19 Days / 18Nights - Cultural Discovery Tour

TOUR INFORMATION: TOUR CODE:                       SD011 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 TOUR INFORMATION: A true Namibian cultural experience! Windhoek – Swakopmund - Skeleton Coast Park – Damaraland – Twyfelfontein – Damaraland – Opuwo - Kaokoland – Epupa Falls – Ruacana Falls – Owamboland - Tsinstabis - Etosha National Park - Waterberg Plateau 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.

click route-map to enlarge

Tour Summary:

Itinerary:

Day 01
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.

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. It boasts beautiful views of the southern valleys of Windhoek and displays a fine collection of Namibian and African art. Terra Africa pride themselves on their fine local cuisine, boutique wine selection and warm hospitality. Guests at Terra Africa can expect a wonderful, warm welcome, with enticing lounge, (and inviting fireplace) and stunning outside areas. Central e-mail and fax facilities are available at reception. Children are most welcome, but parents / guardians should acquaint themselves and their 'little ones,' with the guest houses' child policy.
Terra Africa Guest House is also ideal for the business executive too. The wireless internet connection, allowing emailing or internet related work, all from the comfort of the sparkling heated patio-pool area.

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.
Guests at Terra Africa can expect a wonderful, warm welcome, with enticing lounge, (and inviting fireplace) and stunning outside areas. Central e-mail and fax facilities are available at reception. A light lunch or dinner can be chosen from the small 'a la carte' house menu, (by prior reservation from Sunday to Thursday evenings) in their dining room, or on the patio-deck. Simplistic, wholesome, 'home cuisine,' gourmet style meals are on offer. There are wonderful views from the dining area, of the spectacular Khomas Hochland Mountains, especially at sunset. Accommodation is in 10 guest rooms, each one is individually decorated and comfortably appointed, presenting a feeling of warmth and homeliness as each guest enters the door. Children are most welcome, but parents / guardians should acquaint themselves and their 'little ones,' with the guest houses' child policy.

Day 02
Swakopmund
Departing Windhoek travel north through the historical town of Okahandja to the coastal town of Swakopmund. En-route we pass through Karibib, a small town known for the very hard, high quality marble produced at a nearby quarry. The tourist centre has one of the country’s best selections of Namibian semi-precious and gemstones. Graced with many beautiful old buildings in a variety of architectural styles, the best way to experience this small town is on foot.

Accommodation: Sandfields Guest House
Sandfields Guesthouse is an intimate and sophisticated family-run boutique guesthouse offering comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation in Swakopmund, Namibia. We are in a quiet, upmarket neighbourhood a few minutes' walk from the sea and a short drive from the town centre.
At Sandfields guest house you can look forward to a warm welcome with cosy log fires in every room, personal service and a peaceful, carefree stay.

Day 03
Swakopmund
Today will be at leisure to explore 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: Sandfields Guest House

Day 04 & Day 05
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, Diego 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.

Northern Damaraland is beautiful with flat top mountains and rock strewn valleys, a striking landscape – strewn with red boulders and dotted with strange, desert adapted plants. Twyfelfontein, meaning ‘doubtful spring’ has been occupied for thousands of years with its spring attracting huge herds of game making this an excellent base for early hunters. The slopes of the area are strewn with boulders; all dotted with thousands of paintings and ancient engravings, a virtual open-air museum. Geological features in the area include the Organ Pipes, angular columns of dolerite which are all part of Namibia’s rich natural history.

Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge
Brandberg White Lady Lodge lies nestled at the foot of Damaraland's Brandberg Mountain, a vast, compelling wilderness, in north-west Namibia. The mountain, (the highest in Namibia) is best-known for its rock paintings, especially the 'White Lady'. These fascinating paintings were drawn hundreds of years ago by Bushmen people, who inhabited the area.
Despite the arid conditions, Damaraland hosts a wide variety of wildlife. The famous desert elephant, the rare black rhino, springbok, Oryx, zebra & ostrich can also be seen on guided hiking or 4x4 vehicle tours, in the most of the region.
Much of the landscape was formed by ancient lave flows, which add to the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Its many unusual rock formations and rare flora, including the endemic Welwitschia mirabilis at the Petrified Forest, make it a perfect area for hiking and photography alike. The region is also renowned for its geology, as well as the World Heritage Site of rock engravings at Twyfelfontein.
Activities in and around the area include hiking and guided 4x4 trails into the Ugab River valley, home to a wide variety of game, birdlife, reptiles and insects, the Brandberg Mountain itself, and Damaraland, with the Doros and Messum Crater.

Day 06
Damaraland
Damaraland is home to the only population of free-ranging (living out side a national park) Black Rhino in the world, the so called “desert” Elephant not to mention Giraffe, Hartmanns Mountain Zebra, Kudu, Springbok, Ostrich and Steenbok. Strange and beautiful plants occur here too, such as the Euphobia Damarana and the Bottle Tree (Pachypodium lealii). This area offers perfect opportunities for walks around the Lodge and offers close up views of the wonderful desert adapted plants that occur in this area, one which follows the course of the river where you may well spot game. Morning and afternoon guided drives are offered.

