Day to Day Itinerary

DAY 1 | Arrival in Windhoek, Namibia

Your adventure begins as you touch down at Hosea Kutako International Airport outside Windhoek, where you will be met by a company representative and transferred to the city.

Windhoek is a captivating blend of modernity and tradition, perfect for the discerning traveller on a luxury safari. At 1,700 meters above sea level, it’s one of the world’s highest capitals, offering crisp air and stunning views. Its name, meaning “wind corner” in Afrikaans, reflects its breezy climate, a refreshing contrast to the desert heat. If you have time, it is worth while exploring its unique mix of German colonial architecture, like the striking Christuskirche, and vibrant markets showcasing Himba crafts. Windhoek is an urban oasis that sets the stage for Namibia’s wild wonders on your bespoke expedition.

You will arrive at your luxurious boutique hotel, an exclusive retreat nestled in a quiet neighbourhood of the Namibian capital. Your suite, thoughtfully themed around the country’s diverse landscapes, invites you to unwind with private amenities for relaxation, including a pool and sun lounger where you can soak up the serene atmosphere.

You could opt to enjoy a spa treatment after your arrival, melting away any lingering travel fatigue and preparing you mentally and physically for the incredible trip that awaits.

In the evening you could choose to enjoy the hotel’s excellent restaurant, where fine wines and local delicacies, expertly crafted by the chef and his team, set the tone for indulgence. Another option is to dine at one of Windhoek’s many excellent restaurants before retiring for the night.

DAY 2 | Windhoek to Sossusvlei, Namib Desert

This morning you will fly south from Windhoek to one of the most spectacular locations in all of Southern Africa. A private light aircraft will have you in the world famous Sossusvlei area in just an hour.

Nestled within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sossusvlei is a breathtaking destination and a highlight on any Namibian safari. Its towering red dunes, some soaring over 300 meters (among the tallest on Earth) ignite with a fiery glow at sunrise and sunset, creating an otherworldly and unforgettable spectacle.

You will arrive at your luxurious desert retreat, a sleek sanctuary of stone and glass nestled amid these towering dunes. Your beautifully appointed suite offers private amenities, including a shaded veranda and a plunge pool, with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The lodge offers a myriad of dining spaces, a health and wellness area, a signature shop, lodge bar and a walk-in cellar with a fine selection of local and international wines.

The desert is yours to explore for the afternoon! A diverse array of experiences and activities exploring the unique desert terrain can be adapted according to your personal preferences.

You could quad bike across the dunes at your own pace, the wind whipping past as your guide points out Gemsbok darting through the sands. Or take an e-bike (electric bicycle) and ride across the rugged desert terrain with ease in awe of your surroundings. Several hiking trails in the area showcase the stunning lodge surrounds and can be tailored to your personal preferences. The lodge is surrounded by numerous distinct habitats; a great way to experience them is with a scenic desert drive in a 4×4 vehicle. You can learn about fairy circles, how deserts are formed and function, and how animals have adapted to this seemingly desolate and hostile environment.

As night falls, an astronomer-guided stargazing session will unveil the brilliance of the Milky Way, revealing the wonders of this International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only a handful on the planet.

For dinner, you could try the lodge’s interactive kitchen, where you get involved and cook with world-class chefs to create your own menu and dishes!

DAY 3 | Sossusvlei Exploration

First on the agenda for today is an exhilarating hot air balloon ride, lifting you above the vast rust-red sands at sunrise, where the silence is broken only by the clink of champagne glasses as you enjoy breakfast – a spectacular experience like no other!

After this unforgettable experience your private guide will take you to explore the otherworldly, eerie Dead Vlei, where 900-year-old petrified camel thorn trees stand in stark contrast to white clay pans – a photographer’s paradise. Amid this stark beauty, desert-adapted wildlife like the majestic Gemsbok and bouncy Springbok thrive, adding life to the arid expanse.

As dusk settles, a bespoke dinner might be the perfect way to end your Sossusvlei adventure. Be enchanted by the magnificent desertscape while sipping cocktails and become completely lost in your superb meal while gazing out over the infinite horizon.

Afterwards, you can cap the day off with spectacular stargazing from the skylight situated above your own bed.

DAY 4 | Sossusvlei to Kaokoveld

This morning after breakfast you will take a private flight over the Namib Desert and arrive in the ancient Kaokoveld, a remote and rugged region in northwest Namibia, a few hours later. Watch in awe as the vast desert transforms into craggy mountains and deep valleys, offering an intimate, bird’s-eye view of Namibia’s raw and breathtaking beauty.

Your ultra-remote tented camp offers panoramic views of rugged valleys and rocky outcrops. Totally solar powered, your tented suite’s open design and colour palette beautifully reflects the surrounding desert. Overlooking a wide desert valley that slopes down to the sporadically flowing Hoanib River, the camp looks out over a waterhole frequented by Lions, African Elephants, Giraffes and Brown Hyenas.

