Routing Highlights: Windhoek – Brandberg – Damaraland – Kaokoland – Opuwo – Epupa Falls – Hobatere Concession – Waterberg - Windhoek Varied geographical features of Namibia have played a significant role in the history of the Namibian People. Namibia has a rich ethnic diversity and cultural heritage, this tour offers real experiences with these different cultures and wonderful photographic opportunities. Tour Information: TOUR CODE:              NSA034 Safari Type:                        Scheduled Guided Tour Style:                                   Accommodated Duration:                             8 Days / 7 Nights Departure Date:                 Tuesdays (see set departure dates below) Departure Location:          Windhoek - Namibia Tour Ends:                          Windhoek - Namibia Vehicles used will be a Microbus / Sprinter / Speedliner Min 2 Pax and Max 9 Pax Languages spoken are English & German

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NOTES:   This Group Safari itinerary can easily be converted into a Private Safari or a Self Drive Tour Airport transfers and pre & post safari accommodation is not included but can be arranged on request.   We also offer regional flights and coach bookings.               Please contact us for advice & information on how to reach departure point of this safari and how to continue afterwards…

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Tuesday
Brandberg
Starting our journey from Windhoek, we travel North West towards the highest mountain in Namibia, the Brandberg. En route we stop over at a traditional Bushman community. Here we have the opportunity to accompany these legendary nature people on a bush walk and learn about their traditions, hunting practices as well as their unique ability to survive in the harsh African bush. The Brandberg, translated meaning “burning mountain”, takes on a glowing red colour when the sun is setting and serves as the perfect introduction to the primordial areas we will visit in the following days.

Day 2 - Wednesday
Damaraland
Sunrise begins with an energetic hike to the Bushman rock painting of the “White Lady”, one of the most famous yet controversial rock paintings on earth. From the vantage point of the Brandberg we enjoy a spectacular view onto the harsh yet liberating Damaraland plains unfolding far below us. After our descent we enjoy breakfast and then travel further north into the Palmwag Concession area. Our next lodge is situated between Makalani palms next to a natural spring of the Uniab Riverbed. Due to the ever-present water supply we have excellent game-viewing opportunities, including those of the desert elephant, coming to the spring to quench their thirst. The rest of the day is spent at leisure along the sparkling pool or taking a scenic walk along the dry riverbed to get a feel of this pristine area and learn more about the specially adapted fauna and flora that inhabits the Kaokoland.

Day 3 - Thursday
Kaokoland
After breakfast we embark on a game drive into the Palmwag concession. It provides habitat for a variety of rare species of plants and animals, including those adapted to the semi-desert conditions such as desert elephants, mountain zebra, oryx and giraffe. The Concession also supports nearly 70% of the world's free-ranging population of black rhinoceros and functions as the crucial core rhino conservation area in the region. The unique fauna and flora within the Concession also serve as a national, regional and global attraction. After the excursion we travel back to the lodge before settling down to relax in the comfortably furnished bungalows or entertainment area along the natural spring.

Day 4 - Friday
Opuwo
After breakfast we travel along the majestic Etendeka Plateau and via vast semi-desert plains deeper into southern Kaokoland. Here we visit the Khowarib Schlucht, a deeply eroded canyon in close vicinity to the origin of the Uniab River. The magnificent landscape and surroundings then take us to Ongongo waterfall, where we can cool off in the rock-pool formed by a natural spring originating higher up in the mountains. Suitably refreshed, we travel to the historic Fort Sesfontein to enjoy an optional lunch and explore the fort, built into the harsh environment in 1896 by the German Schutztruppe as a control post. The last stretch of our days’ tour takes us through eroded dry riverbeds and rocky plains to Opuwo, the capital of the Kaokoland, where our lodge is situated on a hill with a spectacular 360-degree view over the Kaokoland.

Day 5 - Saturday
Opuwo / Epupa Falls - Kaokoland
After breakfast we embark on a full day northern Kaokoland excursion into the vast and untouched land of the Ovahimba’s. Our journey takes us to a part of the Kunene River where it suddenly interrupts the arid landscape at the Epupa Falls, a cascading network of spectacular falls that tumble over a multitude of rock shelves into a deep gorge. Adding to the allure are the Baobab trees clinging to the steep cliffs of the gorge, whilst majestic makalani palms line the banks of the river and the islands separating the channels. We have ample opportunities to capture the falls and the surrounding area on film, before visiting a traditional Ovahimba village to experience the daily life of this nomadic tribe who still lives according to their ancient traditions and rituals. In the afternoon we travel back to our lodge, stopping at huge baobab trees and holy graves of Ovahimba chiefs along the way.

Day 6 - Sunday
Hobatere Concession area
After breakfast we travel south to the 32,000 ha Hobatere Concession, home to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds (including many of Namibia's near endemic bird species). Our lodge offers a memorable safari experience, being the habitat of elephant, lion, giraffe, leopard, cheetah and Hartmann's Mountain zebra, along with many antelope species. The rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure with bird watching, guided walks or relaxing along the swimming pool with a view over a waterhole where elephants are often seen. In the evening we embark on a night drive on the Concession area, where animal species seldom or never seen during the day are viewed.

Day 7 - Monday
Waterberg Region
After breakfast we travel south to the Waterberg, a massive sandstone mountain reminiscent of the time when Damaraland and part of Kaokoland where covered by a sweeping desert. Here our lodge is situated in the red sandstone formations that turn blood red during sunrise or sunset. In the afternoon we depart on a guided walk onto the plateau of the Waterberg, from where we have a wonderful view onto the plains far below us. The plateau is home to a variety of rare animal species such as black rhino, roan, sable and tsessebee, while it also represents Namibia’s only breeding ground for the endangered Cape Vulture. During sunset we walk back to our lodge.

Day 8 - Tuesday
Return to Windhoek
After an optional early morning walk and after breakfast, we travel back to Windhoek where we will arrive in the late morning. Here the tour ends.

TOUR NOTES:
Possible extensions to this tour:
Tuesday: En-route from the Waterberg guests will be transferred to Etosha Safaris Lodge / Camp to extend the tour with the Etosha Shuttle package.
Tuesday: En-route back to Windhoek guests can embark another vehicle joining the Captivating Caprivi Tour.

TOUR SUMMARY:

Alternative accommodation may be used

DEPARTURE DATES:

Private Group departures are possible on any departure date on request

PLEASE NOTE:
The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change – for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above.

TOUR NOTES:
It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive personal travel insurance before you embark on your safari. Travel insurance is for your own protection and we consider it to be an essential part of modern international travel.

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Our safaris are merely suggested itineraries and therefore can be tailor-made to suit your specific needs: Routes can be amended according to your preference Accommodation can be changed to suit your style and budget Accommodation meal basis can be booked according to your requirements Extra nights can be added depending on your arrival and departure flight times and the pace that you want to travel