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 – Okonjima, AfriCat Foundation - Etosha National Park – Damaraland - Oase Himba village – Palmwag - Brandberg Mountains - Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast – Namib Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei – Sesriem Canyon – Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve, Windhoek This exciting 13 day guided scheduled tour has specially been developed to accommodate the needs and interests of young travellers; the tour visits the prime highlights of Namibia and is only available on limited departure dates...! This safari has guaranteed departures on selected dates throughout the year. There are no minimum numbers, no single supplements 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 on the itinerary, the first night in Windhoek, two nights in Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast and the last night at Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve.

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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)
Depending on arrival times there will be time to relax in your room or by the pool.
(Also depending on arrival times), this afternoon 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.
Dinner this evening in not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account.

Day 2
Windhoek – Okonjima, AfriCat Foundation (300 km) (LD) (camping)
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 on 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 3
Okonjima - Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park (270 km) (BLD) (camping)
Heading north on the main road and passing through small towns along the way. We will make a short stop for fresh supplies in the northern community of Outjo 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 usually seen.

Day 4
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 5
Okaukuejo – Hobatere private game reserve (200 km) (BLD) (camping)
Leaving early we continue with our Namibian wildlife experience today, driving westward through Etosha and entering the restricted “West Etosha” zone. West Etosha is a huge area of the National Park that has been set aside for wildlife research and to allow the animals to breed without the intrusion of game drive vehicles.
With special permission we are allowed to transit through this special area of the park, stopping on the main road for any special animals, however our permit does not allow us to leave the main road or to make too many stops along the way. We should be lucky enough to see many elephants as they abound in this area and we also keep a sharp lookout for Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, a different species of “stripy donkey” that does not usually occur in the main tourist areas of Etosha.
We exit Etosha at the far western gate called Otjovasandu and find ourselves, by way of our shortcut through West Etosha, in northern Damaraland.
Hobatere is a private concession area that is designed to offer sanctuary to wildlife but also to benefit the local communities through environment management training, game management skills and revenue through tourism.
The campsite here is rustic but excellent with good views across the surrounding terrain and shaded areas for the heat of the day. The campsite is in an unfenced wilderness area and parental control of children whilst at Hobatere is essential.

Day 6
Hobatere – Oase Himba village - Palmwag Desert Oasis, Damaraland (300km) (BLD) (camping)
Leaving Hobatere we begin our journey south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab. We will make a short stop here before continuing on to find the Oase Himba village, located about 20 km from Kamanjab. (The exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location).
Oase is a “living village”, meaning that the inhabitants permanently reside here and live according to their traditional lifestyle. In the 21st century this is pretty unique and Oase is in fact the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia.
We will meet a specialised guide before being invited into the village to meet the inhabitants. Our guide will be able to translate for us and we will learn about marriage customs, traditional food, traditional medicine and the mysteries of the ancient religion, “Holy Fire”.
From Oase we will travel to the west, heading deeper into the desert and passing through beautiful Damaraland scenery as we traverse the small “Groot-Berg” mountain range and we 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 and rhinoceros.
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 7
Palmwag – Brandberg Mountain (350km) (BLD) (camping)
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.
Our first main stop today will be the Twyfelfontein valley to visit the Bushman rock engravings or petroglyphs. Ancient artisans used tools made from quartz to leave modern generations with the gift of a fascinating open air museum. The art is carved into the flat surfaces of a ruined petrified sand dune and a local guide will introduce us to this important site.
From here we head deeper into the desert and on to Namibia’s highest mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m). Brandberg Mountain is another ancient Bushman spiritual site and tonight we will sleep in a community campsite under the shadow of this giant granite monolith.

Day 8
Brandberg Mountain – Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast (300 km) (BL) (chalets)
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 and more beautiful Damaraland scenery this morning, 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 where 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.
The Swakopmund section of the trip is designed to allow people to relax either with the group, or on their own. 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.
Dinner this evening in not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account

Day 9
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.
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 and dinner this evening is not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account.

Day 10
Swakopmund - Sesriem (350 km) (BLD) (camping)
We first make a stop at Walvis Bay, situated about 40 km south of Swakopmund. South of the town there is a large marine lagoon which is home to a vast array of marine bird-life, in particular flamingos.
We will make a short visit to the lagoon to see the birds and a short visit to Walvis Bay to collect any last minute supplies before once again heading out into the desert.
The second part of our journey today takes us across more of the seemingly endless Namib gravel plains. Then the landscape suddenly changes and we are into the mountain desert.
We traverse both the Kuiseb and Gaub passes, driving both times to the river beds at the bottom of the canyons and then climbing the long steep road to the top and the spectacular panoramas the mountains give us. Again the scenery changes as we make our way down to the dune fields at Sesriem.
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.

Day 11
Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Sesriem (150 km) (BLD) (camping)
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 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 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 12
Sesriem – Windhoek / Daan Viljoen (450 km) (BLD) (bungalows)
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 Remhoogte Pass on our way back to civilization.
Passing through Windhoek we will drive a little further to Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve located about 20 km from the city centre. Daan Viljoen is a small but interesting reserve with several bush walks that your guide will be able to introduce you to.
Tonight we are staying in small bungalows and we aim to arrive in time to explore the area on foot or to relax by the pool.

Day 13
Daan Viljoen – Windhoek (20 km) (B)
Depending on departure times, there is the option this morning to stay and explore or use the swimming pool at Daan Viljoen or to go into Windhoek City with your guide. The shopping in Windhoek is interesting and 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:

Maximum group size is 16 people, with no minimum number. 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.

Airport transfers and pre-and-post safari accommodation can be arranged on request. (Accommodation on the first night in Windhoek is already included in the price at a quality Windhoek guest-house). Arrival transfers can be booked from Windhoek International Airport directly accommodation in Windhoek. Departure transfers can be arranged to depart from Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve or from any other point in or around Windhoek.

The programmes on day one and on day thirteen are dependant on clients arriving in time to complete the scheduled activities. No discount will be offered to clients if their arrival or departure times on these days prevent them from joining the activities as stated on this itinerary.

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