| NAMIBIA - Self
Drive Tours (SD001)
5 Days / 4 Nights -
Erongo Mountains & Swakopmund
Routing Highlights:
Windhoek – Erongo Mountains – Swakopmund – Windhoek
Tour Information:
Departure Date: Any date of your choice
Departure Location: Windhoek – Airport or City
Tour Ends:
Windhoek – Airport or City
Car
Rental:
The type of vehicle rented will depend on your group size and amount of
luggage and personal preference.
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click route-map to enlarge
Tour Summary:
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DAY |
ACCOMMODATION |
REGION |
DAILY
ACTIVITIES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 |
Olive Grove Guest House |
Windhoek |
Windhoek City Tour
Shopping |
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2 |
Erongo Wilderness Lodge |
Erongo Mountains |
Woodcarver’s Market
Herero Graves
Kristall Kellerei Winery
Nature Drive to Paula’s Cave
Birding & Nature Hikes |
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3 |
Intermezzo Guest House |
Swakopmund |
Henckert Tourist Center
Moon landscape & Welwitschia Plains |
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4 |
Intermezzo Guest House |
Swakopmund |
Half-day Dolphin Cruise
Quad Biking Tour |
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5 |
Return to Windhoek |
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Itinerary:
Day 1
Windhoek
Upon your scheduled arrival at Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport
you will be welcomed by a company representative and transferred to Namibia's
capital city, Windhoek. The remainder of your afternoon will be at leisure to
view the historical landmarks of this cosmopolitan city or to do any last
minute shopping for your safari.
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
Olive Grove is an up market establishment situated close to the city centre in
a quiet, peaceful area. Whilst each room caters for the every need of the most
discerning traveller, the atmosphere remains one of simplicity and elegance –
after all luxury should be subtle. One of Olive Grove’s main features is the
large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for alfresco
dining. The open air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all
invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia’s open skies.
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 Center, 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 Kelleri 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: Intermezzo Guest House
The Intermezzo Guesthouse is an intimate bed and breakfast, which is tucked
away in a peaceful area only 2 minutes walk from the beach and 15 minutes from
the centre of town. Accommodation is in 5 double bright and clean rooms, all
including en-suite facilities and equipped with a telephone and tea/coffee
facilities. You will sleep very well in good quality beds with the sounds of
the sea in the background. Get a good start to the day with a delicious
breakfast. A small place to feel at home ...... relax in the tranquil garden,
or enjoy yourself with a good book in the reading lounge.
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.
Arrangements will be made for your rental vehicle to be returned to the
airport prior to your 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.
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Routes
can be amended according to your preference
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Accommodation
can be changed to suit your style and budget
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Accommodation meal
basis can be booked
according to your requirements
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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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