Classic Namibia Safari

Travelling north, south & west you will visit the Africat Foundation at Okonjima to meet and learn about Africa’s Big Cats. Then on to Etosha National Park for some concentrated Big Game viewing. The Himba village at Oase brings us in touch with some of Namibia’s ancient traditions before travelling into the desert proper to spend the night at The Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain and an ancient Bushman spiritual site.

Price: (Valid April 2010 to March 2011)
N$ 9,500 pps
10 Days Safari

Highlights * Himba Village * The Brandberg (Namibia's Highest mountain) * Swakopmund * Skeleton Coast * Sand Dunes at Sesriem and Soussusvlei.

Departs from Windhoek every Tuesday (min 2 people)

Includes
* All transport
* 3 Meals a day (unless differently specified)
* Tap drinking water
* Tea & coffee in camp
* All camping equipment
* Park entrance fees
* Camping fees
* Professional guide
* Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek

Classic Namibian Safari Itinerary

Meal codes [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner]

Day 1 WINDHOEK- NAMIB DESERT [Camping BLD]
We travel out over the Eros Mountains and along scenic roads, on our way south-west to the desert. We also pass over part of the Naukluft Mountains the Khomas Hochland range on our journey today and head down from Namibia’s central plateau by way of the beautiful Remhoogte Pass. Coming out of the mountains we reach open plains and from here it is only a short distance to our next stop, the tiny town of Solitaire. We will stop here for some refreshments before continuing on through desert scenery
We cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain begins to give way to the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib.
We aim to arrive at our camp during the late afternoon and watch the colours glow and change on distant mountains to the east.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 2 SOSSUSVLEI [Camping BLD]
A pre dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert as we drive in. We will arrive at the entrance to the dunes on sunrise and then travel through the dune field as the sun is coming up. The light casts strong contrasts of colour on the edges of the dunes and offers stunning views from the dry river bed you travel through.We reach Sossusvlei itself by walking the last 5 km through the dunes. The walk is like nothing else, enjoying the changing light and coolness of the morning. Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or maybe an ostrich make the photo opportunities perfect.
We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting “dune 45”, and as the day wears on we return to Sesriem for lunch and to escape the heat of the afternoon. As the day cools off in the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 3 WINDHOEK [Accommodated BL]
After breakfast we begin our journey, over the mountains and along scenic roads, back to Windhoek. We will travel back by different roads, this time climbing up to Windhoek and travelling by way of the massive Gamsberg Pass in the Khomas Hochland Mountain Range on our way back to civilization.
We are due back into the city around 16:00 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return. This night’s accommodation is included in the price of the safari but dinner tonight will be for the client’s own account in a local restaurant.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Accommodated

