Heart of Namibia Safari
Safari Highlights:
- This safari is the perfect introduction to Namibia!
- It will give you a good taste of what Namibia has to offer – sand dunes, oceans, deserts, mountains, cultures, game parks, and more.
- Explore the Namib Desert’s towering dunes and iconic sites like Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
- Witness the dramatic clash of the desert with the Atlantic Ocean while you marvel at the eerie shipwrecks scattered along the world’s largest ship cemetery.
- Experience the rich traditions of the Himba tribe, known for their striking red body paint and intricate jewelry, through authentic cultural encounters.
- In Swakopmund you have the option to go on fun adventures like quad biking and hot air balloon rides or explore the art galleries and cafes of the city.
- Discover an extraordinary desert ecosystem, including the world’s largest population of black rhinos as they congregate around the park’s salt pans and watering holes.
- This will be an exceptional experience by any measure!
Sample Itinerary
Namib Desert: The coastal Namib Desert runs along the west coast of Namibia. It is the only coastal desert and is the oldest desert in the world. Its ever-changing, tall dunes rise and fall like the waves that crash on its shores and are ever changing with the winds. It is host to popular sites such as Sossusvlei, the town of Swakupmund,, the Diamond Coast, the dune Big Daddy, Deadvlei, Sandwich Harbour, Kolmanskop Ghost Town, the Skeleton Coast, and more.
Skeleton Coast: The Skeleton Coast is in the northwest coastline of Namibia where the dunes of the desert landscape clash into the Atlantic Ocean. Because of the unique landscape, it has a unique ecosystem of species who have developed clever ways to survive this harsh terrain. The park is home to the largest ship cemetery in the world. Here you will be able to fly over or drive through the shipwrecks in an eerie and fascinating education in the power of nature vs. man.
Swakopmund: Set in the legendary Skeleton Coast of Namibia is the adventurous town of Swakupmund. This is a town for everyone – it has activities such as quad biking, hot air balloon rides, and dune carting over the sunset-colored sands of the Namib Desert. It is also home to more relaxed activities such as visiting quaint cafes, art galleries, and intriguing shops. Near to this town is a host of other activities such as visiting ghost towns, visiting lagoons to see thousands of blush-pink flamingos, and riding camels through the desert.
Himba People: The Himba people are one of the indigenous tribes of Northern Namibia. They are a semi-nomadic people who have called Namibia home for centuries. The Himba people are most known for the rich red body paint they wear and the intricate jewelry they create and wear. When visiting these people, you can look forward to a rich cultural experience that will transport you to the ways of the past as you learn of the centuries-old ways of life that the Himba people still practice. They are a welcoming, kind, and insightful people who will quickly capture your heart.
Etosha National Park: Etosha National Park will give you a look into a side of Africa rarely seen. Its vast, desert climate has produced an eco-system unlike the savannahs you may picture when you think of Africa. Here you will find watering holes surrounded by incredible numbers of various species of game during the dry season from June to October. The game roam from waterhole to waterhole in search of drinking water. Etosha is known for its flat calcrete depression (or pan) which makes its sands silvery white. This park is also the home to the largest number of black rhinos in the world.
Every safari we plan is completely custom based on your unique desires and needs. No matter the amazing safari we plan, you can rest assured knowing you will begin and end every safari by being greeted and escorted through all international airports. Every detail will be taken care of so all you need to do is pack and show up!
Accommodations
Namib Desert:
Wolwedans Dune Camp: This luxury tent camp is set up on the edge of a 250m high dune. Wake up or have evening drinks looking out over the dunes as the sunrise and sunset turn them fiery orange. Enjoy numerous activities or spend your day relaxing on the viewing decks. This camp is perfect for the traveler looking for a down-to-earth yet luxurious experience. Enjoy meals at a shared table where you will make friends with people from around the world. The camp can hold up to 12 guests in 6 luxury tents.
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei:
The Pearl: Set along the beaches of Namibia are a group of beach-front townhouses where the fresh salt air melts away your worries. The private townhouses can be best described at luxurious, modern, and filled with touches of traditional Namibian décor. Throughout your townhouse you will enjoy large windows offering you un-obstructed views of the ocean crashing on the shore. Each townhouse has a fully equipped kitchen and bar, dining area, lounging area, hot tub, gas BBQ, 2 or 3 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, private balcony, and more.
Skeleton Coast:
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp: This beautiful tent camp rises out of the desert like white-capped waves. The contemporary design of the camp is a beautiful contrast to the desert around it but is also complimentary due to the color palette used throughout the camp. The camp is made up of a common area, suites, and a lap pool area. No matter what room you are in, you will look out over the mystical desert valley below you. The common areas are decorated simply with comfortable, earth-toned pieces. Enjoy dinner under the stars while you listen to jackals call or lions roar.
Northernmost Region of Namibia:
Serra Cafema: Disconnect in one of the most remote photo safari camps in Southern Africa. This camp has taken into thoughtful consideration the views from the main lodge and the chalets to maximize the riverfront setting of the camp. From almost anywhere you look you will see beautiful views of the river. You will walk skywalks through the jungle to your chalet. Each chalet is decorated to honor the surrounding desert and the Himba people with art, colors, and textures. Relax at meals or with afternoon tea and enjoy the lounge, multi-level wooden viewing deck, dining room, and pool. The main camp area is spacious enough for your group to keep to themselves or make new friends by joining other groups. The decor is warm and comfortable, ensuring that you feel right at home.
Etosha National Park:
Onguma the Fort: This is the only photo safari lodge of its kind left in Namibia: a unique fortress set in the perfect position to take in the stunning African sunsets. It contains just the right amount of traditional Namibia decor mixed with rich Moroccan and Indian touches. Throughout you will find stone-clad features, towers with incredible views, antique windows and doors, and amazing raw mud walls. As you walk through the fort you will feel transported into another world as you discover antique doors, windows, and decor throughout.
Rates
Starting at $15,001 to $20,000 per person.
Since every itinerary is custom designed for you and your group, pricing may vary based on year booked, accommodations chosen, change in activities, and adjustments to the itinerary. All costs will be shared with you during the safari planning process – we don’t like surprise expenses ourselves, so we don’t want them for you!
Trip Insurance & Cancellation Info
Trip insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment on this trip. We will assist you with trip insurance upon booking. See links at the bottom of this page for the two providers we suggest for our clients.
Family Expeditions Safaris, LLC confirmation and refund policy:
If your trip is more than 90 days out from date of departure, a 30% non-refundable deposit confirms your reservation and must be received within 10 days of booking to confirm your dates. All trips must be paid in full at least 120 days prior to the departure date. If your trip date is within 120 days, FULL payment for the trip is required. All payments to Family Expeditions Safaris are non-refundable. Should you need to reschedule or cancel your trip, we will do everything in our power to assist you in finding a suitable substitute or transferring your dates per the lodge/providers/government requirements. Trip insurance protects your investment!