Namibia: Dunes & Desert Safari - A Marco Polo Journey (2024)

Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia and transfer to your luxury permanent camp set on a private wildlife reserve in the countryside surrounding Windhoek. Later, enjoy a sunset safari drive followed by a Scenic Sundowner cocktail and welcome dinner.

Habitas Namibia | Meals: D

Board a private aircraft for a flight to the 84,000-acre Onguma Game Reserve. Upon arrival, settle into your luxury lodge before setting out on an afternoon game drive around the private reserve. Watch for any of the hundreds of species of birds in the region as well as an astonishing variety of game, including lion, black and white rhino, elephant and giraffe. Return to your comfortable camp set near a waterhole.

Onguma The Fort | Meals: BLD

Today, experience a guided morning game drive into the Etosha National Park to view more of the wide variety of game and bird species roaming terrain that includes grasslands and salt pan. Return to your lodge for lunch followed by time to relax at the refreshing infinity edge swimming pool. Then, head out again for a sunset drive, perhaps sighting cheetah, gemsbok or a flock of flamingo.

Onguma The Fort | Meals: BLD

Fly by private charter to your next destination, a luxury lodge in the Purros Conservancy. Often described as one of the last truly wild areas in the northwest of Namibia, the conservancy is roamed by desert-dwelling elephant. Arrive in the late afternoon with time to relax at your tranquil lodge before dinner. Your magnificent lodge sits atop the banks of the Hoarusib Riverbed, affording an impeccably appointed base for your adventures.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge | Meals: BLD

Head out on an early morning drive through a stunning wilderness secluded far off the beaten track, keeping an eye out for distinctive plant life, strange rock formations and rare desert-adapted elephant. This afternoon, head out to meet members of the last nomadic tribe of Namibia, the Himba. Revel in this authentic opportunity to learn about the customs and traditions of this very proud nation, mingling with tribal members sporting ochre-red braided hair and costumes of hides and beads, and gaining insight into their beliefs, way of life and everyday routine.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge | Meals: BLD

Board a private charter flight to Skeleton Coast National Park, a hauntingly beautiful dunescape dotted with the bones of beached whales, seals and shipwrecks. Upon landing, transfer to your lodge, where you relax amid views of Damaraland’s dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. Then, experience the phenomenon of “singing sand” at the Roaring Dunes before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Shipwreck Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, embark on an ATV adventure through the dunes of the Skeleton Coast. Then, try your hand at duneboarding or explore the Hoarusib River and the Clay Castles, a striking geological formation. Cap your day off with a Scenic Sundowner cocktail overlooking the Atlantic.

Shipwreck Lodge | Meals: BLD

After a scenic drive along the coast, board your private charter flight to the city of Swakopmund, a former German colonial enclave of seaside promenades, half-timbered homes and wind-swept beaches. Upon landing, transfer to your hotel for lunch. Then, embark on a city tour featuring the town’s historic lighthouse and railway station. Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure.

Strand Hotel Swakopmund | Meals: BL

This morning, Ride Like a Local with a private cruise of Walvis Bay, keeping an eye out for pelican, seal, dolphin and whale. Come ashore for your Chef ’s Table experience, a private traditional barbecue set on the sands of a local beach. Then, fly by private charter to Sossusvlei, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the dune sea, a landscape dotted with shipwrecks and salt pans. Upon arrival, continue overland to your luxurious camp nestled on a private concession of the NamibRand Nature Reserve.

Kwessi Dunes | Meals: BLD

Today, explore Sossusvlei, a place of stark yet undeniable beauty. The salt-and-clay pan is surrounded by towering dunes that, together with the sky, comprise the palette of burnt oranges and vivid blues so distinctive to the region. After an opportunity to climb “Big Daddy” — the tallest of the dunes — return to your lodge for an afternoon at leisure.

Kwessi Dunes | Meals: BLD

Rise early for a full day exploring with your choice of a guided nature walk, ATV trail ride or scenic drive of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Observe the area’s unique desert-adapted plants and wildlife, and learn about the efforts to conserve its distinctive ecology. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

Kwessi Dunes | Meals: BLD

Return by light aircraft to Windhoek, where you connect with your departing flight.

Meals: B

Included with every Marco Polo Journey

• English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
• Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations (Where Available)
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
• Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
• Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
• Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service
• Internet Access (Where Available)
• Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
• Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke Tailor-Made Journey based on this itinerary.