Accommodation: Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge is a paradise located on the Uniab River in north-western Namibia, Damaraland just a few kilometres north of the junction of the C4 and /C39 roads. Nestled in a spectacular landscape with waving palms whispering in the wind, Palmwag Lodge is one of Namibia's oldest and most popular tourist destinations around Palmwag Lodge there are large populations of Hartman's Mountain Zebra, giraffe, Oryx, springbok and kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park, with over 100 lions, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena. Bird life is prolific and diverse with most of Namibia's endemics present. This 40-bed lodge with its thatched bungalows and luxury tented accommodation boasts a licensed restaurant with 'a la carte' menu. Relax at the swimming pool under shady palm trees and revive your spirits with delicious refreshments from the quaint pool-bar. Take the initiative to explore the carefully laid out walking trails and enjoy nature at its best. Their guided game drives and day trips offer you the unique opportunity to discover and observe the diverse species of Namibia's free-roaming game.

Day 07
Damaraland
Departing Palmwag to Khowarib Schlucht (gorge) on the Hoanib River where one can visit Anmare Traditional Village (Herero). Ongongo Waterfall where one can stop for a swim in the crystal clear pool. Fort Sesfontein was one of a chain of out posts built by the Germans to try and combat gun smuggling and control cattle movements (in an attempt to control the spread of diseases). Leaving Sesfontein the route winds through and across the hills towards Opuwo where an incredible diversity of vegetation is found. One starts to encounter Herero homesteads and may also encounter the colourfully dressed Herero women en route. Opuwo is very aptly named – meaning “the end of the road” and is a true frontier town. In the centre of Opuwo you will find the oasis of Ohakane Lodge which can arrange a guide to take you on a walking tour of Opuwo which is an excellent introduction to the Herero and Himba people.

Accommodation: Opuwo Country Lodge
Opuwo Country Lodge is situated on a hilltop, north-west of the bustling town of Opuwo. It overlooks the surrounding valleys and mountains and is an ideal base to explore Kaokoland.
Opuwo is the gateway to Namibia's Kaokoveld region. This remote area, south of the Kunene river, is home to the Himba; people who have kept their ethnic individuality and culture, whilst surviving in the seclusion of Kaokoland.
Activities include a guided excursion to an authentic Himba village; Epupa Falls trip, pioneer track hikes, and rural self-drive trips can also be arranged. Alternatively, why not ask about their drive to the hidden treasures of Kaokoland?

Day 08 & Day 09
Kaokoland
After breakfast head north towards Okongwati to Epupa Camp, en-route one encounters several Himba villages, men watering herds of cattle at remote water points, and women at work drawing water or busy in fields. The Himba people are nomadic herdsmen so some of the villages may be empty as they move depending on the availability of grazing for their cattle. The Himba are proud, beautiful people with aristocratic features, the women rub a mixture of animal fat and ochre onto their skin and braid their hair into ceremonial styles. Sundowners on the hill overlooking the beautiful Epupa Valley are included and present a wonderful opportunity to photograph the valley in beautiful late afternoon light. An excursion can be undertaken to nearby Himba settlements where one learns more about these pastoralists. Time to relax or wander down to the falls, or enjoy a walk to an archaeological site nearby followed by sundowners overlooking the valley

Accommodation: Epupa Camp
Epupa Camp consists of nine luxury safari-style tents erected on stone platforms, each with two single beds and en-suite bathroom. All tents have electricity and mosquito netting and an outside, shaded balcony overlooking the tranquil Kunene River. Large Makalani palms overhead provide welcome. The adjacent dining room and lounge area also face the Kunene River, along with a lounging pool for cooling down from the midday heat, or enjoying a glass of sparkling wine while watching the sun set. Epupa Camp works closely with the local community to provide them with access to development opportunities and direct benefits through tourism. Epupa Camp has a sound ecological policy that includes removing all solid waste from the area and, whenever practical, recycling waste.

Day 10
Kaokoland - Ruacana
Continue east along the Kunene River to Ruacana, where you can view the Ruacana Falls, the Hydro Scheme and the local Himba Villages.

Accommodation: Ruacana Eha Lodge
Ruacana Eha Lodge is situated in the town of Ruacana, known for the picturesque Ruacana Falls only 20kms away. The town provides the perfect passageway to Kaokoland, Etosha National Park and Epupa Falls. Here the vibrant African culture of the surrounding Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions can be experienced first hand. The word 'eha' describes a piece of jewellery worn by the Himba, but it also means 'home’. The town was developed around a major underground hydroelectric plant linked to the nearby dam across the border in Angola at Calueque. Visits to this station can be arranged from the lodge. Ruacana Eha Lodge has a restaurant, bar and lounge, swimming pool, gym, volleyball and squash courts. There is an up-to-date conference facility, with seating cinema style for 42 people. The lodge has 21 en-suite, air conditioned rooms and 1 family suite. Each room is air conditioned with TV (6 channels), a telephone, fridge, tea/coffee station and a private verandah. Visits to nearby Himba or Owambo villages can be organized. Guided walks starting and finishing at the lodge are also available.

