7 Day Big Cats, Etosha & Desert Namibia Safari

The 7 Day Big Cats, Etosha & Desert Namibia Safari starts off with an overnight stay at Amani Lodge where you will have the opportunity to see large cats up close and personal. Your stay will contribute to the conservation of these wonderful animals. A fantastic educational experience offering excellent photographic opportunities.

From there you will head out to Etosha National Park where you will get so see Africa's wildlife including vast herds of antelope and predators including lion, leopard and cheetah. You will also get to visit the Etosha Salt Pan with its wide shimmering horizons.

Then this Budget Namibian Safari heads to coastal Swakopmund for an overnight stop and some free time to enjoy optional activities and explore the charming town.

Next we make our way into the Namib Desert to the Sossusvlei Dunes area where you will stay in accommodation with views of the desert and mountains. Experience the vast "emptiness" of the Namibian Desert and marvel at some of the highest sand dunes in the world including renowned Dune 45. Visit the stark Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon in the ancient Namib Desert of the Namib Naukluft Park.

A fantastic and affordable interactive wildlife and desert experience in Namibia!

DAY 1: AMANI LODGE

On day one of the Big Cats, Etosha & Desert Namibia Safari you are collected from the airport in Windhoek on arrival and transferred to Amani Lodge. Our first night stay is at the Amani Lodge in beautiful thatch bungalows with en-suite facilities. 

In the afternoon you have the chance to join a tour of the resident large cats at feeding time. These predators are kept at a wildlife center at the lodge as they cannot be re-located back into the wild. This is a great opportunity to get up close to Africa's big cats and learn more about these fascinating animals, as well as getting some excellent photographs of them.

At the end of the day you can enjoy a champagne sundowner before returning to the lodge for dinner. Your stay at the lodge supports the wildlife project and helps with the costs of keeping these magnificent animals alive. We overnight in twin share bungalows with en-suite facilities. (D, B, B + feeding game drive & champagne sundowner)

DAY 2: LODGE, NEAR ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast you will be transferred to a guesthouse in Windhoek, departing from Windhoek at 8:30am for the mighty Etosha National Park.

Driving north to Etosha Park we stop at Otjiwarongo along the way and enjoy a road side lunch before entering Etosha National Park.

We make our way into Etosha via the Anderson Gate embarking on an afternoon game drive to some of the waterholes nearby. Our game drive takes us in search of Etosha's wildlife especially the predators, as well as zebra, giraffe, elephant and rhino.  

Just before sunset we arrive at our affordable Namibian lodge near the gates of Etosha National Park. Accommodation is in twin share permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Dinner is prepared by your safari guide and after our first exciting day on safari in Etosha Park an early night is recommended. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: LODGE, NEAR ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Today we leave our safari lodge at sunrise heading for Etosha early to ensure that we reach the gates as they open. We explore Etosha Park on a game drive stopping for a light breakfast in the mid-morning.

Our game drive takes us halfway across the vast Etosha Park in search of four of the Big Five of Africa (lion, rhino, leopard and elephant) as well as the abundance of plains game found in this wilderness area. We visit many waterholes along the way to our next stop in Etosha, Halali Camp. Halali offers a cool retreat from the heat and we rest here during the hottest part of the day. Your safari guide will prepare a delicious lunch while you take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or relax at the camp's waterhole. 

After lunch our exploration of Etosha Park continues with a visit to the expansive Etosha Pan. We stop to walk on the flat pan and experience the immenseness of this 4500 sq km saltpan (seasonal).  We then continue our game drive back to Okaukuejo calling into some well-known waterholes and leaving the park before sunset. We stay near Etosha in twin share rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Dinner is prepared by your safari guide and we again retire early. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: SWAKOPMUND

On day 4 we have a leisurely breakfast at our affordable safari lodge before driving south towards Swakopmund via Outjo and Omaruru. Your guide serves a light lunch en-route and we arrive in Swakopmund in the early afternoon.

In the afternoon there is time for you to explore the charming seaside town of Swakopmund on foot and relax at the lodge. We overnight at a lodge in Swakopmund in en-suite rooms on a twin share basis. In the evening you can enjoy dinner in one of the many local restaurants (own expense). (B, L)

DAY 5: LODGE, NEAR SESRIEM

The morning is free for you to explore Swakopmund with its colonial architecture and participate in optional adventure activities. After breakfast at the lodge we highly recommend a visit to the Swakopmund Museum or Aquarium (unguided) or for those in search of a thrill you can join the 2-hour quad biking excursion into the sand dune belt to get your adrenaline pumping!

At 12:00pm noon in summer (11:00am in wintertime) we leave Swakopmund, driving through the Namib Desert. We travel via the Kuiseb Canyon and Solitaire arriving at our camp near Sesriem in the late afternoon. 

In the late afternoon we arrive at our safari camp near Sesriem and have some time to relax and enjoy the scenic setting. After settling in, we take a short walk to the Naukluft mountain range in time to catch a spectacular African sunset over the Namib Desert.

We stay in twin rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Dinner is prepared by your safari guide back at the lodge, featuring a pool and a bar. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: LODGE, NEAR SESRIEM

Today we leave camp at dawn arriving at the Namib Naukluft Park gate as the sun rises.

