A Photographer’s Dream Safari
Explore Namibia on this 11-day small-group tour to Namibia’s highlights. We will stay in luxurious lodges specially selected for you so you can live the best experiences in the desert.
Starting from Windhoek, you will experience the best of the Namib Desert, explore the Skeleton Coast with a variety of activities, maybe even experience sea kayaking and have the presence of dolphins around you, meet the local Himba people: Herero and Damara, and appreciate the vast and remote landscapes of Damaraland before finishing with two incredible days of safari through Etosha National Park.
Namibia offers an extraordinary, highly photographic adventure that will leave a lasting impression on you.
Join us!
Quick Trip Facts
TRIP DATES: May 16 – 26, 2025
GROUP SIZE: 11 people
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Medium*
PRICE FOR SINGLE: $5,740 Early bird price: $4,940
PRICE FOR COUPLE: $8,890 Early bird price: $8,090
Early bird pricing ends July 20, 2024
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
Bookings are available until February 1, 2025.
*NOTE: This trip is of medium difficulty. If you have any mobility issues, please inform us so we can provide assistance. At Lesmon, we aim to accommodate all travelers, regardless of mobility limitations.
Are you ready?
Day 1: Windhoek
On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, we will be transferred through to Windhoek. After checking in to our hotel we can then head out to get our first taste of the Namibian capital on a Windhoek City Tour (time permitting), exploring with a local guide and learning all about the history and the people of Windhoek. After returning to our hotel we can freshen up before heading out for an early dinner (own expense).
Overnight:
We will stay in Windhoek tonight. In a luxurious hotel with lush gardens and designer rooms. Offers luxury and tranquility in Namibia’s capital. Ideal for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, as well as a private bathroom and a garden area with a sun terrace.
Day 2: Namib Desert
An early breakfast this morning with the rest of our group before we hit the road.
Our journey today takes us west through to Windhoek, and then south with our first official stop being in the small town of Rehoboth. From here, we make our way past the Naukluft Mountains and into the Namib Desert.
Our first official stop for the day is at Neuras, one of just a handful of wine farms in Namibia, and here we can enjoy lunch (own expense) overlooking the vineyard.
From Neuras, it’s a short drive through to Sesriem, and on arrival in the desert, we can settle into our accommodation and enjoy some downtime to swim, siesta, or just marvel at the stunning views from our camp. Late afternoon we head out on a short walk to enjoy the sunset at Elim’s Dune before dinner.
Overnight:
Our hotel, nestled in Namib-Naukluft National Park, offers a prime location near Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. With 20 luxurious tented chalets, enjoy climate control, private patios, and Namibian-style cuisine. Relax by the pool overlooking Elim Dune amidst stunning desert views.
Would you like to surprise your partner with a proposal in this beautiful country? We can help! Just let us know and we’ll help you design a magical proposal experience.
Day 3: Namib Desert
Embarking on an early morning adventure into the heart of the Namib Desert, we begin our journey with a quick coffee and snack before venturing into the dune field towards Deadvlei. Along the way, we capture the breathtaking beauty of the changing colors of the dunes illuminated by the rising sun. Upon reaching the 4×4 car park, we continue on foot to explore Dead Vlei, guided by our knowledgeable guide who shares the area’s intriguing history. Here, we have the freedom to wander, photograph, climb Big Daddy, the tallest dune, or simply absorb the tranquility of the landscape.
Afterward, we proceed to Sossusvlei for breakfast and a rest beneath shaded picnic benches. Later in the morning, we depart the desert, pausing for more photos en route and returning to camp for a well-deserved lunch. Following lunch, we will visit Sesriem Canyon, a significant landmark serving as a historic water source. Then, we journey to our next destination, Namib Dune Star Camp, situated on the Gondwana Reserve. Upon arrival, we settle in and marvel at the stunning views before embarking on a guided walk to explore the delicate ecosystem. As evening falls, we enjoy dinner before experiencing a night under the stars, sleeping on the deck of our desert chalets, and gazing up at the Milky Way (weather permitting).
Overnight:
Escape from the world. After checking in an optional guided hike is offered to explore the area. As soon as the dunes have transformed to gold and the distant mountains glow purple, it’s time to wheel beds onto balconies. Enjoy a night under the glittering sky of the Namib.
