TOUR INFORMATION: TOUR CODE:              NSC017 Safari Type:                        Scheduled Guided Tour (Guaranteed Departure Dates) Style:                                   Camping (limited participation, assisted camping) Duration:                             13 Days / 12 Nights Departure Date:                 Saturdays (see departure dates below) Departure Location:          Windhoek - Namibia Tour Ends:                          Windhoek - Namibia Routing Highlights: Windhoek – Namib Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei – Sesriem Canyon - Swakopmund - Skeleton Coast - Brandberg - Damaraland - Palmwag - Oase Himba Village - Etosha National Park - Okonjima Africa Foundation - Windhoek This safari has guaranteed departures Saturdays, with a minimum number of 2 people. There is no single supplement and the itinerary has been especially designed to appeal to families with children. The driving distances, (where possible), have been kept to a minimum and the places visited have all been chosen with a mind for activities that will appeal to adults and children alike. The minimum age on this itinerary is 5 years, the price is virtually fully inclusive of everything required whilst on the road with us and the style of safari is semi-accommodated / assisted camping. There are four accommodated nights included in the itinerary, the first and last nights in Windhoek as well as two nights in Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast.

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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…

ITINERARY:

Day 1
Windhoek City (guest-house)
After arriving in Windhoek and settling into your guest house, you have the day to yourself where you can relax at the guest house, laze by the pool, visit the museum or take a stroll through town.
Dinner this evening is not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account.

Day 2
Windhoek – Namib Desert Camp, outside of the Namib Naukluft Park (350 km) (LD) (camping)
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 fuel and refreshments before continuing on a short distance to our camp for the night.
We aim to arrive at our camp during the late afternoon and so there should be time for a dip in the pool and to see the sun set over the Naukluft Mountains. (Please note that we do not camp inside the Park area but about 48 km away.)

Day 3
Namib Desert Camp – Sossusvlei - Namib Desert Camp, outside of the Namib Naukluft Park (camping) (BLD)
A pre dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert. After passing through Sesriem on sunrise, the gateway to the dunes, we drive into the heart of the dune field, we reach Sossusvlei itself by walking 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 thorn 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 to escape the heat of the afternoon.

Day 4
Namib Desert Camp – Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast (300 km) (chalets) (BLD)
An early start today, we are heading north-west to the seaside town of Swakopmund located on the Skeleton Coast. Leaving the dune fields far behind us we are soon back into the mountain desert. We cross the Tropic of Capricorn and traverse both the Gaub and the Kuiseb pass, driving down to the dry river bed at the bottom of the canyon before climbing up the other side, watching the spectacular desert landscape unfold before us.
From the mountains we cross the desolate “Namib gravel plains” before reaching the coastal sand dunes at the port town of Walvis Bay. We will stop for a picnic lunch beside the ocean and there will be time to see the flamingos and other bird life in the Walvis Bay lagoon before continuing the now short drive into Swakopmund.
The Swakopmund section of the trip is designed to allow people to relax either with the group, or on their own.

Day 5
Swakopmund (B) (chalets)
Today is a free day. The idea is to allow time for everybody to do their own thing. 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.
Only breakfast is provided to allow you to plan your time here with as much flexibility as possible and not to be tied to group meal times. It also gives you the chance to sample some of the excellent local cafes and restaurants. The seafood in Swakopmund is superb and your guide will offer to organise a group meal in a local restaurant for this evening.
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 and dinner this evening is not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account.

Day 6
Swakopmund – Brandberg Mountain (300 km) (BLD) (camping)
Leaving early and heading north along the coast, we will first visit the seal colony at Cape Cross where it is possible to see thousands of Cape Fur Seals in the water and on the surrounding rocks and beaches.
From here we will turn east, inland and back into the desert, travelling on to the small town of Uis, an old mining town, located more or less in the middle of no-where. Uis is 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 Uis it is now only a short drive 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 7
Brandberg Mountain – Palmwag (350km) (BLD) (camping)
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.
Damaraland is probably Namibia’s most beautiful area and we drive through the heart of the region today. Giant granite “koppies” and open grassland make up the terrain with rare and unusual flora species dotting the landscape.
We travel deeper into Damaraland and head down to the Palmwag Oasis. Located on the banks of a dry river, the Oasis is shaded by huge makalani palm trees and water comes from a rare desert spring that attracts a wide variety of wild game, including the rare and elusive desert elephant.
There is a swimming pool where you can cool off and chill out or a self guided sunset walking trail if you are feeling energetic.

