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Vassar Travel Program -
Namibia: Open Skies & Endless Horizons
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Namibia: Open Skies & Endless Horizons
June 19- July 1, 2025
A land of open skies and endless horizons, Namibia is renowned for captivating vistas, sculpted red canyons, and some of the most spectacular sand dunes on the planet. The Namib desert, with its shimmering mirages, swirling sand seas, and apricot-colored parabolic dunes, has been described as a Technicolor dreamscape. What’s more, the mighty power of wind and water is stunningly displayed where desert sands are juxtaposed against roiling swells of the south Atlantic Ocean. On this journey we’ll have the opportunity to marvel at these geological wonders and also to admire the remarkable creatures that make their home in this vast and varied landscape--leopards, rhinos, zebras, antelopes and elephants. By merging academically and aesthetically, direct experience of a unique and otherworldly landscape, this program offers opportunities to learn about Namibia’s geological, ecological and cultural significance.
Trip Highlights:
- Climb the towering red sand dunes in Soussevlei.
- Stand amid the petrified forest in the Namib- the world’s oldest desert.
- Experience a wildlife safari in the famous Etosha National Park.
- Meet with conservationists working to save the endangered rhino and Africa’s Big Cats.
[B- Breakfast L- Lunch D- Dinner]
June 19, 2025 — Depart for Windhoek
Depart the U.S. for Windhoek, Namibia (flights not included. Please contact the tour operator if you need assistance.)
*You have an opportunity to arrive a day early. The cost of the early arrival hotel is $295 per night inclusive of breakfast. Please contact Immersion Journeys to make your arrangements.
June 20, 2025 — Arrive Windhoek, Namibia
Welcome to Namibia! Windhoek (“wind corner” in Afrikaans) is the commercial and legislative capital of Namibia. Developed around a permanent water source by the indigenous pastoralists, it was later modernized by the Germans in the 1840s. One can still see the German influence in architecture and food when in the city. Welcome dinner at hotel and safari briefing by your guide.
Overnight: Windhoek Luxury Suites (Welcome Dinner + 2 glasses wine, beer or soft drinks)
June 21, 2025 — Windhoek | Outjo
Depart for Outjo. On the way, stop at the AfriCat Foundation located in the Okonjima Nature Reserve. Experience the work they are conducting to protect leopard and cheetahs and reintroducing them into the wild.
Onward to Outjo. Your lodge is home to the endangered rhino. Here you will see firsthand the conservation work being done to protect these gentle giants. Evening game drive.
Overnight: Kifaru Bush Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) * Drinks on purchase.
June 22, 2025 — In Outjo
Enjoy a day of rhino tracking and behind-the-scenes access to their Rhino Momma Project.
Overnight: Kifaru Bush Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) * Drinks on purchase.
June 23, 2025—Outjo | Etosha National Park
Continue north to your lodge situated on the outskirts of the Etosha National Park. Arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive in the Etosha National Park.
Etosha meaning “place of dry water,” encompasses a huge, flat calcrete depression (or “pan”) of about 5,000 square-kilometers. The pan provides a great, parched, silver-white backdrop of shimmering mirages to an area of semi-arid savannah grassland and thorn scrub. The pan itself contains water only after very good rains and sometimes for only a few days each year but is enough to stimulate the growth of blue-green algae that lures thousands of flamingos. Etosha attracts all the major predators as well as the endangered black rhino. It is a scene from “Noah’s Ark” as herds of animals take their turn at the watering holes.
Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) * Drinks on purchase
June 24, 2025 — Game drive in Etosha National Park
Full day game drive in the Etosha National Park with a picnic lunch.
Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) * Drinks on purchase.
June 25, 2025 — Etosha | Damaraland
Continue to Damaraland. This area is a huge, untamed, and ruggedly beautiful region of Namibia leaving most travelers in awe. Here one can see prehistoric watercourses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Stop at a Himba village. The Himba are semi-nomadic herders and have managed to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle. You will also visit two geological wonders: Burnt Mountain— created by solidified lava some eighty million years ago, and the Pipe Organs. These are rock formations that comprise a group of columnar basalts which resemble organ pipes.
Overnight: Twelfelfontein Adventure Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) * Drinks on purchase.
June 26, 2025 — Day Trip to Twyfelfontein
Day trip to Twyfelfontein. This area has been inhabited for 6,000 years, first by hunter-gatherers and later by Khoikhoi herders. Both ethnic groups used it as a place of worship and a site to conduct shamanist rituals. In the process of these rituals at least 2,500 rock carvings were created, as well as a few rock paintings. Displaying one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa, UNESCO approved Twyfelfontein as Namibia’s first World Heritage Site in 2007.
Overnight: Twelfelfontein Adventure Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) * Drinks on purchase.
June 27, 2025 — Damaraland | Swakopmund
Continue South to Swakopmund— a beautiful coastal town on the Atlantic ocean. Founded by the Germans in 1892 in an effort to establish a deep sea harbor, today it remains a thriving town with a strong European influences as seen by the architecture and also a place for locals to come during the hot summer season because of its proximity to the ocean. The rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy on your own.
