| NAMIBIA - Self
Drive Tours (SD003)
7 Days / 6 Nights -
Two Deserts Tour
TOUR INFORMATION:
TOUR CODE:
SD003
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 – Western Kalahari –
Namib Naukluft Park –
Sossusvlei –
Sesriem Canyon -
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:
|
DAY |
ACCOMMODATION |
REGION |
OPTIONAL -
DAILY ACTIVITIES & HIGHLIGHTS |
|
1 |
Windhoek Country Club Resort |
Windhoek
|
Various Excursions & Activities in Windhoek
Windhoek City Tour
Shopping
Golfing |
|
2 |
Bagatelle Kalahari Dune Lodge |
Kalahari Desert |
Nature Drives
Dune Sundowner |
|
3 |
Mountain
Homestead |
Namib Naukluft Park |
Sunset Horse
ride |
|
4 |
Mountain
Homestead |
Namib Naukluft Park |
Sesriem
Sossusvlei
Ballooning |
|
5 |
Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre |
Swakopmund |
Various Excursions & Activities at the coast
Moon landscape & Welwitschia Plains
Various Action Adventure Activities
Desert Tours
Scenic Flights |
|
6 |
Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre |
Swakopmund |
Marine / Dolphin Cruises
Golfing |
|
7 |
Return to Windhoek for departure |
|
Spitzkoppe
Henckert Tourist Centre
Okahandja Woodcarvers market
Herero Graves |
Itinerary:
Day 1
Windhoek
On arrival at the Windhoek Airport you will be met by a company
representative who will present you with your travel vouchers and assist you
with the collection of your rental vehicle. Continue to the capital city,
Windhoek. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure in Windhoek to
view the historical landmarks of this cosmopolitan city or to do any last
minute shopping for your tour.
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 offering Namibian style breakfasts (Frühschoppen),
which 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: Windhoek Country Club Resort
The desert oasis theme of the Windhoek Country Club Resort is no
coincidence. The hotel is a true haven of charm and hospitality, situated in
the picturesque Namibian town of Windhoek. Exceptional service, superb
conference facilities and luxury accommodation in a tranquil desert setting,
have ensured that this hotel maintains its premier position in the Namibian
tourism industry. The resort is situated on the outskirts of Windhoek and
therefore only a five-minute drive from any business meeting or cultural
shopping experience. Bordering on a championship 18-hole golf course, this
luxurious hotel is every golf enthusiast's dream.
Day 2
Kalahari Desert
After breakfast departure from Windhoek continuing south through the Khomas
Region towards the town of Rehoboth. Rehoboth is home to the “Baster
Community” a fiercely independent group of people who are the descendants of
a group of farmers of mixed European and Khoisan blood. These people first
migrated to the area from the Cape in 1870 where they established a
settlement at the site of an abandoned Rhenish Mission Station.
Continue south towards the small settlement of Kalkrand before heading in an
easterly direction towards the western Kalahari Basin to Bagatelle Kalahari
Game Ranch, which is situated in the western Kalahari Basin where the red
dunes meet the deep blue sky, and the sun sets in an explosion of colour,
where some of the last few Bushmen roam in freedom and harmony with the
land.
Accommodation: Bagatelle Kalahari Dune Lodge
Nature drives during the early morning and late afternoon will enable you
not only to view the diversified animal and bird life, but also the unique
dune topography and vegetation. A traditional sundowner on a red Kalahari
sand dune will be the perfect way to watch the sun sink away into the
distant dunes.
Day 3
Namib Naukluft Park
After a leisurely breakfast and participating in the morning scheduled
activities depart from Intu Afrika. Continue towards the central Hardap
Region and the town of Mariental. Despite Mariental’s quiet success, it is
not however the most exciting or interesting places in Namibia. Wind-swept
and dusty in spring and autumn, ferociously hot in summer and bitterly cold
in winter, Mariental is home to a large number of Nama-speaking people,
descendants of the early Khoi inhabitants of Namibia. The town, however,
does provide essential services in the area, including fuel stations,
grocery stores and banks.
From Mariental continue in a westerly direction past the southern edge of
Namibia’s largest Dam, the Hardap Dam, towards the small town of Maltahöhe.
This town nestled on the edge of the Namib Desert, was founded in 1900 and
was once an important agricultural centre. The nearby farm Nomtsas was
established as a sheep farm of some 100 00ha. Later Maltahöhe became the
centre of the karakul trade but years of drought and the collapse of the
karakul price brought hard times to the town. The town remains as a small
support town providing all the necessary services and infra structure for
the local farming community.
From Maltahöhe your journey continues on a gravel road descending the
spectacular Tsarishoogte Pass into the Namib Desert, before reaching the
Namib Naukluft Park. Late afternoon arrival at the Kulala Desert Lodge
located on the eastern boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park.
Accommodation: Mountain Homestead
Mountain Homestead is situated 34 kilometres from Sesriem, the entrance
to Sossusvlei. The camp is situated on the 21,000ha Kulala Wilderness
Reserve with wonderful desert scenery. It affords access to Sossusvlei, but
also offers privacy and exclusivity. The property harbours vast desert
plains and rugged mountains with views onto the dunes in the distance.
The main living area at Mountain Homestead is under thatch with a pool. The
lodge offers an outdoor deck where guests enjoy dinner under the stars and a
dedicated stargazing platform with a powerful telescope for those keen on
admiring the night skies.
Day 4
Namib Naukluft Park
This morning participate in an optional extra-guided excursion into the
Namib Desert to the Namib "Sand Sea" and the Sossusvlei Dune belt.
