Date
Cost
Availability
Deposit
Single Supp
| 31 Jul - 15 Aug 2025
£7095.00
6 Spaces
£1400.00
£450.00
Book Now
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| Leaders | Darren Rees and Dalton Gibbs |
| Flights | Lufthansa, scheduled
Outbound: Overnight, Heathrow - Windhoek
Inbound: Overnight, Windhoek - Heathrow
(outbound and inbound via Frankfurt) |
| Days 1-2 | Overnight flight from London to Windhoek (via one stop) - 1 night Arebbusch Lodge. |
| Days 3-4 | Drive south to Namib-Naukluft
National Park, birding enroute. Following day explore red dune field at Sossusvlei and desert birding - 2 nights Soft Adventure Camp. |
| Days 5-6 | Drive to Walvis Bay birding enroute. Following day boat trip (am) and explore Swapokmund/Welwitchia area (pm) -
2 nights Iris Boutique Hotel. |
| Days 7-8 | Cape Cross and Skeleton Coast. Drive to Brandberg. Exploration of Ugab River valley - 2 nights Brandberg White Lady Lodge. |
| Day 9 | Etosha National Park (west). Wildlife viewing from Okaukuejo - 1 night Okaukuejo Rest Camp. |
| Days 10-11 | Etosha National Park (central). Wildlife viewing from Halali - 2 nights Halali Restcamp. |
| Day 12 | Etosha National Park (east). Wildlife viewing in eastern area, plus night drive - 1 night Namutoni Camp. |
| Day 13-14 | Travel to Waterberg birding enroute, followed by final game drive next day - 2 nights Waterberg Restcamp. |
| Days 15-16 | Return to Windhoek for flight home, via one stop, arriving UK on Day 16. |
| Weather | Sunny and mild with the evenings cool - occasionally cold at night. Rain is rare during this period (0°-22°C). |
| Walking | There will be regular short easy walks, occasionally on sand dunes and sometimes over rocks. |
| Meals | All included from lunch on Day 2 to lunch on Day 15. |
| Health | There is a low risk of malaria in the areas we visit but please take advice from your local travel clinic/doctor
about malaria prophylaxis. |
| Insects | Mosquitoes and biting insects will be rare, but you may still wish to bring repellent. |
| Accom | Lodges, guest houses and chalets all ensuite. Any named accommodation may be subject to change. |
| Group | 12 |
One of the best safari experiences, with incredible wildlife
and stunning desert scenery. Red dunes, Skeleton Coast and
famous Etosha NP, plus Oryx, Elephants, Rhinos and Lions.48uep6bbph|00000E4E|Spey_BESQL3|HolidayTypes|Subheading 48uep6bbphidval|NAMIBIA
| * Red dunes of the Namib Desert
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| * Big game at Etosha National Park
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| * Floodlit water-holes for Black Rhino and more
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| * Rich birdlife from Ostrich to Scarlet-chested Sunbird
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| * Many endemics such as Damara Hornbill, Dune Lark and Herero Chat
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| * Fur Seal colony and dolphins along Skeleton Coast
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| * Great, comfortable lodges
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| Days 1-2 | After an overnight flight from London, via Frankfurt, we arrive in Windhoek. On arrival, we meet our experienced guide Dalton Gibbs and transfer to our hotel to freshen up and relax, before birding for the rest of the day.
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| Days 3-4 | We travel south to the stunning Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of the world’s most photographed desert areas, with red dunes towering 300m into the air – the perfect backdrop to striking Southern Oryx.
From the Weltevrede Guest Farm we can explore the dunes and gravel plains that support Ostriches, Mountain Zebra and Springbok, as well as a world of tiny mammals, reptiles and insects. Birds include colourful Bokmakierie, elegant Ruppell’s Korhaan, huge Lappet-faced Vulture and the elusive Dune Lark.
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| Days 5-6 | The road west leads us to Walvis Bay, taking us from mountains and dunes to rolling grass-covered hills, with scattered acacia and we’re birding all the way, with species such as Black-chested Snake-eagle, Double-banded Courser and Pale Chanting Goshawk (last time we compared the Meerkats!).
Next, a tour highlight is our boat cruise from Walvis Bay, with the opportunity to see Cape Fur Seals, plus Heaviside’s and Bottlenose Dolphins. At one of Africa’s most important saltwater lagoons, expect White Pelicans, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Kittlitz’s Plover, an abundance of gulls, terns and migrant waders, plus endemic Cape and Crowned Cormorants. Inland, beyond Swakopmund, is the bewildering moon-like landscape of Welwitchia, home to primitive desert conifers, as well as Stark’s Lark, Tractrac Chat and Ludwig’s Bustard.
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| Days7-8 | Leaving Walvis Bay, our route takes us to Cape Cross on the Skeleton Coast - a sliver of desert, renowned for winds, shifting sandbanks and rusting wrecks. It’s also home to Namibia’s largest Cape Fur Seal colony with 100,000 animals - attracting sharks offshore and scavenging Black-backed Jackals. Inland we head for Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain (home to Rock Hyrax, Verreaux’s Eagles and Klipspringer), before our next base for two nights.
