TOUR CODE:
SD007 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
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.
Various Excursions & Activities at the coast
Desert Tours
Scenic Flights
Marine / Dolphin Cruises
Spitzkoppe - Namibia's Matterhorn
Henckert Tourist Centre
Woodcarver’s Market - Okahandja
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 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 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: Guest House Terra Africa Guest House Terra Africa is situated in Namibia's capital Windhoek,
and is set on the hills overlooking the city, just opposite of the
presidential state house grounds. It is the first establishment of its kind
to operate as an art gallery and a guest house. It is an ideal location to
start and end a safari into the countries fascinating wildlife and
attractions.
Day 2
Kalahari Desert After an early breakfast departure heading in a southerly direction
towards the western Kalahari Basin. On route pass through the small
settlement of Rehoboth before arriving at the western boundary of the
Kalahari Desert. Rehoboth is home to the “Baster Community” a fiercely
independent 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.
This region consists of ancient parallel red dunes covered by vegetation and
ranging in height from 5 to 30 meters. Grassy plains scattered with mature
Camelthorn trees, known as dune 'streets', separate the dunes that run
northwest to Southeast. These plains support a diversity of vegetation and
animal species that will leave you breathless with wonder, as you marvel at
the paradise of the Kalahari Desert. This is 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.
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
Fish River Canyon After participating in the early morning scheduled excursions and a late
“brunch” departure continuing in a southerly direction on route through the
southern Karas Region via the small towns of Mariental and Keetmanshoop.
This is one of the oldest established towns in Namibia and the capital of
the south. Optional excursions on route should be included to the “Quiver
Tree Forest”; an outcrop colonized by an Aloe tree species (Aloe dichotoma)
and the basalt formations of the “Giants Play Ground”. Late afternoon
arrival.
Accommodation: Cañon Lodge
The Canon Lodge is located approximately 20km from the Hobas entrance to the
Fish River Canyon and promises visitors the opportunity to experience one of
the greatest natural masterpieces in the world. The Canon Lodge consists of
26 bungalows each having natural rock walls, thatch roof and en-suite
facilities. The original farmhouse, which was built in 1910, serves as the
restaurant and boasts awe-inspiring views of the canyon landscape.
Day 4
Aus This morning can be spent conducting an excursion to the Fish River
Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world and the second largest in
Africa. This impressive geological formation had its origins some 1’800
million years ago and has had evidence of human “habitation” for over 50 000
years. Visits should be conducted to the various viewpoints, including Hells
Bend. For the more energetic a walk along the canyon can be included.
Leaving the Fish River Canyon follow the main route in a westerly direction
over the central highland plateau towards the small mountain town of Aus.
Aus was established as a prisoner of war camp in 1915 following the
surrender of the German colonial troops to the South African forces. The
site was chosen for its strategic significance, situated on the railway line
between Keetmanshoop and the harbour town of Lüderitz.
Early afternoon arrival at Klein Aus Vista, located 2 km west of Aus and 115
km from Lüderitz, where the Aus Mountains border on the Namib Desert. During
the afternoon conduct optional extra activities into the southern Namib
Naukluft Park to Garub, a watering point in the desert normally frequented
by the “Feral Horses”, or just relax taking in the breathtaking desert
landscapes.
Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista, Desert Horse Inn The Desert Horse Inn offers luxury rooms with spacious, en-suite
bathrooms. Relax with a sundowner on the wooden deck overlooking the farm
before savouring your delicious meal in the restaurant or sipping your drink
in the ladies bar with its cosy fireplace during the chilly winter evenings.
Day 5
Namib Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei - Sesriem Departing from Aus continue in a northerly direction following the
eastern boundary of the Namib Desert towards Namibia's largest privately
owned nature reserve, the Namib Rand Nature Reserve.
An optional extra excursion on route should be included to the Duwisib
Castle. The Duwisib Castle was built in 1907 for Hansheinrich von Wolf and
his American heiress wife Jayta. The fort was designed by Willi Sander,
renowned for designing Windhoek’s, Heinitzburg Castle. Stone for the castle
was quarried some three kilometres away while other material and furnishings
were imported from Germany via Lüderitz.
Afternoon arrival at the Desert Homestead where the rest of the day can be
spend at leisure.
Accommodation: Desert Homestead Travellers to the Sossusvlei area will be hard pressed to find a more
idyllic setting from which to explore the magnificent red dunes of the Namib
or the jewel like rock pools of the Naukluft Mountain, then the 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 Desert Homestead offers respite from the extreme temperatures of the
Namib Desert. Set in tranquil surroundings, alfresco dining, delectably
fresh farm cuisine, refreshing dips in the pool, stunning sunsets and
sunrises are the basic pleasures of the lodge.
Day 6
Namib Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei - Sesriem After an early breakfast departure from the Namib Rand Nature Reserve
continuing in a northerly direction towards the Sesriem entrance to the
Namib Naukluft Park. Participate in an optional extra excursion into the
Namib Naukluft Park, into the heart of the Namib Desert and the "Sand Sea",
visiting 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. Once in the desert optional excursions are conducted on
foot to photograph the dune landscape and explore the desert ecology.
Accommodation: Desert Homestead
Day 7
Namib Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei - Sesriem Relaxing morning at the Desert Homestead. By early afternoon continue 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.
The small settlement of Solitaire has a filling station and a 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 towards the
spectacular Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. Late afternoon arrival.
Accommodation: Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge consists of 22 double rooms housed in
traditional round buildings, which are aesthetically integrated in the
natural surroundings. Unlimited view of the Namib Naukluft Park can be
experienced from each room's balcony. The motivated staff, an excellent a la
carte restaurant and fully stocked bar guarantees an overnight guest or day
visitor a memorable stay in the Namib Desert.
Day 8
Swakopmund Today’s journey passes through the spectacular Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons
before crossing the gravel plains of the Namib Desert on route to the
commercial harbour town of Walvis Bay. This is Namibia’s largest commercial
harbour, while the Walvis Bay Lagoon, protected under the RAMSAR Convention
as an important wetland, is renowned for its seasonal abundance of both the
Greater and Lesser Flamingo species. The scenic drive from Walvis Bay to
Swakopmund leads between the dramatic coastal dues and the ocean.
The remainder of your afternoon can be spent exploring the town of
Swakopmund and the surrounding dunes and “Gravel Plains.” 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.
Excursions into the Namib Naukluft Park should include visits to the
spectacular “Moon Landscape” formation and the “Welwitschia Drive” with its
classic examples of the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis plant species.
Accommodation: The Stiltz The Stiltz offers the most spectacular views in Swakopmund
overlooking either, the Atlantic Ocean, the river-bed or the sand dunes and
the bird rich lagoon at the river mouth. If that does not take your breath
away, the architecture of these wooden bungalows built on stilts will. Each
private bungalow has been attended to in the finest detail, interlinked by
wooden walkways to the others and to the main dining bungalow. You will feel
in a different space, yet you are only minutes away from the charming town
centre with plentiful restaurants, loads of activities and all the amenities
you could wish for... That is if you really feel like leaving your bungalow!
Day 9
Windhoek Leaving the coast continue in an easterly direction returning across the
gravel plains 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 Centre, 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 extra excursions on route include a visit to the open -
air wood carving centre at Okahandja and the Herero Graves.
Continuing via the city of Windhoek on route to the Windhoek Airport 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
