Namibia
Namibia’s Splendor: Desert, Culture and Magnificent Wildlife
Program No. 2226960MEADV-1116-60
Discover Namibia — a seemingly endless country that is home to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib. Meet native people and learn about the country’s wildlife conservation efforts.
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16 days
15 nights
37 meals
13B 2BR 9L 13D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
5
Leopard Tracking, Transfer to Etosha, Game Viewing
Etosha National Park
6
Game Drives, Conservation in Etosha
Etosha National Park
7
Grootberg Primary School, Nature Walk, Himba Culture
Kunene Region (Grootberg Mountains)
8
Himba Community, Namibia's Conservancy Success
Kunene Region (Grootberg Mountains)
11
Free Time, Exploring Townships
Swakopmund
12
Namib Naukluft National Park
Namib Naukluft Park
13
Sossusvlei Dunes, Sesriem Canyon
Namib Naukluft Park
15
Program Concludes
In Flight
16
In Transit From Program
In Flight
At a Glance
Namibia is a vast country, even by African standards, covering an area roughly the size of California, Oregon and Washington combined. It’s also an ageless land, home to the oldest desert in the world, cultures that have remained unchanged for centuries, and a rich heritage of stone-age rock art. Come explore Namibia’s vast beauty on safari and learn about the unique Himba, Herero and other traditional peoples, the fascinating desert-adaptations of the flora and fauna, the massive conservation effort undertaken by the country, and the fascinating geology of the Namib Desert.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Some long drives in enclosed, climate-controlled vehicles; roads traveled can be quite rough in places, with bumpy drives. Optional walks over uneven terrain offered. Elevations up to 5,400 feet.
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Visit the world-renowned AfriCat Foundation and experience close encounters with some of Africa’s big cats.
- Search for rhino, elephants, giraffe and zebras.
- Observe a remote Himba settlement.
General Notes
Please refer to the “Travel Information” section on the Road Scholar website, the start/end time listed in your first informational packet or contact the provider if you plan on booking your own flights for correct arrival and departure dates. Program limited to 14 participants. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Namibia’s Splendor: Desert, Culture and Magnificent Wildlife
Program Number: 22269
Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals
A conveniently compact edition of Kingdon's gloriously illustrated Field Guide to African Mammals. The guide includes abbreviated information on identification, distribution, ecology and conservation status and 480 outstanding color illustrations and maps.
Culture Smart! Namibia
A concise and practical guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.
Skeleton Coast
This revised edition of Shoenman's classic, first published in 1971, shows the magnificent landscapes, wildlife and nature of the Namib desert, Skeleton Coast and northwest Namibia in 160 color essays and accompanying essays on geology, climate, nature and history.
The Black Rhinos of Namibia, Searching for Survivors in the African Desert
Bass' lifelong search for rare and iconic animals takes him into the harsh terrain of the Namib desert on the trail of the rare black rhino. With insightful prose, Bass tells the story of the rhinos -- brought back from near-extinction thanks to cutting edge conservation.
The Elephant's Secret Sense, The Hidden Life of the Wild Herds of Africa
O'Connell chronicles the extraordinary social lives of elephants in Etosha National Park with this powerful account of a 14-year study.
The Healing Land, The Bushmen and the Kalahari Desert
A powerful account of the ancient traditions of the Kalahari Bushmen and the very contemporary struggle of a people who have been displaced from their land.
Namibia Map
A folded, indexed road map of Namibia, showing all major and many minor roads, cities and towns, at a scale of 1:1,200,000.
Africa, a Biography of the Continent
With the ease of a practiced journalist, Reader weaves a masterful and lively tale of the continent, from ancient cultures to modern times. Both authoritative and informal, this is a splendid introduction to all of Africa.
Bradt Guide Namibia
From the desolate Skeleton Coast to the lush Kavango and Caprivi Strip to the picturesque capital of Windhoek, Bradt has it covered.
Don't Look Behind You!
