Deserts & Savannas Namibia Safari

April 10 – 20, 2024

9 Nights/10 Days

from $10,499 per person – Call for wait list!

Namibia: An experience of breathtaking beauty where adventure meets awe-inspiring landscapes.

 

Namibia is the soul of Africa and a land of great contrasts – the ocean, dunes, mountains, and deserts. On this exclusive small group Source Journey, we will experience awe-inspiring sand dunes of Sossusvlei, ancient vistas, and breathtaking wildlife.  Under impossibly blue skies, we’ll track rare desert wildlife and rhinos in Damaraland, witnessing the heritage of rock art created by stone-age artists. Together, we will explore the iconic Skeleton Coast, named after the many shipwrecks that sank over the centuries. We’ll find endless possibilities for adventure in Namibia. From hot air balloon rides over the surreal Sossusvlei sand dunes to dining under the immense starry skies,  Nambia is a land that ignites your imagination and stirs the spirit. Best of all on this exclusive LGBTQ+ Source Journey, we’ll be traveling by private plane, staying in remote luxury lodges, and experiencing the best in Namibian hospitality. 

 

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:

 

  • Discover Southwest Africa’s great Wildlife of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more
  • Scenic flight along the Skeleton Coast viewing shipwrecks, seal colonies, and giant sand dunes
  • Stay in African desert lodges set in genuinely remote locations, accessing them with ease on private chartered flights
  • Track desert-adapted elephants and rhinos, visit a remote Himba camp
  • Connecting with local authentic communities who live in the Bush
  • Walking along the spectacular sand dunes of Sossusvlei with sandboarding
  • Hot Air Ballooning over the colorful sand dunes of Sossusvlei
  • Small Group LGBTQ+ Journey limited to 14 travelers

Itinerary

APR 10

Windhoek

We begin our journey in the heart of Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek, where we’ll arrive at the elegant Olive Grove Guesthouse, surrounded by tranquil gardens and wide-open skies. Our private road transfer from Hosea Kutako International Airport will ensure a smooth start to your stay. Here, we will savor a delicious breakfast and settle into our rooms, with its large veranda, perfect for al fresco dining. We’ll embrace the exclusive excursions and sights that await, including Windhoek’s fascinating mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, like the Alte Feste fort, the Christuskirche Christ Church, and the Supreme Court.

Olive Grove Guesthouse

APR 11

Sossusvlei

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we arrive at the Wilderness Little Kulala Lodge, our luxurious desert retreat in the heart of Sossusvlei. After a private charter flight from Windhoek, we’ll soar over the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib and land in the midst of this awe-inspiring natural wonder. With exclusive private concession access and the camp’s convenient location, we’ll be able to enjoy early morning dune visits and capture the beauty of the dunes at their best. Spend the rest of the day with your fellow travelers exploring the majesty and mystery of the Namib Sand Sea with nature drives and guided walks, or relax and unwind at the lodge’s pool or spa.

Wilderness Little Kulala Lodge

APR 12

Nature Drives & Guided Walks

We wake up to the stunning desert landscape and the sounds of nature. Today, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the Namib Sand Sea with a nature drive, where we’ll encounter a variety of unique desert-adapted wildlife, including oryx, springbok, and the occasional brown hyena. Alternatively, we will offer a guided walk with a knowledgeable local guide, who will provide insight into the area’s flora, fauna, and fascinating geological formations. In the afternoon, let’s all relax at the lodge and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. Or for a truly unforgettable experience, join those who opt for an optional hot air balloon excursion.

Wilderness Little Kulala Lodge

APR 13

Departure from Sossusvlei

As our Sossusvlei adventure ends, we will wake up early to capture the beauty of the dunes at sunrise. Some may opt to enjoy a final nature drive or guided walk before departing from Wilderness Little Kulala Lodge. From here, we will continue our journey to Twyfelfontein to explore more of Namibia’s natural wonders.