This afternoon a private 4×4 drive will showcase the area’s incredible scenery. This is a place where the relentless forces of wind and time have sculpted a mesmerizing landscape; definitely one of Namibia’s most evocative and unspoiled wilderness regions. You might even be lucky enough to spot some of the desert adapted wildlife that call this seemingly inhospitable habitat home. Remember to bring your camera!

This evening you will dine under the African sky again, as the chef’s gourmet cuisine meets the timeless allure of a desert night sky brilliantly lit by countless stars.

DAY 5 | Skeleton Coast Experience

Today, a full-day excursion to the mythical Skeleton Coast is yet another highlight of your trip.

The Skeleton Coast stretches from the Kunene River on the Angolan border to the Swakop River, a distance of about 500 kilometres (310 miles). The indigenous San people of the Namibian interior called the region “The Land God Made in Anger”, while Portuguese sailors once referred to it as “The Gates of Hell”. The dramatic stretch of coastline is named for whale and seal bones that used to litter the coast, partly due to whaling, and for the numerous shipwrecks in the area.

A 4×4 drive will take you via spectacular dune fields to the Atlantic coast, where shipwrecks loom like ghosts and seal colonies frolic and bask in the surf. You will enjoy a gourmet picnic on the beach followed by a short private light aircraft flight back to camp after an exhilarating glimpse into nature’s raw beauty.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy; how about a guided walk to track elusive desert wildlife – perhaps a Giraffe or even Brown Hyena. Or you could just relax in camp and read or have a nap!

Before dinner it might be a good idea to sip on a sundowner while overlooking the waterhole – you never know what might turn up…

Then it’s time for another sumptuous dinner under the vast African skies before enjoying a good night’s rest after another wonderful day.

DAY 6 | Kaokoveld to Etosha

This morning after breakfast another short private flight will take you east to the edge of the world famous Etosha National Park.

The park, one of Africa’s great wildlife reserves, spans an area of 22,270 km² (8,600 square milies) and is rightly called the “gem of Namibia”. Named after the vast Etosha Pan, a shimmering salt flat that dominates 23% of the park’s landscape, this natural wonder is visible even from space. During the dry season, the pan remains a cracked, desolate landscape, but after summer rains, it becomes a vibrant hub for wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, the park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several threatened and endangered species such as the Black Rhinoceros. Strategically positioned waterholes act as natural theatres, offering intimate, up-close wildlife encounters.

At your luxurious lodge just outside the park you will be greeted with “Wayakurua!” In the Otjiherero language of our Namibian heartland, it means: Welcome! Your spacious hilltop chalet overlooks a bustling waterhole, where wildlife gathers as if on cue. The lodge also features sundowner and wildlife viewing decks, a photography hide and a refreshing swimming pool.

This afternoon a guided walk might be a good idea, for those looking for a close encounter with rare and endangered wildlife. Your expert local guide will ensure a thrilling, yet completely safe experience in the African bush as you enjoy all sorts of fauna and flora.

Another exciting excursion on the cards for today is a sunset game drive that could reveal nocturnal wonders – maybe Aardvark, Black Rhinoceros and more – followed by a bush dinner with expertly crafted dishes paired with fine wines.

DAY 7 | Etosha Safari

A full-day private safari in magnificent Etosha is the plan for today!

The name Etosha, meaning “Great White Place” in the Oshindonga language, reflects the pan’s striking appearance. The park has a lot more to offer than the pan though! Etosha’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense woodlands to arid savannas, support an extraordinary array of wildlife. The park is home to four of the Big Five (Lion, African Elephant, Leopard and two species of rhinoceros) alongside Cheetahs, Giraffes, Plains Zebras, Spotted Hyenas, the rare Black-faced Impala and many others. Notably, Etosha is recognised for hosting the world’s largest population of Black Rhinoceros, a testament to its robust conservation efforts. Birdlife thrives here as well, with species like Common Ostrich, several eagles and vibrant flamingos adding to the park’s allure, especially when the pan fills with water. You are in for a great time!

Your afternoon lunch is set at a secluded viewpoint to reflect on your morning in the park, and then the safari will continue until mid-afternoon. You will return to the lodge for a siesta and some down time.

The evening is yours to enjoy! Maybe indulge in another starlit dinner, or even a guided stargazing walk to remind you of Africa’s vast skies. Then it’s time for bed – tomorrow we head to Botswana.

DAY 8 | Etosha to Okavango Delta, Botswana

Today is a bit of a travel day, but the stunning scenery will make up for it. You will start with a private road transfer to Windhoek (where you will enjoy a scrumptious lunch) followed by a private chartered flight into Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

The delta stands as a testament to nature’s ingenuity, transforming the arid Kalahari Desert into a lush, waterlogged oasis via a dynamic ecosystem dubbed “the river that never finds the sea”. This vast inland delta spans 6,000 to 15,000 km², swelling to three times its permanent size during seasonal floods. The delta’s defining feature (the seasonal flooding) is a spectacle driven by the Okavango River, which originates in Angola’s highlands and spreads 11 cubic kilometres of water annually across the vast area of the delta. Peaking between June and August, this flood transforms the delta during Botswana’s dry winter, creating a labyrinth of waterways, islands and lagoons. The high temperatures of the region cause rapid evaporation, resulting in cycles of rising and falling water levels.