Subtitled A Safari Guide's Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos, this harrowing and hilarious travel narrative makes you feel like you’re right there on safari.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
16 days
Program Begins
Windhoek
Program Concludes
Windhoek
Group Type
Micro Group
Meals
37
| 13B |
2BR |
9L |
13D |
Activity Level
Namibia is a vast country, even by African standards, covering an area roughly the size of California, Oregon and Washington combined. It’s also an ageless land, home to the oldest desert in the world, cultures that have remained unchanged for centuries, and a rich heritage of stone-age rock art. Come explore Namibia’s vast beauty on safari and learn about the unique Himba, Herero and other traditional peoples, the fascinating desert-adaptations of the flora and fauna, the massive conservation effort undertaken by the country, and the fascinating geology of the Namib Desert.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Visit the world-renowned AfriCat Foundation and experience close encounters with some of Africa’s big cats.
- Search for rhino, elephants, giraffe and zebras.
- Observe a remote Himba settlement.
General Notes
Please refer to the “Travel Information” section on the Road Scholar website, the start/end time listed in your first informational packet or contact the provider if you plan on booking your own flights for correct arrival and departure dates. Program limited to 14 participants. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Some long drives in enclosed, climate-controlled vehicles; roads traveled can be quite rough in places, with bumpy drives. Optional walks over uneven terrain offered. Elevations up to 5,400 feet.
Micro Group
(12 Max)
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(10 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
16 days
15 nights
What's Included
37 meals | 13B | 2BR | 9L | 13D |
7 expert-led lectures
15 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Windhoek, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Windhoek
Meals:
D
Stay:
Galton House
Activity Note
Guest lodge check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Dinner:
Our welcome dinner at the lodge will be a set menu meal featuring a meat dish with vegetables and a side dish. Water and coffee/tea included, additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We are fortunate to have as our Group Leader a knowledgeable expert who will also serve as our primary lecturer for most of the program, and will provide an introduction to Namibia. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Depart Windhoek, Okahandja, Transfer to Okonjima, AfriCat
Location:
Okonjima
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Okonjima Plains Camp
Activity Note
Total drive time approximately 3-3.5 hours. Please note that activities while at Okonjima may be done in a different order than described; Okonjima is also a rehabilitation facility, so animals resident on the reserve may change from what is described.
Breakfast:
At the lodge, our breakfast buffet will include cereal, fruit, bread, and hot dishes such as eggs, sausage, bacon cooked to order. Coffee, tea, water, fruit juice provided.
Morning:
After checking out of the lodge, our luggage is loaded for us into the enclosed, climate-controlled 4x4 vehicles we will use throughout the program. We will depart Windhoek heading north towards Okonjima Nature Reserve and the AfriCat Foundation, our destination for the next two nights. Along the way, we’ll stop in Okahandja, where our Group Leader will provide an overview of the town, followed by some time to explore the market on your own. The name Okahandja comes from Herero and means “small widening,” the place where the rivers meet. It is a place of great significance to the Herero people because it was once the seat of the famous chief Samuel Maharero, who was laid to rest here on August 26, 1923, at a funeral attended by approximately 2,000 people. Since then, August 26th has been celebrated annually. The town is also an important center for woodcarvers, who practice their ancient skills at the wood-and-thatch Mbangura woodcarvers’ market next to the main road, both at the entrance and at the exit of the town. We will then continue driving to Okonjima Plains Camp and check in.
Lunch:
At Okonjima Plains Camp, we will have a salad and lighter entrée choices. Water, coffee, tea provided; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will head out with local conservationists to track leopards from game-viewing vehicles. These leopards, roaming freely throughout the extensive reserve, have been fitted with radio collars so that they can be monitored.
Dinner:
At the lodge, a plated 3-course meal with water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Species Ambassadors, Carnivore Care Center
Location:
Okonjima
Meals:
B,BR,D
Stay:
Okonjima Plains Camp
Activity Note
Minimal walking required.
Breakfast:
At the lodge, our extensive breakfast buffet includes cereal, fruit, bread, pastries and hot dishes such as eggs, bacon, sausage cooked to order. Water, coffee, tea, fruit juice provided.
Morning:
This morning, we will be driven a short distance on the reserve where we will have a chance to meet some of the cheetah and lion “ambassadors” while learning about AfriCat’s work with carnivores in Namibia. The animal ambassadors allow us an up-close view of these elusive cats, while our Group Leader discusses traits of each species.
