| NAMIBIA - Self
Drive Tours (SD010)
15 Days / 14 Nights - Namibia Spectacular Tour
Routing Highlights:
Windhoek – Western Kalahari Basin – Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz – Namib
Naukluft Park – Swakopmund & Skeleton Coast – Twyfelfontein – Etosha National
Park – Windhoek
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.
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click route-map to enlarge
Tour Summary:
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DAY |
ACCOMMODATION |
REGION |
DAILY
ACTIVITIES & HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 |
Olive Grove Guest House |
Windhoek |
Windhoek City Tour
Shopping |
|
2 |
Bagatelle Kalahari Dune Lodge |
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 |
Hotel Zum Sperrgebiet |
Lüderitz |
Diaz Peninsula
Halifax Island
Kolmanskop "Ghost Town" |
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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 |
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9 |
The Stiltz |
Swakopmund |
Various Action Adventure Activities
Desert Tours
Scenic Flights
Marine / Dolphin Cruises |
|
10 |
Twyfelfontein Country 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 |
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12 |
Halali Rest Camp |
Etosha National Park |
Game Viewing |
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13 |
Namutoni Rest Camp |
Etosha National Park |
Game Viewing |
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14 |
Olive Grove Guest House |
Windhoek |
Lake Otjikoto
Tsumeb Museum
Woodcarver’s Market - Okahandja
Herero Graves
Windhoek City Tour &
Shopping |
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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: Olive Grove Guest House
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 Bagatelle Game Reserve 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: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Reserve
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: Hotel Zum Sperrgebiet
While in Lüderitz excursions should be conducted to the various attractions of
this quaint harbour town. The best way to do this is on foot and should
include visits to the historical buildings of the Deutsche-Africa Bank, the
Station Building, the Old Post Office, the Turnhalle Building, the German
Lutheran Church and the Goerke House. Venturing further afield visit the Diaz
Peninsula, where the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz erected a stone
cross in 1488, Halifax Island, Griffith Bay and the Grosse Bucht. An excursion
which should not be missed is a visit to the ghost town of “Kolmanskop” and
provides an interesting glimpse of the former diamond boomtown, which was
finally deserted in 1956.
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 Center will
create opportunities for the community to benefit from tourism.
Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista’s Desert Horse Inn
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
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
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: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
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
Day 12
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
Day 13
Etosha National Park
Continue your game drives at leisure through the park visiting the numerous
waterholes on route towards the Namutoni Rest Camp. The late afternoon can be
spent conducting your game viewing activities around the waterholes in the
eastern Namutoni Region. Some of these waterholes are artesian fountains or
contact springs while others are artificial. One of these is the Chodob
waterhole, which is fed by an artesian fountain. It has a floating reed
island, a characteristic associated with this sort of fountain. It is one of
the few waterholes frequented by eland. Apart from eland, black-faced impala,
warthog and giraffe gather here to drink allowing for excellent photography.
Other waterholes worth visiting include Klein Namutoni, Groot Okevi, and
Kalkheuwel while also including a visit to the Fort Namutoni. The first fort,
a six roomed building was erected during 1902. In 1904, however it was totally
destroyed by Owambo raiders. In 1906 it was rebuilt and considerably enlarged
and the fort never again came under attack. From 1910 onwards it served
periodically as a police post but eventually fell into disuse. It was however
rebuilt in 1956 according to its original design and opened in 1958 as a
tourist 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 - Namutoni Rest Camp
Day 14
Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast departure from the Etosha National Park heading 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: Olive Grove Guest House
Day 15
After an optional extra early morning excursions departure returning to
Windhoek via the small town of Okahandja. Include an excursion to the local
wood carvers market before arriving in Windhoek. The remainder of the
afternoon will be at leisure to do any last minute shopping in Windhoek before
continuing to the Windhoek International Airport for your scheduled departure.
Arrangements will be made for your rental vehicle to be returned to the
airport prior to your 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.
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Routes
can be amended according to your preference
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Accommodation
can be changed to suit your style and budget
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Accommodation meal
basis can be booked
according to your requirements
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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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