Namibia trip | Private trip Namibia at its most beautiful

Twyfelfontein is the name of a spring and the valley in which it lies, in the mountains of Damaraland in Namibia. When white farmers settled in the region in 1947, the spring proved less reliable than expected. It sometimes provides water and sometimes does not. Time and again, people wondered whether there would be water or not. That is why the spring was given the name Twyfelfontein.
The valley owes its international fame to the countless rock paintings and engravings found on the rocks. The drawings were created by the San people and are in some cases thousands of years old. There are at least 2,500 inscriptions and several thousand drawings on the rock faces, dating from 300 BC to the 19th century. Most of the engravings depict animals such as gemsboks, lions, elephants and goats. Some show tracks and geometric figures, which are thought to indicate watering holes.

The Namib Rand Reserve covers an area of 172,200 hectares, includes four different ecosystems and is one of the largest private game reserves in southern Africa. Here you will find a mix of dunes, mountains, rocks, sand flats and gravel plains. The reserve was established to preserve the unique environment and flora and fauna of the south-western Namib Desert. It provides habitats for a diversity of mammals - including hyenas, jackals, foxes, antelopes and several wild cats - as well as an abundance of bird species, reptiles, insects, frogs and flora. Visitors can explore the mysterious 'fairy circles' that depict the landscape and drink sundowners while the sun sets over this pristine ancient landscape. Declared Africa's first international 'dark sky' reserve, it is one of the least light-polluted areas in the world, so don't miss this excellent stargazing opportunity.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city. It is also the economic heart of South Africa, home to all the major financial and industrial companies. Johannesburg was founded following the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand in 1886. At that time, the Witwatersrand lay within the borders of the South African Republic, of which Paul Kruger was president. The Republic had been established in consultation with the British government, which was administering the Cape Province at the time. Following the discovery of gold, control of the region became a matter of dispute.
Johannesburg’s city centre is colourful, lively and exotic, with its diverse cultural offerings. Of particular interest is the ‘Carlton Centre’ on Commissaris Street. This skyscraper was built in the 1970s, stands 220 metres tall and remains the tallest building in Africa. On the top floor is a viewing platform called ‘The Best of Africa’. From a height of 202 metres, you can enjoy an impressive view over Johannesburg.
Outside the city centre, in the Fourways district, you’ll find the new theme park “Monte Casino”, whilst “Gold Reef City” is situated in the south of the city. Here, you can learn about the history of gold mining in an entertaining way. The new Apartheid Museum is also well worth a visit. And if you’re looking for the best shops in the country, head to Mandela Square in Sandton.

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province, but it is the commercial and administrative heart of the country and indeed of the whole of southern Africa.
The name Gauteng is the Sotho name for ‘Place of Gold’. In fact, a huge gold vein was discovered in this province in 1886, and gold quickly became the foundation of the national economy. During mining operations, further riches were unearthed, such as diamonds and coal.
But Gauteng is more than just cities, money and politics. For example, the Sterkfontein Caves were designated a World Heritage Site after bones dating back no less than 3.5 million years were found there. This site is also known as the Cradle of Humankind.

The central Namibian highlands are much cooler and less extreme than the arid lowlands that make up the majority of the country. This is an ideally suited area for cattle breeding, and more recently large and small game breeding.

With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders, exploring Namibia is truly a delight. Visit the capital Windhoek and the beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country's German influence, reflected in its architecture, culture, gastronomy and annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you need to get out of town in search of the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon Park; the sprawling Etosha National Park filled with local animal species, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the terrifyingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and, of course, the Namib Desert that stretches for almost 1,000 km along the beautiful Atlantic coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in uniquely beautiful unspoilt wilderness.

The Kalahari is an exceptionally beautiful 'Living Desert'. This mighty desert covers large parts of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. It is also one of the last areas where the San-Bushmen live. The Kalahari in Namibia consists mostly of red sand covered with thin golden grass and dotted with acacia trees. Many animals can also be spotted, which have adapted to the living conditions of the Kalahari. There is a chance of seeing gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetahs.

The Namib Desert, or simply the Namib, is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. This sandy desert, approximately 200 kilometres wide, stretches from north to south along Namibia’s Atlantic coast for a distance of around 2,000 kilometres, from Angola in the north to the Orange River in the south. However, when people refer to the Namib, they usually mean the sea of sand that stretches between Lüderitz and Swakopmund. This sea of sand was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.
The Namib Desert forms part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which is Africa’s largest wildlife reserve. In the centre of the desert lies Sossusvlei, a picturesque valley where water occasionally collects. Together with the neighbouring Dodevlei, Sossusvlei is one of the country’s major tourist attractions.

