| NAMIBIA - Self
Drive Tours (SD001)
5 Days / 4 Nights -
Erongo Mountains & Swakopmund
TOUR INFORMATION:
TOUR CODE:
SD001
Type of Tour:
Accommodated Self Drive Tour (Fly & Drive)
Departure Date:
Any date of your choice & Last minute bookings
Departure Location: Windhoek – Airport or City
Tour Ends:
Windhoek – Airport or City
ROUTING HIGHLIGHTS:
Windhoek – Erongo Mountains –
Swakopmund – Windhoek
Car
Rental:
The type of vehicle rented will depend on your group size and amount of
luggage and personal preference.
NOTES:
Our suggested itineraries are ideally suited to the first time or seasoned
visitors alike; we assist and guide you all the way.
This tour can also be done as a
Private Guided Safari or
Fly-In Safari.
As Custom Design Travel Specialists we can tailor-make any itinerary
to suit your individual needs, interests, style and travel budget. |
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click route-map to enlarge
Tour Summary:
Itinerary:
Day 1
Windhoek
On arrival at the Windhoek Airport you will be met by a company
representative who will present you with your accommodation vouchers and
assist you with the collection of your rental vehicle. Continue towards the
capital city, Windhoek.
Windhoek is often described as a city with a “continental” atmosphere due to
its architecture (historical buildings dating back to the German colonial
rule), cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions. Windhoek
portrays the colour, sounds and tempo of a modern African city with its
displays of African drums and woodcarvings on the pavements, which contrast
with the elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian
gemstones. Sidewalk cafes, which offer Namibian style breakfasts
(Frühschoppen) can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally
brewed draught beer. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving
snacks, the city has a wide range of a la carte restaurants offering German,
French, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Italian, African and Chinese cuisine.
Accommodation: Olive Grove Guest House
A small, up market accommodation establishment situated close to the
Windhoek city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. The open-air lounge, spa
bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and
relax under Namibia’s open skies. Our Wellness Room offers a selection of
professional services to help guests relax and de-stress after a long flight
or for just the perfect end to an adventurous holiday. Olive Grove will turn
Windhoek into one of the highlights of any trip, creating and leaving a
lasting impression of this beautiful country.
Day 2
Erongo Mountains
This morning you will take delivery of your rental vehicle before departing
from Windhoek on route to the central Omaruru and Erongo Regions. Today’s
route passes through the small towns of Okahandja and Karibib before
arriving at Omaruru and the Erongo Mountains.
The town of Okahandja is one of Namibia’s oldest established settlements and
is the administrative centre of the Herero-speaking people. Numerous of the
former Herero leaders are buried here and an annual procession through the
town to the Herero graves commemorate those who died during the wars against
the Nama’s and Germans. Optional excursions on route include a visit to the
open - air wood carving centre at Okahandja and the Herero graves.
The main attractions of Karibib include the colonial buildings, the gemstone
and mineral exhibition at the Henckert Tourist Centre, the Marble works and
the Navachab Gold mine.
The first European to visit the area of Omaruru was, Hugo Hahn a missionary,
in 1851. Due to its wealth in game, humans have frequented this area for
thousands of years. This is evident in the numerous sites of rock art found
in the Erongo Mountains. The name Omaruru is derived from the Herero word,
Omaere Omaruru, meaning “bitter curd” which is apparently how the cattle’s
milk tasted after eating a particular bush in the area.
Accommodation: Erongo Wilderness Lodge
The Erongo Wilderness Lodge is located in the foothills of the Erongo
Mountains. Accommodation is in 10 tent-bungalows built on stilts set amongst
the granite boulders. Raised illuminated walkways and natural stone steps
connect the bungalows with the central dining and reception area.
While at the Erongo Wilderness Lodge you will have the opportunity to
participate in optional extra-guided nature drives to the nearby Paula's
caves with examples of "San" rock art, enjoy guided walking safaris with
your local guides or spend some time exploring the area on your own. The
Erongo Wilderness area has an abundance of bird life varying from soaring
raptors to the tiniest of sunbirds. The nearby
Kristall Kellerei Winery in Omaruru is also worth a visit.
Day 3 & Day 4
Swakopmund
Today’s journey returns to Karibib before heading in a westerly direction
via the small town of Usakos on route to the coastal town of Swakopmund.
Usakos had its hay days up until the 1960’s where it served as a service
centre for the narrow gauge railway line between Swakopmund and Otavi. Once
the steam locomotives were replaced by diesel locomotives the town lapsed
into its present sleepy state.
Accommodation: Swakopmund Guest House
Situated in the town centre, a mere five-minute walk from the beach and
main shopping area. The Swakopmund Guesthouse is a bed-and-breakfast
facility, offering more than usual by providing guests with a scrumptious
breakfast buffet, catering for the more upmarket traveller, and facilities
ranging from laundry services to "anything else that guests might ask for".
This includes a shuttle service and wheelchair-friendly accommodation. All
rooms come complete with minibar and television. The Swakopmund Guesthouse
is run with an eco-friendly approach, making use of solar energy. It is not
your conventional type of guesthouse, that's for sure.
Swakopmund is Namibia’s premier coastal resort and is a popular destination
with Namibian’s as a welcome respite from the heat of the interior. The town
is also noted for its Old World charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in
1892 during the period of German colonial rule it served as the territory’s
main harbour for years. Today this quaint town nestled between desert and
ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended
gardens. There is a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops selling
traditional German cakes and pastries, while the coastline and the desert
respectively offer many options for adventure or relaxation. The following
two days can be spent at leisure exploring the town or participating in the
numerous optional extra activities and excursions on offer.
These may include Scenic flights over the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei dunes and
the Skeleton Coast, Dolphin and Seal viewing boat cruises from the Walvis
Bay harbour, quad-biking and dune boarding in the Namib dunes and visits
into the Namib Naukluft Park to the Moon Valley lunar landscape and
Welwitschia Plains.
Day 5
Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast departure returning to Windhoek following the
main route via the small towns of Usakos, Karibib and Okahandja. Continue to
the Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport in time for your scheduled
departure.
Our
tours are merely suggested itineraries and therefore can be
tailor-made to
suit your specific needs.
Our Self Drive Tour
routings are also suitable
as a Guided Safari
or Fly-In Safari.
-
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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