Namibia In A Nutshell – Low Budget Tour

Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport and welcome by your local guide and onward journey via Rehoboth and Maltahöhe to the lodge.

Amidst a relatively dense forest area of camelthorn, sweet-thorn and candle acacia lies the historic town of Rehoboth. Like many towns in Namibia, Rehoboth was once a mission station. It is inhabited by the “Baster” community, which consists of the descendants of people of mixed ancestry who, under their leader Hermanus van Wyk, moved across the Orange River and settled in Rehoboth in 1870.

Maltahöhe was founded in 1900, lies 111 km west of Mariental and was named after Malta van Burgsdorff, the wife of the commander of the garrison in Gibeon. The cemetery east of the town contains more than 40 graves of the German “Schutztruppe” who died in numerous battles against Hendrik Witbooi and in the Nama uprising.

Lunch en route.

Late afternoon arrival at our lodge and check-in.

Overnight: Hammerstein Lodge (DBB).

Travel distance: 375.8 km

Before sunrise we start from Hammerstein (with breakfast packs) and drive to Sesriem, the entrance gate to Sossusvlei/Namib Naukluft Park. The last 5 km are driven in 4×4 vehicles.

Here you have the opportunity to climb one of the highest sand dunes in the world.

Sossusvlei is a dune wonderland, with dunes up to 300 m high surrounding a huge, dried-up pan. The dunes stretch as far as the eye can see and their rich hues vary from pale apricot to bright reds and oranges. During a good rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the pan, creating a haven for waterfowl. Even in the dry season, oryx, springbok and ostrich can be seen feeding on the sparse vegetation along the watercourse.

At the entrance to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have carved a narrow gorge about 1 km long. At the base of the gorge, which plunges 30 to 40 m, are deep pools of water that refill after good rains. Sesriem owes its name to the time when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools.

Continue via Solitaire, Kuiseb Pass and Walvis Bay to Swakopmund. Enjoy the packed lunch for on the way.

Check in at the beautifully situated Hotel Pension A la Mer. You have the chance to dine in one of the fine restaurants (included).

Overnight: Hotel Pension A la Mer (BB).

Travel distance: 391.8 km

After a lovely breakfast at our hotel, we can take a city tour with an excursion to Walvis Bay, or explore this picturesque and beautiful town at leisure on foot.

Enjoy sumptous lunch at a restaurant of your choice in Swakopmund (included).

Walvis Bay is Namibia’s main port town and is increasingly becoming a desirable place for a coastal holiday. Attractions include the lagoon with its rich birdlife, which is home to a total of some 80 000 wading birds, including flamingos and the rare white pelicans. A former enclave belonging to South Africa, Walvis Bay and the offshore islands were incorporated into the Republic of Namibia on 1 March 1994. The town has a well-developed and efficient port, while the fishing port is the centre of Namibia’s fast-growing fishing industry.

Swakopmund is popular with Namibians as a welcome retreat from the heat of the interior. It is also popular with visitors for its old-fashioned charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during German colonial rule, it served as the country’s main port for many years. The distinct German colonial character has been well preserved and many of the old buildings now serve a useful purpose. The Woermann House (1905) now houses an art gallery and the Woermann Tower was once used to monitor ships entering the harbour. Other interesting old buildings include “Die Alte Kaserne”, the “Hohenzollern Haus” and the railway station building.

Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing day at leisure. In Swakopmund there are many activities to choose from, such as a boat cruise in the Walvis Bay Lagoon with oysters and champagne on board, the famous “Living Desert Tour” or a quad excursion into the dunes.

Have dinner at the Brauhaus Restaurant in Swakopmund or similar.

Overnight: Hotel Pension A la Mer (BB).

After a leisurely wake-up and a luxurious breakfast, we set off for Namibia’s extremely popular Waterberg.

We drive via Usakos, Karibib and Wilhelmstahl and Otjiwarongo.

Lunch at Crocodile Ranch before we drive to Waterberg Camp and check in.