Day 4 OKONJIMA [Camping LD]
You will be collected from your accommodation between 08:30 & 09:00. We will travel north, stopping at small towns along the way including Okahandja, where we have time to visit Namibia’s largest wood carving market. The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.
Continuing north, passing through farmland, we aim to arrive at Okonjima during the middle afternoon, giving us time to set up our camp and to relax in the shade for a while before heading out on to the property to take part in the afternoon’s activities.
Okonjima is the home of the Africat Foundation, a specialist conservation concern that centers its operations around the African Big Cats, particularly cheetah. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour during which you will be able to meet, close-up-and-personal, some of the cheetah that are going through the Africat rehabilitation programme.
Most of the animals currently living at Okonjima have been rescued from various desperate situations, being orphaned or caught in a trap, and the aim of rehabilitation process is to attempt to re-introduce them into the wild.
After our educational tour we will return our accommodation and prepare for dinner under the African stars.
Includes: Entrance into the conservation centre
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 5 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK [Camping BLD]
An early start and continuing north we pass through some small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel. Our first main port of call today is the mysterious Lake Otjikoto.
Otjikoto is in fact Namibia's largest permanent natural lake and we take time here to rest a little and learn something about the history of this unusual landmark.
Continuing on to Namutoni camp in Etosha National Park we again aim to arrive in time for lunch, giving us time to relax before heading out into the park during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive.
After your evening meal there are still more chances to see Etosha's big game at Namutoni's floodlit waterhole. Situated on the boundary of Namutoni and easily reachable on foot, elephants are regular visitors here and there is a good chance of seeing other species of game as well.
Includes: Entrance into Etosha National Park and Game drives
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 6 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK [Camping BLD]
A full day's game driving. We again leave early to enjoy the cool morning air as we game drive our way through Etosha to Halali camp, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way we visit several waterholes and are afforded splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan. The game viewing is usually excellent and we have the chance to tick off a few new species that are not normally seen on the Namutoni side of the park.
We stop at Halali for a rest and a leisurely lunch. There is time to visit the Halali waterhole and to make use of the swimming pool and bar facilities before continuing on our way and game driving down to Okaukuejo.
Okaukuejo is famous for its waterhole, which has been described as one of the "best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa". Situated on the doorstep of our accommodation, black rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope are usually seen.
Includes: Game drives
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 7 OASE HIMBA VILLAGE [Camping BLD]
Leaving Etosha we begin our journey south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab where we will make a short stop here before continuing on to find the Himba Tribesmen.
This is the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm. Oase Village is located about 15 to 20 km outside Kamanjab, the exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location.
During the afternoon we will be invited into Oase Village and will meet with the locals. We will have a specialist guide for the time we are there, who will be able to translate for us and will introduce us to this “alternative lifestyle”. We will learn about marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the local religion, “Holy Fire”.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 8 BRANDBERG MOUNTAIN [Camping BLD]
Today we head into one of the most beautiful desert regions in Namibia, Damaraland. We drive south to the capital of this region, the small town of Khorixas, and then take a detour to the west, travelling via the Petrified Forest geological site, to visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontien. At both these locations we will have local guides to conduct us on a short guided tour.
From here we head deeper into the desert to Namibia’s highest mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m). Brandberg Mountain is an ancient Bushman spiritual site and tonight we will sleep under the shadow of this giant granite monolith.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 9 SWAKOPMUND [Chalets BL-]
Starting early to enjoy the cool of the morning we will hike, “into” the mountain with our guide to see the world famous “White Lady” rock painting. Attributed to the Bushman artists, the white lady panel is believed by some to be in excess of 20 000 years old.
Back on the road for more beautiful Damaraland scenery. We make our first stop in the small town of Uis, an old mining town, and one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones, for which Namibia is famous. Here, rough Amethyst, Tourmaline etc can be found at bargain prices.
From here we turn directly west and cross the “gravel plains” on our way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. Meeting the ocean at Henties Bay, we first head north along the coast to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross. Here at certain times of the year there can be as many as 100,000 Cape Fur seals in attendance. The next destination is Swakopmund, following the Skeleton Coast into Namibia's premier seaside town. We aim to arrive in the late afternoon giving us time to explore the town on foot before sunset.
Tonight we take the chance to sample one of the excellent restaurants. The seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organise a group meal in a local restaurant for this evening. Participation is recommended but by no means required.
Dinner this evening in not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Chalets

Day 10 WINDHOEK [BL]
The drive back to Windhoek today will take about 4 and a half hours. We will only depart after lunch,
giving us time to spend the morning relaxing in Swakopmund. Swakopmund is a very pleasant seaside town with lots of shops, a good stretch of beach (although the Atlantic here is quite cold) and an open-air curio market. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund.
Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be arranged. These include aeroplane and microlight flights over the desert, scenic drives, fishing trips (both from the beach or in a boat), four-wheel motorcycle (quad bike) trips into the desert and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sand boarding trips (also in the dunes), skydiving, surfing, bird-watching and many other activities are available. Your tour guide will discuss all the possible options with you before you reach Swakopmund and will offer to make bookings in advance of your arrival. (N.B. All extra activities and excursions in Swakopmund are subject to availability and are made at the clients’ own risk and expense).
We are due back into the city around 16:00 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return. Tonight the accommodation is not included in the price of the safari.
Includes: N/A
Optional Activities: Quad biking, Sand boarding, Skydiving, Surfing, bird-watching and many more

Please note:
The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and photo stops!

PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
This tour departs from Windhoek, please make sure that you are there well ahead of time. This tour ends in Windhoek