Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Windhoek, Namibia.

Transit Europe or South Africa.

Upon arrival, transfer to The Olive Exclusive hotel for check in. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Private road transfer from The Olive Exclusive to Hosea Kutako International Airport. Flight from Hosea Kutako International Airport to Doro Nawas Airstrip. Flight from Doro Nawas Airstrip to Damaraland Camp. Arrive at Damaraland Camp
Transfer to the Damaraland Camp, situated in the Huab River Valley in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia, offering endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys and a stunning ochre-purple mountain backdrop. Our accommodations are at Damaraland Lodge. Ten large adobe-style thatched cottages are raised off the ground, each with a walk-in dressing area and a large deck on which to sit and relax, while contemplating the desert. The spacious communal living area comprises a dining space and pool. An open campfire and outdoor boma are enjoyed during calm evenings and stargazing is superb, thanks to the crystal-clear night skies.
Accommodations and meals at Damaraland Camp for 2 nights
All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excludes premium imported brands and champagne.

Damaraland is an area of stunning natural beauty, characterized by flat-topped mountains, wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs, broad valleys, and dry riverbeds that carve their way through deep gorges indicating a wetter past. Today, the rivers – mainly the Huab, Ugab, Uniab and Koigab – flow only sporadically; their riverbeds are ribbon-like oases that push through the most desolate of terrains, the underground water and tree-lined courses allowing even large species like arid-adapted elephant and rhino, sand-dwelling lions, as well as giraffe to roam the seemingly inhospitable desert and semi-desert.
Away from the river lines are vast open plains that in good rainfall years are covered by annual grasses, attracting herds of specialist arid antelope such as gemsbok and springbok. The area is known for its fascinating geological phenomena, petroglyphs – prehistoric rock engravings – and ancient San rock art at Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first World Heritage Site.

Depart from Damaraland Camp. Flight from Damaraland Camp to Doro Nawas Airstrip. Flight from Doro Nawas Airstrip to Serra Cafema. Arrive at Serra Cafema.
Fly from Damaraland to Serra Cafema in Kunene, Namibia.
Accommodations and meals are provided at Serra Cafema, comprising eight, luxury canvas tented accommodations set on elevated decks and crafted in wood, canvas and thatch to create a unique camp that is at one with its surroundings and celebrates the culture of the Himba people. The Ozonganda (Herero, meaning “main area”) affords spectacular views over the Kunene River.
Accommodations and meals at Serra Cafema for 3 nights
All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excludes premium imported brands and champagne.

Set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa. We can truly disconnect, unwind and relax to the sound of rushing water, and explore one of the driest deserts in the world. Respectful interaction with the semi-nomadic Himba community, fascinating guided nature walks, boating (water levels permitting) and low-impact eco-sensitive guided quad-bike excursions complete the experience. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creating an oasis along its banks – a winding band of green surrounded by the lunar-like landscape of the Namib Desert which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north. Game viewing in this area is limited to small herds of gemsbok, springbok and Hartmann's mountain zebra.

Continue our exploration of this remote region today. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile crocodiles. Burchell's courser and Benguela long-billed lark are among the characteristic bird species to be found in this area. There are also a number of endemic reptiles, the desert plated lizard being a particular speciality.

Depart from Serra Cafema. Flight from Serra Cafema to Doro Nawas Airstrip. Flight from Doro Nawas Airstrip to Little Kulala. Arrive at Little Kulala. We are met and transferred to Little Kulala Lodge.
Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib Desert, formed where the natural course of the ephemeral Tsauchab River is blocked by a mass of sand. These dunes stretch for an impressive 400 kilometres (249 miles) south of Walvis Bay, sandwiched between the cold Benguela Current of the west coast, and the escarpment that runs parallel more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) inland. The path of the Tsauchab is flanked by some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, and then ends in a series of pans or vleis that dot the end of this blind river. Sossusvlei is one such pan, Dead Vlei another.
Our lodge, Little Kulala, features accommodation inspired by Dead Vlei. The design of the eleven luxury desert suites offer improved airflow (brick and glass accommodation under thatch), each feature a spacious deck, sala and private plunge pool – all merging seamlessly into the timeless desert setting. A private rooftop area for romantic stargazing, and sleep-outs on the bottom deck of each accommodation complete the experience. Interiors illustrate an extension of the desert's natural beauty, replicated in color choice, palette, decor and art.
Accommodations and meals at Little Kulala for 2 nights
All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excludes premium imported brands and champagne.

Wake up to the clear blue skies that contrast with the majestic red sand dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's paradise. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction.
We can climb “Big Daddy”, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes at 380 metres (1 246 feet); explore Dead Vlei, a white, salt, clay pan dotted with ancient trees; or for those who love a bird’s-eye view, hot air ballooning is on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these magical dunes.

Depart from Little Kulala. Flight from Little Kulala to Hosea Kutako International Airport. Upon arrival in Windhoek, connect to the flight to Luanda, Angola (not included in trip price.) THIS IS FOR TRAVELERS TAKING THE WEST AFRICA CRUISE DEPARTING FROM LUANDA, ANGOLA.
TRAVELERS TAKING THE NAMIBIA TRIP AS A STAND-ALONE TRIP WILL DEPART THIS DAY FOR THE USA.

Travelers continuing on the WEST AFRICA cruise will spend April 1-2 in Luanda and join the cruise group on April 2.