Our local guide, Mr. Elvis Nghimutina greets you today at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport – named in honour of one of the original opponents to South African rule after WWI – and transfers you to our nearby bush accommodation in the N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary, where this afternoon’s “Roots of N/a’an ku sê Tour” affords close-up viewing of the sanctuary’s resident lions, leopards, wild dogs and others. During dinner, Elvis will offer a few words of wisdom to help you feel comfortable with being in Namibia, while giving a brief overview of the exciting itinerary that lay ahead.

Staying close to Windhoek tonight allows you to acclimatize and settle into a relaxed, healthy rhythm for the remainder of your safari. This can take a day or two due to the uncomfortable combination of the city’s relatively high altitude (1,660m or 5,440ft) and the long-haul flight most travelers endure to get here.

Today you are treated to a wonderful scenic drive to Sesreim and the dunes of the Namib Desert. Traveling mostly on graded, gravel roads you descend down into the Naukluft Valley and its panoramic mountain vistas. The scenery remains stunning as you approach the easternmost edge of Namibia’s famed desert dunes, where sand and savanna meet and free roaming wildlife such as springbok, oryx (also called gemsbok) and ostrich can often be seen from your lodge. Our aim is to provide plenty of time for you to soak up this harsh yet beautiful landscape. We therefore provide a stay of two nights at Sossusvlei Lodge, located at the entrance to Namib-Naukluft National Park which encompasses one of the world’s oldest and driest desert regions.

Today Elvis takes you to the desert sands overlooking the well-known and photogenic landmarks of Dune 45, Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei. Later today you explore Sesreim Canyon and can visit Elim Dune to marvel at the splendor of an African sunset.

As you travel down the valley of the Tsauchab River to Sossusvlei, you are dwarfed on either side by huge sand dunes. At times, you pass close to groves of dead camel thorn trees, testimony to a bygone era when there was much more water. During the drive you can hope to see oryx, the fabled desert antelope, as well as springbok, ostrich, bustards, jackal, bat-eared fox and hyena. At the end of the tarred road is a short, though at times bumpy, ride along a sandy track to the two iconic vleis of Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei. Vlei is an Afrikaans term for a marsh or pan of water.

You now call in to the home of Boesman, our bare-footed local desert guide and an old friend of Compass Odyssey. Married to Japanese wife, Yuri and the subject of an episode of the BBC’s “New Lives In the Wild”, Boesman takes you on a fascinating private tour of his farm and its resident desert dunes, during which he shows that the Namib Desert is alive and thriving with specialised animal and plant life, the great majority of it utilised in some way by the nomadic Bushmen (also collectively called the San people).

Later today you drive the short distance to one of Namibia’s best kept secrets (for now), “Namib’s Valley of a Thousand Hills” where you stay the night enjoying the sweeping views from your rustic accommodation.

This morning offers time for more exploration of Namib’s Valley before heading for the barren Atlantic coastline via the stunning Gaub and Kuiseb mountain passes and the arid coastal moonscape.

You arrive at the coast by mid-afternoon and travel the short distance north to the quaint resort town of Swakopmund, where you stay for the next two nights. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund retains a distinct colonial charm, with well-preserved German architecture lining its streets. The town offers a mix of history and seaside relaxation, with fascinating bookshops, antique stores, and cosy cafés to explore. A vibrant curio market near the lighthouse showcases artefacts from across Africa, while those looking to stretch their legs can take a stroll along the beach or enjoy some birdwatching at the nearby river mouth.

This morning you travel the short distance south to Walvis Bay, where you discover this port town’s prolific bird and marine life on an entertaining and informative cruise in the bay, followed by a decadent on-board lunch of locally cultivated oysters. You then embark on an afternoon’s 4×4 excursion along the coast to Sandwich Harbour – one of the most remote destinations within a country that boasts its fair share.

The Ramsar-listed Walvis Bay Wetlands are a vital sanctuary for up to 100,000 birds at different times of the year, including large populations of Greater and Lesser flamingo. The bay’s clean, plankton-rich waters support a thriving oyster-farming industry and attract an array of marine life. During the 3-hour cruise, you may encounter Atlantic bottlenose, Dusky, and Heavyside’s dolphins, as well as Humpback and Southern Right whales. Keep an eye out for Cape fur seals, Leatherback turtles, Mola mola (Sunfish), and, with a bit of luck, Orcas. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy close-up sightings of pelicans, cormorants, Cape gulls, Caspian terns, and various waders.