Our drive takes us down an ancient river bed surrounded by the towering dunes of the Namib as we head to the 2x4 parking area (around 55kms). From here we take a 4x4 shuttle into the Sossusvlei Dunes area to admire the beautiful orange-red sand dunes in the warm early morning light. The Sossusvlei Dunes of Namibia are amongst the highest dunes in the world and exploring this desert area we experience the quiet tranquility and solitude of this distinctive region.

We explore the unique Sossusvlei area on foot before travelling into the barren Dead Vlei. This large expanse of bleached flat clay is covered in cracks and dotted with skeletal thorn trees, contrasting sharply with the huge, vibrantly coloured dunes in the background. From Dead Vlei we can either walk or catch the 4x4 shuttle back to our safari vehicle.

Along the way back to our overnight lodge accommodation we stop at the famous Dune 45. We climb the renowned sand dune or explore the area around the base, depending on what you prefer. Then we make our way back to Sesriem, visiting the nearby Sesriem Canyon, one of the few permanent water sources in the Namib. After Sesriem Canyon we return to our safari lodge arriving in the late afternoon in time to catch a stunning sunset over the desert.

Our overnight stay is in twin share rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms. Dinner will be prepared by your safari guide at camp. (B, L, D)


DAY 7: WINDHOEK

After a leisurely breakfast at our comfortable lodge near Sesriem we make our way back to Windhoek via Bullsport and Rehoboth.

We arrive in Windhoek before lunchtime bringing this great combination Big Cats, Etosha & Desert Namibia Safari to a close. You will be dropped at your accommodation of choice or transferred directly to the International Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Namibia Tour Accommodation

Etosha Lodge Accommodation:

Our preferred Etosha Lodge accommodation is located near Etosha National Park, just 2 km outside the game reserve. We stay in twin share permanent tents featuring reverse cycle air-conditioning, as well as private shower and toilet facilities and an outside sitting area.  

Each spacious safari style tent is fitted with interior lighting, twin beds, good quality linen and extra blankets. Small sleeper couches can be used for children under 12 years, however we recommend booking an extra bungalow for children around this age for comfort. Camp facilities include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a bar, dstv, and a small shop and restaurant. Although Namibia doesn't have an official rating system, the lodge near Etosha is considered the equivalent of 3 star accommodation.

Our other Etosha lodge options are all located within 25km of the Anderson gate on the western side of Etosha National Park and will be of similar standard.

Swakopmund Lodge Accommodation:

In Swakopmund our friendly lodge accommodation is centrally located within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants and craft market. The lodge rooms feature a double bed or twin single beds and have a private shower and toilet facilities. Rooms are fitted with bedside lights and cupboards for your luggage. The lodge has a relaxed atmosphere and a basic continental or cooked breakfast is available (included in the tour price). 

Namib Desert Accommodation:

Our selected Namib Desert Camp is located 3 km outside the Namib Naukluft National Park, not far from Sesriem. Each safari style bungalow offers unsurpassed views of the Naukluft Mountains and arid plains of the Namib Desert.  

The permanent tents each have an en-suite bathroom, fans, a small balcony and personal braai area. These adobe-style tents are fitted with twin beds, a safe and sofa. Good quality linen is included and additional bedding is also supplied in colder months. Other facilities include a small pool, bar, dstv and self-catering kitchens with alfresco dining areas where your meals are prepared by your guide. Sleeper couches suitable for children under the age of 12 years are also provided. The earthy Desert Lodge is rated as equivalent to 3 star accommodation (no official rating system in Namibia).

Alternative Lodge options near Sesriem are all situated within 90km of the Namib/Naukluft entrance at Sesriem.

Namibia Tour Vehicles

9 seater: 4x4 land cruiser with a pop top roof and individual forward facing seats fitted with lap belts.

6 seater: 4x4 land cruiser with a pop top roof and individual forward facing seats fitted with lap belts.

4 seater: 4x4 station wagon with fitted seat belts and air-conditioning. Used for small groups of 2 or 3 people (guaranteed window seat).

12 seater: 2WD Custom Built Safari Vehicle with large drop slide windows and 12 forward facing seats offering excellent front vision. Fitted with lap belts, a pop top roof and an inverter for charging cameras, ipods and cell phones, as well as a usb port on the stereo to play own music.

Please Note:

• This safari does not visit Etosha's Namutoni Camp at all as it is closed to non-resident visitors or on payment of a very high daily fee, which has not been included in the cost of this safari. Sleeping bags or bath towels are not necessary, but please bring swim wear and pool towels, especially during the summer months.

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park, situated in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, is renowned as one of the best game reserves in Africa.

Covering 22,270 km sq this vast game park is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and even one species of fish. The unusual terrain of Etosha Park supports rare and varied wild animals and birds making it a unique safari destination.

The national park is dominated by the arid Etosha Pan, at nearly 5 000km², with 'Etosha' meaning place of dry water or great white place. The expansive silvery-white salt pan is an awe-inspiring sight with its wide horizons and shimmering mirages stretching into the distance.

Etosha hosts four of the iconic  Big Five of Africa, including both white rhino and endangered black rhino, as well as lion, leopard and elephant. Other wildlife include giraffe, cheetah, zebra and various antelope species, such as black-faced impala, tssesebe and gemsbok. 

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