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

ROUTING HIGHLIGHTS: Windhoek – Namib Naukluft Mountains – Swakopmund – Omaruru - Erongo Mountains - Omatako region – Okahandja - 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. Interesting Articles & Information about Namibian Wines: • Namibian Wine • Discovering Namibian Wines on tour with New African Frontiers • “Bubble dehydration in Swakopmund” by Jeanri-Tine van Zyl • Neuras Winery - making wine in the middle of the Namib Desert • Kristall Kellerei - Ruby Cabernet - Omaruru • Wine:  The world's driest vineyard 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. NOTES: Our suggested itineraries are ideally suited to the first time or seasoned visitor alike; we assist and guide you all the way.  This tour can also be done as a Private Guided Safari.

click route-map to enlarge

Tour Summary:

Itinerary:

Day 1
Windhoek
Upon your arrival at Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport you will be welcomed by a company representative who will present you with your travel documentation 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
Namib Naukluft Mountains
Departure from Windhoek towards the southern Namib Region. Today’s journey continues over the “Kupferberg Mountain Pass” before crossing the “Khomas Hochland Highland Region” en-route towards the small farming community of Nauchas. From Nauchas descend the escarpment via the “Spreetshoogte Mountain Pass”. This is one of Namibia’s highest and most spectacular mountain passes and provides exceptional views over the central Namib Desert.

Continue from the small settlement of Solitaire in a southerly direction towards the Sesriem entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park and Desert Homestead. 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.

Late afternoon arrival at the Desert Homestead.

Accommodation: Desert Homestead
The Desert Homestead offers simple but stylish accommodation is provided in rustic rock, thatched chalets which were designed with the fragile beauty of this remarkable environment in mind. The lodge is situated approximately 32 kilometres from Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei. The Homestead offers 20 thatched, en-suite chalets, all luxuriously decorated in pale linens and dark wood riempie furniture. Each unit has its own veranda under a latte canopy with northern views extending to the Rotterkaum Mountains. Inside the chalets provide luxury, with large single or double beds and en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet. The lights and fans in the guest accommodation are solar powered. A special feature of the lodge is that all the guest amenities (soaps, shampoo, body lotion etc.) are environmentally friendly

Day 3
Namib Naukluft Mountain / Neuras Winery
Morning departure from Desert Homestead for a visit to the Neuras Winery.

Neuras Winery
The total area under cultivation is less than 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.

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.

Return to the Desert Homestead for the overnight.

Day 4
Swakopmund
This morning departing on an early excursion with your rental vehicle 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.

After a visit to Sossusvlei continue to 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: Cornerstone Guesthouse
Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small, private and peaceful bed and breakfast an easy walk to the sea and the town centre of Swakopmund on Namibia's fascinating Skeleton Coast.
Occupying a quiet corner of Swakopmunds' old town near the marine museum and the old brewery, Cornerstone Guesthouse offers the charm and intimacy of a family-run B&B combined with the modern amenities of a luxury hotel.
Within a few minutes from the guest house you can walk to beaches, cafés, restaurants, lively pubs, Swakopmund tourist attractions and a variety of interesting shops and markets in the town.

Day 5
Swakopmund
Today can be spent at leisure exploring Namibia's premier coastal resort or the Namib Desert and coastal region. Optional excursion can also be included into the Namib Naukluft Park to view the ancient “Welwitschia mirabilis” plants, the “Lichen Fields” found on the gravel plains and the erosion features of the “Moon Landscape” in the Swakop River bed.

An optional excursion may also be included to the harbour town of Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon or to participate in a Dolphin Cruise excursion. This excursion departs from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club in the morning. Your skipper will lead you through the commercial vessels docked at 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.

Overnight at Cornerstone Guesthouse

Day 6
Omaruru / 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 Centre, 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.

Kristall Kellerei
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
Omatako region / Erindi Private Game Reserve
After a leisurely breakfast and optional morning activity, depart to the Erindi Private Game Reserve for a Namibian game viewing experience. Arrive at lunch time for a delicious buffet lunch. Time for some freshening up before you depart on a guided game drive on this pristine private game reserve.

Accommodation: Erindi Private Game Reserve.
This wildlife experience is set on 71 000 ha of pristine wilderness with varied landscapes in a malaria-free area, from mountains to savannah to open grassland right in the heart of Namibia: Erindi Private Game Reserve is situated in the triangle between Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Omaruru. The pure tranquillity, abundant wildlife and distant horizons with awesome sunsets will sweep you off your feet.

Day 8
Departure
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.

Continue to the Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport for your scheduled 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