13-day Small Group Tour of Namibia (Windhoek Return)

DAY 1 - ARRIVE WINDHOEK (Welcome Reception)

Your epic encounter with Namibia kicks off in its capital, Windhoek. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure - play a round of golf on the 18-hole golf course or relax in the swimming pool before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner.

HOTEL - Windhoek Country Club Resort

DAY 2 - WINDHOEK – REHOBOTH – KALAHARI DESERT (B, D)

Embrace the freedom of the open road as we venture into the Kalahari Desert - Namibia's boundless, sandy beauty. We make our way through the historic town of Rehoboth, a former mission station just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, then take our front-row seats on a scenic nature drive through this 'thirst land', where trees loom and rocky shadows stretch out on the horizon against the setting sun.

HOTEL - Zebra Kalahari Lodge / Kalahari Anib Lodge

DAY 3 - KALAHARI DESERT – KEETMANSHOOP – FISH RIVER CANYON (B, D)

See the iconic forest of Quiver Trees - the towering aloes from which the San people fashion their quivers to this day. After a short stop in Keetmanshoop with free time for lunch, travel to Naute Dam before arriving at your motor-themed lodge to savour a spectacular Namibian sunset.

HOTEL - Canyon Roadhouse

DAY 4 - FISH RIVER CANYON – AUS MOUNTAINS (B, D)

Peer over the ancient chasm carved by the Fish River to form Africa's largest canyon. Carved over millennia, the Fish River Canyon's gigantic ravine provides sanctuary to klipspringer, zebra and even wild horses. We continue our journey to the spectacular Aus Mountains where you'll spend the afternoon getting close to nature.

HOTEL - Desert Horse Inn

DAY 5 - AUS MOUNTAINS – SOLITAIRE (B, D)

Immerse yourself in the Southern Namib region admiring desert vistas and expansive skies as we conquer the open road. We pay a visit to Baron von Wolf's Duwisib Castle to learn about its history as a gift of love for his American wife. Settle in to the comfort of your lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing, before embarking on a nature drive into the desert.

HOTEL - Namib Desert Lodge (2 nights)

DAY 6 - SOSSUSVLEI AND DEADVLEI EXCURSION (B, D)

In a country renowned for its epic landscapes, competition for the top spot is tough. But it is Sossusvlei and Deadvlei that rightly deserve this crown and it is where we begin our adventure today. Gaze up at the towering Dune 45, then meander into the eerie but beautiful photographers' paradise of Deadvlei, to snap iconic photos of dead camel thorn trees on a bed of white clay pans, perfectly framed by towering sand dunes and clear blue skies. Your early morning adventure in Sossusvlei complete, travel on to explore the ravine walls of the Sesriem Canyon, carved out by the Tsauchab River.

DAY 7 - SOLITAIRE – SWAKOPMUND (B)

After breakfast, we drive to the German-inspired seaside town of Swakopmund with its colonial buildings and encroaching desert.

HOTEL - The Delight (2 nights)

DAY 8 - SWAKOPMUND AT LEISURE (B, Be My Guest)

During your free time perhaps consider joining an Optional Experience catamaran wildlife cruise in Walvis Bay in search of the marine 'Big 5'. Or make the most of your free time by sampling Black Forest cake and Florentiners at one of the town's quaint German Bäckerei or indulge in some locally brewed Windhoek Lager. Then it's time to 'Connect With Locals' and savour some hearty vetkoek with a Damara family in Swakopmund's Mondesa Township during our 'Be My Guest 'experience, where you'll learn about life in the township.

DAY 9 - SWAKOPMUND – DAMARALAND (B, D)

Follow Namibia's salt route en route to Damaraland, a place where mysterious flat-topped lava mountains and petrified trees cast shadows across the terracotta-coloured terrain. We make an important stop at Twyfelfontein to admire its ancient rock engravings, then explore the rocky-red Organ Pipes carved into the face of the mountain before arriving at our lodge - one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories'. After settling in to our accommodation, we'll embark on a nature drive on the property.

HOTEL - Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

DAY 10 - DAMARALAND – ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK AREA (2 NIGHTS)

As we journey north, we make a brief stop to visit the Petrified Forest and its unique fossilised tree trunks. Meet the OvaHimba tribe with whom we'll 'Dive Into Culture' to gain insights into their hunter-gatherer traditions that have spanned thousands of years. Your visit will 'Make A Difference' by contributing to funds used for food and other necessities. Despite vast desolate landscapes, Namibia is renowned for its wildlife and there's no better place to encounter the array of animal and birdlife that live within its borders than Etosha National Park.

HOTEL - Etosha Safari Lodge (2 nights)

DAY 11 - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK FULL DAY SAFARI (B, D)

Explore one of the world's great wildlife sanctuaries on a full-day safari to gain an understanding of its diverse eco-system. Enjoy a deep connection with your natural surrounds, joining a guide who will uncover the secrets of the bush and maximise your game viewing chances.

DAY 12 - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK AREA – WINDHOEK (B, Farewell Dinner)

We bid farewell to Etosha and travel south back to Windhoek. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner at one of the city's most famous and lively beer houses to celebrate the end of a magical journey through Namibia.

HOTEL - Windhoek Country Club Resort

DAY 13 - DEPART WINDHOEK (B)

With our journey at its close, we say goodbye to our new-found friends and transfer to Windhoek airport.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin share - from $6950 per person / Solo Traveller - from $7760

• 14-26 Mar 2020
• 18-30 Apr 2020

Twin share - from $7150 per person / Solo Traveller - from $7960

• 02-14 May 2020
• 13-25 Jun 2020
• 11-23 Jul 2020 (definite departure)
• 15-27 Aug 2020
• 19 Sep-01 Oct 2020 (definite departure)
• 17-29 Oct 2020 (definite departure)

Twin share - from $7695 per person / Solo Traveller - from $8575

• 14-26 Nov 2020

Twin share - from $7795 per person / Solo Traveller - from $8675

• 19-31 Dec 2020 (Christmas Departure: The 19 December 2020 departure will celebrate Christmas in Swakopmund with a festive meal.)

Why not extend your stay in Africa and discover more of this amazing continent? Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for the best airfares and other touring and accommodation options.

Your tour includes 12 nights accommodation staying at:

• Windhoek Country Club Resort
• Zebra Kalahari Lodge/Kalahari Anib Lodge, Kalahari Desert
• Canyon Roadhouse
• Desert Horse Inn
• Namib Desert Lodge
• The Delight
• Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
• Etosha Safari Lodge

Small Group: Maximum 16 guests per departure, to ensure a more exclusive expedition.

Airport Transfers

All guests benefit from complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the arrival and departure day of their guided holiday. Guests arriving before or leaving after the scheduled holiday may also book a transfer, providing they also purchase the additional pre-and/or post-holiday hotel accommodation from Trafalgar. Transfers are always included in conjunction with pre and/or post hotel nights on all itineraries.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that all guests have a travel insurance policy to ensure your peace of mind before and while travelling. It's important that you protect yourself in case of trip cancellations, an interruption for any reason, baggage delays or loss of baggage and medical expenses.

Will I need a passport?

Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa?

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Will I need any vaccinations?

This will depend on the destinations you are travelling and your personal health circumstances. Be sure to speak to your doctor to find out if vaccinations are required. If you are taking medication or suffer from any form of illness, ensure you have an adequate supply of medication before departing for your holiday.

Will I need electrical adaptors?

Electrical plugs and outlets differ throughout the world. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor that’s suitable for the countries you are travelling to.

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”) and weight not exceeding 23 kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.

Is luggage handling provided?

All luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.

Are tips included?

We’ll check you in, look after your luggage and take care of all hotel porterage, tips and gratuities – whether it is for restaurant staff, chambermaids or porters. Please note that Travel Director and Drivers gratuities are not included in the trip cost. You do have the option to add pre-paid gratuities on booking.

Will I need to pack formal clothes?

This will depend on not only your personal preference, but the destinations you’re visiting and the time of year you’ll be travelling. We’d recommend bringing at least one smart outfit for special evenings. In Africa, it is best to pack neutral/pale colours to wear when on game drives.

Will I be able to get laundry done?

Most hotels do offer a laundry service. However, it’s sensible to try and pack enough clothing to avoid having to do laundry, as it can sometimes be costly or inconvenient.

What if I become ill on my trip and am unable to continue?

Your Travel Director will assist you with a doctor’s visit or hospitalisation should you require. Trafalgar has a dedicated Guest Support Department in Europe, or our Operations Department in the relevant country will contact you to offer assistance and advice, coordinate with your travel insurance company and keep in touch until you are able to re-join the trip or return home. This service is included in the cost of your trip; however it is not a replacement for travel insurance, which we strongly advise you to purchase.