From Swakopmund, you now travel north along the eerie and desolate coast, stopping along the way to view a shipwreck or two. You then turn east and venture into Damaraland and the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, one of Africa’s most successful examples of community-based wildlife conservation and tourism. This afternoon, you enjoy a leisurely nature drive and some drinks while watching the sun set over the Damaraland escarpment.

A land of rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes, Damaraland is home to free-roaming wildlife that has adapted to the harsh, arid environment. This vast wilderness supports desert-adapted elephants, as well as springbok, Red hartebeest, Greater kudu, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, and oryx. With a bit of luck, you may even spot cheetah or lion. The region also boasts over 170 bird species, including the endemic Rüppell’s korhaan and Benguela Long-billed lark. Unlike many protected areas, wildlife here moves freely across unfenced terrain, coexisting with local communities who have embraced conservation efforts, making Damaraland one of Namibia’s most remarkable success stories in sustainable tourism.

The day commences with an early morning game drive led by an experienced camp guide, where, in addition to the desert-adapted elephant, you’ll be on the lookout for kudu, springbok, and the endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra, as well as the region’s 35 lizard species, 24 snake species, and over 170 bird species.

This afternoon, you visit Twyfelfontein, one of Africa’s largest concentrations of ancient rock engravings. Officially known as ǀUi-ǁAis, this UNESCO-listed site contains over 5,000 petroglyphs, some dating back as far as 10,000 years. Created by early Bushmen (San), the engravings depict wildlife such as elephant, giraffe, and rhinoceros, as well as penguins and seals—evidence that these early inhabitants once journeyed to the coast for resources.

There is also an opportunity to learn from the indigenous Damara people at the Damara Living Museum, where traditional skills and customs are kept alive. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and absorb the peaceful tranquillity of the surroundings, perhaps with a self-guided hike around the camp’s scenic hillsides.

You now venture into Namibia’s savannah region and to Etosha National Park, arriving mid-afternoon at Namutoni Camp, located just inside the eastern boundary of the park.

You stay three nights in Namibia’s premier national park, where each camp’s floodlit waterhole promises quality wildlife viewing throughout the evening and through to the early morning. During your game drives with Elvis you’ll also visit a number of Etosha’s famous waterholes, which regularly afford great viewing of the park’s large herds of elephant, oryx, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and springbok. Accompanied by Elvis’ broad knowledge of Namibia’s wildlife, you’ll also be on the lookout for the park’s iconic ‘black’ species, such as its black-maned lions, black rhino, black-backed jackal and endemic black-faced impala. On one of your evenings, we also provide a night game drive with a park ranger, where the spotlights will be on the lookout for the park’s varied nocturnal life – both predator and prey. Additional night game drives are possible during your stay (at additional cost).

Today you slowly game drive your way to the central region of the park and Halali Camp. This evening you embark on a game drive with one of the park’s rangers, where you’ll be on the lookout for nocturnal predators such as leopard and spotted hyena.

Etosha, meaning “Great White Place” in the local Oshindonga language, is named after its vast mineral pan, a remnant of an ancient lake that dried up thousands of years ago. Covering 25% of the park, this expansive salt flat is an otherworldly landscape that only fills with water briefly after heavy rains. Along its edges, perennial springs sustain an abundance of wildlife, drawing large herds of elephants, antelope, and predators that rely on these precious water sources.

You continue game driving westwards today, visiting a number of waterholes in addition to the renowned floodlit waterhole located at Okaukuejo Camp, your overnight accommodation.

Time permitting, this morning you can stop in the nation’s capital, Windhoek and visit a local craft centre for some final souvenir shopping. Elvis then bids you farewell as he returns you to Hosea Kutako International Airport in time for an evening flight departure.

NOTE: It’s also possible to stop the night in Windhoek, in which case Elvis can provide an informal afternoon tour of the city (Stopover at additional cost).

During your journey you will witness Namibia’s natural and wild beauty, be exposed to her diverse cultures and history, view her iconic wildlife and experience genuine African hospitality. Thank you for visiting Namibia on this Compass Odyssey safari.

Haese mugus (“See you soon”)