10 Days / 9 Nights - Namibian Escapade Tour

TOUR INFORMATION: TOUR CODE:                       SD008 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  – Namib Naukluft Park  - Sossusvlei - Sesriem Canyon – Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe - Erongo region- Etosha National Park – 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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Tour Summary:

Itinerary:

Day 1
Windhoek
On arrival at the Windhoek 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 or to do any last minute shopping for your tour. Accommodation: Elegant Guesthouse

Day 2
Namib Naukluft Park
Departure from Windhoek on route towards the southern Namib Region. Today’s journey continues over the “Kupferberg Mountain Pass” before crossing the “Khomas Hochland Highland Region” on 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. 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.

Accommodation: Agama River Camp
Agama Camp is situated on the eastern side of the C19 - specifically 35km south of Solitaire and 45km north of Sesriem. As it is only 45 min from the main gate to Namib Naukluft Park, it is an ideal stopover for self-drive tourists who wish to visit the red sand sea dunes of Sossusvlei or for those going on a hiking trail into the park.

The name of the camp is derived from the small, colourful long-tailed, insect-eating lizard that was the first creature to be seen as the owners opened up the farm gate for the first time.

The main camp has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and the viewing deck is a popular spot to admire the Naukluft Mountains and sip a sundowner as the beautiful sun sets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be ordered, as can breakfast and lunch packs for visitors to the dunes. There is also a guest lounge to relax and unwind after your excursion or hike and valuables can be locked up in the safe in reception. The 24hr tea/coffee facility is based in the restaurant. Children of all ages are welcome. A feature of the rooms at Agama Camp is the roof decks. They all have a table and chairs to admire the surrounding environment and bedrolls can be requested for a sleepover.

Day 3
Namib Naukluft Park - Sossusvlei
This morning participate in a 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. When returning to the Lodge by midday, you can also take part in the self-guided walking trails available at Agama.
Accommodation: Agama River Camp

Day 4
Swakopmund
After breakfast departure on route towards the coastal town of Swakopmund returning via Solitaire. 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 Desert 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.

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 Swakopmund's 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.
Close to the sea we are also close to the town centre where a safe two-minute walk takes you to several bistros, curio shops, craft markets, galleries, museums, shops and amenities.

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.
Accommodation: Cornerstone Guesthouse

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

An optional excursion on route is to visit Namibia’s Matterhorn – the Spitzkoppe. This granite "inselberg" rises approximately 700m above the surrounding plains and is 1784 meters high. Not only is this a scenically beautiful area with its rock arches and interesting rock formation but the area is also renowned for its San rock art. The services of a local guide can be used from the community run campsite at the base of the mountain when exploring this region.

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. Afternoon arrival.

Accommodation: Ai Aiba The Rock Painting Lodge
Ai Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge, a place of unimaginable beauty and history.
Set afoot massive granite rock boulders, overlooking the magically beautiful Erongo mountain range, is Ai Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge.
The overwhelming panoramic view from the restaurant and bar is amazing. The crystal clear pool invites you to refresh and relax. Your view sways leisurely over the endless landscape. Here you can enjoy the tranquility and purity of Africa.
While at Ai Aiba you will have the opportunity to participate in optional extra-guided nature drives to the nearby rock painting sites, enjoy guided walking safaris with your local guides or spend some time exploring the area on your own. The Erongo area has an abundance of bird life varying from soaring raptors to the tiniest of sunbirds.

Day 7 & Day 8
Etosha National Park
After a leisurely breakfast and optional early morning walk, departure from Ai Aiba in a northerly direction towards Omaruru and Kalkfeld.

An optional excursion on route can be included to the Dinosaur Footprints on the farm Otjihaenamaperero. The site of the Dinosaur Footprints was declared a National Monument in 1951. The dinosaur was probably one of the forerunners of modern birds, and much like an ostrich had powerful hind legs. The 25cm tracks were made by a 2-legged, 3 - toed dinosaur and are estimated to have been made between 150 – 200 million years ago in what was then soft, red Etjo sandstone, now the dominant surrounding rock formation.

Returning to Kalkfeld continue in a northerly direction before joining the route M 63 in a northerly direction on route to Outjo. The small farming centre of Outjo has its origins as a hunting and trading centre and was first inhabited by the early European explorer Tom Lambert in 1880.

From Outjo continue in a northerly direction on route towards the Etosha National Park. Entrance into the park is via the Anderson’s Gate. Please note that on entering the Etosha National Park an entrance permit must be completed. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the conditions of entry into the park and comply with them. Your park entry permit must be presented at the reservations office when registering for your rooms.

The following two days can be spent conducting game drives to the numerous waterholes in the Okaukuejo area. The Etosha National Park has over 114 mammal species, 350 bird species and 21 vegetation types. The most common plains game species encountered include; Burchell’s Zebra, Springbok, Black– Faced Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok / Oryx antelope, Giraffe and Red Hartebeest. The Etosha National Park also boasts healthy populations of Lion, Elephant and Black Rhino.

Each camp in the park has a restaurant, a shop and a filling station. Purchase a map of the park to familiarize yourself with the waterholes in your area, as this is where you will be most likely to encounter the game. Please remember to return to the camp before the gates close at sunset.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo Rest Camp
Late evenings can be spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.
Okaukuejo is the main administrative camp of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for visitors in 1957. A variety of accommodation is available from self-catering chalet units to twin bedded bungalows. Facilities at the rest camp include a restaurant, shop, post office, swimming pool and filling station. Okaukuejo is also home to the Ecological Institute, which is responsible for the research and management of the park. The Okaukuejo waterhole is probably one of the most renowned waterholes in the park. The presence of game is seasonal but winter offers game enthusiasts a unique experience as the illuminated waterhole is situated next to the camp. Common sightings include large herds of elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, brown hyena, Burchells and Hartman’s Mountain Zebra, Gnu and numerous antelope species.

Day 9
Windhoek
After breakfast departure from the Etosha National Park towards the towns of Outjo and Otjiwarongo.

Otjiwarongo provides a convenient stop over on route to the north or the south of the country. As with most towns in central Namibia the name Otjiwarongo originates from the Herero language, which translated means “place of the fat cattle” or “beautiful place”. Given the central role that cattle play in the Herero culture, both meanings are appropriate. The town was officially founded in 1906 upon the arrival of the narrow gauge railway linking the important mining centre of Tsumeb and the coastal town of Swakopmund.

From Otjiwarongo continue south along the main route towards 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

Accommodation: Okapuka Ranch
Okapuka lodge is situated only 30kms north of Windhoek, and is an ideal overnight stop for those arriving or departing from the Windhoek International Airport. It is also a great place to relax for a few days after a gruelling safari, and offers a wonderful opportunity to see big cats close up on their daily viewing and lion feeding, as well as viewing many species of antelope in their natural environment.

The daily lion feeding is a real highlight at Okapuka Lodge. Game drives are also very popular and there are many species of antelope, zebra, wildebeest, a rich bird life and perhaps most impressive of all - rhino. The more adventurous might prefer a horseback safari, a most amazing experience if ever there was one, whilst others might prefer to game view by helicopter.

Day 10
Early morning departure to the Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport for your scheduled departure flight. Provision will be made for your rental vehicle to be returned to the airport prior to your departure. Please note that check-in times for departures is two hours prior to the flight departure time.

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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