We shall explore the Ugab River that dissects an amazing, unpopulated desert wilderness, home to Violet Wood-Hoopoe, Bare-cheeked Babbler, Damara Hornbill and Hartlaub’s Spurfowl. We shall search for the much-prized desert-dwelling Elephants – we had wonderful sightings last time.
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| Days 9-12 | Etosha National Park is the jewel of Namibia and rivals any destination in Africa. From three bases we can explore the huge Etosha Pan, with its plentiful herds of Burchell’s Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Southern Oryx and, with luck, Lion and Cheetah. During the dry season waterholes, like the one at Okaukuejo, are magnets for wildlife with Elephant, Giraffe, Kudu and Springbok visiting throughout the day.
The rich birdlife includes Grey Go-away-bird, African Hoopoe, Bateleur and Martial Eagle and Namaqua and Burchell’s Sandgrouse. However, it’s after dusk at the floodlit waterholes that the excitement is greatest: Double-banded Sandgrouse come to drink, followed by ghostly Elephant and perhaps shy Black Rhino or elusive Leopard. At central and eastern locations, there are Spotted Hyena, endemic Black-faced Impala and shy Damara Dik-dik. The more verdant grasslands have larger birds, such as Blue Crane, Kori Bustard, Red-crested Korhaan, Secretary Bird and a fine array of raptors. Again, after ‘sundowners’, exciting evenings can be spent at the waterhole. Our last night in Etosha will be at Namutoni and we’ll arrive in good time to prepare for our night drive: nocturnal prizes may be Bat-eared Fox, Aardwolf, Aardvark or Brown Hyena.
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| Days 13-14 | We travel to Waterberg Plateau Park, where 120m high, sheer orange sandstone cliffs rise above the acacia
savanna. There’s a high diversity of birdlife in the broad-leafed woodlands, thornbush and rocky screes: African Paradise Flycatcher, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Rockrunner, Ruppell’s Parrot and endemic Hartlaub’s Spurfowl occur. Here we shall search for endearing Dwarf Mongoose, cackling Violet Wood-Hoopoe and Rosy-faced Lovebirds breeding in the cliff faces. In previous visits we’ve also seen cliff-dwelling Verreaux’s Eagles.
Our extended stay here allows us one last game drive around the plateau – there’s more Mountain Zebra, hopefully large Eland (the biggest of the antelope species), but perhaps the most prized animal will be the White Rhinos that find sanctuary here. It could be a grand ending to the tour.
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| Days 15-16 | After an optional early morning bird walk, we breakfast, then return to Windhoek for our flight home, arriving in London on Day 16.
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Just some of what we hope to see..
| Black Rhino | Springbok | Secretary-bird |
| White Rhino | Black-faced Impala | Hartlaub's Gull |
| Elephant | Damara Dik Dik | Martial Eagle |
| Lion | Roan | Ruppell's Korhaan |
| Leopard | Eland | Ostrich |
| Southern Oryx | Cape Fur Seal | Bateleur |
| Spotted Hyena | Heaviside's Dolphin | Hartlaub's Spurfowl |
| Cheetah | Bottlenose Dolphin | Kori Bustard |
| Giraffe | Lappet-faced Vulture | Ruppell's Parrot |
| Blue Wildebeest | African Black Oystercatcher | Burchell's Sandgrouse |
| Burchell's Zebra | Verreaux's Eagle | African Paradise Flycatcher |
| Hartmann's Mountain Zebra | | |
"How do you pick out a highlight from such an amazing holiday. Was it the sand dunes of the Namib desert, the boat trip across Walvis Bay or the sheer scale of the Etosha National
Park. Was it the bull elephant that we came across and were able to get fairly close to and
then watch the female and young walk slowly past us within metres of our vehicle. Or
waiting quietly at a deserted water hole at dusk and watching elephant, giraffe and rhino
appear out of the dark for their evening drink. Or watching from a hide as giraffe come to
drink and then move around each other as if it were a ballet. Or perhaps it was the soaring
eagles and vultures, or even the Cape Glossy Starling the joined us for breakfast one
morning and helped himself to fruit juice. There were no highlights just two amazing weeks
of wildlife."
Weny & Tony Hayward
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"This was undoubtedly one of our best Speyside trips yet, and we've been on a few! There were so many highlights, but to name a few: Waking up to a view of Walvis Bay from our room and realising the "pink" line stretching across the horizon was thousands of flamingos! The delight of watching 28+ elephants from older matriarchs to young ones, bathing and frolicking in a waterhole, enjoying spraying water and mud over each other and rolling in the dust afterwards before strolling off into the desert. Fantastic! The sight, sound and smell of the thousands of Cape Fur Seals at Cape Cross ( and the surprise of being joined by one seal on our boat trip out into Walvis Bay Watching two honey badgers, right by the roadside, digging frantically for termites and completely ignoring our presence. Finally seeing a rhino in the wild, a long held wish."
