The Ultimate Journey Through Namibia by Private Plane – 2021Namibia

Day 1: Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Today you will arrive into Windhoek, Namibia. Please note the cost of your international arrival flight is not included in your program cost.

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organized, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Having been met at the Airport and assisted through immigration you will enjoy a short transfer to your hotel for the night, The Olive Exclusive. Here you have the remainder of your day to rest up and relax in preparation for the adventure that lays ahead.

Meals Included: None

The Olive Exclusive

The Olive Exclusive is situated in a tranquil corner of Windhoek and embodies the very essence of chic comfort. The hotel, which is the first ultra-luxurious sanctuary of its kind in the Namibian capital, is cool, contemporary, and stylish but with a warm heart and authentic African soul. Its sleek, modern lines are complemented by organic textures, natural furnishings, an eco-friendly approach and dedicated personal service. Each of the seven suites are individually decorated reflecting a different region in Namibia, and each has its own lounge area with fireplace and dining room, for private dining. Wide glass doors open onto spacious decks where guests can relax on a shady daybed and soak in their tranquil surroundings.

Day 2: Wednesday, May 12, 2021

This morning you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel and meeting your driver for a short transfer back to the Airport. Here you will hop on board your light aircraft that will transport you high over the red dunes below and to Sonop Luxury Tented Camp. Please note this charter flight is included in your program cost.

Arriving at the Sonop Airstrip you will be met by a vehicle and guide from the lodge and driven the short distance to your home for the next two nights, the incredible Sonop Lodge. This marvelous tented camp is situated in the remote Karas region of Namibia and within one of Namibia’s most striking natural areas. Sonop’s accommodation is made up of ten beautifully appointed luxury tents, located on top of a stunning natural granite formation that the area is so famous for.

Sonop places a strong emphasis on wellbeing and relaxation, and while it boasts several incredibly excursions that are included in your stay, many visitors choose to simply relax at the lodge soaking in their vast surroundings.

Meals Included: Full board (Including Local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Sonop Luxury Tented Camp

Nestled within an extraordinary Nature Reserve on the Southern edge of the Namibian desert, Sonop was created in the form of a luxurious tented camp constructed on top of a bed of ancient boulders. Ten lavish tents invite guests to live the life of yesteryear’s famed explorers from the early 20th century. Just like those travelers who traded their beloved homes for the bare Namibian desert dunes, guests at Sonop will get a taste of living in complete isolation while enjoying the comfort of their luxurious accommodation. The tents are very spacious and feature a four-poster bed with king-size mattress, a distinct living area where guests can relax in comfortable armchairs, a large desk, a vintage chest of drawers to store belongings, as well as an en-suite bathroom. Sonop truly is a unique experience that needs to be seen to be believed.

Day 3: Thursday, May 13, 2021

Today you have at leisure to explore this stunning desert landscape. Situated in southwestern Namibia at the edge of the world-renowned Namib Desert, the Tiras Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for visitors who venture to this red granite wonderland and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this region. Namibian landscapes are synonymous with tranquility, serenity and endless open spaces and the magnificent Tiras Mountains encapsulate this quiet charm.

Sonop boasts a number of included activities such as nature drives and walks, as well as some more unique experiences that can be discussed upon arrival. The lodge’s friendly team of guides will be happy to tailor the experiences to accommodate your special interests or requirements. The electric bike tour is highly recommended!

Many guests however choose to simply bask in the heated outdoor infinity pool, gazing out over the surrounding desert. Another relaxing option would be to visit the spa where a variety of treatments and massages are available (payable locally).

Meals Included: Full Board (Including local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Sonop Luxury Tented Camp

Nestled within an extraordinary Nature Reserve on the Southern edge of the Namibian desert, Sonop was created in the form of a luxurious tented camp constructed on top of a bed of ancient boulders. Ten lavish tents invite guests to live the life of yesteryear’s famed explorers from the early 20th century. Just like those travelers who traded their beloved homes for the bare Namibian desert dunes, guests at Sonop will get a taste of living in complete isolation while enjoying the comfort of their luxurious accommodation. The tents are very spacious and feature a four-poster bed with king-size mattress, a distinct living area where guests can relax in comfortable armchairs, a large desk, a vintage chest of drawers to store belongings, as well as an en-suite bathroom. Sonop truly is a unique experience that needs to be seen to be believed.

Day 4: Friday, May 14, 2021

This morning you will enjoy a farewell breakfast at Sonop before your guide transfers you back to the nearby airstrip. Here you will board your light aircraft flight that will take you to your next destination, Little Kulala in the world famous Sossusvlei region. Please note todays Charter flight is included in your program cost.

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 1,300 feet -some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles.

