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14 Day Namibian Experience Safari
You will visit the weird Quiver Trees, the mighty Fish River Canyon
and the vital water artery of the Orange River. The beautiful mountains
at Klein Aus Vista, the tiny fishing centre of Luderitz and you
will travel up through the stark and tortured beauty of the Southern
Namib. There are two nights at Sesriem and Sossusvlei where you
will stroll among the world’s highest sand dunes, in the world’s
oldest desert, before returning to Windhoek for one night and then
on the second half of the trip where the 7th night is included in
the price in a quality Windhoek guest-house.
You will then meet close-up-and personal the Big Cats at Okonjima,
the amazing wildlife in Etosha National Park and have first hand
experience of the Stone Age culture of the Himba Tribes. Namibia’s
highest mountain in beautiful desert Damaraland is next and then
on to Namibia’s premier seaside town, Swakopmund on the Skeleton
Coast before returning to Windhoek
The price is virtually fully inclusive of everything you will
need whilst travelling with us. Collection time is between 08:00
& 08:30 from anywhere within the Windhoek city limits.
Prices in South African Rand
Price per person:R11,00
Price per person as of 1st April 2009:R13, 200
No single suplement
Minimum of two people
Maximum group size is 14 travellers
Transport for up to 8 people will be in a minibus or a Land Cruiser.
For more than 8 a specially converted safari truck will be used.
Itinerary is assisted comfortable camping with participation limited
to only helping with the tents.
Guaranteed departure every Friday of the year, with a minimum
of two people.
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Namibia
Safaris include:
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
Camp Assistant
Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek
Safaris exclude:
Sleeping bag (can be hired)
Visas
Alcoholic beverages
Soft drinks
Personal travel insurance
Useful to bring with you:Towel, torch, water bottle, hat.
Guide Itinerary
Safari Tour Details
Day 1 Windhoek - Quiver Tree forest (500 km) (LD) (camping)
We start our long journey south on the main B1 highway, travelling
through the thin stripof Kalahari Desert that protrudes onto the
eastern side of Namibia. Stopping at small towns along the way including
Rehoboth, traditional home of the Baster people, we aim to arrive
at the Quiver Tree Forest in the middle afternoon. Located just
north of the southern centre of Keetmanshoop, (officially the sunniest
town in the world), we make camp and have time to explore the area
on foot.
Quiver trees are not in fact trees, they are a type of aloe, (Aloe
Dictoma), so called because the branches fork "dictomously".
These weird looking plants dot the landscape in this part of the
world and are locally common, however they are one of the world's
rarest flora species.
Day 2 Quiver Tree Forest - Orange River Oasis (400 km)
(BLD) (camping)
Before leaving the Keetmanshoop area we visit another local site
of interest this morning, the Giants Playground", an area filled
with massively eroded granite rocks that are precariously balanced
in tottering towers. After a short stop in Keetmanshoop itself we
continue south, leaving the main road far behind us and join the
extensive network of gravel roads that unite rural Namibia.
Arriving at Fish River Canyon in the early afternoon, we drive to
the main look out where the views of need to be seen to be believed.
We can see the river sparkling in the sunlight far below us, and
can barely imagine how many millennia it took for the forces of
erosion to carve such a magnificent vista.
Driving still further south, we travel all the way to the southern
border with South Africa, the mighty Orange River. Coming from the
arid desert regions that have formed the landscape for most of our
journey, it is an amazing sight to see green vegetation and bright
ribbon of flowing water appear out of seemingly no-where.
Day 3 Orange River - Klein Aus Vista, southern Namib, (200
km) (BLD) (camping)
An easy drive this morning so we have a leisurely start. There is
time for a dip in the cool waters of the Orange, (very cold waters
in the winter time). Our road follows the scenic course of the river
for the first part of the day's journey before heading back into
the desert and the beautiful landscapes that Namibian has to offer.
Our route takes us past the zinc mines of Rosh Pinah where we will
take a short break before arriving at our destination, the tiny
town of Aus in the middle to late afternoon. We sleep tonight at
Kline Aus Vista, a private reserve, beautifully located in the Aus
Mountain Range, (Huib-Hoch-Plateau region).