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Day 4: Swakopmund
After a guided walk and a delicious breakfast this morning, we pack our bags and hit the road.
Our first official stop today is Solitaire. As the name suggests, this is not a bustling city but rather a small settlement now famous with travelers for its Apple Pie and antique car collection. Here, we can enjoy a snack and snap some quirky photos before continuing on our way.
Along the journey today, we will make stops at the Tropic of Capricorn, Gaub Pass, and Kuiseb Canyon before crossing the desert plains and arriving on the Skeleton Coast.
From Walvis Bay, it’s a short drive through to Swakopmund, and our guide will give us a short tour of the town to orient us before checking into our accommodation in the heart of the city. The rest of the afternoon is spent at our leisure. You have many options to enjoy, such as an afternoon quad bike tour, a walk along the beach, or exploring some of the quaint shops in this little German-like village.
Overnight:
About our hotel today: stylish and modern accommodation situated in the heart of Swakopmund. The accommodation is provided in light and airy rooms, all comfortably furnished. Each bedroom includes TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The terrace offers a peaceful place for you to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Breakfast is included and served at a nearby café.
Expert Tip
We highly recommend trying some of the local seafood in Swakopmund, with a range of excellent restaurants including both The Tug, and The Jetty, both overlooking the water.
Don’t Miss Out!
This will be a spectacular trip filled with unforgettable experiences.
Day 5: Swakopmund
This morning we will embark on a full-day adventure along the coast.
Our day begins with a drive south to Walvis Bay, where we check in at the Safaris office before boarding a fast catamaran at the Walvis Bay Waterfront. During the boat ride to Pelican Point Peninsula, we hope to spot sea and bird life, including pelicans and seagulls.
We then step directly onto the beach at Pelican Point Peninsula, and our guide will lead us to the kayak set-up, where we will be provided with our kayaking equipment. Setting off on the water in our kayak, we will be able to explore the nearby waters, looking forward to inquisitive seals popping up around us, even dolphins and whales may make an appearance!
After our kayaking adventure, we proceed to the Mola Mola Beach Braai (barbecue) either by 4×4 or a scenic beach walk. Here, we enjoy an authentic Namibian culinary experience amidst the stunning deserted beach setting.
Feeling re-energized and restored, we then continue our journey by 4×4 to the dunes of the Namib Sand Sea and Sandwich Harbour. With an experienced guide, we experience an exhilarating ride over the ancient dunes next to the ocean.
We will return to Swakopmund in the early evening.
Expert Tip
For those not comfortable in kayaks, the morning kayaking experience can be switched for the Marine Dolphin Cruise.
Day 6: Damaraland
After breakfast we leave Swakopmund and head north along the famous Skeleton Coast. Our first stop today is the Zeila Shipwreck, the most recent victim of the harsh Benguela current from as recently as 2008.
Our next stop is Cape Cross, home to one of the largest breeding colonies of Cape Fur seals in the world. Here, our senses will be overloaded with a pungent smell and very audible calling of thousands of Cape Fur seals looking for their loved ones.
We continue our journey, first back to Henties Bay and then inland, across the gravel plains of the Namib. Enjoy the changing landscape as we head into Damaraland, a region of Namibia best known for its community conservancies where people and wildlife live together in some of the country’s most impressive landscapes. As we travel through to our camp for the next 2 nights, we will have the opportunity to stop and meet some of the people that call this area home, the Himba, Herero & Damara. These enterprising individuals have created small roadside markets, offering the perfect chance not only to buy curios but to meet and support the local tribe’s people.
Arrival at our camp signals the end of a long day on the road and the perfect chance to relax with a drink to enjoy the sunset before settling in for the evening in our spacious premium tent with en-suite bathroom.
Expert Tip
Today presents an excellent opportunity to support the Namibian people by purchasing your souvenirs directly from local artisans. Ensure you have local currency in small denominations and be prepared to hone your bargaining skills. Please remember to support local tribes before taking any photos of them.
Overnight:
Twyfelfontein offers accommodation amidst granite boulders, near iconic attractions like the rock engravings. En-suite tents feature open bathrooms and shaded terraces. The main tent serves as a restaurant, bar, and pool deck. You can enjoy nature drives to spot desert-adapted wildlife, like elephants and rhinos.
