NAMIBIA - Scheduled Guided
Tours & Safaris Scheduled
Guided Camping Tours Overview
10 Day - Namibia's
South & North Classic Safari
TOUR INFORMATION:
TOUR CODE:
NSC014
Safari Type:
Scheduled Guided Tour
(Guaranteed Departure Dates)
Style:
Camping (limited
participation, assisted camping)
Duration:
10 Days / 9 Nights
Departure Date:
Tuesdays (weekly)
Departure Location:
Windhoek - Namibia
Tour Ends:
Windhoek - Namibia
Routing Highlights:
Windhoek – Namib Naukluft Park – Sesriem – Sossusvlei – Windhoek – Okonjima -
Etosha National Park - Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab - Brandberg Mountain –
Skeleton Coast – Swakopmund - Windhoek
This itinerary is comprised of the (NSC003) 3 day Sossusvlei Link and the (NSC007)
7 day Northern Adventure, covering the classic Namibian safari route, Etosha
National Park, beautiful Damaraland, Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast and the
world's highest sand dunes at Sesriem & Sossusvlei.
This safari has a guaranteed departure every Thursday of the year. There are
no minimum numbers and no single supplements. The price is virtually fully
inclusive, the style is limited participation, assisted camping and there are
two accommodated nights included in the itinerary, one in Windhoek (day 3) and
one in Swakopmund, (day 9). |
click the map to enlarge ...
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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 the departure point
of
this safari and how to continue afterwards…
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Suggested Safari Combination Options:
Two of the world’s natural wonders, the Okavango Delta and the mighty
Victoria Falls can also be included by combining this trip with the (NSC012) 8
Day Delta and Falls Safari.
ITINERARY:
Day 1
Windhoek – Namib Naukluft Park -Sesriem
We will collect you from your accommodation in Windhoek on the morning of
departure. Pick up time will be between 08:00 & 08:30.
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 Sesriem during the late afternoon and we have time to
drive out to one of the nearby dunes to watch the colours on distant mountains
to the east, glow and change.
Accommodation: Overnight camping
Day 2
Namib Naukluft Park –Sesriem - Sossusvlei
A pre-dawn start to see the sunrise in the dunes. We drive a further 60 km
into the desert and have our breakfast as the colours grow across the
landscape.
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.
Accommodation: Overnight camping
Day 3
Windhoek
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.
Accommodation: Overnight accommodation in Windhoek
Day 4
Okonjima
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.
Accommodation: Overnight camping
Day 5
Etosha National Park
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.
Accommodation: Overnight camping
Day 6
Etosha National Park
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.
Accommodation: Overnight camping
Day 7
Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab
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”.
Accommodation: Overnight camping
Day 8
Brandberg Mountain
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
Twyfelfontein. 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.
Accommodation: Overnight camping
Day 9
Skeleton Coast - Swakopmund
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.
Accommodation: Overnight camping
Day 10
Windhoek
The drive back to Windhoek today will take about 4 and 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 micro-light 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.
TOUR NOTES:
The style of safari is limited participation, you will be asked to assist put
up and take down your own tent, and however there will be a camp assistant to
complete all the other campsite chores. Your tour guide will do all the
shopping, cooking and day-to-day organization of the safari. Unless otherwise
specified, all safaris will be conducted in English.
Includes:
1. All transport
2. Three meals a day (unless differently specified)
3. Tap drinking water
4. Tea & coffee in camp
5. All camping equipment
6. Park entrance fees
7. Camping fees
8. Professional guide
9. Camp Assistant
10. Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek
Excludes:
1. Sleeping bag (can be hired)
2. Alcoholic beverages
3. Soft drinks
4. Personal travel insurance
Useful items to bring with you:
1. Two litre water bottle
2. Torch
3. Towel
4. Sun hat
The tents are dome type, which are easy to assemble and your mattresses are
approximately 5 cm thick with your own mattress cover, and everyone has a camp
chair with a backrest.
Clients are limited to one soft, barrel type bag per person with maximum
weight of 15kg, one medium sized hand luggage bag, one medium sized camera bag
and a sleeping bag.
We suggest a sleeping bag range of “3 – 4 season”. Sleeping bags can be hired
by prior arrangement for the trip. When packing your clothing please be aware
that Namibian summer temperatures (December - March) can reach 45*C, and
winter temperatures (June - September) can be as low as -5*C. The rainy season
is between December and April.
All evening meals on camping safaris, (unless stipulated), are cooked on an
open fire by your guide. Salads and fresh vegetables will be served where
possible, but please note in some areas this is not necessarily every day.
Fresh fruit will also be supplied when possible. Vegetarians can be catered
for but please notify us prior to safari departure.
Namibia is a low risk malarial destination but we recommend that seek
professional medical advice to enable you to make decisions on personal
malaria protection.
All tap water in Namibia has been purified or comes directly from boreholes
and is safe to drink. We supply tap drinking water but bottled mineral water
is easily available at shops and rest camps should you prefer to drink this.
Electrical plugs are 220 V and are 3 pin (round pin as opposed to square pin).
Adaptors can be purchased in Windhoek. It is possible to re-charge batteries
at some campsites.
It is customary to tip in Namibia, usually, around 10% at restaurants. Your
guide and assistant can be tipped at your own discretion but we ask that the
guide be tipped separately from your assistant.
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.
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
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