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African Odyssey Safari
Namibia and Botswana
The 22 day African Odyssey is a combination of three of our most
popular safaris, the 7 day Northern Adventure, the 7 day Southern
Swing and the 8 day Delta & Falls, and offers an extremely comprehensive
safari tour of Namibia, the Okavango Delta and the Victoria Falls
in Livingstone.
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. Two nights at Sesriem and Sossusvlei where you will stroll
among the world’s highest sand dunes, before returning to
Windhoek for one, (included in the price in a quality Windhoek guest-house.).
From here 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.
Returning to Windhoek with an additional night in a Windhoek guest-house
is also included, from here you will spend two nights beside a pristine
lagoon in the Delta and then travelling back into Namibia to traverse,
over two nights, the little visited Caprivi Region. Back into Botswana
to Kasane for a boat cruise into the Chobe National Park and then
on to Livingstone and “The Smoke That Thunders”, the
awesome Victoria Falls.
It is also possible to remain with your guide for the 2 day return
to Windhoek at the end of the trip, making the itinerary 24 days
in total. (N$: 1 000:00 per person additional cost for the return).
The price is virtually fully inclusive of everything you will
need whilst travelling with us. Collection time is between 07:30
& 08:00 from anywhere within the Windhoek city limits.
Prices in South African Rand
Price per person:R19,000
Price per person as of 1st April 2009:R22,800
No single suplement
2 day return to Windhoek additional R1000 per person.
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 departures on selected Fridays 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
We start our long journey south on the main B1 highway, travelling
through the thin strip of 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
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
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
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 Naukluft Mountains
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
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.
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
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
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.
Day 9
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
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
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
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
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
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).
After lunch we will transfer back to the capital city, 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 15
A long drive today, making use of the Trans Kalahari Highway, a
relatively new road that provides an invaluable communication link
between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The road takes us first
to the small town of Gobabis, one of the main livestock farming
centres of Namibia, and then on to the border with Botswana.
After completing the immigration formalities we continue, through
rural Botswana to the town of Ghanzi, located in the centre of cattle
farming Botswana. Ghanzi is located almost in the middle of the
Kalahari Desert and was almost unknown before the Trans Kalahari
Highway.
Day 16
An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute
supplies before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of
the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way.
A change in vegetation heralds our arrival on the very western edge
of one of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta.
Here we turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels
west as we enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the
crystal waters through the lush vegetation and we make our camp
on the banks of a pristine African lagoon.
Day 17
We are in the territory of the River People, so this morning we
leave our vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion,
first by motor-boat and then by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe),
deep into the Delta.
Mokoro’s will be our main form of transport for the next two
days. These amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed for
the narrow waterways of the Okavango and allow us to travel further
into the Delta than if we were using more modern forms of transport.
Mokoros carry three people, two seated passengers and one driver.
The driver stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real feat of balance),
and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer the mokoro through
the twisting channels. It really is the only way to travel.
Back to camp in the late afternoon for another night by the Okavango
waters.
Day 18
Back on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities
completed we go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small
but excellent park right on the edge of the Okavango River. We game
drive our way through Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely
seen Namibian species such as roan the majestic sable antelope.
Our camp for tonight is just outside the Game Reserve, and we are
again beside the Okavango, but this time the main river, on its
journey from the Angolan highlands, through the pan handle to waters
end, the delta.
Day 19
The Caprivi Strip is a long narrow stretch of territory running
along the Botswana’s northern border. It is a landscape of
broadleaf forest with many small communities dotted along our route.
The locals in this area are the Kavango people and we make a cultural
visit to a local community. The people here have taken the initiative
to establish a traditional “kraal” which will be opened
for us and we will give a guided tour.
We have the chance to gain a significant insight into the local
customs and culture, including demonstrations of traditional medicine
and superstition.
From here it is only a short drive to our camp for the night, also
operated as a community project, located on the banks of the Kwando
River in a beautifull setting. There is a craft market nearby where
you can shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.
Day 20
We finish our long transit of the Caprivi region this morning when
we arrive in Namibia’s easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A
short break here before crossing back across the border into Botswana.
The road takes us directly into the world famous Chobe National
Park. Chobe has the world’s largest population of African
Elephants and the chances of seeing some big game are very good
as we transit through the park to the small town of Kasane. We make
camp in the grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the
Chobe River.
Time to relax in the afternoon before joining a river boat cruise,
back into the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see
a huge amount of wild game, both on the river banks and in the waters
swirling around us.
Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding Chobe River and on
the land side there is often a kaleidoscope of different antelope
and species such as elephant, buffalo and even the Big Cats come
to the river banks for their sundowner drink. The Chobe River provides
a very broad habitat for bird life and it is possible to see many
beautifull species of our feathered friends.
Day 21
Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula
ferry depot and complete our Botswanan exit formalities. We cross
the Chobe on the local ferry boat, enter Zambia and from here it
is a short drive to the town of Livingstone. Named after the famous
British missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the town
is a bustling African centre. We make our camp on the banks of the
Zambezi River and have time to explore the town and to visit the
might Victoria Falls.
The views of the waterfall from the Zambian bank are fantastic,
there are many small paths and lookout points to explore.
This afternoon your guide will help you organise the many optional
activities available in Livingstone. These include white water rafting,
bungi jumping, other excursions on the river and scenic flights
to mention but a few.
Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant at the client’s
own expense.
NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done
at the clients own risk and expense.
Day 22
After breakfast the safari is finished. Your guide will be able
to offer advice on other travel plans you have in this region. We
pack up our campsite.
For clients transferring back to Windhoek tomorrow this is a free
day for you to explore the area or to take part in optional activities.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price of the trip. Your
guide will arrange a time to collect you for the return journey
in the morning. You will keep your tent for tonight and this nights
camping is included in the price of the safari.
Day 23
An early start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will
not be stopping to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse
the Caprivi Strip and will spend the night near the small town of
Rundu in northern Namibia.
We camp in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the Okavango
River, looking into Angola on the far river bank.
Dinner tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included
in the price.
Day 24
Another early start and another long drive, we head south through
Kavango Province, down through the towns of Grootfontien, Otjiwarongo
and Okahandja before reaching our final destination, Windhoek.
There will be stops at some of the local woodcarving stalls as well
as the market at Okahandja before arriving in the city.
You will be dropped off at your accommodation.
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