Wilderness Journey: 10-day in-depth exploration of Namibia’s desert and wildlife
① Under the guidance of an expert guide, go deep into the desert and track the endangered black rhinoceros and elephants adapted to the desert by combining hiking with off-road vehicles.
② Visit Ochihuarongo Big Cat Conservation Base to learn more about the efforts and challenges of international non-governmental organizations in wildlife conservation.
③ In-depth Safari Ongouwa Private Reserve with Etosha National Park; Thanks to the special permission that allows vehicles to track off-road, the chances of encountering rhinos and lions are greatly improved; And have the opportunity to observe wildlife activities at close range at underground observation points at night.
④ Stay in a luxury wilderness camp adjacent to Namib-Noklufo National Park, Climb the famous red sand dunes of Sussili in the early morning to greet the magnificent sunrise of the Namib Desert.
Itinerary
Fly to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, pick up by special car and take it to the hotel to rest, adapt to the jet lag and altitude.
In the morning, drive to Ochiwarongo Big Cat Conservation Base, and listen to the stories and practices of protecting endangered big cats told by conservators (this part is a tour and explanation, excluding off-road vehicle tracking). Then continue to check in at Onguwa Private Reserve, which is adjacent to Etosha National Park. In the afternoon, start your first safari, tracking black rhinos, desert elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and lions in this exclusive territory of 30,000 hectares. The pond at the camp is an excellent window to watch wildlife.
Immerse yourself in a full-day safari experience in Etosha National Park. Once an ancient lake, this vast salt marsh desert is now home to 114 species of mammals. You will have the opportunity to witness the classic African scene where elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other animals gather in the pool to drink water, and feel the unique vitality of desert ecology.
Accommodation: Selected wild luxury camps
Day 4 Deep into the Damaraland Desert
Today, make a long-distance transfer, take a bus through arid valleys and Gobi landscapes, and reach the remote Damaraland area. Seasonal rivers nourish this land, making it a key habitat for desert elephants and black rhinos. We will stay here in the eco-tent camp (only 6 tents), which will provide you with an unforgettable experience deep into the wilderness and away from the hustle and bustle while ensuring basic comforts (flush toilet, hot shower).
Day 5 Tracking Desert Black Rhino on Foot
Damaraland is the only region in Africa that has a wild black rhino population adapted to desert environments. In the morning, under the guidance of animal experts, learn to track these critically endangered behemoths on foot through footprints, feces and other traces, and learn about their unique survival strategies in harsh environments. Return to the camp to rest in the afternoon, and take an off-road vehicle to explore the sunset scenery of Gobi in the evening.
Day 6 Cross Country Tracking Desert Adapted Elephants
Today’s goal is to find and observe magical desert adaptation elephants. In order to survive in barren deserts, they have developed amazing migratory abilities, and their range of activities far exceeds that of ordinary African elephants. We will use a combination of off-road vehicles and short-distance hikes to follow expert guides to improve the probability of successfully locating elephants in a vast area and witness how they thrive in this extreme land.
Accommodation: Select eco-camps
Day 7 Crossing the coastline and arriving in Swakopmund
Say goodbye to the desert and take a ride via Mount Brand, the highest peak in Namibia, to the resort town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast. Stay at a characteristic hotel with desert views. Enjoy a hearty seafood dinner in the evening and taste the delicious gifts of the Atlantic Ocean.
Drive along the scenic line into the hinterland of the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world, and reach the Sharis Private Reserve. It is inhabited by a high density of desert wildlife such as right-angled antelope, kudu, giraffes and cheetahs. There are only six rooms in the boutique camp, which is extremely private. Outside the window is the classic Namibian landscape dotted with quiver trees.
Day 9 Namib-Noklufo National Park: Dune Sunrise and Wilderness Experience
Under the guidance of a guide, set off before dawn, climb the famous Sussili dunes, and meet the unparalleled sunrise of Namib Desert at the highest point. The guide will explain the geological and ecological mysteries of this ancient desert for you. Then enjoy a special wilderness breakfast in the shade of camel thorns in the wilderness. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the camp or choose to join a short hike, dirt bike tour, and taste a desert sunset cocktail at sunset.
Day 10 End of the trip, return to the airport
Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: End of trip, excluding accommodation
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