Brunch:
At the lodge, enjoy a hearty buffet brunch with water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Midday is free to relax during the heat. You might like to explore one of the self-guided trails in the reserve, relax around the swimming pool, or do some birding. More than 250 bird species have been recorded at Okonjima, including Namibian endemics such as Carp’s Black Tit, Hartlaub’s Francolin, and the Damara Rock Runner. Following afternoon tea, we will drive to AfriCat’s Information and Carnivore Care Center for valuable insights into the work of the foundation. We will be joined by a local conservationist from the AfriCat Foundation who will discuss predators and the conservation efforts practiced at Okonjima. AfriCat was founded in the early 1990s, and its mission is the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores in their natural habitat. AfriCat works with farmers, local communities, conservancies, Namibian youth, and other stakeholders to provide environmental education, rehabilitation programs, and solutions to human-wildlife conflict issues. We will walk through the information center where displays provide more information on the species AfriCat works with, as well as visit the veterinary clinic where we will see instruments used to provide care to the animals.
Dinner:
Lodge dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Leopard Tracking, Transfer to Etosha, Game Viewing
Location:
Etosha National Park
Meals:
B,BR,D
Stay:
Etosha Safari Lodge
Activity Note
Total drive time: 3 hours. Wild animals do not operate on a human schedule, so game viewing is variable depending on numerous factors.
Breakfast:
Lodge buffet.
Morning:
We’ll join researchers on the Large Carnivore Tracking Trail in search of radio-tracked leopard that are free to roam within the expansive Okonjima Nature Reserve. We’ll go out for game viewing in our vehicle, and in addition to searching for leopard we will keep an eye out for endangered species such as brown hyena and rhinoceros.
Brunch:
Lodge brunch.
Afternoon:
In the late morning, we will check out of Okonjima and drive to our next lodge which is located on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. Following a mid-afternoon arrival at our lodge, we will embark on a shortened game drive into Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife that flocks to the park's waterholes to drink. Etosha consists of grassland, woodland and savanna, but game viewing is mostly around numerous springs and waterholes where several different species can often be seen at one time. The park boasts some 114 mammal and more than 340 bird species. Among the wildlife that might be seen are elephant, lion, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, kudu, gemsbok (oryx), zebra, rhino, cheetah, leopard, hyena, honey badger, and warthog, as well as the endemic black-faced impala.
Dinner:
At the lodge, dinner will feature a multi-course buffet with numerous selections. Water, coffee, tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Game Drives, Conservation in Etosha
Location:
Etosha National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Etosha Safari Lodge
Activity Note
Game drive in the park will last approximately 8-9 hours, with numerous stops.
Breakfast:
At the lodge, our breakfast buffet will include cereal, fruit, bread, pastries and some hot dishes cooked to order. Water, coffee, tea, fruit juice provided.
Morning:
We will embark on a full day outing inside the park, seeking exciting wildlife sightings at various waterholes.
Lunch:
At a restaurant inside the park, lunch will be a multi-course buffet offering with water. Additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Continued exploration within Etosha National Park, searching for wildlife we may not yet have seen. We will return to the lodge by late afternoon, with time to freshen up before dinner. At the lodge, our Group Leader will discuss conservation at work in Etosha National Park and what is being done to combat poaching.
Dinner:
Lodge dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Grootberg Primary School, Nature Walk, Himba Culture
Location:
Kunene Region (Grootberg Mountains)
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grootberg Lodge
Activity Note
Total drive time 4 hours. Walking distance for the nature walk determined by individual abilities; anyone choosing not to walk may remain at the lodge and enjoy the views.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
Departing Etosha, we will head south to the market town of Outjo, then drive west toward the Grootberg Mountains. Mid-morning, we’ll arrive at the Grootberg Primary School, located in Erwee in the Kunene Region. We will have a VIP introduction to the school, spending time with the headmaster learning about the challenges of rural education in Namibia. From the school, we will continue on to our lodge on Grootberg Pass, arriving in time for a late lunch.
