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).

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…

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:

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.

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Our safaris are merely suggested itineraries and therefore can be tailor-made to suit your specific needs: Routes can be amended according to your preference Accommodation can be changed to suit your style and budget Accommodation meal basis can be booked according to your requirements Extra nights can be added depending on your arrival and departure flight times and the pace that you want to travel