Day 8
Palmwag Desert Oasis - Oase Himba village (300km) (BLD) (camping)
Leaving Palmwag 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”.
Your camp is close to the village and set amongst an out crop of rocks.

Day 9
Oase Himba Village – Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park. (350 km) (BLD) (camping)
Departing Kamanjab we head East to Outjo for a short stop for fresh supplies and where we can also get coffee and sticky cakes at the local bakery, before continuing on to Etosha’s premier resort, Okaukuejo.
We have time to make our camp and to relax in the shade by the swimming pool before heading out into the park in the cool of the late afternoon on our first game drive. Etosha forms the main game viewing section of our safari and the Okaukuejo area offers us some of the best waterholes in the park and the best chance to see some Big Game.
Game driving is not the only way to see the African wildlife at Okaukuejo. Located right on the boundary of the camp and within easy walking distance there is a floodlit waterhole for “after hours” game watching. Okaukuejo is famous for its waterhole, it has been described as one of the "best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa" and black rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope are often seen.

Day 10
Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park (BLD) (camping)
Okaukuejo is our first two-night stop and we go straight out on an early morning game drive. We visit some of the numerous waterholes in the area hoping to catch some of Etosha's Big Game out for an early morning drink. The game drives around the Okaukuejo area are some of the best in the park and we cover several different terrains this morning, from wooded areas to open savannah and in the rainy season, wetland.
Back to Okaukuejo in the late morning and after lunch there is time once again to relax during the heat of the day. The pool area here is very good, shaded by palm trees and within easy walking distance of the waterhole.
As on day three, we take a shorter game drive in the late afternoon, often driving out to one of the waterholes popular with game and waiting for the animals to come to us.
The Okaukuejo waterhole “Game Show” is scheduled to start again at sunset

Day 11
Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park – Okonjima, AfriCat Foundation. (270 km) (BLD) (camping)
Sadly we have to leave Etosha today but its not the end of our game viewing. We will aim to arrive at Okonjima during the middle of the afternoon, giving us time to set up our camp and to relax in the shade or plunge into the pool 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 it’s operations around the African Big Cats, particularly cheetah. This afternoon specialised guides will take you on a tour during which you will be able to meet, close-up-and-personal, some of the cheetah, and other Big Cats, 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 the rehabilitation process is to attempt to re-introduce them into the wild.
After our educational tour we will return to camp and prepare for dinner under the African stars.

Day 12
Okonjima, AfriCat Foundation - Windhoek (300 km) (BLD) (camping)
We will travel south, stopping at 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.
We aim to arrive back in Windhoek in the early afternoon. Tonight we are staying at a guest house in town and there will be time to wander around town or relax at the guest house before your guide collects you again in the evening for dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 13
Windhoek (20 km) (B)
This morning you will be taken on a “Katutura Township Tour”. Katutura was, during the apartheid years, the original Windhoek workers “township” and is still today the largest suburb in Windhoek. The atmosphere is truly African and we will visit all the areas of local interest including markets and a local bar to try out the traditional drinks and food. Depending on departure times for your flight home, the afternoon can be spent shopping in Windhoek. Not only interesting, this is an excellent opportunity to check out the markets for last minute gifts and souvenirs.


DEPARTURE DATES:

This Group Safari itinerary can easily be converted into a Private Safari or a Self Drive Tour

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.

Maximum group size is 14 people, with a minimum number of 2 people. Transport for up to 8 people will be in a minibus and for 9 people and more in a Toyota bus / truck.

Minimum age is 5 years and we put the responsibility, control and discipline of children fully in the hands of the accompanying parents. We will require the parents or legal guardians of all children travelling to sign a responsibility waiver.

The style of safari is semi accommodated / assisted camping. You will be asked to assist put up and take down your own tent, 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

Namibia is a huge country and to experience a comprehensive land safari, some long travelling days are unavoidable. We have designed this itinerary with the aim to keep the travelling time, each day, to a minimum. On some days however, clients must be prepared to travel long distances.

Safari 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

Safari 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 a cost of N$: 100.00 per 10 day 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.

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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