12 Days / 11 Nights - Namibia Kaleidoscope Tour

TOUR INFORMATION: TOUR CODE:                       SD009 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 – Walvis Bay - Skeleton Coast - Damaraland - Etosha National Park- Otjiwarongo – Okonjima – AFRICAT Foundation - 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.

click route-map to enlarge

Tour Summary:

Itinerary:

Day 1
Windhoek
On arrival at the Windhoek Airport you will be welcomed by a company representative and presented with your accommodation vouchers and assisted with the collection of your rental vehicle. Continue to the capital city, Windhoek where the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.

Accommodation: Olive Grove Guesthouse
A small, up market accommodation establishment situated close to the Windhoek city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. The open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia’s open skies. Our Wellness Room offers a selection of professional services to help guests relax and de-stress after a long flight or for just the perfect end to an adventurous holiday. Olive Grove will turn Windhoek into one of the highlights of any trip, creating and leaving a lasting impression of this beautiful country.

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 to the small settlement of Solitaire. Spreetshoogte is one of Namibia’s highest and most spectacular mountain passes and provides exceptional views over the central Namib Desert. Late afternoon arrival.

Accommodation: Mountain Homestead
Mountain Homestead used to be called Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, but reopened on 1st July 2010 under new management. It 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.

Day 3
Namib Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei - Sesriem
Conduct an early morning optional excursion along the path of the ancient Tschaub River into the Namib Sand Sea including a visit to the famed Sossusvlei, Dune 45 and Deadvlei. 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. An afternoon optional excursion can be conducted to the Sesriem Canyon, a small yet picturesque canyon carved over millions of years into the Tschaub River.
Accommodation: Mountain Homestead

Day 4
Swakopmund
After breakfast depart 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: Guesthouse Indongo
Guesthouse Indongo is a modern and sophisticated guesthouse in Namibia, located just 200 metres from Swakopmund beach. Offering stylish, affordable beach accommodation in Namibia, Guesthouse Indongo is the ideal location from which to experience the attractions of this popular seaside city.

Day 5
Swakopmund – Walvis Bay
Today can be spent exploring Namibia’s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. While in Swakopmund an excursion should be included to Namibia’s largest commercial harbour, Walvis Bay and the Walvis Bay Lagoon, protected under the RAMSAR Convention as an important wetland. The lagoon is renowned for its seasonal abundance of both the Greater and Lesser Flamingo species.

An optional extra morning Dolphin and Seal Cruise can be conducted from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club.
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.

Optional extra afternoon excursions can be conducted into the Namib Dune Belt and include Quad-biking. 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 plains 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 you 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.
Accommodation: Guesthouse Indongo

Day 6 & 7
Skeleton Coast - Damaraland
Early morning departure from Swakopmund in a northerly direction on route through the National West Coast Recreational Area towards the small fishing town of Henties Bay. An optional excursion which can be included on route today includes a visit to the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Cape Cross. In 1486, the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia, Diago Ciao, erected a cross in honour of John 1 of Portugal at a site now known as Cape Cross 115 km north of Swakopmund. In addition to being of historical interest, Cape Cross has a breeding colony of Cape Fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus)

From Henties Bay continue in an easterly direction crossing the “Gravel Plains” towards the abandoned mining town of Uis. The large-scale mining of tin began in Uis during 1951 but due to the mine no longer being profitable it was closed down in 1990. From Uis continue in a northerly direction towards the former Damaraland Region. This route passes Namibia’s highest Mountain Range. The Brandberg is 2573m at its highest point and renowned for the famous work of bushmen art, “the White Lady”. Late afternoon arrival.

Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp is characterised by its thatched dome-shaped structures which echo the shape of the granite boulders amongst which they are built. The feeling is one of an (very upmarket) African village; this theme is continued throughout the lodge in the various wood carving and artefacts. This lodge is one of the finest in the Damaraland Region.

