Romantic African safari - A romantic interlude, itinerary

DAY 2:

After a leisurely breakfast, travel along the perimeter of the Khomas Hochland (our central highlands) towards the edge of the escarpment. On reaching the escarpment, take a few minutes to embrace the expanse of the Namib desert at your feet. Descend into the desert to reach a retreat where you will be at own leisure to truly acclimatize and relax.

DAY 3:

Entire day at own leisure, with a rewarding Nature drive included. Your first opportunity to meet the wildlife of the Namib.

DAY 4:

After a leisurely breakfast, continue south into the Namib where you will arrive at a Moroccan-styled tented camp in time to freshen up and have dinner, served alfresco on a terrace, with paraffin/kerosene lamps or candles lit after sunset. Dine, while viewing desert wildlife quenching their thirst at a floodlit waterhole. Lunch en-route at a desert guest farm.

DAY 5:

Be woken before dawn to drive along the Tsauchab River Valley towards some of the highest sand dunes on earth at the world famous Sossusvlei. On arrival, you have the opportunity to climb one or more of these dunes for a breathtaking view of the dune fields. When ready, descend to the base of the dune for a welcome picnic brunch under age-old Camelthorn trees (Acacia erioloba). Return to the lodge for a short - probably necessary - siesta, during the hottest part of the day. By late afternoon, explore the geologically historic Sesriem Gorge.

DAY 6:

This morning you have a personal option (not included in the safari price, but privately offered at a fixed price of N$3500 per person): Again, be woken before dawn for the experience of a lifetime. In the cool, pre-dawn air, ascend in a hot-air balloon and silently drift high above the immensity of the Namib desert. From this exclusive vantage point, the rising sun paints an endless vista of shadow and light over an ocean of sand dunes and mountains. After about an hour of silently riding the air, descend and celebrate this unique event with a champagne breakfast in the middle of the desert. Flight certificates will be presented before the 4 X 4 drive back to the lodge. Continue further into the central Namib, where you will be treated with a scenic drive on which you can etch this pristine wilderness into your memory - forever!

DAY 7:

Entire day at own leisure to explore your immediate surroundings on a number of marked out nature walks; join a 4X4 excursion to view ancient rock art or - should you be so inclined - enjoy a 2-hour camel ride in the desert.

DAY 8:

Today you traverse the endless gravel plains of the central Namib towards the Namibian Atlantic coastline. Enjoy a picnic lunch en-route - in the middle of nowhere. If you are seafood lovers, Swakopmund is it!

DAY 9:

The highlight of the day is a pleasure flight from Swakopmund over the Brandberg - highest mountain peak in Namibia - into Damaraland, and return to Swakopmund along the notorious Skeleton Coast of Namibia.

DAY 10:

Unfortunately, all good things must also come to an end, and today you have to return to Windhoek. Here you will be welcomed into your room for the night in an early 19th century German castle. Dine while viewing the setting sun being invited into the folds of the distant Khomas Hochland, with the lights of Windhoek at your feet.

DAY 11:

Subject to flight departure time, you may have all morning to visit the central business district and street markets of Windhoek. Transfer to Namibia's International airport to arrive in time for your departure flight.