Originally known to the Herero as Kanubes, Otjiwarongo is said to mean “beautiful place” or “place of fat cattle” as the area is known for its cattle farms. Situated about 250 km north of Windhoek, on a hillside amid rolling plains, Otjiwarongo District is home to many guest farms and lodges. Two interesting features of the place are the Otjiwarongo Crocodile Ranch, where crocodiles are bred, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund, an internationally renowned organisation. The CCF’s mission is to ensure the long-term survival of the cheetah through research, conservation and education.

The Waterberg Plateau, with its brick-red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation, rises 200 metres above the surrounding sea of African bush and savannah and is an island of color. The 40 549 ha park, 60 km east of Otjiwarongo, was proclaimed in 1972. It was originally created as a sanctuary for rare and endangered animal species of the Caprivi, such as roan and sable antelopes, tsessebe and Cape buffalo. Today the park is home to some 25 game species, over 200 bird species and vegetation that changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the base of the plateau to lush green subtropical dry forest with tall trees and grassy plains at the top.

Overnight: Waterberg Camp (DBB).

Travel distance: 465.9 km

Today, after breakfast, we drive to Hamakari Farm where we will receive interesting information about the connection between Walter von Trotha and the Herero tribe. The Herero historian will guide guests through the farm and to Okakarara before we drive to Okahandja to visit the cemetery where most of the Herero leaders are buried.

Okakarara is situated 50 kilometres south-east of the Waterberg National Park. It has an estimated population of 7,000 and is currently growing by 1,500 inhabitants a year. The town consists of Pamue, the former white residential area, and Okakarara Proper, the former black residential area. It is the district capital of Okakarara Constituency, which includes the surrounding settlements. The first house was built by Salathiel Kambamba Kambazembi and Reinard Tjerije, who came to the area in 1923. The settlement grew over time and became a town in 1992. Okakarara became the centre of Herero tribal administration in the early 1970s.

Directly north of Windhoek is Okahandja, a town of great importance to the Herero, as it was the seat of Chief Samuel Maharero. Every year in August, thousands of Hereros gather here for a pilgrimage to pay homage at the graves of their great chiefs. Okahandja is an important centre for northern woodcarvers.

Lunch en route.

Arrive at the Safari Hotel and check in.

Have a farewell dinner at the famously rustic Joe’s Beerhouse.

Overnight: Hotel Safari (BB).

Travel distance: 284.4 km

After breakfast, an information-packed city tour of Windhoek, including a visit to the landmark buildings and the railway station.

The city is greatly enhanced by stately historic buildings constructed in the turn-of-the-century German architectural style. You can visit the buildings that give the city a unique charm, including the historic seat of government, also known as the Ink Palace, which means Ink Palace in German. Christ Church, right next to the Ink Palace, is a striking landmark of the city with its graceful sphere. The white-walled Old Fort, once a fort and now a museum, reflects the country’s history. Windhoek is 1650m above sea level. The population of Windhoek is about 450 000 people, making it the largest city in the country. Most of Windhoek’s population lives in Katutura, the city’s Bantu-speaking suburb. Katutura is an Oshiwambo word meaning “the place we don’t want to stay”. Along Independence Avenue (the former “Emperor’s Road”) you see the old colonial houses right next to the buildings of modern, post-independent Namibia.

Last shopping before continuing to the airport. Check in and say goodbye to your guide.

We wish you Bon Voyage and a safe journey home and we look forward to welcoming you back to Southern Africa!

Travel distance: 46.0 km

 The best time to visit Sossusvlei is during the cooler months, from May to September, when temperatures are milder, and the desert landscape is at its most stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset.

 Waterberg Plateau is home to rare and endangered species such as roan antelope, Cape buffalo, and over 200 bird species. You may also spot cheetahs and rhinos during your stay.

When touring Namibia, you will get to enjoy a mix of local Namibian dishes and international cuisine, including fresh seafood in coastal Swakopmund and traditional meals at the rustic Joe’s Beerhouse in Windhoek.

The drive from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund is approximately 392 km and takes around 5 to 6 hours, with scenic stops along the way, including the Kuiseb Pass and Solitaire.

Yes, you can climb some of the world’s highest sand dunes, including the famous “Big Daddy,” offering breathtaking views of the surrounding desert.