Desert, Dune & Wildlife Fly-in Safari

Your Namibia luxury safari will begin by heading to the Namib Desert; a great sand sea in Sossusvlei. The only true African desert south of the equator. Then you’ll fly high along the Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund, a town which seems to have landed here. Incongruous in its setting, an isolated coastal town. Next stop, the gemstone beaches of Mowe Bay before you have a complete change of gear: it’s Etosha time. Wildlife and game viewing galore. Grab your khakis, camera and binoculars.

Day 1 & 2: Sossusvlei
( 2 nights )

Start your luxurious Namibia safari with a two-night fly-in package to the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on Earth, which has remained arid for 15 million years. Although ephemeral rivers occasionally flow through, they leave behind precious water stored beneath the surface, suggesting that the desert’s dryness might be a bit misleading.

Upon arrival, your NTS representative will greet you and provide your travel documents. You will then meet your pilot for a smooth check-in and flight briefing. Buckle up for a 1-hour and 10-minute private charter flight from Windhoek to Sossusvlei. This aerial journey is a feast for the eyes - take in the majestic Namib Naukluft Mountain Range and the seemingly endless rolling sand dunes.

Once you land, indulge in a guided excursion of Sossusvlei. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the dunes with local beverages to keep you refreshed as you explore the stark beauty of the desert. Sossusvlei, the largest of four pans in the area, is surrounded by dramatic star dunes. Nearby, the ancient and evocative Dead Vlei, once lush with life, has been parched for nearly 900 years, thanks to shifting sands that blocked its water source.

Highlights of your desert adventure include Dune 45 - 170 metres high and 5 million years old. Although it is neither the tallest nor the oldest, it is nonetheless awe-inspiring. Dune 45, Big Daddy, Elim Dune and Sesriem Canyon are must-see landmarks. The desert’s vivid hues come alive at sunrise and sunset, the best times for exploration, especially during the scorching summer months.

A sundowner drive is also included, allowing you to witness the sun setting over vast plains and towering dunes - a truly spectacular sight. With two nights at your disposal, you will have plenty of time to soak in the desert's serene beauty and marvel at one of the darkest night skies on Earth.

*Scheduled camp activities included (details on request)Day 3 & 4: Skeleton Coast

( 2 nights )

Next stop: the Skeleton Coast. From the air, it might seem idyllic - waves gently lapping against the shore, majestic dunes stretching into the horizon. Yet, on the ground, the reality is starkly different. This harsh desert landscape meets the icy Atlantic Ocean, presenting a formidable challenge for both man and beast. Spanning 6,500 square miles, the Skeleton Coast National Park is a realm of clay castles, haunting shipwrecks, and thriving seal colonies.

Your journey begins with a private charter flight from Sossusvlei, offering breathtaking aerial views of the dunes you admired the day before. You'll pass over old diamond mines and the remnants of shipwrecks before landing in Swakopmund. Here, you have options: refuel and continue to your lodge further up the coast, or take some time to explore Swakopmund’s charming streets, palm-lined promenades, and perhaps enjoy a coffee and slice of cake.

After approximately 90 minutes, you'll arrive in Mowe Bay. From here, a scenic transfer will lead you through the desolate beauty of the Skeleton Coast National Park to your lodge, where you’ll find yourself immersed in untamed wilderness.

At your lodge, experience the raw beauty of the Skeleton Coast on a game drive. You'll encounter bleached whalebones, rusting ship hulls, and arid riverbeds, witnessing nature’s resilience in this unforgiving environment. The starkness of the landscape is both haunting and breathtaking.

Enjoy sundowners and beach walks to further explore the coastline. As part of the shipwreck theme, you'll visit the eerie remains of Suiderkus and Karimona. Suiderkus, in particular, met a tragic fate, having run aground on her maiden voyage in the 1970s.

Enjoy a 4x4 excursion to the Hoanib River Delta, home to ancient 'clay castles' formed over tens of thousands of years. Along the way, stop at the seal colony, a sight first recorded by the German ship Mowe in 1884. A drive along the Hoarusib River offers the chance to track desert-adapted elephants and, if you’re lucky, spot the occasional giraffe.

*All scheduled camp activities included with lodge guideDay 5 & 6: Etosha National Park

( 2 nights )

As your excitement builds from spotting desert-adapted elephants and perhaps even elusive desert lions and hyenas, it’s time to journey to Etosha.

On your way: You’ll be transferred to the airstrip for a 1.5-hour flight from Mowe Bay to Ondangwa. After a refuelling stop, it’s a quick 30-minute hop to the eastern side of Etosha. A brief drive will then take you to your luxury safari lodge, where you can relax and prepare for some of Africa’s finest game viewing.

When you’re there: Your stay includes park fees, all meals, and local branded drinks. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, along with daily sundowner excursions on the private reserves. Etosha, meaning ‘Great White Place,’ is characterised by its vast mineral pan. The beauty of Etosha is that you don’t have to search far for wildlife; they come to you. With over 20,000 square kilometres to explore, simply park by a waterhole and watch as lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, wildebeests, and leopards come to quench their thirst.

*All game drives included with lodge guides in open safari vehicles

Day 7: Windhoek
( Departure / End of Tour )

Your adventure concludes today—what an incredible journey it has been! After your final morning activity, you'll be transferred to the airstrip for your charter flight back to Windhoek.

On your way: You'll enjoy a private charter flight from Etosha to Windhoek International Airport. Remember to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your international departure for a smooth and stress-free check-in.