NAMIBIA - Scheduled Guided
Tours & Safaris Scheduled
Guided Camping Tours Overview
22 Day - Namibia, Okavango Delta Victoria Falls Safari
TOUR INFORMATION:
TOUR CODE:
NSC022
Safari Type:
Scheduled Guided Tour
(Guaranteed Departure Dates)
Style:
Camping (limited
participation, assisted camping)
Duration:
22 Days / 21 Nights
Departure Date:
Fridays (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 – 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 - Ghanzi, Kalahari - Okavango Delta -
Caprivi Strip – Kasane - Livingstone
This itinerary details the route as travelling north first, however you
may well travel to the south first, covering exactly the same ground but in
reverse order to the text here. The Okavango Delta section is always the
final section of the safari.
This safari has a guaranteed departure nearly every Friday of the year, with
a minimum of 2 people. There is no single supplement, and the price is
virtually fully inclusive of everything you will need whilst travelling with
us. The style is limited participation, assisted camping. Included in the
price of the trip there are three accommodated nights, (day 7,day 13 & day
14).
Collection time, from anywhere within the Windhoek city limits is between
08:30 & 09:00 for the first northern section, (to Okonjima), of the trip,
between 07:30 & 08:00 for the second southern section, (to the Quiver Tree
Forrest), and between 07:30 & 08:00 for the final section of the trip, (to
Botswana).
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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 – Quiver Tree forest (500 km) (LD) (camping)
You will be collected between 07:30 & 08:00.
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 Dichotoma),
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.
Day 2
Quiver Tree Forest – Fish River Canyon (250 km) (BLD) (camping)
Before leaving the Keetmanshoop area we visit another local site of interest
this morning, the Giants Playground”, an area filled with massively eroded
dolerite rocks that are precariously balanced in tottering towers. We then
head to the Town of Keetmanshoop, the capital of the South, for a short
stop.
Leaving the town behind, we travel west and over the Fish River, our first
sight of this famous river. Our journey takes us off the tarmac road and
onto gravel roads and south to reach our night’s destination, close to Fish
River Canyon. This area is on the North West side of the Canyon and opposite
the traditional viewing point of the Canyon.
Day 3
Fish River Canyon – Klein Aus Vista, southern Namib, (250 km) (BLD)
(camping)
It’s an early start to make the most of the morning and our visit to the
Canyon. Viewing from the top 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.
It’s possible to make our way into the canyon and to the bottom of this the
second largest Canyon in Africa. We have lunch and a dip in the cool waters
before making our way out and back to camp. Time to pack up camp and move on
to our next destination, the tiny town of Aus. We sleep tonight at Klein Aus
Vista, a private reserve, beautifully located in the Aus Mountain Range, (Huib-Hoch-Plateau
region).
Day 4
Klein Aus Vista – Lüderitz – Klein Aus Vista (250km) (BD) (camping)
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 feral 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.
Day 5
Klein Aus Vista – Namib Desert Camp, outside of the Namib Naukluft Park
(350km) (BLD) (camping)
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.
Traversing this bleak yet beautiful landscape, the terrain begins to change
and 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 our camp during the late afternoon and watch the colours glow
and change on distant mountains to the east.
Day 6
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, the
gateway to the dunes and 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.
Day 7
Namib Desert Camp - Windhoek (350 km) (BL)
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.
Day 8
Windhoek – Okonjima (300 km) (LD) (camping)
You will be collected 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.
Day 9
Okonjima - Namutoni / East Etosha region (300 km) (BLD) (camping)
An early start and continuing north we pass through some small towns, making
short stops for fresh supplies and fuel.
Continuing on to our East Etosha, Namutoni region camp we again aim to
arrive in time for lunch, giving us time to relax before heading into the
park during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive.
Day 10
East Etosha region – Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park (BLD) (camping)
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.
Day 11
Okaukuejo – Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab (300 km) (BLD) (camping)
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”.
Day 12
Oase Village – Brandberg Mountain (400 km) (BLD) (camping)
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 to visit the ancient Bushman
rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. At this location we will have a local
guide 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.
Day 13
Brandberg Mountain – Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast (250 km) (BL) (chalet
accommodation)
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
Day 14
Swakopmund - Windhoek (BL) (350 km)
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 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).
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
Day 15
Windhoek – Ghanzi, Kalahari, Botswana (600 km) (LD) (camping)
You will be collected between 07:30 & 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.
Day 16
Ghanzi – Okavango Delta (450 km) (BLD) (camping)
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.
Day 17
Okavango Delta (BLD) (camping)
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. 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.
Day 18
Okavango Delta – Caprivi, Namibia (350 km) (BLD) (camping)
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.
Day 19
Caprivi, Namibia - Kasane, Botswana (500km) (BLD) (camping)
The Caprivi Strip is a long narrow stretch of territory running along
Botswana’s northern border. It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many
small communities dotted along our route.
We near the end of our long transit of the Caprivi region, arriving 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.
Day 20
Kasane, Botswana (BLD) (camping)
After breakfast we head off on a leisurely game drive, exploring the wonders
of the Chobe National Park by road. Game drives within the park offer the
opportunity to view abundant elephant and other big game species up close,
and there is also the possibility of an encounter with one of the large
predators.
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
sundowner 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.
Day 21
Kasane – Livingstone, Zambia (100 km) (BL) (camping)
Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazungula 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 mighty 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.
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.
Day 22
Livingstone (B)
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.
Only 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. Your guide will
arrange a time to collect you for the return journey in the morning.
OPTIONAL RETURN TO WINDHOEK
Day 23
Livingstone – Rundu, Namibia (700 km) (BLD) (camping)
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.
Day 24
Rundu – Windhoek (800 km) (BL)
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.
You will be dropped off at your accommodation.
DEPARTURE DATES:
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2011 |
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April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Jan |
Feb |
March |
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02 |
14 |
11 |
02 |
06 |
03 |
01 |
05 |
03 |
14 |
11 |
11 |
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16 |
28 |
18 |
09 |
13 |
10 |
08 |
19 |
17 |
28 |
25 |
25 |
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30 |
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25 |
16 |
20 |
17 |
22 |
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27 |
24 |
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30 |
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TOUR NOTES:
Maximum group size is 14 people, with a minimum of 2 participants. 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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