAY 3: SOUSSUSVLEI
After a short morning walk we pack up and continue through the desert to the Sesriem Canyon and the awesome Soussusvlei dunes. We will transfer into the dunes by 4 x 4 and will spend time climbing these spectacular dunes before moving on to camp wild in the desert.
B L D

DAY 4 - 5: SWAKOPMUND
Crossing through the Namib Naukluft Park, we visit the dramatic Lunar Landscape, and the ancient Welwitschia plants, before making for the coastal town of Swakopmund, where we spend two nights in the centrally located, comfortable DRIFTERS SWAKOPMUND INN. We explore this holiday town and its surrounds thoroughly, and enjoy one evening meal at a local nightspot (own expense).B L D

DAY 6: SKELETON COAST – SPITSKOP
Today we head up the barren Skeleton Coast, scene of many a shipwreck, to the Cape Cross-Seal Colony where thousands of Cape Fur Seals can be seen ashore. Venturing inland, our next stop is at the impressive Spitskop where we will camp wild amongst the boulders at the base of the impressive Spitskop.  We hope to see the endemic colorful Lovebirds during our stay here.B L D

DAY 7: TWYFELFONTEIN – PALMWAG
A long day, we move on to visit the Organ Pipes and the bushman Rock Engravings at Twyfelfontein before entering Damaraland and crossing the Grootberg to camp the night at the oasis of Palmwag. Palmwag is one of a few waterholes used by the rare Desert Elephants, and we hope to see these magnificent animals today.B L D

DAY 8: KAOKOVELD / HIMBA
Early this morning we set off and venture deep into the Kaokoveld to explore this rugged wilderness and hopefully to meet with the Himba people, a nomadic tribe that inhabit this inhospitable region and wander from waterhole to waterhole in search of sustenance for their livestock. We return to Palmwag to camp the night.B L D

 DAY 9: CHEETAH FARM
Today we travel the short distance to our next stop at a cheetah sanctuary. We will spend the afternoon learning more about these animals and the circumstances threatening their survival. We hope to watch them feed and possibly even come into contact with them. Camp the night. B L D    

DAY 10 - 11: ETOSHA
Entering Etosha National Park today, we will spend two nights here in search of the big game that this park is so well known for. One evening will be spent at a floodlit waterhole, watching the many animals that come down to drink. During these days we will conduct extensive game drives within the park. One night we will dine at a camp restaurant (own expense). B L D

 DAY 12: ETOSHA– WINDHOEK
This morning we leave the Park to make the journey back to Windhoek. We expect to arrive back in the capital in the late afternoon. B L