TOUR INFORMATION: TOUR CODE:              NSC018 Safari Type:                        Scheduled Guided Tour (Guaranteed Departure Dates) Style:                                   Combination: Camping & Accommodated (until 31/03/2008) Style:                                   Camping (from 01/04/2008) -                                              (limited participation, assisted camping) Duration:                             13 Days / 12 Nights Departure Date:                 Sundays (see departure dates below) Departure Location:          Windhoek - Namibia Tour Ends:                          Windhoek - Namibia Routing Highlights: Windhoek – Namib Naukluft Park - Sesriem – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund - Brandberg – Palmwag Oasis, Damaraland - Palmwag – Kunene River, Kaokoland - Ombalantu – (Omaheke Village), Owamboland - Ombili – Etosha National Park - Windhoek This safari is designed to show you the very best highlights of Namibia including the rich cultural heritage as well as the diverse scenery and wildlife of the country. There are regular guaranteed departures throughout the year, there are no minimum numbers and we will operate the trip with only one booking if necessary. IMPORTANT - Safari Style:  This safari operates on a semi-accommodated itinerary using a selection of bungalows, guest-houses and lodges throughout Namibia, but also making use of selected campsites to allow you to enjoy the full, outdoor African experience. This safari will operate as a camping only safari from the 01st of April 2008 onwards. The campsites are all established camps with proper ablution facilities.

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…

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
We will collect you from your accommodation in Windhoek on the morning of departure. Pick up time will be between 08:30 & 09h00. We leave Windhoek and straight away join the small desert roads that connect the whole of rural Namibia. Windhoek is in a mountain valley and we have to climb out, first over the Eros Mountains and then the Khomas Hochland Range. The mountain passes are spectacular, we pass by several desert homesteads and we often see wild game along the road. As we come through the mountains we drop down from the central plateau by way of the impressive Remhoogte Pass and emerge to find grassy desert savannah.
We stop at Solitaire, Namibia’s second smallest town, for afternoon tea, then 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 (Meals: L, D)

Day 2
Namib Naukluft Park - Sesriem – Sossusvlei
A pre dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert. After driving 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. As the day cools off in the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon.
Accommodation: Overnight camping (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 3
Swakopmund
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 passes, 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 to see the ocean and there will be time to see the flamingos and other bird life in the Walvis Bay lagoon before continuing the short drive into Swakopmund. Dinner tonight is for the clients own account in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Overnight Guesthouse in Swakopmund (Meals: B, L)