Meals Included: Full Board (Including local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Little Kulala

Little Kulala is the closest luxury desert retreat to the famous Sossusvlei dunes. Guests enjoy exclusive private concession access and the camp’s location makes early morning dune visits (to see Sossusvlei at its best) very easy. Eleven luxury desert suites expanded to offer improved airflow, each have a private plunge pool, private rooftop area for sundowners, "African tapas" and other rooftop dinners or stargazing, a signature sleep-out experience on the bottom deck of each accommodation to allow for easy access during the night, luxury fittings, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. In terms of color and form, Little Kulala blends seamlessly into the desert landscape with interiors reflecting the environment. Activities make the most of the solitude and stark beauty of the Namib Desert, with nature drives and guided walks revealing the majesty and mystery of the Namib Sand Sea.

Day 5: Saturday, May 15, 2021

Today you will continue to explore this breath-taking region. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, hot air ballooning experiences are on offer (at additional cost), followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

Meals Included: Full board (Including Local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Little Kulala

Little Kulala is the closest luxury desert retreat to the famous Sossusvlei dunes. Guests enjoy exclusive private concession access and the camp’s location makes early morning dune visits (to see Sossusvlei at its best) very easy. Eleven luxury desert suites expanded to offer improved airflow, each have a private plunge pool, private rooftop area for sundowners, "African tapas" and other rooftop dinners or stargazing, a signature sleep-out experience on the bottom deck of each accommodation to allow for easy access during the night, luxury fittings, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. In terms of color and form, Little Kulala blends seamlessly into the desert landscape with interiors reflecting the environment. Activities make the most of the solitude and stark beauty of the Namib Desert, with nature drives and guided walks revealing the majesty and mystery of the Namib Sand Sea.

Day 6: Sunday, May 16, 2021

This morning after breakfast you will make your way back to the nearby airstrip and board your charter flight to the Kunene River region. Please note todays Charter flight is included in your program cost.

Arriving at the local airstrip you will be met by your local guide and together you will make your way to your home for the next few days, the incredible Serra Cafema.

Set under lush trees on the banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa. Guests can truly disconnect, unwind and relax to the sound of rushing water, and explore one of the driest deserts in the world. Respectful interaction with the semi-nomadic Himba community, fascinating nature walks, boating (water levels permitting), and low-impact guided quad-bike excursions complete the experience. Here you will have two nights to explore this amazing region.

Meals Included: Full board (Including Local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Serra Cafema

The eight chalets that make up Serra Cafema are set on elevated decks and crafted in wood, canvas and thatch resulting in a unique camp that is both at one with its surroundings and celebrates the culture of the local Himba people. The Ozonganda (meaning “main area”) affords spectacular views over the Kunene River and is the perfect location from which to sit an soak in the tranquil surroundings. The lodge has a mutually beneficial partnership with the Marienfluss Conservancy, which is owned primarily by the Himba people, the benefits of which include lease fees, employment and skills transfer.

Day 7: Monday, May 17, 2021

Today you have at leisure to explore one of the many exciting activities available through the lodge.

Bordering Angola in northern Namibia, Kunene is a region as well as the name of a river, which is one of just five perennial rivers in Namibia. The Kunene River is an invaluable source of water for the local Himba people, and it has been the mainstay of their existence for hundreds of years. For travelers, the river’s most striking feature is the magnificent Epupa Falls, which cascade over a distance of almost a mile downstream, with an impressive vertical drop of around 200ft.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are both popular pursuits in this area. Visitors can look forward to an array of exciting activities including learning about local culture with a trip to a traditional Himba village, hiking, sundowner cruises, canoeing, kayaking, game viewing and excellent bird watching.

Meals Included: Full board (Including Local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Serra Cafema

The eight chalets that make up Serra Cafema are set on elevated decks and crafted in wood, canvas and thatch resulting in a unique camp that is both at one with its surroundings and celebrates the culture of the local Himba people. The Ozonganda (meaning “main area”) affords spectacular views over the Kunene River and is the perfect location from which to sit an soak in the tranquil surroundings. The lodge has a mutually beneficial partnership with the Marienfluss Conservancy, which is owned primarily by the Himba people, the benefits of which include lease fees, employment and skills transfer.

Day 8: Tuesday, May 18, 2021

This morning you will make your way back to the nearby airstrip and make your way to Onguma Game Reserve. Please note todays Charter flight is included in your program cost.

Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher’s Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve features over 34000 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The seasonal rains attract thousands of migrating birds to the Fisher’s Pan wetland area. The neighboring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including four of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park to view abundant game in the largest national park in Namibia.

Meals Included: Full board (Including Local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Onguma The Fort

Onguma The Fort is unlike any other lodge in Namibia, truly one of its kind. It is constructed in exactly the right location to give guests one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia - overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans, decorated only with its wild animals and hundreds of Camel Thorn trees. Massive raw walls, stunning stone clad features and a huge tower with dramatic views overlooking Etosha and Fisher’s Pan combine to create an unforgettable experience. Onguma's fabulous new water-level hide affords guests a great opportunity to calmly sit and enjoy nature unobserved. Amateur and professional photographers alike love the angles and light from this equipped viewing area.