Wilderness Damaraland Camp

APR 14

Exploration of Damaraland

Today, we embark to the stunning Twyfelfontein, nestled in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia. After departing from Wilderness Little Kulala, we’ll take a scenic flight over the expansive dune sea that extends to the Skeleton Coast, offering a bird’s-eye view of Namibia’s breathtaking landscape. Upon arrival at Wilderness Damaraland Camp, we’ll each be provided one of the ten spacious and elegantly appointed adobe-style thatched suites, each with a large private viewing deck. We will spend the rest of the day exploring the stunning geological formations and ancient rock art of Damaraland with guided nature drives and walks. Or join others who choose to relax and take in the breathtaking views.

 Wilderness Damaraland Camp

APR 15

Rock Art & Wildlife Adventure

We wake with a delicious breakfast before setting off on a day of adventure in Damaraland. We’ll visit the world-renowned rock art at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting over 2,500 prehistoric engravings. Next, we’ll visit the mesmerizing Burnt Mountain, where fiery colors come to life at sunrise and sunset. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a 4WD vehicle excursion into the breathtaking landscape of the ephemeral Aba Huab River valley in search of elusive desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife. Come dusk, we will return to the camp for a relaxing evening, together marveling at the stunning night skies.

Wilderness Damaraland Camp

APR 16

Community Visit

On the final day in Damaraland, we’ll have the opportunity to meet members of the local village on a community visit and learn about the inspiring story of how Wilderness Damaraland Camp came to be. Afterward, we’ll say our goodbyes and depart for three days at Hoanib River.

Wilderness Damaraland Camp

APR 17

Arrival & Exploration of Hoanib River

A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits as we journey from Damaraland to the Hoanib River, an oasis in the western part of Namibia. Our arrival at the breathtakingly remote Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp will mark the start of an exceptional adventure in one of the world’s last untouched wildernesses. Together, we will enjoy the stunning desert landscape, and the unique wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, all of which call this region home. We’ll spend the day exploring the camp’s surroundings, with a four-wheel drive through the desert landscape, adventurous hikes, or some can choose to climb the massive rock formations, all under the guidance of experienced local guides.

Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

APR 18

Wildlife Encounters & Desert Adventures

Wake up to the tranquil sounds of the Hoanib River and get ready for a day filled with unmatched wildlife encounters and desert adventures. Take a four-wheel drive through the stunning desert landscape, observing unique and even rare wildlife such as the elusive desert-adapted giraffe, mountain zebra, and hyena. In the afternoon, we will explore the eerie shipwreck remnants and noisy seal colonies, and bask in the desolate beauty that gives the Skeleton Coast its name. Of course, it’s always an option to simply relax at the camp and take in the breathtaking views.

Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

APR 19

Community Visit

On the final full day of our journey, we’ll visit the local village and learn the inspiring story of how Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp came to be. Afterward, we’ll say our goodbyes and depart from the camp cherishing the unforgettable memories of Namibia’s stunning natural beauty, and unique wildlife encounters, and focus on sustainable tourism.

Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

APR 20

Departure Hoanib

After breakfast, transfer to Doro Nawas Airstrip for our private charter flight back to Windhoek for our late afternoon or early evening International flight.

 

Accommodations

Olive Grove Guesthouse

Olive Grove Guesthouse is a quiet oasis where guests can unwind in lush and tranquil surroundings. Conveniently situated near Windhoek’s bustling city center, this delightful retreat has an emphasis on simplicity and elegance. An open-air terrace and flourishing gardens invite guests to unwind beneath Namibia’s starlit skies. Slip into the coolness of the plunge pool with a refreshing sundowner — the perfect way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. The sitting room is tastefully decorated with comfortable chairs and a cozy fireplace. Elegantly furnished and decorated in natural colors with rustic touches, the air-conditioned rooms come complete with free WiFi, a seating area, satellite TV, a mini-bar, and a safe.

Wilderness Little Kulala Lodge

 

Tucked away in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Little Kulala Lodge treats guests to unmatched desert luxury. Cool, serene, and sheltering, the lodge is a natural oasis in the midst of the stark desert beauty. The lodge’s elegant entertainment area offers a library, wine cellar, craft boutique, lounge, and dining area, all set beneath thatched roofs. Neutral colors, tactile textures, and the careful use of natural light reproduce the soothing pastel tones of the desert. The expansive African night sky makes dining under the stars a spectacular way to spend your evenings. Little Kulala features eleven thatched “kulalas” that merge impeccably into the timeless desert landscape. Each villa has a private bleached deck complete with its own plunge pool. They also each have both indoor and outdoor showers. Guests are invited to take advantage of the night sky on their own private rooftop “sky bed”, where they can indulge in romantic stargazing and sleep under the stars.

