| NAMIBIA - Self
Drive Tours (SD010)
15 Days / 14 Nights - Namibia Spectacular Tour
TOUR INFORMATION:
TOUR CODE:
SD010
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
– Western Kalahari Basin –
Fish River Canyon –
Lüderitz –
Kolmanskop
-
Namib Naukluft Park
–
Sossusvlei
-
Swakopmund
& Skeleton Coast – Twyfelfontein
-
Damaraland –
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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click route-map to enlarge
Tour Summary:
|
DAY |
ACCOMMODATION |
REGION |
OPTIONAL -
DAILY ACTIVITIES & HIGHLIGHTS |
|
1 |
River Crossing
Lodge |
Windhoek
|
Various Excursions & Activities in Windhoek
Windhoek City Tour
Shopping
Golfing |
|
2 |
Kalahari Farm House |
Kalahari Desert |
Nature Drives
Dune Sundowner |
|
3 |
Cañon Road House |
Fish River Canyon |
Quiver Tree Forest
Giant's Playground
Scenic Canyon Nature Drives
Sun Rise Walks
Horse Riding |
|
4 |
The Nest Hotel |
Lüderitz
|
Diaz Peninsula
Halifax Island
Kolmanskop "Ghost Town" |
|
5 |
Klein Aus Vista, Desert Horse Inn |
Aus, southern Naukluft |
Hiking Trails
Sunset Nature Drives |
|
6 |
The Desert Homestead & Horse Trails |
Namib Naukluft Park |
Duwisib Castle
Nature Drive |
|
7 |
The Desert Homestead & Horse Trails |
Namib Naukluft Park |
Sesriem & Sossusvlei Excursion
Ballooning in the desert
Horse Riding Trails |
|
8 |
The Stiltz |
Swakopmund |
Guab & Kuiseb Canyons
Welwitschia Plains |
|
9 |
The Stiltz |
Swakopmund |
Various Excursions & Activities at the coast
Desert Tours
Scenic Flights
Marine / Dolphin Cruises |
|
10 |
Ugab Terrace
Lodge |
Damaraland |
Skeleton Coast
Cape Cross Seal Colony
Brandberg Mountain Range
"White Lady" Bushman Art |
|
11 |
Okaukuejo Rest Camp |
Etosha National Park |
Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings
Organ Pipes
Burnt Mountain
Ugab River Valley
Vingerklip (Finger Rock Formation)
Game Viewing |
|
12 |
Halali Rest Camp |
Etosha National Park |
Game Viewing |
|
13 |
Halali Rest Camp |
Etosha National Park |
Game Viewing |
|
14 |
Olive Grove Guest House |
Windhoek |
Lake Otjikoto
Tsumeb Museum
Woodcarver’s Market - Okahandja
Herero Graves
Windhoek City Tour &
Shopping |
|
15 |
Departure from Windhoek |
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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 your tour briefing. Continue towards the capital city,
Windhoek where remainder of your afternoon will be at leisure.
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: River Crossing Lodge
River Crossing is 3km from Windhoek on the airport road being only 5
minutes from the heart of Windhoek and is located on a pristine 6500 hectare
game reserve. Nestled outside between the lounge and dining area is the pool
(great for swimming lengths – it really is quite long!) The elevated wooden
deck offers a fairytale view of Windhoek.
The Lodge and the rooms have been designed to emulate old German farm houses
– think ‘stoep’ with ‘afdakkie’ and pots of geraniums.
Day 2
Western Kalahari Basin
Departure from Windhoek continuing 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.
Midday arrival at the Kalahari Farm House in Stampriet where the afternoon
can he spent on optional extra nature drive excursions in open safari
vehicles or hiking trails through the Kalahari Dune Belt.
Accommodation: Kalahari Farm House
Located in the midst of the Kalahari, on the fringes of the village
of Stampriet in the fertile valley of the seasonal Auob River, Kalahari
Farmhouse combines up market hospitality with a rural ambience. The
reception and restaurant are housed in a manor, built in the heyday of
Karakul farming 50 years ago. The small farming business next-door keeps the
kitchen stocked with fresh produce for the delicious dishes on the menu.
