NAMIBIA - Scheduled Guided
Tours & Safaris Scheduled
Guided Camping Tours Overview
18
Day - Sossusvlei, Namibia North & Victoria Falls Safari
TOUR INFORMATION:
TOUR CODE:
NSC021
Safari Type:
Scheduled Guided Tour
(Guaranteed Departure Dates)
Style:
Camping (limited
participation, assisted camping)
Duration:
18 Days / 17 Nights
Departure Date:
Tuesdays (see departure dates below)
Departure Location:
Windhoek - Namibia
Tour Ends:
Livingstone - Zambia
Countries Visited:
NAMIBIA - BOTSWANA - ZAMBIA
This trip finishes in Victoria Falls but you have the option to return
to Windhoek
with your guide.
Routing Highlights:
Windhoek - Namib Naukluft Park - Sesriem Canyon – Sossusvlei – Windhoek – Okonjima -
Etosha National Park - Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab - Brandberg Mountain –
Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast - Windhoek – Ghanzi, Kalahari, Botswana – Okavango
Delta - Caprivi Strip – Kasane, Botswana – Livingstone, Zambia
This safari is a combination of 3 of most popular itineraries, the (NSC003) 3
day Sossusvlei Link, the (NSC007) 7 day Northern Adventure and the (NSC012) 8
day Delta & Falls. You will cover classic Namibia but also visit two
additional wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the Mighty
Victoria Falls in Zambia. It is also possible to make this into a 20 day trip
and transfer back to Windhoek with your guide after the end of the 18 day
section of the safari
This safari has a guaranteed departure on Thursdays. 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 three
accommodated nights included in the itinerary, in Windhoek (day 3 and day 10)
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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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 07:30 & 08:00.
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 (Meals: B, L, D)
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 (Meals: B, L, D)
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 Camping
Day 4
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 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 (Meals: B, L, D)
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 (Meals: B, L, D)
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 (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 8
Oase 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 9
Brandberg Mountain – 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 10
Swakopmund – 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. 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. 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 11
Windhoek – Ghanzi, Kalahari, Botswana
You will be collected from your accommodation between 07:30 and 08:00. A
long drive today, making use of the Trans-Kalahari-Highway, a relatively new
road that provides an invaluable communication link between Namibia, Botswana
and South Africa. The road takes us first to the small town of Gobabis, one of
the main livestock farming centres of Namibia, and then on to the border with
Botswana.
After completing the immigration formalities we continue, through rural
Botswana to the town of Ghanzi, located in the centre of cattle farming
Botswana. Ghanzi is located almost in the middle of the Kalahari Desert and
was almost unknown before the Trans Kalahari Highway.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: L, D)
Day 12
Ghanzi – Okavango Delta
An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute
supplies before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of the Kalahari
and passing through small towns along the way. A change in vegetation heralds
our arrival on the very western edge of one of the natural wonders of the
world, the Okavango Delta.
Here we turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels west as we
enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the crystal waters through
the lush vegetation and we make our camp on the banks of a pristine African
lagoon.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 13
OKAVANGO DELTA -
We are in the territory of the River People, so this morning we leave our
vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion, first by motor-boat
and then by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), deep into the Delta.
Mokoro’s will be our main form of transport for the next two days. These
amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed for the narrow waterways of
the Okavango and allow us to travel further into the Delta than if we were
using more modern forms of transport. Mokoro’s carry three people, two seated
passengers and one driver. The driver stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real
feat of balance), and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer the mokoro
through the twisting channels. It really is the only way to travel.
Back to camp in the late afternoon for another night by the Okavango waters.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping
Day 14
Okavango Delta – Caprivi, Namibia
Back on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities
completed we go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small but excellent
park right on the edge of the Okavango River. We game drive our way through
Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely seen Namibian species such as roan
the majestic sable antelope.
