Namibian Muse: Women’s Small Group Tour

Welcome to Namibia!

After landing at Windhoek’s International Hosea Kutako Airport, about 40km outside the city, you will be welcomed by a travel representative who will transfer you to town and on to your guesthouse. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and recuperate from your flight.

You will meet your guide and the rest of the group before heading out to dinner at one of the popular restaurants in town.

Overnight at The Elegant Guest House in a standard room including dinner and breakfast

After breakfast, the group will set off on an exhilarating journey southwest traversing the picturesque Khomas Hochland highlands, soaking in panoramic views before descending the dramatic Great Escarpment into the heart of the Namib Desert.

Along the way, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in a breath-taking setting, perfect for your first taste of the wild beauty to come. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, your desert retreat for the next two nights. Get ready to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Namib Desert with your guide.

After settling in, your guide will take you to visit a nearby highlight, either Sesriem Canyon, a nearby geological attraction, or Elim Dune, known for its striking views and easy dune walks. Alternatively, you may choose to relax at your lodge and take in the tranquil desert surroundings.

Overnight at Dead Valley Lodge in a luxury tented chalet including all meals

Situated next to the main entrance gate inside of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Dead Valley lodge is nestled in the desert between the Sesriem campsite and Elim Dune on the way to the world famous Sossusvlei and the Dead Vlei (“Dead Valley”). Guests can enjoy an oasis offering panoramic vistas of the Namib Desert with its towering red sand dunes and rugged mountain ranges.

This morning you will rise early for a magical excursion into the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the Park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world.

Your local guide will give you an insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs.
Once you have explored the areas around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei to your hearts content you can enjoy a picnic in the shade of a camel thorn tree. You return back to the lodge for a late lunch.

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure (from experience, this is usually welcomed after an exhilarating morning in the dunes).

Overnight at Dead Valley Lodge including all meals

It’s an early start this morning as you embark on a memorable balloon flight over the Namib Desert (weather permitting & this will be reconfirmed the day prior). You will be transferred to the launch site, which is about 45 minutes’ drive from the lodge (depending on the launch site for that day). After a spectacular launch and take-off as the sun rises over the world’s oldest desert, your flight (depending on the wind) takes you over desert landscapes with views of the vast sand sea, gravel plains and breathtaking mountain scenery.

After an hour soaring over the desert, a delicious continental brunch awaits, complete with sparkling wine.

You return back to base where you will also visit the Little Bugs Early Childhood Development Centre and lower primary school in Sossusvlei. Little Bugs was established in 2011 with three students from the area but due to demand quickly became a school for many families in the region. As the kids enjoyed quality education in Sossusvlei, the need arose to provide support and training for the mothers in the area and with the focus being on community development, Little Bugs started a sewing project, in which any person within the community is encouraged to join and learn new sewing techniques. All items are handmade and are sold to the public and include among others reusable shopping bags made from upcycled Hot Air balloon material, which work especially well when carrying heavy contents. The aim of the project is to create a sense of community while teaching a new skill and assisting the sustainability of the school.

After your visit to Little Bugs the- fascinating drive then takes you northwest through awesome and ever changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. You will meet the coast at the port town of Walvis Bay and then continue north to Swakopmund where you can enjoy the pleasant seaside location and cooler coastal air for your next two nights.

There will be time this afternoon to explore the town and wander along the waterfront on foot, before heading off for dinner at a popular restaurant which specializes in locally harvested seafood.

Overnight at Desert Breeze Lodge in a luxury bungalow including all meals

In its prime position above the Swakop River and overlooking a vast apricot dune sea, Desert Breeze offers the ultimate desert experience. A short drive from central Swakopmund, its location provides peace and tranquility away from the bustling town, and the privilege of savouring the ancient Namib Desert.

With its colourful architecture that both contrasts and complements the desert landscape and beautiful rock sculptures dotted throughout, Desert Breeze is ideal for nurturing imagination and creation. The distinctive luxury bungalows and the friendly staff ensure every stay here is one to remember.