Sossusvlei is a word from Nama descent, which directly translated means a
place with many endings. Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the
desert is more stunning than Sossusvlei, with its monumentally high dunes,
the shadows of their sinuous crests continually changing as the day waxes
and wanes. Gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand, the highest estimated at
325 m. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange
and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the
deflationary clay pans at some of their bases. A picnic breakfast will be
served under the spreading Camel Thorn Acacia Trees in Sossusvlei before
returning to the lodge by midday.
The Mountain Homestead has excellent riding horses, all docile and easy to
handle. You can choose between several outrides options. Most popular are
the sunrise and sunset rides, taking in the desert scenery with its unique
fauna and flora. This is not a game rich area due to the harsh environment,
however, what game is seen is interesting and dramatized by the contrast
between desert and the magnificent animals like Springbok, Oryx and Ostrich
who survive and eke out an existence on these arid plains.
Accommodation: Mountain Homestead
Day 5
Swakopmund
After a leisurely breakfast departure in a northerly direction towards the
settlement of Solitaire. This route runs parallel to the Namib Naukluft Park
for most of the way except for a short corridor, which joins the plains of
the Namib Desert to the Naukluft Mountain Range. This serves as a migratory
corridor for the Oryx Antelope, which migrate between their summer and
winter-feeding grounds.
Solitaire has a filling station and a small shop, which sells, soft drinks,
snacks and basic supplies. The name Solitaire is derived from the lone dead
tree standing next to the service station. From Solitaire continue
travelling in a northerly direction adjacent to the Namib Naukluft Park.
This route follows the gravel plains of the Namib Desert through the
spectacular Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons before crossing the Namib Desert on
route to the commercial harbour town of Walvis Bay. The drive from Walvis
Bay to Swakopmund leads you between the dramatic coastal dues and the ocean.
Swakopmund is considered as 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.
Accommodation: Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre
The Swakopmund Hotel is a four-star luxury establishment built in and
around the impeccably restored historical station building at Swakopmund.
This stylish up market hotel complex is undoubtedly Swakopmund's most
splendid facility. From the light and airy hotel foyer to the 90 spacious
bedroom units and two Presidential Suites, all with en-suite facilities.
Guests are hosted in luxurious surroundings with a winning combination of
the friendly hospitality for which Namibia is renowned.
Day 6
Swakopmund
Today can be spent at leisure relaxing at the hotel or exploring the
picturesque coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
An optional extra "Dolphin Cruise" excursion may be conducted from the
Walvis Bay Harbour. Departing from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club your skipper
will lead you through the commercial vessels docked at the Walvis Bay
harbour, Namibia’s largest port, while clearing harbour port control.
Passing the small craft harbour the central basin of the harbour is exited
heading north, visiting Bird Island and providing spectacular scenes of the
desert dune landscape enhanced by the contrast between the ocean and the
dunes. Highlights of the excursion include close encounters with Cape Fur
Seals and bow riding Dolphins while crossing the harbour mouth to Pelican
Point. While drifting past seal colonies fresh oysters and sparkling wine
can be enjoyed. Return to the Walvis Bay Yacht Club via the lagoon and
flamingo colonies. If you are interested in the ocean, marine mammals or
aquatic birds this would be the ideal opportunity to experience the Atlantic
Ocean. Fresh Oysters, Sparkling wine, soft drinks and light snacks are
served on board.
Additional excursions into the desert can include quad biking, dune
boarding, and visits into the Namib Naukluft Park to the Moon Valley
formation and the "Welwitschia Plains".
Experience the sheer thrill of riding a four wheeled motorbike through
Namibia’s boundless expanse of shifting sand dunes along a route
approximately 35km. After the engines are revved up and ready to roll an
experienced guide will lead you from the Swakop River Mouth twisting and
turning down the riverbed. Feel the freedom of riding through one of
nature’s great wildernesses as you cut through the plans and head to the
dunes. As the towering dunes approach weave your way through the smaller
ones towards the “Amphitheatre”. With “power Up”, blast your way to the top
of the first big dune on a sea of sand waves via the “Roller Coaster” to the
top of “Big Billy” where you stop for a drink and to capture the stark and
savage beauty of the Namib desert. After riding down the “Devils Dip”
(Guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping) ride the berms, spirals and
slopes as we cruise towards the “Table Top”, a great dune that offers a
spectacular view of the sea to one side and the desert on another.
This excursion is suitable for all ages, no previous riding experience is
necessary. For non-riders semi-automatic 160CC quad bikes are available and
for the more experienced manual 200CC quad bikes are available. The tour
includes a pre-trip safety talk, a lesson in riding quad bikes and
environment friendly riding methods, helmet, goggles, gloves, fuel,
transport and soft drinks.
Should you decide to visit the Namib Naukluft Park you will need to obtain
an entrance permit from the offices of the Namibia Wildlife Resorts in
Swakopmund. Departing from Swakopmund continue inland in an easterly
direction towards the interior. Shortly after passing the “Martin Luther”
steam tractor join the route indicated as the Namib Naukluft Park. Follow
this route taking the indicators leading to the “Moon Landscape” formation
and the “Welwitschia Drive” with its classic examples of the ancient
Welwitschia plant species.
Accommodation: Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre
Day 7
Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast depart from Swakopmund returning to Windhoek
along the main route crossing the "gravel plains" of the Namib Desert
towards the small towns of Usakos, Karibib and Okahandja.
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.
The main attractions in Karibib include the colonial buildings, the gemstone
and mineral exhibition at the Henckert Tourist Center, the Marble works and
the Navachab Gold mine.
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 and the Herero Graves.
From Okahandja join the main route continuing in a southerly direction
towards Windhoek. Late afternoon arrival back in Windhoek before continuing
to the Windhoek Airport for your scheduled flight 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
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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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