Enjoy the serene tranquillity at the pool, visit the farming business or
join a scenic drive in Gondwana Kalahari Park, just 30 km away.
Day 3
Fish River Canyon
Departure; continuing in a southerly direction on route through the
southern Karas Region via the small towns of Mariental and Keetmanshoop, 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 Roadhouse
Day 4
Lüderitz
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.
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
before descending into the Namib Desert. 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. An excursion on route should be included to Garub,
a watering point in the desert normally frequented by the “Feral Horses”.
Late afternoon arrival in Lüderitz.
Accommodation: The Nest Hotel
Day 5
Namib Naukluft Park
Departing from Lüderitz today’s route returns towards Aus. The word
“Aus” means 'snake fountain' in the Nama language. In the past, Aus held
particular importance for indigenous people and early explorers, as it was
the place to replenish water supplies before or after crossing the harsh
Namib Desert. Today this scenic area is of biological significance: three
desert biomes overlap right here. Aus also has a rich history, spanning
centuries. In an attempt to create jobs and revive the little town a program
was launched by the community and the private sector. With educational
displays, a café, restaurant, souvenir shop and various guided activities,
Aus Info Centre will create opportunities for the community to benefit from
tourism.
Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista’s Desert Horse Inn
Klein Aus Vista is situated 2km from Aus in southern Namibia. Apart
from offering accommodation the lodge also organises mountain biking, horse
riding and is the ideal place for hikers. One of the highlights of the area
is the Namib Desert Wild Horses which are often found near the lodge. The
lodge is situated on a 10 hectare farm that borders on the Sperrgebiet
(forbidden diamond mining area).
Day 6
Sossusvlei / Sesriem
Today’s departure continues in a northerly direction on route towards
the Namib Naukluft Park. An excursion on route should be included to the
Duwisib Castle before your midday arrival at the Desert Homestead. 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.
Accommodation: The Desert Homestead & Horse Trails
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 7
Sossusvlei / Sesriem
Conduct an early morning 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 excursion should
be conducted to the Sesriem Canyon, a small yet picturesque canyon carved
over millions of years into the Tschaub River.
Accommodation: The Desert Homestead & Horse Trails
Day 8
Swakopmund
Departing from the central Namib Region today’s route continues in a
northerly direction along the eastern boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park
passing through the small settlement of Solitaire on route to the Gaub and
Kuiseb Canyons. Continue across the “gravel plains” of the Namib Desert on
route towards Namibia’s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. Optional
excursions on route can be included to the erosion feature of the “Moon
Valley” and to Namibia’s ancient plant species, the “Welwitschia mirabilis.
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
Swakopmund
Today can be spent at leisure to explore Namibia’s premier coastal
resort town, Swakopmund. 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 in
Swakopmund an excursion should be conducted 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.
Accommodation: The Stiltz
Day 10
Skeleton Coast – Damaraland - Twyfelfontein
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 excursion which should be included on route
is 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).
Leaving the coast continue in an easterly direction crossing the “gravel
plains” towards the abandoned mining town of Uis, and 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: Ugab Terrace Lodge
Ugab Terrace Lodge is nestled on a plateau and is situated in the heart
many of Namibia's tourism attractions. It's central location, 90kms from
Outjo, 60kms from Khorixas, and 120kms from Twyfelfontein, make it an ideal
self-drive, stop-over for a couple of days to visit Vingerklip, Brandberg
Mountains, Twyfelfontein or the Petrified Forest.
Day 11
Etosha National Park
Twyfelfontein is one of the richest areas of rock engravings and Bushmen
paintings in Namibia. Guided walking excursion can be conducted to some of
the engraving sites. Interesting geological features in the area include the
Burnt Mountain and the dolomite columns known as the “Organ Pipes”.
Departing from Twyfelfontein continue in an easterly direction via the small
towns of Khorixas and Outjo towards the Etosha National Park. Optional
excursions on route can be conducted to the Petrified Forest, with
approximately 50 examples of petrified trees dating back some 260 million
years, and to the Vingerklip or “Rock Finger” formation in the Ugab River
Valley. This limestone skittle was formed approximately 30 million years ago
by water erosion.
This 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.