This morning you will immerse yourself in a dynamic yet accessible yoga practice that gently introduces the fundamentals of movement and breath. This entry-level session features a graceful sequence of poses synchronized with mindful breathing, creating a rhythmic and flowing experience. Designed for beginners, the session incorporates a range of variations to suit all levels, with a special focus on foundational postures and the classic Sun Salutations. Whether you're new to yoga or looking to reconnect with the basics, this session offers a grounding and energizing start to your practice.

After an energizing morning yoga session, the afternoon is yours to soak up the charm of Swakopmund—a quaint coastal town full of character and hidden gems. Later, indulge in an exclusive gin tasting experience followed by a delicious three-course dinner in a unique setting.

Later today you will join an exclusive evening that delights the senses — a curated gin tasting experience featuring a selection of premium Stillhouse craft gins, followed by a delectable 3-course dinner prepared by one of Namibia’s most renowned local chef 's.

Set in an intimate and elegant setting, you'll be guided through a journey of handcrafted gins, each showcasing distinctive artisanal finesse. After the tasting, settle in for a culinary celebration of local ingredients and seasonal flavours, artfully brought together by our guest chef, known for their creative flair and passion for Namibian cuisine. A night of fine spirits, exquisite food, and unforgettable moments awaits.

Overnight at Desert Breeze Lodge including all meals

Continuing on your safari today, the road takes you north and east into the wonderful and diverse region of Damaraland. You pass Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg which peaks at 2,573 m above sea level, and take time to view game and absorb the vastness of the scenery along the way. Damaraland is typified by displays of colour, magnificent table topped mountains, rock formations and bizarre-looking vegetation.

The present day landscape has been formed by the erosion of wind, water and geological forces which have formed rolling hills, dunes, gravel plains and ancient river terraces.
It is the variety and loneliness of the area as well as the scenic splendour which will reward and astound you, giving one an authentic understanding of the word 'wilderness'. If time allows this afternoon your guide will take you to visit the nearby attractions and geological sites of the pre-historic Twyfelfontein rock engravings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) - if not there is plenty of time to see them tomorrow.

The dramatic barren landscape of the iconic Damaraland is home to some of the most fascinating flora and fauna in Namibia, and the best place to spot desert-adapted elephant, rhino, lion, and zebra. The arid region’s attractions include a petrified forest of fossilized 280 million-year-old trees, some of the best preserved etchings and rock art dating back 6,000 years at Twyfelfontein, and the highest mountain in the country, the Brandberg, which is covered in thousands of ancient rock paintings.

The Late Stone Age art is thought to have been produced to pass on information about hunting expeditions, but the area has predominantly been used by pastoralists, such as the Damara and Herero, as well as more recently by the Himba, semi-nomadic herders whose female members distinctly cover their hair and skin with ochre colored paste.

Overnight at Mowani Mountain Camp in a view room including all meals

Mowani Mountain Camp is a sanctuary set within the stunning landscapes of Damaraland. Dwarfed by massive ochre boulders, the camp blends into the landscape so that every soft curve or ragged edge frames the landscape differently, as if you are seeing it for the first time, every time.

After an early breakfast you will be treated to an exciting 4x4 excursion along the ephemeral Aba Huab and Huab River valleys to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, including the elusive desert adapted elephants if they are in the area. Damaraland is home to a variety of desert adapted wildlife and hidden desert treasures. As the elephants are mostly active in the mornings you will normally have the best chance to see them then before returning to camp for lunch.
However, if all the safari participants agree, you also have the option to take a picnic lunch and stop to enjoy that in the shade of a large Ana tree by the riverbed, ideally while watching a herd of elephant browsing nearby.

Your guide will arrange to fit in a visit to Twyfelfontein and other nearby attractions at a suitable time if you haven’t already done so the previous day. On return to camp there should be time to take a walk into the local area with your guide if desired, or simply relax and enjoy some well-deserved leisure time.


Overnight at Mowani Mountain Camp including all meals

After an early breakfast you set off on your journey to the Onguma Bush Camp which is situated on the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park.

You drive through the central section of Etosha National Park from the comfort of your private safari vehicle as you make your way across the park stopping off at selected waterholes along the way. You exit the park before sunset where you arrive at your lodge in time to settle in and freshen up before dinner.

The rest of the evening can be spent game viewing at the camp’s floodlit waterhole watching game come and go.