Lynn and Steve Osborne
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"Watching elephants at the Goas waterhole was a complete delight! The absolute glee (and surprising lightness of foot) with which they they broke into a run as the water came into view made me smile. When they had drunk their fill, the water play began - wallowing, spraying water and mud. The only one who didn't seem to be having fun was the matriarch when she wanted them to move on - probably to make way for the next group coming in - and they did not want to go!"
Sarah Sharland
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"I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the trip - it was mammal-tastic with a whopping 40 species spotted. It was an amazing introduction to Africa and I cant wait to return. Thanks again to Darren (and Joe) for leading the tour magnificently."
Jayne Behenna
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"Walking up an enormous dune of red sand, though I was not one of those who reached the top Up close and personal with a fur seal - sliding up over the back of the boat to be fed by the captain Listening to sand grouse coming in to the waterhole, from my bedroom The aardwolf at its den right by the roadside The elephants breaking into a run when they approached a waterhole Being very close to a Dikdik while it fussed and fretted over a strange looking person 20 feet away whilst not being bothered by the 14 people standing around it. There are many more, loved the zebra and the giraffe, but too many to recall right now The other 11 guests were pretty good too!"
Anne Seebeck
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"From the fabulous scenery of the Namib desert to the spectacle of large animals at water holes, this holiday had it all. The main highlights for us were the spectacular sand dunes, magical evenings watching the wildlife at the water holes and beyond all others, the sight of dozens of Elephants of all sizes at Goas water hole just having a great time."
Mark Bridges & Marilyn Prichard
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Holiday Highlight - "Etosha The lodge on the way to Etosha (this was a late sustitution)."
Carol Gover
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Holiday Highlight - "First walk at Welteverde in evening. Sossusvlei dunes - weird, other worldly. First view of a "cold haze". Walvis Bay boat trip - dolphins, flamingos, pelicans. Spitzkoppe Mountains, beautiful geology - volcanic. Huab walks in morning. Great place, a welcome relaxing break. Waterholes at Etosha magic! Moon landscape near Swakopmund. Totally unexpected, magic place, almost only ones there. We drove to a height to get the whole view, then down to dry river - beautiful rock formations, lots of birds, very green for a change! Etosha, just through gate - majestic elephant crossed road directly in front of us! Later, whole pride of lions actually walking by and huntung, not asleep in daytime, and a lone male lazing in the grass."
Sue Cable
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Situated on the banks of the dry Arebbusch River, Arebbusch Travel Lodge nestles in the natural surroundings of the “veld”. Far from the hustle and bustle of central city life, yet minutes away from the capital’s shopping centres and attractions.
Lodge facilities: Restaurant and bar, conference facilities and two swimming pools.
Room facilities: TV, phone, kettle and fridge, air conditioning.
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Simply furnished but comfortable accommodation on a desert reserve, only 30 minutes from Namib Naukluft National Park. Chalet style accommodation, each with a small patio area.
Main building facilities: Bar and dining area, splash pool.
Chalet facilities: Air conditioning, safe and fridge. Each unit individually placed to keep the open view onto the plains of the savannah.
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Lovely location overlooking the lagoon, with a terrace area and gardens.
Hotel facilities: Bar/lounge area, restaurant and spa.
Room facilities: Phone and air-conditioning.
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A very comfortable lodge, with friendly staff and relaxed surroundings.
Lodge facilities: Bar/lounge area and swimming pool.
Room facilities: Fan, tea and coffee making facilities (in some rooms).
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Quality accommodation at a rest camp situated in the western area of Etosha National Park.
Rest camp facilities: Bar, shop, swimming pool, floodlit waterhole.
Room facilities: Fridge, tea making facilities (in some rooms).
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Situated at the base of a dolomite hill, amongst shady mopane trees with peaceful surroundings.
Rest camp facilities: Restaurant and bar, shop, swimming pool, floodlit waterhole.
Room facilities: Fridge, tea making facilities (in some rooms).
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Built into an old German Fort, Namutoni Camp has a unique atmosphere. From the walls of the fort you can enjoy an elevated view of the King Nehale Waterhole, allowing for great game viewing. The walls of the fort are also and excellent spot for sundowners.
Rest camp facilities: Two restaurants, a craft shop, a pool and a viewing deck overlooking King Nehale Waterhole.
Room facilities: Air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities (in some rooms).
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Good quality, accommodation nestled along the base of the cliffs of the Waterberg Plateau.
Rest camp facilities: Bar, lounge, shop and swimming pool.
Room facilities: Fridge, tea making facilities (in some rooms), ceiling fans.
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Please Note: Accommodation is subject to change. Electricity can not be guaranteed everywhere; some places where we stay will have generators which will only be on a certain times of the day.
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