Day 1 – To Windhoek: Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Windhoek, via Frankfurt, with Air Namibia. (N)

Day 2 – Windhoek: Arrive and transfer to the Safari Court Hotel for 1 night. The Germanstyle architecture and pleasant cafés give Windhoek a surprising European feel. (N)

Day 3 – To the Namib desert: Morning drive to the Namib desert. Stay 2 nights at Sossusvlei Lodge, or similar, in a stunning desert location. (B, D)

Day 4 – Namib desert: Early morning drive to Sossusvlei to explore the giant sand dunes with a stop at the 30-metre deep Sesriem canyon. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 5 – To Swakopmund: Early morning optional balloon safari (£395 per person). Morning drive to Swakopmund on the west coast, a seaside resort with German architectural and cultural influences. Stay 2 nights at the Swakopmund Boutique Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 6 – Swakopmund: Day at leisure or optional cruise excursion from (£60 per person). (B)

Day 7 – To Damaraland: Drive north to Cape Cross, known for its colony of around 100,000 cape fur seals. Travel inland, to the heart of Damaraland, passing Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. Afternoon visit to the pre-historic rock art at Twyfelfontein and see the geological features of the Organ Pipes, Burnt mountain and the petrified forest. Transfer to Doro Nawas / Damaraland tented camp* for 2 nights. (B, D)

Day 8 – Damaraland: Full-day wildlife drive in 4x4 vehicles to explore northern Damaraland in search of the rare desert elephant. You may also see Hartman’s mountain zebras, giraffes, oryxes, springboks and kudus. Predators sometimes seen include lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. (B, L, D)

Day 9 – To Etosha National Park: Morning drive to the southern side of Etosha National Park. Stay 2 nights at Anderssons Camp or similar. Evening safari drive in Ongava Private Game Reserve. (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Etosha National Park: Morning wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park. A vast white saltpan dominates the centre of the park and wildlife concentrates around the waterholes. The park is home to elephants, reputed to be the largest in Africa, as well as rare black rhinos. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 11 – To Epako Game Lodge: Morning drive to the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and visit the Education Centre. Continue to Epako Game Lodge. Afternoon safari drive. (B, D)

Day 12 – To London: Travel to Windhoek and fly to London Heathrow, via Frankfurt, with Air Namibia. (B)

Day 13 – London: Morning arrival. (N)

* Accommodation: For departures between April and December, accommodation will be at an exclusive tented camp in Damaraland. For all other departures, the accommodation is at Doro Nawas.

† Extension accommodation: From May to August a free fourth night at Four Rosmead can be added to the itinerary.

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals