Day 1
Overnight flight from New York to Windhoek via Johannesburg.
Day 2
Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to Mushara Lodge. This light aircraft transfer is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to join a game drive into the park in the afternoon. The luxury camp is situated on the border of Etosha and beyond the park gates are the richest concentrations of protected wildlife in Namibia, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, rhino, giraffe, hartebeest, kudu and oryx.
If you would rather relax on your first afternoon, the camp has a lovely pool, a game viewing hide and excellent hospitality. The hide at camp overlooks a small waterhole, which attracts various species including the majestic kudu, zebra, oryx, dik dik and steenbok. It is also a good spot for learning about Namibian birds, especially active at the waterhole towards dusk. The evening sees camp lit with lanterns and a roaring fire before inventive Namibian cuisine is served alongside very fine South African wines.
Day 3
The park gates open at 6 a.m. for those that are keen enough for an early start. The open Land Rovers are ideal platforms for watching wildlife and in Etosha you can divide time between the waterholes which are always busy with thirsty animals and the open areas around the great pan itself. If you plan to spend the day inside the park, you can either take a picnic hamper or stop at the small restaurant inside Fort Namutoni, a former German colonial outpost, which has become a tourist attraction. You can stretch your legs, visit the small book store and enjoy lunch in the courtyard of the fort. After lunch, take the trails around the eastern edge of the pan and look for species that frequent the open plains and pan fringe. The gates to Etosha close at sunset and you will be on your way back to camp by then.
Day 4
In the morning you could take a final game drive into Etosha or choose to relax at camp before departing. After an air transfer and depending on your arrival time, you will spend your first afternoon exploring the pretty coastal town of Swakopmund. Traditional Bavarian architecture set against a backdrop of desert dunes makes this small town unique. Originally built as a staging post for the people and goods arriving during the German colonial era, this town is now a well established tourist center. Abundant window shopping is found side by side with plentiful restaurants and bars, as well as a small aquarium and museum, which covers the town’s history. Take the chance to explore the beachfront promenade which bustles with walkers, fisherman and swimmers, as well as informal open air craft markets near the lighthouse.
Day 5
This day starts with a marine cruise beginning at 9 a.m. You get a chance to see flying pelicans, seals, the Walvis Bay Harbor, old boat wrecks, dolphins, and even whales and turtles during the right season. Around 11:30, your skipper will drop you off at a deserted beach at the Jetty at Pelican Point, where a guide will meet you to explore Sandwich Harbor by Landrover. This excursion will bring you to the see the Kuiseb River Delta, flamingoes, saltpans and wetlands. Visit sthe Sandwich Harbor Lagoon, one of Southern Africa’s richest and unique wetlands, before crossing the big dunes for a light meal with snacks, salads, and local oysters and sparkling wine. On the way back you will cross more giant dunes, before returning to Walvis around 4:30 for dinner out on the town.
Day 6
Depending on your departure time from Swakopmond, this would be a good opportunity to experience whichever activity you have yet to try. Perhaps an early morning ride in the dunes, or possibly just enjoy breakfast overlooking the ocean.
You will then transfer to the Mountain Homestead. After arriving and settling into your comfortable room, you can enjoy a late afternoon sundowner drive on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, which has 22 000 hectares of pristine desert habitat to explore. This is a relaxing way to settle into this unique habitat and end the day with truly beautiful views before heading back to the Homestead for dinner.
Day 7
Take an early morning guided trip into the Namib-Naukluft National Park to visit the dunes around Sossusvlei. If you have the energy, you can climb the dunes and marvel at the sweeping views of the sea of red sand. During the heat of the day, make your way to a shady spot for a refreshing drink and a picnic.
After lunch, return to the Mountain Homestead for time to relax and a chance to swim in the pool. Then, meet your guide for refreshments, before taking part in an afternoon activity. You will have the choice to explore the nearby desert environment via a guided walk or a guided horseback tour.
Day 8
Depending on your departure time, an early morning option (at extra cost) is available for a ballooning safari at first light. This offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing sight.
Depart to Windhoek International Airport for your flight home or the add-on of your choice.