NAMIBIA - Scheduled Guided
Tours & Safaris Scheduled
Guided Camping Tours Overview
14
Day - Namibian Experience Safari
TOUR INFORMATION:
TOUR CODE:
NSC020
Safari Type:
Scheduled Guided Tour
(Guaranteed Departure Dates)
Style:
Camping
(limited
participation, assisted camping)
Duration:
14 Days / 13 Nights
Departure Date:
Fridays (weekly)
Departure Location:
Windhoek - Namibia
Tour Ends:
Windhoek - Namibia
Routing Highlights:
Windhoek – Quiver Tree Forest
- Orange River – Klein Aus Vista, Southern Namib - Lüderitz – Klein Aus Vista
- Namib Naukluft Park - Sesriem - Sossusvlei – Windhoek – Okonjima – Etosha
National Park - Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab - Brandberg Mountain –
Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast - Windhoek
This is a combination of the two 7 day trips (NSC007 & NSC008) that offers you
a great opportunity to visit just about all of Namibia's highlights. One
night's accommodation at a guesthouse in Windhoek between the two tours is
also included in the price.
This safari has a guaranteed departure every Sunday 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. Included in
the price of the trip there are two accommodated nights, (day 7 & day 13)
It is possible, due to operational convenience, that this itinerary will be
operated in reverse. In this instance clients would travel to Okonjima on day
1 and to the Quiver Tree Forest on day 8. |
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 – Keetmanshoop - Quiver Tree Forest
We will collect you from your accommodation in Windhoek on the morning of
departure. Pick up time will be between 07:30 & 08h00.
We start our long journey south on the main B1 highway, travelling through the
thin strip of Kalahari Desert that protrudes onto the eastern side of Namibia.
Stopping at small towns along the way including Rehoboth, traditional home of
the Baster people, we aim to arrive at the Quiver Tree Forest in the middle
afternoon. Located just north of the southern centre of Keetmanshoop,
(officially the sunniest town in the world), we make camp and have time to
explore the area on foot.
Quiver trees are not in fact trees; they are a type of aloe, (Aloe Dictoma),
so called because the branches fork “dictomously”. These weird looking plants
dot the landscape in this part of the world and are locally common; however
they are one of the world’s rarest flora species.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: L, D)
Day 2
Keetmanshoop – Orange River Oasis
Before leaving the Keetmanshoop area we visit another local site of
interest this morning, the Giants Playground”, an area filled with massively
eroded granite rocks that are precariously balanced in tottering towers. After
a short stop in Keetmanshoop itself we continue south, leaving the main road
far behind us and join the extensive network of gravel roads that unite rural
Namibia.
Arriving at Fish River Canyon in the early afternoon, we drive to the main
look out where the views of need to be seen to be believed. We can see the
river sparkling in the sunlight far below us, and can barely imagine how many
millennia it took for the forces of erosion to carve such a magnificent vista.
Driving still further south, we travel all the way to the southern border with
South Africa, the mighty Orange River. Coming from the arid desert regions
that have formed the landscape for most of our journey, it is an amazing sight
to see green vegetation and bright ribbon of flowing water appear out of
seemingly no-where.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 3
Orange River – Klein Aus Vista, Southern Namib
An easy drive this morning so we have a leisurely start. There is time for
a dip in the cool waters of the Orange, (very cold waters in the winter time).
Our road follows the scenic course of the river for the first part of the
day’s journey before heading back into the desert and the beautiful landscapes
that Namibian has to offer.
Our route takes us past the zinc mines of Rosh Pinah where we will take a
short break before arriving at our destination, the tiny town of Aus in the
middle to late afternoon. We sleep tonight at Kline Aus Vista, a private
reserve, beautifully located in the Aus Mountain Range, (Huib-Hoch-Plateau
region).
There is time to explore this stunning area on foot and to find a lofty perch
in the mountains to watch the sun slip over the western horizon.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 4
Lüderitz – Klein Aus Vista
We are up with the dawn this morning for the short drive to Lüderitz; we
travel on the main road and keep a sharp look out for the unique Namib wild
horses. These horses are the only wild horses in Namibia and have, very
unusually, become adapted to an existence with very limited water. Where they
originated from is un-clear, some people think they are the descendants of the
horses used by the German cavalry during the First World War. Another theory
is that they originally came from a horse farm that used to be run by a German
Barron, (von Wolff), in the very early colonial days.
We arrive in Lüderitz in time to join an optional extra excursion, a trip on
an old wooden sailing ship, “The Sedina”. We take a cruise around Lüderitz bay
and, weather permitting, to Halifax Island to see the Jackass Penguins. If the
weather conditions are suitable we turn off the engines come back to Lüderitz
under sail.
Straight after the Sedina trip we drive out to Kolmanskop, a desert ghost town
about 20 km out of Lüderitz. It was built in the 1920's during the diamond
rush and was abandoned when bigger and better diamonds were found further
along the coast. The area is still abandoned and the desert has encroached
over the entire town, giving an eerie feeling and real meaning to the word
“ghost”.
Lunch today is not included in the programme; this is to allow everybody as
much flexibility with their time as possible and to give us the opportunity to
sample some of the excellent local cafes.
During the middle of the day there is time to explore Lüderitz Town with its
traditional German architecture and later we will take a drive out to Diaz
Point to see the bird life, hopefully a few seals and the stone cross replica,
originally erected by the Portuguese mariner Bartholomew Diaz.
Returning to Klein Aus Vista in the late afternoon, the road takes us through
the “forbidden Zone” so named because in years gone by, the alluvial diamonds
found in Namibia were simply scattered across the desert and we again have
time to enjoy sunset over the mountains.
N.B: The “Sedina” excursion is subject to availability and, if undertaken,
will be for the clients own risk and expense.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, D)
Day 5
Namib Naukluft Park
Turning north, we once again head deep into the ancient southern Namib,
travelling on small gravel roads and passing some tiny rural communities along
the way. The scenery is harsh, and sometimes forbidding. The process of
erosion in these areas is well advanced and we pass time rounded “koppies”
arid terrain and outcrops of tortured rock.
Our destination is Sesriem, the gateway to the sand dune see and one of the
most remarkable landscapes on Planet Earth. Tonight we are guarded by the
massive sand dunes of the Namib to our west and the towering Naukluft
Mountains to the east.
We arrive in time to drive the short distance to one of the close by dunes to
watch the colours on the distant mountains to the east, glow and change in the
sunset.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 6
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 (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 7
Windhoek
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 mountain passes 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: Hotel Accommodation (Meals: B, L)
Day 8
Windhoek – 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 (Meals: L, D)
Day 9
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 (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 10
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 (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 11
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 (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 12
Oase Himba Village – 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 (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 13
Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast
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: Chalet Accommodation (Meals: B, L)
Day 14
Windhoek
The drive back to Windhoek today will take about 4 and a 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).
This is the last day of our trip and after lunch we will transfer back to the
capital city where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
Tonight the accommodation is not included in the price of the safari.
TOUR NOTES:
Maximum group size is 16 people, with no minimum number.
Transport for up to 8 people will be in a minibus or a land cruiser. For
numbers 9 to16 people, transport will be in a 16 seater safari vehicle
Assisted camping, participation limited to helping with tents only.
Departures every Sunday.
Please note that this trip may start with either the south or north section
first.
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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