Our camp for tonight is just outside the Game Reserve, and we are again beside
the Okavango, but this time the main river, on its journey from the Angolan
highlands, through the pan handle to waters end, the delta.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 15
Caprivi, Namibia
The Caprivi Strip is a long narrow stretch of territory running along the
Botswana’s northern border. It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many
small communities dotted along our route. The locals in this area are the
Kavango people and we make a cultural visit to a local community. The people
here have taken the initiative to establish a traditional “kraal” which will
be opened for us and we will give a guided tour.
We have the chance to gain a significant insight into the local customs and
culture, including demonstrations of traditional medicine and superstition.
From here it is only a short drive to our camp for the night, also operated as
a community project, and located on the banks of the Kwando River in a
beautiful setting. There is a craft market nearby where you can shop for truly
Namibian souvenirs.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 16
Caprivi Strip – Kasane, Botswana
We finish our long transit of the Caprivi region this morning when we
arrive in Namibia’s easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A short break here before
crossing back across the border into Botswana. The road takes us directly into
the world famous Chobe National Park. Chobe has the world’s largest population
of African Elephants and the chances of seeing some big game are very good as
we transit through the park to the small town of Kasane. We make camp in the
grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the Chobe River.
Time to relax in the afternoon before joining a river boat cruise, back into
the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see a huge amount of wild
game, both on the river banks and in the waters swirling around us.
Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding Chobe River and on the land
side there is often a kaleidoscope of different antelope and species such as
elephant, buffalo and even the Big Cats come to the river banks for their
sun-downer drink. The Chobe River provides a very broad habitat for bird life
and it is possible to see many beautiful species of our feathered friends.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 17
Kasane – Livingstone, Zambia
Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula ferry
depot and complete our Botswana exit formalities. We cross the Chobe on the
local ferry boat, enter Zambia and from here it is a short drive to the town
of Livingstone. Named after the famous British missionary and explorer Dr.
David Livingstone, the town is a bustling African centre. We make our camp on
the banks of the Zambezi River and have time to explore the town and to visit
the might Victoria Falls.
The views of the waterfall from the Zambian bank are fantastic; there are many
small paths and lookout points to explore. This afternoon your guide will help
you organise the many optional activities available in Livingstone. These
include white water rafting, Bungi jumping, other excursions on the river and
scenic flights to mention but a few. Overnight camping.
Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant at the client’s own expense.
NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done at the
clients own risk and expense.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L)
Day 18
Livingstone
After breakfast the safari is finished. Your guide will be able to offer
advice on other travel plans you have in this region. We pack up our campsite.
(Meals: B)
For clients transferring back to Windhoek tomorrow this is a free day for
you to explore the area or to take part in optional activities. Lunch and
dinner are not included in the price of the trip.
2 DAY RETURN TRIP TO WINDHOEK
By adding two days to the itinerary you can transfer back from Livingstone to
Windhoek for an additional N$1,000.00 per person.
Your guide will arrange a time to collect you for the return journey
in the morning. You will keep your tent for tonight and this nights camping is
included in the price of the safari.
Day 19
Livingstone – Rundu, Namibia
An early start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will not be
stopping to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse the Caprivi
Strip and will spend the night near the small town of Rundu in northern
Namibia. We camp in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the Okavango
River, looking into Angola on the far river bank.
Dinner tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included in the
price.
Accommodation: Overnight Camping (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 20
Rundu – Windhoek
Another early start and another long drive. We head south through Kavango
Province, down through the towns of Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja
before reaching our final destination, Windhoek. There will be stops at
some of the local woodcarving stalls as well as the market at Okahandja before
arriving in the city. We are due back into the city in the late
afternoon and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return.
Tonight the accommodation is not included in the price of the safari.
DEPARTURE DATES:
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2008 |
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2009 |
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| March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Jan |
Feb |
March |
| 04 |
08 |
06 |
10 |
01 |
05 |
02 |
07 |
11 |
09 |
13 |
10 |
10 |
| 18 |
22 |
27 |
24 |
08 |
12 |
09 |
14 |
25 |
30 |
27 |
24 |
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| 25 |
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15 |
19 |
16 |
28 |
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22 |
26 |
23 |
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29 |
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30 |
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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.
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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