Between the Ugab and the Huab Rivers in Southern Damaraland lies a vast and unspoiled wilderness. This area boasts magnificent desert scenery, fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It is also the southern most roaming ground for the rare black rhino and the desert adapted elephant. While in the Twyfelfontein area optional excursions can be conducted to visit the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, one of the richest areas of rock engravings and Bushmen paintings in Namibia, and the geological formations of the “Burnt Mountain” and the dolomite columns known as the “Organ Pipes”. Optional extra guided excursion along the watercourses of the Aba-Huab and Huab Rivers can be conducted in search of the “desert adapted Elephant”.

Day 8
Damaraland – Etosha National Park
After breakfast departure in an easterly direction on route towards the Etosha National Park via the small towns of Khorixas and Outjo. An optional excursion on route can be conducted to the Petrified Forest, with approximately 50 examples of petrified trees dating back some 260 million years and the Vingerklip or Rock Finger formation in the Ugab River Valley. This limestone skittle was formed approximately 30 million years ago by water erosion.

The small farming centre of Outjo has its origins as hunting and trading centre and was first inhabited by the early European explorer Tom Lambert in 1880. From Outjo continue in a northerly direction towards the Etosha National Park. The entrance to the Ongava Lodge is located at the Anderson / Ombika Gate.
You will arrive late the afternoon at Ongava Lodge. Ongava Lodge is situated on the 35,000 hectare Ongava Private Game Reserve. It shares a common border with one of Africa's largest game parks, Etosha National Park, Namibia's premier game viewing destination. It is also an ideal place from which to base your activities when visiting Etosha.

Accommodation: Ongava Lodge
The lodge is set close to the top of a hill with wonderful views across the plains. You have the opportunity to views 2 waterholes and the wide plains below.  The rooms are attractively built out of brick, rock and thatch. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet, bath, shower and double hand basins. There is air-conditioning, overhead fans, mosquito nets fitted to the windows, From the rooms you can see large herds of game, including elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, springbok, oryx, kudu and the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik, as well as black and white rhino. For those who enjoy close wildlife encounters, tracking white rhino on foot with an armed guide is a highlight not to be missed.

Day 9
Etosha National Park
While at the Ongava Lodge your optional scheduled excursions will include morning guided game viewing excursions in open vehicles, also included into the Okaukuejo Region of the Etosha National Park. 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.
Accommodation: Ongava Lodge

Day 10
Otjiwarongo – Okonjima – AFRICAT Foundation
Late Morning departure from the Ongava Lodge route towards the small town of Otjiwarongo returning via Outjo. Otjiwarongo provides a convenient stop over on route to 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 Okonjima Guest farm. Your scheduled arrival at Okonjima should be by early afternoon. The Okonjima Guest farm (translated from the Herero language as “place of the baboons” is situated on the Omboroko Mountains. Afternoon activities include an introduction to work conducted by the AfriCat Foundation. This unique program will enable you to learn more about Namibia’s most beautiful cats and is also renowned for the excellent opportunities for viewing and photographing both leopard and cheetah.
An evening activity to the local viewing hide provides the ideal opportunity to view some of the more elusive Namibian nocturnal mammals.

Accommodation: Okonjima Main Camp
Okonjima Main Camp is situated halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park. The lodge is home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization, committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, notably cheetahs and leopards. A visit to Okonjima, gives it's visitors the opportunity to witness some of AfriCat's work. The main building has a nearby Lapa, a curio-shop, secluded swimming-pool and reception area. Accommodation is in 6 double, en-suite rooms, which over looks a lush garden and open-fire entertainment area.

Day 11
Windhoek
Your scheduled morning activities while at Okonjima will commence with a light breakfast served at the Lion Lapa before continuing on a guided nature walk. This walk is an interpretive introduction into the lives of the “Bushmen” and provides explanations and examples on fire making, hunting skills and the manufacturing of rope and ornaments.
After a late breakfast departure on route 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

Afternoon arrival back in the capital city, Windhoek where the late afternoon will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Olive Grove Guesthouse

Day 12
Continue to the Windhoek 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