Wilderness Damaraland Camp

 

Wilderness Damaraland Camp is 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. Simply beautiful, relaxed, and open to the desert, the camp is a model for community-based conservation initiatives. The camp is built in a way that is environmentally sound and offers luxury while blending into its surroundings. Cool off in the pool, enjoy the large wooden viewing decks, or relish a fireside boma evening of cultural cuisine, song, and dance, canopied by countless stars. The ten spacious and raised adobe-style thatched suites have large decks that offer unforgettable vistas across the geologically extraordinary plains and ancient valleys. Simply beautiful and open to the desert, the camp has much to excite and delight.

Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Scenically nestled in the valley where the two tributaries of the Hoanib River meet, the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp offers guests chic luxury in a startlingly rugged and isolated, ancient landscape. The camp’s architecture achieves a seamless aesthetic in its adaptation to the desert starkness. Soaring canvas shade cloth, the color of sand, stretches in peaks and valleys over stilts set on wooden decking to house an indoor dining area, bar, and lounge. A large contemporary fireplace adds warmth and a cozy ambiance on chilly desert evenings, while an adjacent plunge pool provides daytime relief. The camp’s eight pale olive tents are spacious and modern in style, sensitively designed to maximize the comfort of their occupants while unobtrusively complementing the camp’s overall design. En suite facilities provide a shower with a magnificent view, and the living space is further enhanced with a shaded well-furnished deck. The camp looks out over stunning, starkly beautiful scenery and offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay.

The Source Small Group Experience

Explore Namibia with LGBTQ+ Travelers on a Source Journeys Small-Group Luxury African Experience

Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey with Source Journeys to explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Namibia. As a trusted provider of luxurious small group tours, Source Journeys offers an unparalleled travel experience backed by a team of seasoned travel experts.

Experience the best of Namibia with our signature luxury tour, designed exclusively for a small group of travelers. Indulge in award-winning lodges, handpicked by Source Journeys, to ensure you receive the finest accommodations and expert local guides. Our all-inclusive lodges provide exceptional meals, drinks, activities, and laundry services, with dietary requests always accommodated.

Thoughtfully curated by Craig Smith, Founder and President of Source Journeys, a seasoned traveler to Africa with decades of experience, our Namibia tour promises to be an inspiring adventure every day. Join us and discover the true beauty of Namibia with fellow LGBTQ+ travelers on this exclusive Source Journeys experience.

Pricing

CategoryDouble OccupancySingle OccupancyAvailabilityBook Now
Deluxe Accommodations$10,499 / person$13,599 / personCall for Wait List BOOK NOW
Available

Deluxe Accommodations - Double Occupancy

$10,499 per person
Available

Deluxe Accommodations - Single Occupancy

$13,599 per person

Included in this Journey

  • 1-night Luxury Hotel in Windhoek
  • 9 nights of Luxury Accommodations in luxury lodges that offer unique experiences
  • Private safari game drives with experienced guides through national parks and private game reserves
  • Relevant Park and Entrance fees
  • Private Chartered Flights within Namibia
  • Laundry services at the Lodges
  • All meals are included at Lodges that have award-winning cuisine
  • Airport transfers in Windhoek and throughout the journey
  • Escorted by Source Journeys tour director

Not Included in this Journey

  • International Flights
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Covid Test Expense (If required)
  • Travel insurance is mandatory.
  • Personal Expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Visa Expenses
  • Departure Airport Taxes (If required)
  • Optional activities such as Hot Air Balloon

Passports: Your valid passport should have at least two consecutive blank pages and should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the country you are visiting. Visas will be required for all passport holders. Arrival and Departure Airport: Hosea Kutano (WDH). We can assist with international airfares.