Day 7: Damaraland
This morning, we venture deeper into Damaraland. Our goal is to explore off the beaten track and enjoy a nature drive through the river beds, in search of desert elephants. Namibia, one of only two countries in the world, is incredibly fortunate to be home to these free-roaming elephants that have genetically adapted to survive in the harsh desert landscapes. *Please note that sightings cannot be guaranteed.
After our morning drive, we return to “civilization” and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein, which boasts some of the world’s oldest rock etchings. Here, a local guide leads us on a fascinating tour of this art collection, explaining its importance to the local people, both historically and in the present day.
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We only have room for 12 people on this trip. Don’t wait!
Day 8: Etosha National Park
Our journey today takes us into the world-renowned Etosha National Park. We enter the park via the western Galton gate and embark on a game drive that spans the full afternoon, ending at Okaukuejo, our base for the night.
Covering 22,270 km², the park derives its name from the salt pan that occupies approximately 23% of its area. Once a massive lake, the Etosha Pan is now mostly dry, except during good rainfall years when it fills up enough to become a breeding ground for flamingos migrating between Walvis Bay and Sua Pan in Botswana.
During our game drive from the park gate, we stop at some popular waterholes to observe wildlife before arriving late afternoon at our lodge. Tonight, we can relax by the floodlit waterhole, offering an excellent opportunity to see nocturnal creatures in action.
Overnight:
Our hotel is ideally located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park. It is famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe a spectacular congregation of wildlife up close and witness their interactions. The comfortable guest chalets offer views overlooking the waterhole. Additionally, the hotel features a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk, and camping facilities.
Day 9: Etosha National Park
Today, we will devote our time to exploring the park and maximizing our chances for amazing wildlife sightings. We start with an early breakfast before heading into the park for a full day of game driving. From Okaukuejo, we will drive from waterhole to waterhole, especially in the winter months, as they support a rich diversity of animals. These waterholes are one of the most unique aspects of Etosha National Park and a major attraction for wildlife photographers and animal behavior experts, as different species of animals, both predator and prey alike, can often be captured on camera drinking at the same waterhole.
We make our way east across the park, checking in at Halali and then Namutoni before exiting the park late afternoon and arriving at Onguma Private Reserve.
Overnight:
Our accommodation is the ideal base for those wishing to explore Etosha National Park from the comfort of a more exclusive campsite on a private reserve. Enjoy the pool while watching a spectacular sunset, and dine overlooking a large waterhole while observing the wildlife come to drink.
Day 10: Greater Windhoek
After an early breakfast this morning, we can head back into Etosha for a final game drive before hitting the road and making our way south back towards the capital.
Our drive today takes us south through some small farming towns. Just before we reach Otjiwarongo and through Okahandja, if time permits, we will make a short stop at the Wood Carvers Market, an informal market for local craftsmen and a good place to bargain for some last-minute gifts.
Our last stop is at Okapuka, located on the northern outskirts of the city. Upon arrival, we can settle into our rooms before enjoying a final Namibian sunset.
Overnight:
Experience amazing views of unspoiled landscapes and breathtaking mountain ranges at our lodge. We take you on a nostalgic African journey, reflecting the majestic tranquility of our mysterious continent and the excitement of its wildlife.
Our lodge is home to most Namibian antelope species, offering opportunities for unforgettable wildlife. Ending our Namibian journey, this lodge is the perfect place.
Stay in beautiful rustic bungalows overlooking antelopes grazing casually in front of your door. Dine in our safari-inspired restaurant nestled among camel thorn trees that have stood guard over this oasis for eons.
Day 11: Farewell
This morning, depending on our flights, we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and optional morning walk before transferring through to Windhoek International Airport in time for our onward flight.
Please note. This itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather or other factors out of our control.
Thank you for sharing in this incredible experience with us. Until we meet again, safe travels and may your adventures continue to inspire and delight.
What's Included
- Private transportation to and from Windhoek International Airport
- 10 nights in luxury accommodations
- All breakfasts
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof
- Mineral water in the vehicle
- Activities as per itinerary including National Park entry fees
What's Not Included
- Any flights and airport taxes
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks other than water
- Any expenses not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips/gratuities
- Travel Insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Don't Miss Out on this Adventure!
We only have room for 11 people. Make your downpayment today and pack your camera!