9-day Northern Highlights Safari: Okonjima To Spitzkoppe
Discover Namibia’s wild heart on this 9‑day guided safari. Track cheetah at Okonjima, game‑drive Etosha, explore Damaraland’s ancient petroglyphs, relax on the Skeleton Coast, and marvel at Spitzkoppe’s granite arches.
Day 1: Windhoek → Okonjima Nature Reserve
Pickup from Windhoek 08:30–09:00, travel via Okahandja Woodcarvers Market.
Arrive mid‑afternoon at Okonjima, check in, relax.
Afternoon Activity (optional): Guided AfriCat big‑cat tracking safari.
Activities:
AfriCat Foundation educational tour & cheetah encounter
Off‑road night drive (optional)
Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Okonjima → Etosha East (Namutoni Resort)
Depart early north (≈357 km, ~7 hrs incl. lunch & stops). Arrive Namutoni by lunchtime, relax.
Late‑afternoon game drive into Etosha East.
Activities:
Etosha East game drive (predators, plains game & birds)
Option to upgrade to open safari vehicle
Overnight: Namutoni Resort
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 3: Etosha East → Etosha South (Okaukuejo Resort)
Early full‑day drive through Etosha National Park (240 km). Lunch stop at Halali Camp; visit floodlit waterhole. Continue to Okaukuejo, check in.
Activities:
Full‑day Etosha game drive
Evening at floodlit waterhole
Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 4: Etosha South → Damaraland (Palmwag Lodge)
Drive across open plains to Damaraland (≈320 km, ~9 hrs incl. Himba village visit). Learn Himba culture at Otjikandero orphanage.
Activities:
Himba Village & Otjikandero Orphanage tour
Scenic lodge surroundings & marshland walks (Optional if the time permits)
Overnight: Palmwag Lodge
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 5: Damaraland → Twyfelfontein (Country Lodge)
Morning departure to Twyfelfontein (120 km, ~3 hrs). Afternoon at leisure or optional cultural experiences.
Activities (optional):
Damara Living Museum
Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Basis: FB (Full Board)
Day 6: Twyfelfontein → Swakopmund (Sands Hotel)
Visit Twyfelfontein rock engravings.
Drive to Skeleton Coast: Cape Cross Seal Colony en route (≈460 km, ~9¾ hrs).
Activities:
Twyfelfontein UNESCO rock art tour
Cape Cross seal colony visit
Overnight: Swakopmund Beach Hotel
Basis: B&B (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 7: Free Day in Swakopmund (Sands Hotel)
Optional marine & desert excursions.
Activities (optional):
Catamaran dolphin & seal cruise
Living Desert 4×4 tour
Sandwich Harbour excursion
Scenic flight over Sossusvlei dunes
Overnight: Swakopmund Sands Hotel
Basis: B&B (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 8: Swakopmund → Spitzkoppe (Spitzkoppe Lodge)
Transfer to Spitzkoppe (160 km, ~2½ hrs).
Pre‑lodge excursion: Rock Arch & Bushman Paradise walk.
Activities:
Guided rock‑painting & geological walks
Sunset over granite inselbergs
Overnight: Spitzkoppe Lodge
Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 9: Spitzkoppe → Windhoek (Tour Ends)
Morning departure (280 km, ~4 hrs).
Stop in Okahandja for crafts & lunch.
Drop‑off at Windhoek hotel by late afternoon.
Tour Ends
Seasons: May–Oct best for wildlife; Dec–Apr rainy; summer highs up to 45 °C, winter lows to –5 °C
Water & Power: Tap water generally safe; 220 V, 3‑pin round plugs
Health: Low malaria risk; check vaccinations & insurance
Packing: Neutral clothing, layers, sun‑protection, sturdy shoes, camera, binoculars