Lunch:
At the lodge, we will have a salad and lighter entrée choices. Water, coffee, tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
With our Group Leader, we will go out on an interpretive nature walk, searching out little creatures and flora in the bush, and taking in the spectacular views from the top of the plateau. Please note that occasionally there are lions that pass through the area, making the nature walk no longer viable; our Group Leader will conduct the afternoon activity accordingly based on the current situation.
Dinner:
At the lodge, we will have a plated 3-course meal. Water, coffee, tea provided; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
In preparation for tomorrow, our Group Leader will discuss the Himba culture and rural living in Namibia.
Day
8
Himba Community, Namibia's Conservancy Success
Location:
Kunene Region (Grootberg Mountains)
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grootberg Lodge
Activity Note
Total drive time approximately 5 hours; bumpy road in spots. Minimal walking required.
Breakfast:
At the lodge, our breakfast buffet will include cereal, fruit, bread, and hot dishes such as eggs, sausage, bacon cooked to order. Water, coffee, tea, fruit juice provided.
Morning:
The Himba are one of the last, most traditional peoples of Namibia and have little time for conventional practices. We will depart early to visit an authentic Himba settlement. We may need to search for awhile as the semi-nomadic Himba sometimes move their location without notice. Upon arrival, we will meet the Himba and have a chance to interact with them and learn about the customs and traditions of this very proud nation, with insights into their beliefs, ways of life, and everyday routines. We’ll then drive to a picnic site.
Lunch:
At a scenic location, we’ll have a picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
We will return to the lodge mid-afternoon for some time at leisure. Before dinner, our Group Leader will discuss the conservancy movement and Namibia's success with it.
Dinner:
Lodge dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Drive to Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, Desert Elephant Search
Location:
Damaraland
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Camp Kipwe
Activity Note
Total drive time approximately 3 hours. Walking up to 2 miles at Twyfelfontein; the first rock engravings can be accessed after a flat walk of about 1 mile, then viewing further engravings requires walking over rocky, hilly terrain. Anyone who prefers may remain in the visitors center.
Breakfast:
Lodge buffet.
Morning:
Departing the mountains, we will head into the heart of Damaraland, traveling along transient rivers in search of wildlife. En route to our camp, we will stop to view the well-preserved petroglyphs (rock engravings) at Twyfelfontein, an inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Representing one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in Africa, the carved and painted images we see on sandstone slabs illustrate the experience of hunter-gatherers thousands of years ago and their interactions with animals, along with human figures and abstract designs. We will also stop at Burnt Mountain, a few miles from Twyfelfontein. Millions of years ago, when this area was part of the giant continent of Gondwana, what we see as Burnt Mountain today was at the bottom of a lake where marine life and vegetation left their traces. Through a series of geological events over vast spans of time, the sedimentary rock took on colors that are striking when the sun is right. The so-called Organ Pipes, another geological phenomenon, consist of massive dolerite (volcanic rock) in what appear to be vertical columns, exposed as a result of erosion.
Lunch:
At the camp, enjoy a salad and lighter entrée choices. Water, coffee, tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Damaraland is home to a variety of desert adapted wildlife and hidden desert treasures. We will head out on an off-road drive along the Aba Huab River Valley to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, including the elusive desert-adapted elephants if they are in the area. These elephants are the same species as the savanna elephants found throughout Africa, but have simply adapted to living in the harsh local conditions. They cover large distances in search of food and water, so if we see any of these amazing creatures, we will consider ourselves lucky indeed!
Dinner:
At the camp, we will have a 3-course plated meal with water, coffee, tea; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Our Group Leader will discuss desert life and adaptations of fauna and flora.
Day
10
Transfer to Swakopmund, History of Namibia
Location:
Swakopmund
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Beach Hotel Swakopmund
Activity Note
Total drive time today approximately 4-5 hours
Breakfast:
At the camp, our breakfast buffet will include cereal, fruit, bread, and some hot dishes cooked to order. Water, coffee, tea, fruit juice included.
Morning:
Our drive today will take us south past Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, then west to meet the coast at Henties Bay, where we will follow the coastline south to the town of Swakopmund.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch en route.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Following our afternoon arrival in Swakopmund and check-in, there will be time to explore the town on your own, walk along the beach, or simply relax. Before dinner, our Group Leader will discuss Namibia's history from colonialism to democracy.