A short road transfer will bring you to your lodge in the far north of the Delta, where you will be welcomed with a spacious suite on an elevated wooden deck, complete with indoor-outdoor showers and a plunge pool overlooking verdant floodplains. It is the ideal place to experience the wonder of nature and intimate wildlife encounters.

A perfect way to introduce yourself to the Delta will be a guided sunset mokoro excursion; you will glide silently through the Delta’s waterways where Hippopotamuses grunt, Nile Crocodiles lurk and birdlife dazzles. A truly magical experience.

To end the day you will indulge in a lantern-lit dinner on a private island, toasting the Delta’s wonders with a glass of Champagne!

DAY 9 | Okavango Delta Adventure

Today you have a full day to immerse yourself in everything the Delta has to offer!

Recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Delta is a haven for biodiversity, hosting all Big Five game species, alongside over 400 bird species, including the iconic African Fish Eagle, as well as 71 fish species. The Lechwe antelope, with an estimated population of 88,000, is the most abundant large mammal, but there are many other small and large species to marvel at.

There is no better way to experience this water wonderland than with a private helicopter safari, soaring above its labyrinthine channels, offering an aerial view of amazing wildlife and incredible intricate natural artwork. Fantastic!

Later today you will enjoy a guided walking safari, tracking African Elephants and other fauna with an experienced, armed ranger. Even if you are not an avid birdwatcher, you will undoubtedly be amazed by colourful species like Lilac-breasted Roller, Malachite Kingfisher and Southern Carmine Bee-eater during your walk.

Another exhilarating day winds down with evening cocktails on your private deck as you listen to frogs croaking and the water whispering. Then it’s dinner time, sampling delicious local and seasonal ingredients infused with the region’s traditions. Signature dishes use the traditional powdered root of the Okavango waterlily, “tswii”. Enjoy!

DAY 10 | Moremi Game Reserve

Today you will move to the eastern side of the Delta. A short private flight lands you in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana’s (and probably Africa’s) predator paradise.

Established in 1963 by the visionary Batawana people, it holds the distinction of being the first protected area in the Delta, a testament to early conservation efforts led by Chief Moremi III and his wife. Moremi Game Reserve is just under 5,000 km² (1,900 square milies) in extent, covering much of the eastern side of the Okavango Delta and combining permanent water with drier areas, which create some startling and unexpected contrasts.

You will feel like you have been transported back in time when you arrive at your lodge today, located where the main Okavango River splits into its primary channels. Steeped in history, the lodge maintains the traditions of the legendary original African safari camp. In a thicket of giant mangosteen and fig trees, the spacious wood and canvas suites (each with private plunge pool and in/outdoor showers) entice with sweeping views over a floodplain teeming with wildlife.

The lodge prides itself on tailor-made explorations of the Delta, from thrilling game drives to tranquil walking safaris, guided by experts who know this land intimately. A private game drive in the “Predator Capital of Africa” is on the menu this afternoon. The area attracts large herds of Lechwe, Impala, Giraffe, and massive herds of African Buffalo, all drawn to the nutrient-rich vegetation and reliable water sources. This attracts a significant number of predators, including African Wild dogs, Spotted Hyenas, Lions and Leopards.

If you want a more relaxed time you could indulge in a spa treatment or dip in the pool as the plains stretch before you, a luxurious pause in this untamed world. The choice is yours!

You will bring your unforgettable time in the Delta to a close with another top-class dinner. Enjoy healthy, delicious recipes that tread lightly on the Earth. Here, at this authentically African safari camp, you will celebrate indigenous heritage ingredients and heirloom produce. Tuck in!

DAY 11 | Moremi to Maun

Today after another short morning game drive and breakfast, you take your final private flight over the Delta, bringing you to Maun, Botswana’s tourism capital.

Maun, often celebrated as the “Gateway to the Okavango Delta”, is a vibrant town where authentic local culture meets modern sophistication. Its bustling streets and colourful markets offer a glimpse into traditional Botswana, while its array of boutique lodges and gourmet restaurants cater to the luxury traveller.

Your final accommodation for your fantastic safari will be a stylish riverside retreat on the banks of the Thamalakane River. It is the first hotel established in Maun and a landmark since the early 1900s, boasting a long history of serving travellers who seek authentic African experiences as well as modern comforts.

You might enjoy some shopping for souvenirs before your farewell dinner tonight. Botswana’s finest cuisine and live local music will help celebrate your journey, offering a moment to reflect on the iconic landscapes and indelible memories you’ve gathered.

DAY 12 | Departure from Maun and End of Safari

This morning after breakfast in the hotel, a private transfer to nearby Maun International Airport will ensure a smooth farewell for you.

You will leave with the glow of a journey where luxury and wilderness intertwined in perfect harmony. Safe onward travels!

LOGISTICS | Transportation: Private light aircraft