Overnight: The Delight (Breakfast, Lunch en route) * Drinks on purchase.
June 28, 2025 — Swakopmund | Walvis Bay Excursion
Depart to Walvis Bay for a full day excursion on a catamaran in search of the Marine Big 5: whales, dolphins, mola, leatherback turtle and seals. The route approaches Pelican Point known for its 60,000 resident Cape fur seals. In season (July to November), larger mammals such as the Southern right whale and humpback whales are often spotted, while other whale species, such as the gray whale and the pygmy right whale have made appearances. A light lunch will be served on board.
Later, head to Sandwich Harbor which boasts two distinct wetlands and associated mudflats. One is aquifer-fed and supports typical emergent vegetation, but is slowly disappearing due to natural causes. The second, under tidal influence, consists of mudflats and raised shingle bars. Wedged between the sea and the Namib Dunes, it is one of Namibia's most important coastal wetlands, supporting eight endangered species among the large numbers of wading birds. Several archaeological sites dating back 1,000 years exist within the site.
Overnight: The Delight (Breakfast, Lunch on the cruise) * Drinks on purchase.
June 29, 2025 — Swakopmund | Sossusvlei (Namib Desert)
Fly by small bush plane to the Sossusvlei area followed by a short road transfer to your lodge. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world. Various arguments are laid out to support this claim, but all miss the point, which is that Sossusvlei is surely one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia and well worth the visit. Enjoy a nature drive this afternoon.
Overnight: Desert Grace Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) * Drinks on purchase.
June 30, 2025 — Sossusvlei
An early morning departure to Sesriem- the entrance to the Sossusvlei Dunes. This is the best time to see the dramatic colors of the dunes change as the sun rises over the horizon. The drive to the heart of Sossusvlei is around 60km and en-route you will find one of the highest dunes known as Dune 45.
Explore the beauty of the petrified trees of Deadvlei and ascend these dunes. Considered some of the tallest dunes in the world, even surpassing those of the Sahara, these monumentally high star-shaped dunes are a sought-after destination for photographers and artists. The warm tint of the sand contrasts with the dazzling white surfaces of the clay pans in the surrounding areas. The hues constantly change with the sun rising from deep apricot to warm red and all shades in between.
Overnight: Desert Grace Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) * Drinks on purchase.
July 1, 2025 — Sossusvlei | Windhoek | Departure
Fly to Windhoek. Met on arrival and assisted with airport check-in formalities for your onward flight back to the U.S. or onward adventure to Cape Town (see details in the Optional Post-Trip Tab).
Land Package Only $8,250 per person (double occupancy)
Single Room Supplement: $1,150
Inclusions:
- All ground transportation and airport transfers.
- Domestic flights: Swakopmund – Soussevlei - Windhoek.
- Accommodations and meals as indicated above.
- Day trips and excursions indicated above including all entry fees.
- All game drives and game viewing with professional wild life guides.
- In-country specialist guide.
Exclusions:
- International flights to Windhoek.
- Beverages.
- Visas (if applicable).
- Tips to local guide/tour director, airport transfer drivers, coach driver, hotel and lodge staff.
- Vaccinations (if applicable).
- Meals not indicated above.
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
Due to the nature of the areas we will be visiting, this program involves some walking on uneven terrain or up and down stairs possibly without handrails. Participants who are not able to walk unassisted for extended periods are kindly advised not to join this tour unless accompanied by n able-bodied companion who will be able o assist you at all times. Accommodations will be in luxury properties, but note that they are located in remote locations, operating under challenging natural conditions (weather systems and animal movement) and may not offer all the amenities that big city based luxury hotels provide. Travel between places of interest will be by a combination of a coach, small plane and safaris will be conducted by 4x4 specially equipped safari vehicles often over bumpy and dusty terrain. Some days will involve long drives through desert landscape. Outdoor temperatures in June/ July will range from 50ºF - 75ºF depending on the time of the day with bright sunny conditions. Every effort will be made to ensure your comfort; however, it will be the responsibility of the guest to advise the tour operator and Vassar College regarding any concerns you may have. Please consult with your doctor regarding this trip, its length and location and share this brochure with them.
3 night/ 4 day Optional Extension to Cape Town, South Africa
July 1-4, 2025: $1,850 (double occupancy)/ $475 single room supplement
Cost Includes:
- 3 nights at a luxury hotel with daily breakfast.
- Full day privately guided city and wine lands tour inclusive of wine tasting and lunch.
- Half day privately guided Cape Point tour.
- Windhoek to Cape Town flight (one way; economy fare)
- All airport meet and greet and round trip airport transfers in Cape Town.
Cost Excludes:
Tips/ gratuities to drivers, cars, hotel staff, beverages, meals not included, visas (if applicable), vaccinations (if applicable)
Please note that the tour operator can customize any pre or post trip tour. Please contact Immersion Journeys.
TOUR RESERVATION FORM- Namibia: Open Skies & Endless Horizons
To reserve a space, please complete and return this form. We will not process your deposit until you are assigned a place on the tour. Please contact 917-686-2620 (info@immersionjourneys.com) if you have any questions about the registration process.