Dinner:
Plated meal at a popular local restaurant specializing in fresh seafood; water included with additional beverages available for purchase.
Day
11
Free Time, Exploring Townships
Location:
Swakopmund
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Beach Hotel Swakopmund
Activity Note
Township visit lasts approximately 2 hours with several stops and getting on/off the minibus. Minimal walking required; periods of standing in the township.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet featuring cold meats and cheeses, cold cereals, breads, pastries, fruit and hot breakfast dishes. Water, coffee, tea, fruit juice provided.
Morning:
Free Time. You might like to explore the town on your own or participate in activities for which Swakopmund is known, such as sand surfing or quad-biking on the dunes.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy local fare; a number of restaurants are within easy walking distance from the hotel.
Afternoon:
With a local specialist, we will explore the township around Swakopmund for an opportunity to learn about local life as well as more of Namibia's different cultures.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we will have our choice from an a la carte menu for a 2-course, plated meal; water, coffee, tea included with additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Namib Naukluft National Park
Location:
Namib Naukluft Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Namib Desert Lodge
Activity Note
Total drive time today 5-6 hours.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Today’s drive will take us southeast through the awesome and ever-changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. At Kuiseb Canyon, we will have a chance to stop and stretch our legs as the Group Leader describes the geology at work in the canyon.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch en route.
Afternoon:
Arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon, we will have time to relax amid the scenic, tranquil desert surroundings. Before dinner, our Group Leader will discuss the geological history of Namibia and the Namib desert.
Dinner:
At the lodge, enjoy an expansive dinner buffet with a variety of choices. Water, coffee, tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Sossusvlei Dunes, Sesriem Canyon
Location:
Namib Naukluft Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Namib Desert Lodge
Activity Note
Options to climb a sand dune, walk up to about 2.5 miles (4 km) into/out of a canyon, or observe from the canyon rim.
Breakfast:
Picnic inside the park.
Morning:
Rising before sunrise, we will head out for a field trip into Namib Naukluft National Park to view the Sossusvlei Dunes, some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world. Our Group Leader will discuss the formation of the Namib Desert and its flora and fauna that survive in extreme conditions as we see the stark contrasts between this sea of sand and the surrounding white clay pan. En route back to the lodge, we will stop at Sesriem Canyon. This is one of the very few places that contains water year round. After centuries of erosion by the Tsauchab River, the shaded depths of the canyon collect pools of water during the rainy season. Learn the meaning of “Sesriem” in Afrikaans and the importance of this vital resource to early explorers and settlers. We will return to the lodge early afternoon.
Lunch:
At the lodge, we will have a salad and lighter entrée choices. Water, coffee, tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the afternoon will be free to enjoy as you like. For the energetic, the Group Leader will lead an easy nature walk around the lodge grounds.
Dinner:
Lodge meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Transfer to Windhoek, History & Architecture
Location:
Windhoek
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Galton House
Activity Note
Total drive time 4-5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We will start traversing our way back to the capital city of Windhoek, driving in a northerly direction through the Khomas Hochland highlands, leaving the Namib Desert behind.
Lunch:
En route, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
After an early afternoon arrival in Windhoek, the Group Leader will take us on a walking exploration of the downtown area. Learn about the history and founding of Windhoek, with its diverse influences, while admiring various monuments and buildings dating back to the German colonial era.
Dinner:
At the lodge, enjoy a farewell dinner with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out is by 10:00 a.m. A transfer to the airport is included for all participants. Galton House has a changing room and bathroom facilities including a shower available for anyone departing later than check-out time; there is a small charge for use of the shower, payable on site; please contact Program Provider for current pricing.
Breakfast:
At the lodge. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Day
16
In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Morning:
Early morning arrivals in North America.
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
37 Meals
13 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
2 Brunches
13 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 18, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- Apr 24, 2025 - May 09, 2025
- May 17, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
- Sep 18, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- Mar 18, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
- Apr 23, 2026 - May 08, 2026
- May 19, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026
- Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
- Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 11 Reviews
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This program far exceeded any expectations I might have had! Namibia is a fascinating country -- our lodges were excellent as was the quality of our meals. Above all our guides, Johann and Gert were the best -- very knowledgeable, kind and considerate. Yes -- lots of early morning game drives -- lots of time on bumpy unpaved roads -- but all of that contributed to the feeling of being on a grand adventure!