There is no accommodation in Sossusvlei; all visitors to this special place stay several kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep gorge carved by water through the rocks, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. On either side of the gorge, stone walls rise steeply, while birds scurry into the rocks and lizards scurry along the ledges. The gorge's name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, tying six pieces of leather (ses belt - six straps) together to lower buckets into the water at the base of the gorge).

Swakopmund is a small town on the Atlantic coast and has a distinctly German character. Even today, German is still widely spoken there, and you can order Kaffee mit Kuchen in a genuine Konditorei.
There’s plenty to do in and around Swakopmund. An hour’s drive to the north takes you to Cape Cross, home to a sea lion colony numbering many thousands of animals. The noise is deafening and the smell isn’t always pleasant, but the sight of these thousands of animals is certainly worth it. You can also visit the beach; horse riding, skydiving and even a hot-air balloon ride are among the options.
It’s definitely worth exploring the marine life on a catamaran, where dolphins swim alongside the boat, pelicans dive into the sea in search of fish, and sea lions come to take a look from Cape Cross.

Enjoy the stunning landscapes of Damaraland Enormous, untamed and rugged, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The main attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest. In addition, this gigantic area is home to desert elephants, among others, which have fully adapted to the living conditions of this rugged landscape.

Located just south of the Etosha National Park border, Etosha South forms the southern region of this wild paradise. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern border with Etosha National Park and offers a range of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant flora and fauna. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson's Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino. Popular activities include game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks or watching the sunset over this beautiful landscape.

Etosha West, located in the western part of Etosha National Park, is a new addition to this world-renowned nature reserve. Visitors to Etosha West can look forward to exploring the beautiful Namibian landscape to the north, which is characterised by lush undulating terrain and reddish-brown soil, providing a stark contrast to the white, dusty clay soil on the vast plains of Etosha East. The area has numerous waterholes that attract elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and several species of animals. Don't miss this chance to catch a glimpse of the rare Hartmann's Mountain Zebra and black-faced impala.

Etosha means ‘Big White Spot’ and is one of the larger nature reserves in Southern Africa. The park is roughly three-quarters the size of the Netherlands and consists largely of a vast salt pan surrounded by bush and scrub. At the natural and man-made waterholes, you can spot large numbers of wildlife.
Elephants, zebras, lions and various species of antelope can be found at these waterholes, which are vital for survival during times of drought. Some of the watering holes are situated closer to your accommodation, and in the evening, after dark, you can enjoy watching rhinos and large herds of elephants coming to drink. The watering holes are often illuminated, which gives this nocturnal experience a unique character.

Northern Namibia stretches from the remote Kunene River in the west of the country to the densely populated region of Ovamboland in the north-east. Central Ovamboland forms part of Namibia’s vast Kalahari system and is home to one of Africa’s largest wildlife parks, Etosha National Park. The park offers phenomenal opportunities for wildlife viewing, and travellers can look forward to visiting the spectacular Etosha Pan.
Damaraland lies in the north-west, featuring some of the most impressive rock art adorning this rugged landscape. Further east, the Caprivi stretches for over 450 kilometres and is Namibia’s most tropical region. It serves as a corridor for African elephants migrating to Angola. Northern Namibia is a remote wilderness with incredible landscapes and magnificent wildlife, making it more than worth visiting.

In the vast, arid expanse of northern Namibia lies one of Southern Africa’s most beloved game reserves. Etosha National Park offers an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife in one of Africa’s most accessible locations. Zebras and springboks are scattered across the endless horizon, whilst the numerous waterholes attract the endangered black rhinoceros, lions, elephants and large numbers of antelopes.
Etosha, meaning ‘place of dry water’, encompasses a vast plain (or pan) of approximately 5,000 km². The ‘Pan’ forms a vast, parched, silvery-white backdrop of shimmering mirages in an area of semi-arid savannah grassland. The pan itself only holds water after very heavy rainfall – sometimes for just a few days a year – but this is enough to stimulate the growth of blue-green algae, which in turn attract thousands of flamingos.

This reserve borders with Etosha National Park. Considered one of the finest private game reserves in the region, Ongava Game Reserve has global recognition for exceptional conservation, pioneering research and exciting safari experiences. The reserve is home to the lion, eland, impala, zebra and a variety of other antelope species, among others. In addition, this is one of the few private reserves in Southern Africa where both black and white rhinoceros can be observed. As many as 340 bird species also live in this area.

Onguma Game Reserve located on the eastern side of Etosha, adjacent to Fisher's Pan and is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets! Here you will find the opportunity to discover Africa in all its beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve has more than 34,000 hectares of protected area and wildlife. The nature reserve boasts more than 30 different species of animals including kudu, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, impala and many more, e.g. predators such as lion, cheetah and leopard. The latest addition to the already rich flora and fauna of the Onguma Game Reserve is a family of black rhinos! More than 300 bird species can also be viewed in the Onguma Game Reserve.