Overnight at Onguma Bush Camp in a deluxe room including all meals

The camp is located in the Onguma Nature Reserve, situated on the eastern side of Etosha National Park. The lounge and dining areas overlook a stunning watering hole, which affords great opportunities to see nature at play around the clock. Guests don’t even have to leave the camp to see game animals.

This morning is dedicated to memorable game drives within the eastern section of Etosha National Park with your naturalist guide and from the comforts of your specially modified safari vehicle.

You return to camp for lunch and an early afternoon rest, spending your final afternoon on a game drive on the private Onguma Game Reserve, culminating in a sundowner overlooking Fischer’s Pan.

You then return after sunset with enough time to freshen up before dinner.

Overnight at Onguma Bush Camp including all meals

After breakfast your journey takes you southeast through the town of Tsumeb and then southwest through Otavi and Otjiwarongo and on to reach Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation.

The AfriCat Foundation is a wildlife sanctuary founded in 1991 that is dedicated to creating conservation awareness, preserving habitat, promoting environmental educational research and supporting animal welfare. Their main focus is on research towards the conservation of Africa's big cats, especially leopard and cheetah and the Foundation used to run the largest cheetah and leopard rescue and release programme in the world until they shifted emphasis from rehabilitation and release to research. Close encounters with leopard on the Okonjima Reserve are an unforgettable highlight of any stay at the lodge.

Here you can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, superb accommodation and fantastic activities, starting with a guided afternoon leopard tracking activity.

Overnight at Okonjima Plains Camp in classic/view rooms including all meals

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia. It has a diversified ecosystem representative of both the large and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the country’s endemic birds.

Your day begins early, with a hot cup of tea or coffee and a light snack before embarking on the morning endangered species scenic game drive through the reserve, both offering unique insights into the wildlife and landscape.

After your morning activity, return to camp for a hearty brunch, followed by time to relax and soak in the tranquil beauty of your surroundings. If appeals, you can opt to join on one of the many afternoon activities offered by the lodge - these would be for own leisure and account.

Main activities on offer include leopard tracking by vehicle, game drives to look for other endangered species such as brown hyena, aardvark, bat eared fox and rhino, or a variety of self-guided walking trails.

Overnight at Okonjima Plains Camp including all meals

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out and setting off on your journey back to Windhoek, travelling south through small towns and farming communities to reach Windhoek where you will spend your last evening at Olive Grove Guesthouse.

This afternoon you will depart on an exciting afternoon Windhoek art tour with a female-focus — showcasing Namibian artists and offering meaningful cultural insights. This tour will also include a visit to the Penduka Development Trust which strives to achieve gender equality and empowerment by elevating women and creating opportunities in entrepreneurship, enabling them to earn a dignified livelihood. Women who are employed by Penduka receive continuous training and support to enhance their skills and providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Embroidered pieces are even sent to South Korea or Netherlands while the women also create Batik art, hand-made jewellery and recycled glass produced into beautiful beads. A visit here makes for an interesting conclusion to the fascinating art produced by the women of Namibia.

Tonight, you enjoy a farewell dinner but with a slight twist as you relax, unwind, and get creative at your Paint & Sip experience - where art meets fun in a laid-back social setting. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or picking up a brush for the first time, this guided session is designed for everyone to enjoy. With a glass of wine (or your drink of choice) in hand, you’ll be led step-by-step through creating your own masterpiece. Laughter, great conversation, and a splash of colour are guaranteed as you also reminisce about the trip highlights and say your good-byes.

Overnight at Olive Grove Guesthouse in classic rooms including all meals

Located close to the Windhoek city center, in a quiet and peaceful area, the Olive Grove Guesthouse is ideal to start and finish a journey through Namibia. This boutique hotel combines stylish architecture, simple but carefully selected decoration, and personal service.

If time allows this morning, you may wish to explore Windhoek or take care of any last-minute shopping before being transferred to Hosea Kutako International Airport, ensuring you arrive in good time for your international flight home.

This marks the official end of your Namibian safari. We wish you a safe journey ahead and hope your time in Namibia has been filled with unforgettable moments and lasting memories. Bon voyage!