Entrance into the Etosha National Park is via the central Anderson’s Gate.
Please note that on entering the 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 late afternoon can be spent conducting game drives to the numerous
waterholes in the Okaukuejo area. Please remember to return to the camp
before the gates close at sunset. Okaukuejo is the main administrative camp
of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for visitors in 1957.
Apart from the accommodation and other facilities for tourists, the camp 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, Burchell’s and
Hartman’s Mountain Zebra, Gnu and numerous antelope species.
Meals are available from the camp restaurant while late evenings can be
spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.
Accommodation: Etosha National Park - Okaukuejo Rest Camp
Okaukuejo Rest Camp 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.
Day 12 & 13
Etosha National Park
Today will be spent conducting game drives as you continue through the
Etosha National Park on route towards the central Halali Rest Camp. Note
that each reservations office has an “animal sightings” book. Refer to this
book as a guide before departing on your drives; this will assist you in
locating the most recent sightings of game. 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.
The word “Halali” is derived from the bugle call which was made to announce
the end of the hunt. The word has a German origin, and in earlier years the
bugle was sounded when the gates of the camp were about to close. This
resort is the newest in the park and is strategically located halfway
between Okaukuejo and Namutoni. It is surrounded by some of the most popular
water holes in the Park.
The Rietfontein waterhole is one of the best-known drinking places in the
park. It has a large water surface area at which Springbok, lion, elephant,
and nearly all species of animal in the park including leopard come to
drink. It is essential for bird lovers to visit Rietfontein, since water
birds and birds of prey abound here.
The Goas waterhole has been described as a paradise. It attracts vast
numbers of animals, particularly in the dry season. Black-faced impala, blue
wildebeest, red hartebeest, lion, elephant and hundreds of zebra come here
to drink. Birds of prey are also often seen here.
Probably the best thing about Halali is the secluded and scenic floodlit
water hole. At Namutoni and Okaukuejo the waterhole is situated right in the
midst of the camp, but at Halali the waterhole is situated a short walk from
the camp. Meals are available from the camp restaurant while late evenings
can be spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.
Accommodation: Etosha National Park - Halali Rest Camp
Halali Rest Camp is situated approximately halfway between the other
two - 75 km from Namutoni and 70 km from Okaukuejo - northwest of the
landmark Twee koppies. Halali tends to be the quietest of the three camps.
This resort is surrounded by some of the most popular water holes in the
Park. The resorts name, of German origin, is derived from the bugle call
made to announce the end of a hunt. Probably the best thing about Halali is
the secluded and scenic flood-lit water hole, situated a short walk from the
camp.
Day 14
Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast depart from the Etosha National Park heading
in the direction of Namutoni and then in a southerly direction towards the
mining town of Tsumeb. Thanks to the wealth generated by the mines, Tsumeb
is an attractive town boasting some fine old colonial buildings and a palm
lined central park with spreading lawns. It is also the last stop before
passing the “redline” which leads across the country from west to east and
separates the southern commercial farms from the communally owned lands in
the north.
An optional excursion on route can be included to the Sinkhole Lake
Otjikoto. The first Europeans to encounter this lake were Francis Galton and
Charles Anderson in 1851 and even to today this lake still has an uncanny
mystery attached to it.
Departing from Tsumeb continue in a southerly direction towards the towns of
Otavi and Otjiwarongo. An optional excursion that you have on route is to
visit the largest known meteorite at Hoba located near the town of
Grootfontein. This town forms one of the trio towns of the maize triangle
with agriculture on predominantly white owned farms. Apart from the usual
livestock farming of cattle, sheep and goats, the farms in this region
produce most of Namibia’s maize, sorghum, cotton, peanuts and sunflowers.
The second town of the maize triangle is Otavi. This is a very inconspicuous
town but was an important copper mining town in its day and was also the
scene of many feuds between the Ovambo’s, Hereros and Bushmen.
Continue south towards the town of Otjiwarongo which 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
Afternoon arrival back in the capital city, Windhoek, where the late
afternoon will be at leisure.
Accommodation: River Crossing Lodge
Day 15
This morning after breakfast continue to Hosea Kutako International
Airport for your onward arrangements.
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
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