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Kulala Desert Lodge, Hansa Hotel, Damaraland Camp, Desert Rhino Camp, Ongava Tented Camp, Skeleton Coast Research Camp

Namibia is a land of stunning landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife - and the Great Namibian Journey encompasses it all. The activities provide a range of experiences: a dolphin cruise, hiking in Damaraland, walking in the Namib's great dunes and interacting with the traditional Himba people. This exploration traverses the width of central Namibia by road so transfers can be lengthy and bumpy  but numerous stops are made to ensure optimal comfort.

Day 1-2: Sossusvlei

From Windhoek, travel approximately 205 miles to Kulala Desert Lodge in the 91000 acre private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, taking in awe-inspiring views of the mountains and the desert floor. En route, enjoy a lunch close to the Khomas Hochland escarpment, with sweeping vistas below.

One of the most enduring impressions of the Sossusvlei area is the early morning light on the sea of vivid orange dunes, some as high as 984 feet. Nearby the world-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous red sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes - the most well-known being Big Daddy or Dune 45 - have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously refashioning the contours of this red sand sea. The 'vlei' itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it transforms into a spectacular turquoise lake. Afternoon activities include nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints and marvelling at the unique Namib fauna and flora in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve.

At Kulala enjoy access to the Sossusvlei dunes through a private access gate, for walks in the immense moving sands of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, game drives (by day and night) on a private concession and stargazing. Photography of the dunes in the early morning and late afternoon is particularly rewarding with rich reds and dark shadows completing the extraordinary vista that is the enormity of the Namib Desert.

Kulala Desert Lodge consists of 15 thatched and canvas "kulalas" (which means "to sleep" in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls are placed for guests to sleep under the myriad stars that Namibia's clear skies portray.

The main area, with décor inspired by northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole - a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is one to truly delight the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy.

Overnight for two nights at Kulala Desert Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 3-4: Swakopmund

Travel 224 miles by road north-west via the Kuiseb Canyon with its dark, craggy canyons and via a moon-like landscape of flat gravel plain. Arrive at the grand Hansa Hotel in Swakopmund in the early afternoon in time for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the town's quaint mix of European and African culture, as well as a little shopping in the vibrant markets.

On the second day explore the ice-blue Atlantic Coast, from the port towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to its incredible marine mammals. A private boat cruise at Walvis Bay and down the coast to Sandwich Harbour (weather permitting) provides a unique chance to see the diverse pelagic (ocean-going) birdlife, Cape fur seals and rare Heaviside's dolphins up close. This activity is rounded off with a private seafood lunch, before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before meeting for dinner.

The three-star Hansa Hotel forms part of Swakopmund's architectural culture and dates back to 1905; it is said to be one of the oldest buildings in town. It is ideally situated in the centre of Swakopmund within easy walking distance of town and the beach. The luxury of the hotel, its excellent cuisine and friendly service are well known and appreciated countrywide and abroad.

Overnight for two nights at the Hansa Hotel.

Day 5: Damaraland

Today, you will travel approximately 174 miles, partly along the legendary Skeleton Coast (named for the numerous shipwrecks the treacherous shores have claimed over the years). From here we drive the back roads through the game productive Ugab riverbed, travelling north past the Brandberg Mountain - the second largest monolith on earth - to Damaraland. This all-day excursion with lunch en route ends with arrival at Damaraland Camp.

Damaraland is a land of stark desert beauty. Early morning mists, generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the canyons, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. Rare succulent plants abound in this harsh countryside. Activities include explorations on foot or 4x4 vehicles, viewing springbok, gemsbok and ostrich, and tracking the unique desert-adapted elephant.

Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in 10 comfortable tented rooms, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water (laundry facilities are limited due to the low rainfall in the area). The stone living area combines the dining room and pub and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. There is a swimming pool next to the bar.

Overnight at Damaraland Camp.

Day 6-7: Palmwag

Depart Damaraland Camp and drive into the Huab riverbed to search for desert-adapted elephants, before heading north to the mountainous and rocky paradise of the massive Palmwag Concession.

Desert Rhino Camp is situated in the enormous private Palmwag Reserve in north west Namibia, between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast - few places on the planet can offer this level of privacy and complete wilderness experience.

Palmwag has a number of freshwater springs that support healthy populations of animals including desert-adapted back rhino and elephant as well as large populations of the rare Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok and kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park including lion, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyaena. Bird life is prolific and diverse featuring most of Namibia's endemics. Welwitschia plants (ancient and highly unusual succulents) dot the plain in front of the camp. The speciality of the area is its growing population of the rare desert-adapted black rhino (the largest concentration in the world outside a national park), which are monitored and protected by the Save the Rhino Trust.

Desert Rhino Camp has eight comfortable canvas-walled tents, slightly elevated on wooden decking, each with an en-suite bathroom comprising dual hand basins, toilet and a spacious walk-in shower. The tented dining and lounge area offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains. On the second day, the highlight is rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle; other activities include day and night nature drives.

Overnight for two nights at Desert Rhino Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 8-9: Etosha National Park

After a full breakfast, depart Palmwag and travel eastward on an extended combination wildlife viewing and transfer drive of approximately 218 miles to Etosha National Park. At Etosha, experience the pinnacle of game viewing while being accommodated in the privacy of an exclusive bush camp situated on an extensive private game reserve, Ongava, just on the outskirts of the park. Activities include day and night drives in both Etosha and on the private Ongava concession, walks and visiting hides at Ongava.

Etosha National Park is renowned for the most prolific game experience on a saltpan anywhere in the world. A healthy mix of wildlife, ranging from savanna-based species like impala and desert species such as springbok, abound. Elephant roam the pan fringes and large herds of zebra are often highlighted against a mirage background of the expansive white saltpans. Within Etosha visit numerous perennial springs and pans, encountering a myriad of differing species. Ongava is home to healthy populations of the species within the park (except elephant) with rhino and predators often sighted.

During the Ongava stay, take a day trip to Halali, located halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni. Situated at the base of a dolomite hill, amongst shady Mopane trees, Halali provides an ambiance of tranquillity and space. It is surrounded by some of the most popular waterholes in the park.

Ongava Tented Camp consists of eight large comfortable walk-in tents, each with en-suite facilities, including a flush toilet and hot shower. All meals are enjoyed in the thatched dining area that overlooks an active waterhole. There is a small pool in which to cool off as well.

Overnight for two nights at Ongava Tented Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 10-12: Skeleton Coast

Enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over dramatic desert landscapes to the exclusive Skeleton Coast Research Camp situated within a private concession in the Skeleton Coast Park.

This is one of the most inhospitable but hauntingly beautiful places on the planet: desolate and uninhabited. It has everything, from roaring sand dunes, windswept plains, towering canyons and saltpans to seal colonies, bleached whale bones and shipwrecks. Full-day explorations in 4x4 Land Rovers will take all these in, picnicking on the way. Included are cultural visits to the remote villages of the Himba people.

Skeleton Coast Research Camp has five Meru-style tents nestled between granite rocks. Surrounded by pure wilderness, this camp is truly remote and the perfect setting for serviced-style camping. The camp is outfitted with all the necessary comforts and equipment, essential elements for experiencing a camping safari that is reminiscent of the times of the great African explorers.

Overnight for three nights at Skeleton Coast Research Camp on a full board basis.

Day 13: Depart

Bid farewell to this fabulous adventure as you return by air charter to Windhoek, arriving at approximately 4pm.