8 Days / 7 Nights - Namibia's Wine Route Tour

Routing Highlights: Windhoek – Namib Naukluft Mountains – Swakopmund – Erongo Mountains – Windhoek This alternative visit to Namibia explores the developing art of wine making in the predominantly semi-arid areas of Namibia while still allowing for detours to some of Namibia’s classic highlights. 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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Tour Summary:

Itinerary:

Day 1
Windhoek
Upon your scheduled arrival at Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport you will be welcomed 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 to view the historical landmarks of this cosmopolitan city.

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.

Our recommendation for this evening would be to visit the Wine Bar to “taste – savour- relish – drink – enjoy” specially selected wines in a beautiful historic setting overlooking the city of Windhoek and the Khomas Hochland Mountains. The adjacent Wine Shop stocks a wide range of fine wines from everyday drinking to special occasion and gift wines.

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 & Day 3
Namib Naukluft Mountains
Today’s departure from Windhoek is in a southern direction on route to the Namib Naukluft Mountains via the small settlements of Rehoboth, Klein Aub and Rietoog. Your stay at Neuras will include a tour of the Neuras Winery. The total area under cultivation is less then one hectare. This includes about 1100 vines of the Shiraz variety and about 200 of Merlot. After a good harvest this makes for less then 1000 bottles of wine. Allan Walken-Davis, the owner, planted the first vines in 1997, and in February 2001 the first harvest was brought in.

Accommodation: Neuras Winery & Guest Farm
Neuras owes its early existence as a farm to the presence of several crystal clear cold-water springs and dates back to 1897. The farm extends southwards from the top of the majestic Naukluft Mountains and is typical of the pro-Namib geological and natural environment. Ancient canyons, with huge banks of stromatolytes, fascinating geological formations including the 548 million year old Namacolathus fossils provide marvellous opportunities for nature hikes. The palm-fringed springs, close to the farmhouse attract large numbers of birds and the springs irrigate the small and unique vineyard of Shiraz and Merlot grapes, from which the Neuras Namib Red wine is made. In addition Karakul sheep and cattle are also kept on the farm. Accommodation is in stone built en-suite chalets, shaded by large Acacia and Ebony trees. Pleasant short walks amongst the trees and along the dry riverbeds or to the springs can be undertaken at ones leisure. Neuras is located approximately 1 hour from the Sesriem entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park making it ideal for day visit to Sossusvlei.

Day 4 & Day 5
Swakopmund
After breakfast departure on route towards the coastal town of Swakopmund via the small town of Solitaire. 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 running adjacent to the Namib Naukluft Park. This route crosses the gravel plains of the Namib Desert through the spectacular Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons before crossing the Namib gravel plains on route to the commercial harbour town of Walvis Bay. From Walvis Bay continue north between the coast and the dune belt to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund.

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 while your days can be spent exploring the attractions of this coastal town and the surrounding desert and coastal regions.

Accommodation: Sam’s Giardino House
Sam's Giardino is a Swiss run guesthouse that offers good value for money accommodation in Swakopmund. Unsurprisingly Sam's Giardino is run by Sam who claims to derive inspiration and advice from his dog (and PR man) Einstein. Einstein claims that "We enjoy hospitality and know that most modern thinking people of today are looking for: a friendly, cheerful, unconventional Hotel for the holidays", and this is what you will get. This aside, Sam's Giardino offers en-suite rooms, breakfast and dinners, as well as specializing in cigars and fine South African wines. Regular cigar and wine tasting nights add to the character of the establishment. Sam's Giardino is one of the better guest houses in Swakopmund, it has a unique style, which seems to mirror Sam's philosophy on life. A large selection of fine South African wines, imported spirits, brunch-style breakfasts, healthy snacks, gourmet dinners and wine tasting are all part of your 'Giardino experience'.

Day 6
Erongo Mountains
After a breakfast departure from Swakopmund in an easterly direction crossing the "gravel plains" of the Namib Desert towards the small towns of Usakos and Karibib.

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. From Karibib continue in a northerly direction towards the town of Omaruru. The first European to visit this area 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.
Shortly before Omaruru continue into the Erongo Mountains

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 town of Omaruru is home to the Kristall Kellerei, which started operating in 1990. The winery has 4 hectares under 2 different kinds of wines, the Colombard and Ruby Cabernet. In 1995 the first harvest was collected. A little wine tavern was opened in 2000 which is the ideal place for wine tasting and enjoying light meals. Since June 2004 the Kristall Kellerei has also been involved in manufacturing its own brandy. According to the owner Helmut Kluge, “the Kristall Kellerei is the only manufacturer of Namibian brandy for the local market.” He began by distilling 50 litres of brandy, using 400 litres of wine produced from a very special harvest. The brandy matured in a wooden barrel for five years, during which time 15 litres evaporated. The result brandy was so successful that he now has it maturing in a large number of barrels. The Kristall Kellerei wines compare favourably with international wines and included in his portfolio are two red wines – Ruby Cabernet and Cabernet Sauvignon – and a white wine, Colomard. A range of Schnapps is produced from prickly pears, prosopis, lemons and, naturally, grapes.

Day 7
Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast and optional morning activity, return to Windhoek via the small town of Okahandja. This 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.

The remainder of the day will be at leisure to do any last minute sight seeing in the city.
Accommodation: Olive Grove Guest House

Day 8
Continue to the Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport for your scheduled departure.
Arrangements will be made for your rental vehicle to be returned to the airport prior to your departure

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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