TOUR INFORMATION: TOUR CODE:              NSC011 Safari Type:                        Scheduled Guided Tour (Guaranteed Departure Dates) Style:                                   Camping (limited participation, assisted camping) Duration:                             8 Days / 7 Nights Departure Date:                 Wednesday (weekly) Departure Location:          Windhoek - Namibia Tour Ends:                          Windhoek - Namibia Routing Highlights: Windhoek – Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe – Damaraland – Etosha National Park – Waterberg Plateau Park - Windhoek This stunning adventure takes you into the north of Namibia visiting the quaint seaside town of Swakopmund, the impressive and magical inselberg Spitzkoppe, with its collection of rock paintings and strange rock formations. Heading deeper into the country you can enjoy an optional excursion to meet the proud Himba people in the far north. From here to Etosha National Park -recognized as one of the best game reserves in Africa and excellent game viewing with your final night at the base of Waterberg Plateau completes this safari.

click the map to enlarge ...

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 the departure point of this safari and how to continue afterwards…

ITINERARY:

Day 1
Windhoek - Swakopmund
You will be picked up from your accommodation on the day of departure within the city limits. You must be ready at least 45 minutes prior to your safari departure. The tour will depart Windhoek around 08:30. After collecting fresh supplies for lunch we drive to the port town of Walvis Bay where we visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site. We may see the many species of bird including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and the endemic Damara tern before a short visit to the nearby salt farm. We return to Swakopmund where your guide will assist those wishing to book optional adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad biking, scenic flights, parachuting, dolphin cruises to name but a few, which you have time for this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre. Laundry facilities are available here. This evening’s meal is a group dinner in a restaurant at client’s own expense.
Accommodation: Dunedin Star Guesthouse (L)

Day 2
Spitzkoppe
This morning you have free time to visit the museum and aquarium, explore the town, or partake in optional activities such as sand boarding and quad biking. We depart after lunch, driving along a section of the Skeleton Coast before turning inland for Spitzkoppe, a huge inselberg towering above the dry desert plains and arriving late afternoon to set up camp. We have the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the wonderful rock formations that have been created by erosion over thousands of years. Dinner prepared by the guide and camp assistant. Evening spent under a million stars. Overnight based at community run bush camp with no toilet/shower facilities.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (BLD)

Day 3
Damaraland - Hobatere
This morning we enjoy a walk to Bushman’s Paradise, viewing the ancient bushman paintings and vistas of the vast surrounding desert or you may simply wander around the desert floor. From here our drive takes us through some beautiful and dramatic landscapes arriving at camp late afternoon. Hobatere borders western Etosha and the camp is set amongst boulders and trees offering seclusion, however, game, including lion may wander around freely and there are no fences to separate the camp from concession land. Overnight wild camping, dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant
OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (BLD)

Day 4
Damaraland - Hobatere
Today you can relax at the camp, enjoy a walk in the surrounding land or watch the game from the hide come to drink at the waterhole, alternatively join an OPTIONAL day trip through to Opuwo and visit the local Himba tribes. These remarkable and proud people live in the Kunene region. Formally cattle/goat herders some still live a traditional life style in this harsh environment. You will be accompanied by a local guide who will translate all your questions giving you a chance to find how they survive in today’s modern world learn about their fascinating culture. We return to camp late afternoon and you can sit at the waterhole watching the game come to quench their thirst. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant
OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (BLD)

Day 5
Etosha National Park
We depart for Etosha entering through the western gate and game driving through to Okaukuejo. This massive park is a haven for wildlife and supports one of the most important ecological and wildlife systems on the continent. After setting up our tents we take a late afternoon game drive visiting the surrounding waterholes looking for species such as elephant, lion, rhino, kudu, giraffe as well as the large herds of springbok, zebra and wildebeest that survive in this region. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. Evening viewing at flood lit waterhole, famous for its visits by black rhinos.
OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (BLD)

Day 6
Etosha National Park
Sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive transiting across the park visiting various waterholes along the way and look out for the many species of animals. We spend the hottest part of the day at Halali camp where we have lunch and enjoy a swim or an afternoon snooze. Late afternoon game drive to Namutoni via the famous Etosha Pan, a vast depression which can even be seen from space and the white shimmering haze disappearing into the horizon. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. Spend the evening around campfire.
OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation: Onguma Camping (BLD)

Day 7
Waterberg Plateau Park
We’ll enjoy an early morning game drive before departing Etosha on the eastern side. We have a short stop at Lake Otjikoto before collecting fresh supplies at Tsumeb and continuing on to Hoba Meteorite, the largest meteorite in the world for lunch. We arrive late afternoon at Waterberg Bush camp at the eastern end of the Plateau. Witness the fabulous colours of the lichen growing on the rock face of the plateau at sunset from the top of the plateau directly above our camp and enjoy the views across the Kalahari. There are plenty of animals wandering freely in this area such as eland, ostrich, springbok, kudu and impala. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (BLD)

Day 8
Return to Windhoek
Your guide will lead you on a short hike through the ravine at the base of the plateau. After brunch we return to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Markets for those last minute gifts. We arrive at Chameleon Guesthouse where you can enjoy an after safari drink and share your memories of your safari. (BL)

Approx total distance 2000kms

OPTION FOR UPGRADING ACCOMMODATION IN HOBATERE, OKAUKUEJO AND ONGUMA BUT DEPENDS ON AVAILABILITY.