Day 9: Wednesday, May 19, 2021

During your stay at Onguma Game Reserve you will have the opportunity to join two safari drives each day. One in the early morning and then another that leaves in the late afternoon and returns shortly after dark. Please note you are in no way obligated to join both of these daily drives and if you would prefer to sleep in one morning and simply join the afternoon drive (or vice versa) you are of course welcome to do so.

As the lodge is located in the middle of the game reserve, you will enjoy fantastic game sightings from anywhere around the property, including the communal areas or even right from your room.

Returning from the evening game drive you will enjoy a splendid African inspired meal prepared by the lodges talented team of Chef’s. After dinner you are welcome to either relax around the communal firepit sipping your choice of beverage or retire to your room in preparation for the next day’s early start.

Meals Included: Full board (Including Local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Onguma The Fort

Onguma The Fort is unlike any other lodge in Namibia, truly one of its kind. It is constructed in exactly the right location to give guests one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia - overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans, decorated only with its wild animals and hundreds of Camel Thorn trees. Massive raw walls, stunning stone clad features and a huge tower with dramatic views overlooking Etosha and Fisher’s Pan combine to create an unforgettable experience. Onguma's fabulous new water-level hide affords guests a great opportunity to calmly sit and enjoy nature unobserved. Amateur and professional photographers alike love the angles and light from this equipped viewing area.

Day 10: Thursday, May 20, 2021

This morning you will enjoy a last breakfast at The Fort before your guide transfers you back to the nearby airstrip. Here you will board your light aircraft flight that will take you to the stunning Zannier Reserve. Please note todays Charter flight is included in your program cost.

Situated just 30 minutes east of Namibia’s Windhoek International airport, Zannier Reserve stretches for 350 square miles. It is known for its scenic savanna-covered landscapes inhabited by a vast variety of wildlife. Commonly spotted species include leopard, giraffe, warthog, antelope, ostrich and jackal. It is also home to the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary which provides a refuge for injured or abandoned rhinos and elephants. Visitors can look forward to spotting an array of wildlife, soaking up the beautiful views, and enjoying a guided safari to track the animals.

Boasting only ten traditional Namibian style huts, Omaanda is the ideal base from which to relax, sink into your natural surroundings and explore this truly unique environment.

Meals Included: Full board (Including Local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Omaanda Luxury Lodge

Composed of ten beautiful huts, inspired by traditional Owambo architecture, Omaanda is an exceptionally appealing lodge, whose discrete elegance and timeless appeal take guests on an unforgettable journey. Visitors to Omaanda are able to discover the singular beauty of the Namibian savannah, in the very heart of an incredible private nature reserve covering an area of over 9,000 hectares. The huts are built in traditional Namibian style, with rounded corners and a hand- finished thatched roof. The design is simple und understated; the deep, warm colors are evocative of the earth, sand and natural environment while the interior decoration is composed of rare objects and precious antiques from African culture. These huts are very spacious with each unit boasting a private terrace overlooking a nearby dam and the distant hills of the Khomas Hochland plateau.

Day 11: Friday, May 21, 2021

Today you have at leisure to enjoy some of the wonderful experiences offered by Omaanda. From Elephant and Rhino tracking, to conservation drives and walks, there is something for everyone with each experience more special than the last. This region is not one where you race from site to site trying to check off as many wildlife sightings as possible. Instead, you are invited to step into a world of calm and wonder as you come to appreciate the sheer scale of your desert surroundings.

Meals Included: Full Board (Including local Beers, Wines, Spirits & Soft Drinks)

Omaanda Luxury Lodge

Composed of ten beautiful huts, inspired by traditional Owambo architecture, Omaanda is an exceptionally appealing lodge, whose discrete elegance and timeless appeal take guests on an unforgettable journey. Visitors to Omaanda are able to discover the singular beauty of the Namibian savannah, in the very heart of an incredible private nature reserve covering an area of over 9,000 hectares. The huts are built in traditional Namibian style, with rounded corners and a hand- finished thatched roof. The design is simple und understated; the deep, warm colors are evocative of the earth, sand and natural environment while the interior decoration is composed of rare objects and precious antiques from African culture. These huts are very spacious with each unit boasting a private terrace overlooking a nearby dam and the distant hills of the Khomas Hochland plateau.

Day 12: Saturday, May 22, 2021

This morning you will enjoy breakfast followed by a short transfer back to Windhoek International Airport. Here you will meet your onward flight home. Please note your international departure flight is not included in your program cost.

Meals Included: Breakfast