There is time to explore this stunning area on foot and to find
a lofty perch in the mountains to watch the sun slip over the western
horizon.
Day 4 Klein Aus Vista - Luderitz - Klein Aus Vista (250km)
(BD) (camping)
We are up with the dawn this morning for the short drive to Luderitz,
we travel on the main road and keep a sharp look out for the unique
Namib wild horses. These horses are the only wild horses in Namibia
and have, very unusually, become adapted to an existence with very
limited water. Where they originated from is un-clear, some people
think they are the descendants of the horses used by the German
cavalry during the First World War. Another theory is that they
originally came from a horse farm that used to be run by a German
Barron, (von Wolff), in the very early colonial days.
We arrive in Luderitz in time to join an optional extra excursion,
a trip on an old wooden sailing ship, "The Sedina". We
take a cruise around Luderitz bay and, weather permitting, to Halifax
Island to see the Jackass Penguins. If the weather conditions are
suitable we turn off the engines come back to Luderitz under sail.
Straight after the Sedina trip we drive out to Kolmanskop, a desert
ghost town about 20 km out of Luderitz. It was built in the 1920's
during the diamond rush and was abandoned when bigger and better
diamonds were found further along the coast. The area is still abandoned
and the desert has encroached over the entire town, giving an eerie
feeling and real meaning to the word "ghost".
Lunch today is not included in the programme, this is to allow everybody
as much flexibility with their time as possible and to give us the
opportunity to sample some of the excellent local cafes.
During the middle of the day there is time to explore Luderitz Town
with its traditional German architecture and later we will take
a drive out to Diaz Point to see the bird life, hopefully a few
seals and the stone cross replica, originally erected by the Portuguese
mariner Bartholomew Diaz.
Returning to Klein Aus Vista in the late afternoon, the road takes
us through the "forbidden Zone" so named because in years
gone by, the alluvial diamonds found in Namibia were simply scattered
across the desert and we again have time to enjoy sunset over the
mountains.
N.B: The "Sedina" excursion is subject to availability
and, if undertaken, will be for the clients own risk and expense.
Day 5 Overnight: Klein Aus Vista - Namib Desert (350km).
Communal ablutions / camping. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Turning north, we once again head deep into the ancient southern
Namib, travelling on small gravel roads and passing some tiny rural
communities along the way. The scenery is harsh, and sometimes forbidding.
The process of erosion in these areas is well advanced and we pass
time rounded "koppies" arid terrain and outcrops of tortured
rock.
Traversing this bleak yet beautiful landscape, the terrain begins
to change and 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.
Day 6 Namib Desert Camp - Sossusvlei - Namib Desert Camp
(150 km) (BLD) (camping)
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. After passing
through Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes, we drive into the heart
of the dune field.
To reach Sossusvlei itself we walk for the last 5 km through the
dunes. The walk is like nothing else, in the cool of the morning,
with soft sunlight just beginning to play over the dunes creating
a sharp light and shadow contrast across the whole desert. Ancient
mineral pans, stunted camel horn 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.
Day 7 Namib Desert Camp - Windhoek (450 km) (BL)
After breakfast we begin our journey, over the mountains and along
scenic roads, back to Windhoek. We will travel over the Naukluft
Mountains and also the Khomas Hochland Range, through beautiful
mountain passes 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.
Day 8 Windhoek - Okonjima (300 km) (LD) (camping)
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 centres 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.
Day 9 Okonjima - Namutoni, Etosha National Park (300 km)
(BLD) (camping)
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.
Day 10 Namutoni - Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park (BLD)
(camping)
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.
Day 11 Okaukuejo - Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab (300 km)
(BLD) (camping)
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".
Day 12 Oase Village - Brandberg Mountain (400 km) (BLD)
(camping)
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.
Day 13 Brandberg Mountain - Swakopmund,
Skeleton Coast (250 km) (BL) (chalet accommodation)
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
Day 14 Swakopmund - Windhoek (BL) (350 km)
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).
This is the last day of our trip and after lunch we will transfer
back to the capital city where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
Tonight the accommodation is not included in the price of the safari
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