Hey fellow travelers:

I've been to Namibia before, late last year so I'm familiar with the territory.

We fly into Windhoek on the 4th afternoon 2:00 PM and pick up our 4x4. We have the afternoon of the 4th, full day the 5th and full day the 6th to kill before arrive on the 6th in Swakopmund for the 7th of quad-biking and then departing to Sesriem for the 7th night and 8th night seeing the dunes.

What should we do on the 4th, 5th and 6th? I was thinking Africat for a night, then drive through South Damaraland to the skeleton coast? Any ideas would be welcomed!

Alternatively, we spent one night (which could have easily been two) about an hour east of Windhoek at Na'Ankuse Lodge where they care for orphaned cheetahs and other mammals.....

http://www.naankuse.com/the-lodge-at-naankuse.html

We had a great time quad biking in Swakopmund with Outback Orange

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/a...uneriding.html

Love Namibia - jealous!

Africat is a good option for a 1 or 2 night stay and why not head to Swakop a day or 2 early?

You could visit (and stay) at Cape Cross, do a dolphin cruise around Walvis Bay, a desert tour or a full day tour to Sandwich Harbour - I recommend Turnstone Tours for this adventure. Swakop is good for last minute gift shopping before returning home and there are some good restaurants in town.

Happy planning,


Pol

We spent a couple of nights at Erongo Wilderness Lodge in between Windhoek and Swakop. My trip report is here http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...uth-africa.cfm The photo links won't work as the pics are in the process of being transferred from Kodakgallery to Shutterfly.

We thought about taking the long detour through the southern part of the Skeleton Coast and Cape Cross on our way to Swakop but didn't end up doing that.

I might also opt to spend an extra night or two in Swakop.

Thanks for the suggestions thus far. Here's what we're thinking - let me know if this is too aggressive or achievable?

Aug 4th Africat / Okonjima
Aug 5th - Drive from Africat to Cape Cross (what's the best route and is is feasible?)
Aug 6th Cape Cross to Swakopmund relax
Aug 7th - quad bike morning, then leave for Sesriem

Elizabeth_S - I've fallen head over heels for Na'ankuse from watching their program on TV.

Afraid to ask what prices would be at the lodge but would love to stay there one day!

I just checked their website for prices - Full Board is $480USD and B&B is $340.....it was a lot less in February 2010!

We stayed at n/a'ankuse two nights in June. Loved it. Have Wilderness Safaris book it and one of your daily activities will be included in the rate. Went on the feeding rounds and did the "behind the scenes" tour, as well as spent some up close time with the cheetahs. Great Food and rooms.

Thanks for the heads up on Wilderness Safaris Cheweyhead.

Feeding rounds, behind the scenes and close up time with cheetahs has me sold! It looks like such a magical place.

Was there a trip report & pics I missed?

Thanks guys - I booked the Africat and a few other places.

Derek
www.buggl.com