Day-by-day itinerary

• Day

  01

  Windhoek, Namibia

  Your incredible journey begins in the gateway city of Windhoek, Namibia. You'll be welcomed by a Born Free representative who will escort you to your hotel.
• Day

  02

  Sossusvlei

  Red Sand Dunes

  A scenic flight takes you directly into the awe-inspiring Namib Tsaris Conservancy in the Sossusvlei region. The stark landscape consists of rocky plains, mountainous areas with dry river valleys and a large raised plateau which towers above the desert below.
  
  Although not a traditional safari destination, the area is home to Oryx, Springbok, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Burchell’s Zebra, Kudu, Hartebeest, Giraffe, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Bat-eared Fox, and Aardwolf, as well as predators such as Leopard, Cheetah, Brown and Spotted Hyena.
  
  Spend the next days exploring the remarkable sights of the Namib Desert with your private Naturalist Guide. There is also time to go on walks, visit the dunes and go out searching for wildlife.
  
  After your day exploring, the adventure does not end. You are accommodated in the fabulous and unique "The Nest @ Souss", designed by Porky Hefer with inspiration coming from the sociable weaver bird’s nest. Truly a special and unique property.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  03

  Sossusvlei

  Namib Desert

  A magical day awaits as you board your Hot-Air Balloon flight over the Namib Desert (weather permitting). With the winds cooperation, the flight takes you over desert landscapes with views of the vast sand dunes, sea, and breath-taking mountain scenery.
  
  After an unforgettable hour soaring over the desert, a delicious continental brunch awaits, complete with champagne, before heading back to The Nest.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  04

  Sossusvlei

  Namib Desert

  This morning, rise early for a magical excursion with your guide into the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the Park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft, and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world.
  
  Your guide will give you insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs.
  
  Once you've explored the dune fields to your heart’s content, stop for a picnic breakfast in the shade of a camel thorn tree. Return to The Nest in the early afternoon for lunch, stopping off to view Sesriem Canyon along the way. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure (from experience, this is usually welcomed after an exhilarating long morning in the dunes).
  
  Opportunities later in the day for another sundowner drive, or a walk on the Namib Tsaris Conservancy Reserve.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  05

  Etosha Park

  Ongava Safari Private Reserve

  Leave the Namib desert and board a flight back to Windhoek where you'll meet your private guide and set off to Etosha National Park, via Okahandja, where if time allows you can visit the curio market.
  
  Okahandja is a town of great significance to the Herero people because it was once the seat of Chief Sameul Maharero. Some of the women are dressed in traditional red and black, others in green and black, while the men wear full military regalia complete with medals.
  
  Continue on your journey to the exclusive Little Ongava Lodge, arriving in the late afternoon where you'll take part of a scenic afternoon private sundowner drive with a local guide and vehicle.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  06

  Etosha - Southern Region

  Ongava Safari Private Reserve

  Take to the bush for a full day of game viewing within the southern section of Etosha National Park.
  
  Etosha National Park, translated as the ‘Place of Mirages’, 'Land of Dry Water’ or the ‘Great White Place’, covers 12,000 square miles of which over 2700 is made up of salt pans.
  
  The Park consists of grassland, woodland and savannah. Game-viewing centers around the numerous waterholes where wildlife gather. It is not uncommon to see elephant, lion, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, kudu, gemsbok, zebra, rhino, cheetah, hyena, honey badger and warthog, as well as the endemic black faced impala.
  
  Your Guide will check in the morning as to where the animals are gathering. According to the best location, you can opt to spend a full day inside the park or drive on the private Ongava Reserve. Either way, you will return to the comforts of Little Ongava by the mid-afternoon where you have some siesta time before you take part on a scenic afternoon private sundowner drive with a local guide and vehicle.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  07

  Etosha Park - Central-East

  Onguma Safari Private Reserve

  Game viewing today will take you into the central section of Etosha National Park with your guide. From the southern Andersson’s Gate to Halali (where you may stop for lunch), make your way to selected waterholes such as Goas where you may find hundreds of zebras enjoying the refreshing waters.
  
  You will have to leave the Park before sunset for your stay at the delightful Onguma - The Fort, with enough time to relax and freshen up before for dinner. The rest of the evening can be spent game viewing at the camp’s floodlit waterhole where game comes and goes throughout the day and night.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  08

  Cheetah Conservation Center

  One of the highlights of your stay in Namibia will be the visit to The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).
  
  The focus here is on research, conservation and education. An extensive modern Visitor and Education Center encourages visitors to learn about cheetahs, their habitat and issues of conservation, with an opportunity to see resident non-releasable cheetahs, acting as 'cheetah ambassadors' for the species.
  
  The large modern Education Center houses a museum that provides visitors and students the opportunity to learn more about the behavior and biology of the cheetah, and the Namibian ecosystem that supports Africa's most endangered cat species.
  
  You will be staying at the deluxe Babson Guest House located on site. The CCF's resident cheetahs live close by and can often be seen from the open veranda.

  Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
• Day

  09

  Windhoek - Departure

  Cheetah Run - Your Journey Onward

  This morning you may be able to see one of the thrilling cheetahs runs, as they head out for their morning exercise.
  
  Then head back to Windhoek, where your Namibia journey draws to a close as you board your flight to begin your onward journey.

  Breakfast