Days 1 & 2: Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha National Park, Namibia

Arrive at the Windhoek International Airport and collect your rental vehicle. Follow the B6 to Windhoek and continue from here along the B1 via Okahandja to Otjiwarongo. Here you need to turn onto the C38 that will take you to Etosha via Outjo. You will find the entrance to Ongava Tented Camp on your left hand side just before you enter the Etosha National Park at the Anderson (Okaukuejo) Gate.

Ongava Private Game Reserve is located on 30 000 ha of privately owned land. Bordering the Etosha National Park at the Okaukuejo gate the lodge provides easy access into the magnificent park for daytime excursions. Optional game drives on the Ongava Private Game Reserve encounter prolific wildlife of all species including the elusive White and Black Rhino. Optional night drives offer an insight into the habits of elusive nocturnal creatures.

The Tented Camp provides up-market exclusivity and a true wilderness experience. Set deep in the bush, en-suite canvas chalets sit at the edge of a floodlit waterhole. The central thatched dining, bar and pool area enables guests to remain closer to nature. Spend a full day to discover the Etosha National Park. The Park, consisting of 22 270 km of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, is one of the largest parks in Africa. Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow depression of approximately 5 000 km.

Of the 114 mammal species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as Black Rhino and Black-Faced Impala. The latter is endemic to North-western Namibia and South-western Angola. Etosha’s current population of approximately 300 Black Rhinos represents one of the few growing populations in the world. Their Elephants are reputed to be of the largest in Africa, the tallest ones measuring up to 4 m at the shoulder. Their tusks, on the other hand, are relatively small, due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their diet. Please note that once out of the Rest Camp enclosures, visitors may vacate their vehicles only at designated points.

Days 3 & 4: Mowani Mountain Camp, Twyfelfontein area, Damaraland, Namibia

Leave the Etosha National Park and follow the C38 once again to Oujto where you need to turn right onto the C39 leading to Khorixas. From Khorixas turn onto the C35 towards Uis for about 45 km before you need to turn right onto the D2612 leading to the Twyfelfontein area. Mowani Mountain Camp is set in the Twyfelfontein Conservancy between the Ugab and Huab River. Mowani is taken from the word Míwane, meaning Place of God, and it is here, that you will find the true meaning of peace and tranquillity.

The luxury-tented accommodation is built unobtrusively, so as to ensure minimum impact on the natural environment. The stilt-like supports of the tents ensure that very little excavation was needed in order to create this special oasis. Much care has been taken with the design of the public areas, creating the impression of an African Village, with dome-like thatched structures that blend in with the imposing boulders, which are scattered around the outcrops. Discover the pool deck, lodges between the boulders where you can soak up the sun whilst enjoying a refreshing drink, admiring the breathtaking views from your pool chair.

Visit the Twyfelfontein, Bunt Mountain and Organ Pipes area. Twyfelfontein (meaning doubtful fountain) resembles a massive, open-air art gallery where numerous Namibian Bushman paintings can be viewed. South of Twyfelfontein is the Burnt Mountain, a panorama of desolation with coloured rocks contrasting vividly against the grey-black surroundings. The Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in the area.

Day 5: Olive Grove, Windhoek, Namibia

Drive via Khorixas and Outjo back towards Ojiwarongo and further along the B1 via Okahandja towards Windhoek. Alternatively you can also drive via Uis and Omaruru to Okahandja.

Windhoek is situated in Namibia’s central highlands and is surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains. The city is often described as a city with a “continental” atmosphere. This can be ascribed to the diversity of architecture, historical buildings dating back to German colonial rule, as well as to its cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions. At the same time Windhoek has the “colour”, sounds and tempo of a modern African city.

Olive Grove is an upmarket establishment situated close to the city centre in a quite, peaceful area. One of Olive Grove’s main features is the large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for al fresco dining. The open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia’s open skies.