Wonders of Nature – a journey through Namibia with O&L Leisure
Namibia is fascinating in many ways. The landscapes, the dunes and rocks, the wildlife – and then there's the endless expanse! With three million people, Namibia has the second lowest population density in the world. Join us on an extraordinary 11-day journey to the country's highlights, expertly guided by O&L Leisure, which now offers carefully curated Leisure Tours trips in Namibia in addition to unique accommodation.
Day 1: Hello Windhoek
In Windhoek, Namibia's lively capital, you will first get to know the Olive Grove Guesthouse, your hotel. Discover the interesting mix of colonial and modern African architecture on a walk or city tour. Historical sights such as the Tintenpalast, an administrative building erected in 1913, and the Christuskirche, consecrated in 1910, are well worth a visit.
Day 2: Off to the dunes!
The journey continues south to Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Namib Desert. The destination is the luxurious Le Mirage Resort & Spa near the Sesriem Canyon, which is up to 30 metres deep and the gateway to the Sossusvlei salt pan. The castle-like complex offers pretty courtyards, a palm-fringed swimming pool and treatments at the Mystique Spa. The resort's restaurant serves first-class European-Namibian fusion cuisine.
Day 3: As far as the sand reaches
We set off early for our trip to Sossusvlei to marvel at the world's highest sand dunes on the edge of the salt pan. The (optional) challenge: climb to the summit of “Big Daddy” (up to 380 metres high), “Big Mama” (200 metres) or “Dune 45” (170 metres). Be enchanted by the backdrop of Deadvlei, where dead and preserved trees over 700 years old form fascinating silhouettes against the white clay.
Day 4: Discoveries in Swakopmund
We leave the desert and travel to Swakopmund to the renowned Strand Hotel Swakopmund right on the coast. Those who feel rested enough can explore the city's colonial architecture, visit the Swakopmund Museum or the glittering Crystal Gallery. After dinner in one of the hotel's three highly acclaimed restaurants, we recommend a stroll along the pretty mole promenade to the Old Jetty.
Day 5: Flowing sand and dancing ladies
Rave reviews guaranteed – experience Sandwich Harbour, where gigantic dunes spill into the ocean, on an exclusive 4x4 tour. Afternoon options: a desert tour on quad bikes or a nature exploration. Discover rare animals – the fog-drinking beetle, which sucks the water it needs from the air, or the ‘dancing white lady’, a giant crab spider that digs tunnels in the sand.
Day 6: Relaxation at the edge of the forest
We continue our tour northwest towards Twyfelfontein, home to one of Africa's most extensive and important collections of rock art. Relax at your hotel, the Damara Mopane Lodge. Guided mini-tours are also available, such as to the viewing platform to enjoy the sunset overlooking the Mopane forest, or bird watching in the morning.
Day 7: The magic of history in Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is a magical place. Here, at the ritual sites of former hunter-gatherer tribes, including the basalt columns of the ‘Organ Pipes’, you can see more than 2,500 rock engravings and paintings that are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were created over 6,000 years ago by Stone Age people who were attracted by the fountain (today the spring and valley bear the same name).
Day 8: Pure relaxation in tropical gardens
At the Mokuti Etosha Safari Lodge (Mokuti means ‘in the forest’), conveniently located at the eastern entrance to Etosha National Park, you will be welcomed by thatched chalets. The spacious grounds feature tropical gardens and idyllic waterways. Enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the three pools, play tennis, watch the grazing red hartebeests, visit the spa or the new SkyBoma restaurant.
Day 9: The majesty of the animal kingdom
It's worth getting up early! Experience a guided game drive through Etosha National Park, one of Africa's most impressive wildlife reserves. Encounter majestic elephants, lions, black rhinos and other species in their natural habitat, a vast salt pan. Later, you can encounter more fascinating animals, including snakes and crocodiles, at Ontoka Reptile Park.
Day 10: Mountain hiking and horse riding
The next dream destination is the 12,000-hectare Midgard Otjihavera Windhoek estate in the middle of the Otjihavera Mountains. Built in 1937, the estate has its own stud farm and also offers horse riding safaris. It has a lovingly curated vintage car museum, enchanting gardens and pools. Sunset excursions, game drives through the nature reserve and guided mountain hikes are also available.
Day 11: Unforgettable experiences
Enjoy one more morning on the estate before travelling to Windhoek or Hosea Kutako International Airport. You will surely remember this journey through one of Africa's most spectacular countries for a long time to come – where ancient landscapes take your breath away and wild animals roam seemingly endless horizons.
These and other fantastic tours can be booked at:
Until we meet again
Two more hotel tips for those who want to explore Namibia further:
- Stay in one of the 16 Chobe Water Villas, which float above the Chobe River, with panoramic views from your terrace, surrounded by over 40 species of wildlife and more than 50 species of birds.
- The Resort Divava Okavango is located on the Okavango River and also offers spa treatments. It is the perfect starting point for boat safaris, excursions to game reserves and the Popa Falls
This holiday tip was presented to you by our cooperation partner:
Header - Photo on O&L Leisure
Paragraph 1 - Photo by CURIOSO.PHOTOGRAPHY on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 2 - Photos on O&L Leisure
Paragraph 3 - Photo by Radek on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 3 - Photo by evenfh on Getty Images
Paragraph 4 - Photos on O&L Leisure
Paragraph 5 - Photo by Peter Adams on Getty Images
Paragraph 5 - Photo by Zach on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 6 - Photo by Michael Kuhlmann on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 6 - Photo by TravelPhotoBloggers/BlueOrange Studio on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 7 - Photo by GetAbroadPhotography on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 7 - Photo by Nadine Wagner on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 8 - Photos on O&L Leisure
Paragraph 9 – Photo on O&L Leisure
Paragraph 9 – Photo by muratart on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 10 - Photos on O&L Leisure
Paragraph 11 - Photo on O&L Leisure
Paragraph 12 - Photos on O&L Leisure