OPTIONAL HIMBA EXCURSION:
The North Western region of Namibia, also known as Kaokoland, is home to the nomadic groups of proud Himba people who still choose to live a nomadic and traditional lifestyle. They are also referred to as the Kaokovelders. Basically Herero in terms of origin, language and culture, they are semi-nomadic pastoralists who tend to trek from one watering place to another seeking grazing areas for their goat and cattle. They seldom leave their home areas and maintain, even in their dress, a tradition of their own, on which other cultures have made little impression. For many centuries they have lived a relatively isolated existence and were not involved in any significant measure in the long struggle for pasturelands.
They are tall, slender and statuesque people, characterized by their proud yet friendly bearing. The women are noted for their unusual sculptural beauty, with their detailed and intricate hairstyles, and traditional adornments. They rub their bodies with a mixture of red ochre and butterfat, which protects their skins against the harsh desert environment and gives them a red-drown complexion. They use many different hairstyles and dress to illustrate their status, for example the men plait their hair differently to show their marital status. Men, women and children wear body adornments made from iron and shell beads.

A full day Himba Excursion in a 4x4 vehicle through from Hobatere Camp on the Northern Namibia 4x4 Adventure (Day 4) and the Namibian Highlights (Day 6).

This full day excursion travels north along the western boundary of Etosha and visits a village south of Opuwo. Your local guide will gain permission to enter the village from the local chief and you will learn all aspects of modern day Himba life. This is a full day excursion from approx 07h00 to 15h30. Maximum 8 persons and minimum of 2 persons.

Please pre-book this activity when booking your safari to avoid disappointment, however please note that all optional activities are subject to availability.

The price is N$650/person for a minimum of 2 persons.
This money is used to buy foodstuffs for the village and to pay our local guide; therefore a large proportion of what you pay goes directly to the community.

TOUR NOTES:

LOCAL PAYMENTS – N$750 LOCAL PAYMENT in cash (South African Rand or Namibia Dollars only) payments must be paid in cash in the stated currency on the morning of departure (relevant to the safari booked).

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.

IMPORTANT - Whilst visiting villages and local communities we cannot guarantee activities on offer, it often depends on how they feel on the day, however, it will give you the opportunity to meet and experience life in Namibia in today’s society.

The Vehicles – 4x4 camping safaris
Our Safaris use 4x4 custom built Toyota Land Cruisers and a VW Minibus. All Toyota Land Cruisers are 9-seater vehicle with comfortable individual bucket seats fitted with seat belts for your safety. All our vehicles have a cool box on board with ice (when available) for your own drinks and is accessible whilst the vehicle is travelling. We use custom built off-road trailers to carry your luggage and other equipment required for the duration of your safari.

The camping equipment
We are using two types of tents on our safaris depending on the season you want to travel:
During the wet season which normally starts from November and ends in April, we are using canvas tents, dome type, very easy to put up, spacious (250cm x 250cm x 200cm) and waterproof.
During the dry season May through to end October we use mosquito netted dome tents (210cm x 210cm x190cm) with 60cm high canvas from the floor for your privacy and comfort. These tents are perfect for sleeping under starry African skies safe from creepy crawlies.
We also provide 6cm thick high density mattresses and a little pillow for your comfort.

Our scheduled safaris are conducted on the basis of limited participation, which means you are only required to erect and dismantle your tent. All other camp chores will be dealt with your guide and apprentice guide.

All camping equipment is supplied EXCEPT sleeping bags. These can be hired from us whilst you are on safari. The tents are 2 man dome tents with full mosquito netting with flysheet and we supply 6cm thick high density foam mattresses.
On safari we supply three meals per day (except for evening meals in Swakopmund and on your first and last days). All other snacks and drinks must be supplied by you.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT is not charged on this safari. If you single and travelling alone we ask you to share with another single traveller of the same sex. If there is no other single traveller of the same sex you will not have to share.
TAP WATER is safe to drink almost everywhere in Namibia. Whilst on safari your guide will advise when the drinking water is not safe, alternatively you can buy bottled water at your own expense.
HEALTH – Malaria does occur in parts of Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. Please consult your physician prior to leaving home or email us for more information. Your physician may also recommend other injections for your travel and advice should be sought.

GENERAL NOTES:

PASSPORTS must be carried with you at all times whilst on safari and in the vehicle. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your safari finishes/you leaving the country. You may not be allowed into Namibia if your passport does not have the required 6 months; we cannot accept any responsibility or refund on a safari in this scenario.

CURRENCY – The Namibian Dollar (N$) is tied permanently 1-1 to the South African Rand (SAR). SAR, notes and coins are legal tender in Namibia. Credit cards are widely accepted at ATM’s. Traveller’s cheques can be changed only in major towns but it is advisable to carry a limited amount of cash with you.

PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE is not included but is compulsory when travelling on any safari. Travel insurance is for your own protection and we consider it to be an essential part of modern international travel. Please consult your travel agent prior to leaving home or contact us. 

VISA REQUIREMENTS – Visas are your own responsibility; persons arriving without the relevant visa for their safari will not be refunded in this scenario.

	Enquiry - Form
Your Name:
Your Email *:	* required
Alternative Email address:
Phone:	Fax:
Your Country:
Date of departure:
Number of travellers:	Adults:   Children (under 12):
Additional comments:
Interested in our newsletter?	Please select ... Add my address to your newsletter Remove me from your newsletter
	Reload security code Security code :
Send this form: Important:	We promise you a maximum respond time of 24h on working days. If you do not get an answer from us within this time we might not have received your message or there was an error with the email address you provided. Alternatively you can send us an email to Enquiry@NewAfricanFrontiers.com or please feel free to use our other contact options..

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