Day 4
Swakopmund – Brandberg, Damaraland
Leaving town we head north, following the rugged Skeleton Coast to the small town of Henties Bay. After a short stop here, we continue on to the Cape Cross Reserve. Here there can be as many as 100 000 Cape Fur Seals basking on the rocks and cavorting in the “boiling” Atlantic waters.
We turn east and inland from here heading into one of the most beautiful desert areas in Namibia, Damaraland, home to the elusive desert elephant and rare black rhino.
Our destination is the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, (2573 m), an ancient Bushman spiritual site and tonight we sleep under the shadow of this giant granite monolith.
Accommodation: Lodge Accommodation (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 5
Brandberg – Palmwag Oasis, Damaraland
Damaraland scenery is beautiful 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 stop is in the Twyfelfontein valley where we 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.
We then continue to our destination at Palmwag Oasis. Located beside a rare desert spring that can attract a wide variety of game, we camp tonight on the banks of a dry river and under the shade of huge palm trees.
Accommodation: Overnight camping (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 6
Palmwag – Kunene River, Kaokoland
We cross the mountains into the far northern region of Kaokoland, the home of the Himba. The Himba people are, in fact, part of the Herero Clan, sharing a common language and heritage. The original people were, and still to some extent are, nomadic pastoralists, settling in one area only long enough to harvest a crop before herding their cattle and families to literally, greener pastures. They arrived in Namibia as late as the 1920’s and continued their almost Stone-Age existence in the far northern regions until late into the 20th Century.
Globalisation has caught up with most traditional ways of life and the Himba are no exception. Today in Kaokoland the unlimited space that Africa used to boast is no longer available for nomadic people and the villages in the region are pretty much permanent. Many of the younger generations have migrated for the last time but this time to the cities and not to a new “kraal”. The Kaokoland Himba of today still retain many of their traditional ways, ways that are being adapted to fit in with 21st Century living. We travel to the main centre of Kaokoland, the small town of Opuwo and after a short stop here, we start the final northern leg of our safari to the Kunene River. We will visit several villages along the way, asking permission to enter and offering gifts of food for the whole community to show appreciation for the hospitality we hope to receive.
The Kunene is a welcome sight after long desert driving, and we tonight sleep in a lodge, right on the banks of the river, looking over to Angola on the far bank.
Accommodation: Lodge Accommodation (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 7
Kunene River, Kaokoland
We spend a whole day in this rare wetland of the Namib Desert. There will be the opportunity to visit more Himba communities but there is also the chance to “chill-out” in the shade beside the river and re-charge. For the energetic there are various optional activities available. These include white water rafting on the Kunene, hiking trails or mountain biking in the foothills surrounding the Kunene River Valley. Lodge accommodation.
(N.B) All extra activities and excursions are subject to availability and are made at the clients’ own risk and expense).
Accommodation: Lodge Accommodation (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 8
Kunene River – Ombalantu, Owamboland
We stay with the Kunene for the first part of the day, following the river road up-stream to the huge hydro-electric dam at Ruacana, a joint industrial project between Angola and Namibia and the source of much of Namibia’s electrical power. In times of high water the sluice gates at the dam are opened to create an impressive waterfall.
A short stop in Ruacana and then we pick up the main road into Owamboland travelling to our destination at Ombalantu.
Ombalantu is an old South African military camp, left abandoned at the end of the Namibian liberation struggle. There is also a giant, hollow baobab tree that in times past has been used as a pub, a jail and a chapel.
We make our camp on a local community site in the vicinity of this ancient tree and have time to explore the community on foot. It is a great opportunity to meet some of the local people, have a drink of traditional beer in the local pub and enjoy an afternoon of cultural exchange.
Accommodation: Overnight camping (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 9
Ombalantu – (Omaheke Village), Owamboland
We make an early start and continue our journey through the heart of the most populated area of Namibia making numerous stops along the way to visit various local initiatives and projects. The local people are producing “cottage industry style” products that are in much demand within the local community. Much of the produce is hand made in the traditional manner and we have the chance to interact with the craftsmen and women and learn something of the “old way” of doing things.
We are not the only people interested in traditional skills; the elders of the community are also taking the opportunity to pass on their expertise to the younger generations, keeping alive some of the ancient methods, traditions and lore.
We will also visit the traditional Kraal at Nakambale where the preservation of the traditional Owambo lifestyle has been formalised and a museum created.
Our destination is Omaheke Village where we are invited to spend the night with the local community. Depending on the season, we can visit the local school and often there is the opportunity to “go local” and help the Omahekeians with some of their daily tasks, for example, harvesting the mahango (millet) crop or herding the cattle in for the night.
We have direct contact not only with the people but with their everyday way of life and we have the chance to compare our own lifestyle, (quality bathrooms for example), with the lifestyle of the people living in rural Namibia.
Accommodation: Overnight camping (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 10
Omaheke Village – Ombili – Namutoni, Etosha National Park
First stop this morning will be to visit a local community of Bushman or San people. Before Namibian independence in 1990, the Namibian people were engaged in a liberation struggle with South Africa.
During this time Namibia had a large South African military presence and the South African army incorporated local Bushmen into their ranks because of their natural talent for tracking. When the South African army withdrew, the local Bushmen trackers remained behind and were in danger of becoming displaced people, being so long away from their own villages. The local farming community in the Ombili area invited the Bushmen to stay and make their homes. Over the last 15 years or so a thriving bushman community has developed.
The Bushmen at Ombili are not living the traditional hunter gatherer lifestyle, that harsh but romanticized way of life has disappeared for ever, but the language and many of the customs remain alive. We make a stop at Ombili and we have the chance to meet the local inhabitants and learn something of their ancient and modern culture.
Continuing on to Namutoni camp in Etosha National Park, we 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 the camp and easily reachable by foot, elephants are regular visitors here and there is a good chance of seeing other species of game as well.
Accommodation: Overnight camping (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 11
Namutoni, Etosha National Park
It is up before dawn to 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 Namutoni area are some of the best in the park.
We cover several different types of terrain this morning, from wooded areas to open savannah and in the rainy season, wetland. Back to Namutoni 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 a stone's throw away from the waterhole. 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.
Accommodation: Overnight camping (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 12
Namutoni – Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park
A full day's game driving. We again leave early to enjoy the cool morning air. 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 also 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 camp.
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 often seen.
Accommodation: Overnight camping (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 13
Windhoek
We have time for a short, final game drive this morning before leaving Etosha and beginning our journey south. We are travelling on the main road, passing through towns and rural areas and we will make time to make a stop in the small town of Okahandja.
Okahandja is the home of Namibia’s largest wood carving market. The stalls are operated on a local co-operative basis and are one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.
We are due back into the city around 16:00 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return.

DEPARTURE DATES:

2008/9 Departures (Combination:  Accommodated & Camping Safari)

2008/9 Departures (Camping 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.

	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