Essence of Namibia: Dunes & Skeleton Trees

Arrive at your Canadian departure airport ready to board a flight to Windhoek, the Namibian capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day. **You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Arrival at Windhoek International Airport where you will be picked up by your driver and taken to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure*. Take this time to explore your new surroundings and marvel at the beauty of this magical city. Overnight stay in Windhoek. *Note: You can book 7 dinners as part of the Panorama Tour program, with meals at the hotel/lodge. Dinners on days 5, 6, and 7 will be at a local restaurant.

Breakfast at the hotel. We begin the day with a quick briefing with the guide about the excursion we are going to undertake. Once ready for this unforgettable journey, we head towards the heart of the orange dunes of the Kalahari Desert: the city of Mariental*. Observe the gazelles and oryx in their natural habitat and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, immersing yourself in the beauty of the awe-inspiring desert. In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable panoramic tour of the Kalahari Desert to witness a sunset with an unparalleled backdrop, the imposing desert landscape of the Kalahari. Accommodation in the Kalahari Desert. *Note: You can pre-book two lunch packages for the long-distance days of the Panorama Tour itinerary.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we head towards the great Namib Desert. We pass through the city of Mariental and the village of Maltahöhe until we reach the giant dunes of Sossusvlei. Check-in at the hotel and, depending on the time of arrival, free time to relax by the hotel pool and enjoy a magical sunset. Accommodation in Sossusvlei.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a safari* adventure like no other where you will truly familiarise yourself with the magnificence of Namibia. Start by exploring the Namib Naukluft National Park at sunrise to watch the first rays of light colour the mountains in beautiful apricot, red and orange hues—the perfect opportunity to immortalise this moment on film. Next, make your way to captivating Deadvlei**, home to some of the highest dunes on Earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take this opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. Finally, you will visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert. Overnight stay in Sossusvlei. *Please note: This activity is done in the morning, before sunrise, in order to avoid extreme weather (very hot/direct sunlight). There are no set pick up times as these vary according to sunrise. At your lodge, please consult your guide the day before to confirm the pick up for this activity. This activity is not suitable for a person with reduced mobility or a wheelchair user due to the nature of the excursions and the terrain. **Note: You can pre-book two lunch packs for the long-distance days of the Panorama Tour itinerary.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day making your way towards Solitaire*, located on the very edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, where you can take this time to enjoy a calming cup of coffee and snack before heading towards the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. *This hotel in Solitaire is about an hour from the park entrance, but its location within one of the country's most renowned bakeries makes it a unique stay. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including scenic sunset tours, hiking and mountain biking trails, and visits to a cheetah sanctuary. All experiences can be booked on-site.You will stop by the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay to acquaint yourself with its shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll also have the chance to marvel at the beauty of African flamingos feeding in large flocks.Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean you will reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. Optionally, you can take part in a truly marvellous dolphin cruise on Walvis Bay** for you to get to know the extent of its biodiversity; from herds of seals to pods of dolphins enjoy the sights while eating fresh oysters and sipping on champagne on board. Overnight stay in Swakopmund. **Optional Dolphin Cruise on Walvis Bay: Enjoy an action-packed cruise tour of Pelican Point and Walvis Bay's beautiful bay area where you will get to marvel at the beauty of the marine big 5: dolphins, whales, turles, seals and Mola Mola (ocean sunfish). Not included: Transfers (available on request; N$200 per person)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today will be spent at your leisure exploring awe-inspiring Swakopmund, known as ‘the playground of Namibia’ for its array of different activities and sights to discover. As you get to know more of this idyllic coastal town, why not indulge in a much-needed cup of coffee or tea and a freshly baked pastry in one of its many cafés? Take this time to appreciate the town’s historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar. Alternatively, take part in a half day 4x4 excursion to Sandwich Harbour*, where you will be able to marvel at the vastness of some of the world’s highest dunes. Overnight stay in Swakopmund. *Optional Half Day 4x4 Excursion Tour of Sandwich Harbour: Hop on a 4x4 to drive through dunes and the sea for you to catch a glimpse of some of the world's highest dunes. Make sure you're on the lookout for the array of bird wildlife as well as eight of the world's endangered species.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will head back to Windhoek, the very centre of the country, passing through bushland savannah. If time allows, while en-route, you might be able to stop at the famous wood carver’s market in Okahandja or the craft market in one of the main streets of Windhoek for you to stock up on last minute souvenirs. Check-in to your hotel before taking part in a short city tour of Windhoek, where you can visit the emblematic Christ Church and Tintenpalast, the House of Parliament. Finally, we recommend one last dinner at Joe’s Beerhouse, or any of the multitude of restaurants for you to choose from, at your own expense, to relish in Namibia's culinary treasures. Overnight stay in Windhoek.

Breakfast* at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure and then check-out. Transfer to the airport for a return flight back to Canada. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Arrive in Canada and end your trip.