Wind-carved dune ridges at Sossusvlei in low sun

Africa’s Unexplored Jewel: Namibia

From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the waterholes of Etosha to the villages of the San, experience the breadth of southern Africa’s hidden gem.

See the photographs
Begins
October 7, 2027
Length
14 nights
Max size
12 travelers
Led by
Temu & Maggie
RATE
Coming Soon
Reserve Your Place

"Go anywhere and scout a new trip!" Temu chose Namibia.

That was 2018. He never regretted that choice.

Nestled just above South Africa, Namibia exists in the shadow of its famous neighbor…and it’s all the better for it. Untamed landscapes, wildlife seen only on TV, and ancient cultures—all in a country larger than Texas, with a total population only one-third of Dallas–Fort Worth.

A few highlights

Deadvlei Sunrise

Depart in the dark and watch sunlight creep down the dunes surrounding Deadvlei, creating spectacular contrasts between the white salt pan, dead camelthorn trees, blue skies, and deep orange dunes. Then have breakfast in the dunes before most others even arrive.

SIT with the San

Explore the bush on foot with one of the last semi-nomadic people left in southern Africa—people who have existed on the land for more than 25,000 years.

Diamonds in the Sky

Citizens of the southern hemisphere are treated to a night sky of which we northerners can only dream. Namibia’s lack of population and dry, desert air make it perfect for viewing the diamond-strewn skies.

Snapshot Days

  1. 01

    Arrive Windhoek

    Meet the group and gather for dinner at legendary Joe’s Beerhouse.

    Night · Windhoek

    The pool deck at Windhoek Luxury Suites
  2. 02

    City to the Namib

    Travel through the Namib Desert to explore Sossusvlei, the surrounding dunes, and Sesriem Canyon.

    Night · Sossusvlei

    Ostriches crossing the gravel plain below a dune in the Namib
  3. 03

    Deadvlei & Sossusvlei

    Sunrise at Deadvlei, then a restful day exploring the gigantic dune field in the Namib.

    Night · Sossusvlei

    Dead camelthorn trees on the white pan at Deadvlei, red dune behind
  4. 04

    In the Air & On the Coast

    Hot air balloon to start the day, then head to the seaside town of Swakopmund.

    Night · Swakopmund

    A hot air balloon drifting over the Namib dunes at dawn
  5. 05

    Desert Denizens

    Comb the dunes of Dorob National Park for the Little Five, learning about dune ecology.

    Night · Swakopmund

    A Namaqua chameleon on the sand
  6. 06

    Skeleton Coast and Damaraland

    Drive up the Skeleton Coast. Turn inland through a lunar landscape to Damaraland.

    Night · Damaraland

    A gravel road running through the dry hills of Damaraland
  7. 07

    Desert-Adapted Life

    Look for desert-adapted wildlife. Rare, but perfectly suited to their environment. View rock etchings older than the pyramids.

    Night · Damaraland

    A desert-adapted black rhino in scrubland
  8. 08

    Changing Landscapes

    Exchange the rocks of Damaraland for the bush and plains of Etosha. Engage wildlife.

    Night · Etosha

    Two lilac-breasted rollers, one landing on a bare branch
  9. 09

    Etosha Unlocked Pt. I

    A full-day spent wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park and adjoining concessions.

    Night · Etosha

    A herd of elephants with calves at a waterhole in Etosha
  10. 10

    Etosha Unlocked Pt. II

    Different locations, different animals. Same incredible experiences.

    Night · Etosha

    Zebras drinking in a line at a waterhole
  11. 11

    Remote Living

    Transition from wildlife to mankind, as we delve further into the bush with the San. Marvel at the southern night sky.

    Night · Nhoma

    The Milky Way arching over a lit bush camp
  12. 12

    Learning in the Bush

    A day spent with the San. Learn from one of southern Africa’s few remaining semi-nomadic people.

    Night · Nhoma

    Close-up of a San craftsman’s hand-made tools
  13. 13

    A Return to the Wild

    We pivot from man and re-focus on wildlife at Okonjima, home to the AfriCat Foundation.

    Night · Okonjima

    A bat-eared fox resting on the sand
  14. 14

    Tracking the Cats

    Enjoy an afternoon or morning tracking leopard or cheetah on a private concession. Use the other to rest and pack.

    Night · Okonjima

    A leopard lying in golden grass
  15. 15

    Head for Home

    Get to the airport. Let it all start to sink in.

What the rate covers

Included

  • Full program of activities and outings detailed in the brochure
  • Private vehicle/s throughout the entire trip
  • Transfers on arrival and departure
  • Entrance fees to all reserves and parks
  • Accommodations as listed in this document
  • All meals, starting with dinner on the first night
  • Gratuities to all guides, drivers, and servers
  • Non-alcoholic drinks with meals
  • Professional Tour Management by 2North’s Temu Nana and Maggie Nottberg

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Tourist entry visas, reciprocity fees, passport fees, and photos if required
  • Medical nor travel/trip insurance of any kind
  • Personal items and other expenses not specifically mentioned as included
  • Alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages outside of included meals

Departures

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