— Review left October 8, 2024
I believe that people who post trip commentaries on public websites should specify their demographic. I'm a 77-year-old woman from the US with some knee problems but otherwise in good health.
This trip exceeded my expectations. It was extraordinary, superb! The itinerary was very well thought out, with two-night stays planned in most places, so we were not rushed. We rattled along on unpaved roads a lot, but it was well worth it to see the unique landscapes and wild animals of Namibia. All of the hotels and lodges were fine. The food in the lodges was excellent. Last and most important: both guides were top-notch. They were not just knowledgeable, but kind, helpful, energetic, hard-working, friendly, and efficient. Johann lived up to his established stellar reputation. Gert did a terrific job, despite this being his first guiding trip of this type. Both guides went out of their way to fulfill individual requests. For example, this is quite a sedentary trip, and I would have liked more opportunities for exercise. The guides tried to help me with this; they took me on nature walks and even drove me to a heated indoor pool in Swakopmund. (The lodge pools are ice cold). There are a lot of pre-dawn wake-up calls on this tour of Namibia, so prepare to be an early riser!
— Review left October 3, 2024
This program was fantastic! Wonderful sights and varied experiences including visiting a school, an orphanage and a township. Seeing the wildlife was a thrilling adventure. This trip requires physical agility to get into and out of vehicle several times a day and to go up and down stairs at some lodging. It is best to be fit and physically independent on this adventure.
— Review left September 29, 2024
Great overview of Namibia. Wildlife, culture, geology abound. Have to see it to believe it!
— Review left May 26, 2024
Namibia is a country to be seen, so distinctively different from any other country I have visited. Our guide, Johann, was amazingly knowledgeable, not only about his country, but its animals, plant life and unique geology.
— Review left May 3, 2024
Fabulous trip. Our guide Johann was wonderful. I’ve done a lot of travel but this was a first with Roads Scholar. I wish I knew about them before. We ran into other parties at the lodges and they didn’t see near the animals we saw. Johann could track them all. He never gave up. His knowledge was unbelievable about every animal, plant, and bird. I wish I could have a Johann as a guide again but he only works Namibia.
— Review left April 11, 2023
The Namibia tour had it all! Amazing wildlife, interesting cultures, beautiful landscapes, kind and generous people, fabulous food, exquisite sand dunes, varied geography, lovely rock engravings, great accommodations, Johann and Sebastian, superb group leaders, and more. The trip of a lifetime!
— Review left November 30, 2022
This is an amazing adventure. Namibia’s landscape, people, and animals brought joy to my life.
— Review left October 18, 2022
Best all-around tour I’ve ever taken. With excellent guides Franco and Alpha, we had great lessons on safari, history, culture, geography, geology, astronomy, and photography. Wonderful memories. Wonderful learning experiences.
Rating 5 stars
— Review left October 14, 2022
What an incredible adventure! We visited with desert adapted elephants, we learned about the geology of the ancient continent of Gondwana, we saw petroglyphs that were thousands of years old and walked among amazing red dunes. This was all made possible by Road Scholar's choice of Ultimate Safaris as program provider. Our two amazing guides, Alpha and Franco, had incredible knowledge about the smallest insect in the Namib to an incredible last night of observing our galaxy!
— Review left October 7, 2022
I had to wait through two long years of the pandemic before finally getting to go on this trip, but was it ever worth the wait. Namibia has an entirely unique beauty, from rugged mountains to blazing orange sand dunes. There is a tremendous array of wildlife, and while the populations are smaller in the desert, it makes each sighting that much more wondrous. We spent quite a lot of time watching individual animals, which was always fascinating. The safari camps were all distinctive and interesting in themselves. We had ample opportunities to see how the people live in various parts of the country. And we had one of the best guides, Johann, that I've ever had the pleasure of traveling with. This was unquestionably one of my best trips.
— Review left July 21, 2022