Day 11
Owamboland
Departing Ruacana head east towards Oshakati. En-route visit the Mahanene agricultural and skills training project and the big Ombalantu Baobab. Visit the Nakambale Mission House/museum, church and cemetery which gives one a good introduction to the history of the Finnish mission in Namibia, the political history of northern Namibia, and the history of the Owambo kingdoms and introduce you to the traditional Oshiwambo life. Visits to the numerous Cuca shops (informal trading stores), lively open-air markets, roadside shops and traditional restaurants can be easily arranged with a local guide.

Accommodation: Oshakati Country Lodge
Oshakati Country Lodge is situated in an impressive thatched main building that houses a restaurant, lounge, bar and conference facility.
This three-star facility has 48 air-conditioned double rooms. Each room has an en-suite shower room, TV, telephone, room service, mini-bar, tea/coffee station and mosquito nets are fitted to the windows.
Order breakfast, lunch and dinner from the restaurant's a-la-carte menu. A buffet style service will be provided in peak season or for larger groups. Dinner can also be served in the palm shaded courtyard around the swimming pool.
Decorated with traditional drums and murals of dancing tribesman, it is the ideal spot to relax and unwind amidst the customs and ideas of the thriving and bustling neighbourhood. Learn about the traditional Ovambo lifestyle. Visit Oshonas (African settlements) or Ovambo “kraals". Discover the nomadic lifestyle of the Himba tribe in the barren Kaokoland. Take a trip to the magnificent Ruacana Falls, or the mind-blowing white water rafting of the Kunene River. Round off your tour of the Northern region with a visit to Etosha National Park, Namibia's most famous and popular holiday destination!

Day 12 & Day 13
Tsinstabis - Bushmen / San People Community
Departing Oshakati travel south east to Ondangwa and on to Tsintsabis.

Accommodation: Tree Sleeper Camp
Treesleeper Camp is a beautiful, exclusive camp site in the bush nearby the village of Tsintsabis in Namibia. It is a community based and sustainable tourism project with a strong focus on the culture of the Bushmen (San) people, the first inhabitants of Southern Africa. In fact, the name ‘Treesleeper’ is a translation from ‘Hei//omn’, the local Bushmen tribe in the area and the traditional inhabitants of Etosha National Park and surroundings.

Treesleeper Camp is perfectly located nearby the world famous Etosha National Park and has, apart from great private camping accommodation, some very interesting activities to offer. You can come over to walk a bushwalk or a village tour with a professional local tour guide, or you can experience a traditional performance at a camp fire in the evening.

A cultural centre has also been set up on Treesleeper Camp. Here you can sit and relax and buy basic necessities (cool drinks, basic camping food, cold beer, etc.). Apart from that you can buy local souvenirs and traditional Bushmen artefacts are exhibited. If you are lucky you can spot some small game at the nearby waterhole.


Day 14, Day 15 & Day 16
Etosha National Park
Departing Tsinstabis to Etosha National Park is a short drive today. Fort Namutoni was built in 1899 by the German Schutztruppe in an effort to control illegal gun running and cattle movement. It was one of the forts that saw action – in 1904 it was attacked by an estimated 500 Owambo warriors. A place of mirages, springbok or ostrich that wander out onto the pan shimmer and distend into unreal shapes in the heat haze. If there has not been much rain and there is little field water then each morning the long trek from grazing areas to the life sustaining waterholes begin, with long lines of Zebra, Springbok and Wildebeest plodding along ancient paths leading to the water. During early morning and late afternoon nocturnal predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Hyena may be seen. Other species active during the night and early morning are animals such as Black and White Rhino, Honey Badger, Bat-eared Foxes, Cape Foxes, African Wildcat and Caracal.

Accommodation: Halali & Okaukuejo Resorts
Okaukuejo is 114kms north of Outjo on the C38. This road leads you right to Etosha Park's Andersson's Gate – and from here it is only a few 'game viewing' kilometres to Okaukuejo. It is the oldest tourist camp in Etosha and it currently functions as the administrative hub of the park as well as being home to the Etosha Ecological Institute. It is situated at the western end of the Etosha Pan.
The main attraction of this camp is that it overlooks a permanent waterhole, which is floodlit at night. Here a wide diversity of wildlife congregates and interacts. The spectacle starts at dawn, with animals coming in large numbers to quench their thirst. The excitement continues throughout the day and deep into the night. In the early evenings, it is not uncommon to have black rhinoceros, elephant and lion, all drinking at the same time.
There is a bar, shop, swimming pool and a kiosk The restaurant provides a choice of a buffet or 'a la carte' menus. Okaukuejo is the main area of tourist activity inside Etosha


Day 17 & Day 18
Otjiwarongo – Waterberg Plateau Park
Departing Etosha head south via Outjo and Otjiwarongo to reach Waterberg Plateau Park. Waterberg National is situated at the foot of the Waterberg Plateau – a 50 kilometre long, 16 kilometres wide sandstone plateau rising 150 metres above the surrounding plains. The sheer sided plateau has an abundance of small springs that support a great variety of flora and fauna. There are several walking trails laid out around the camp, one of which leads to the top of the plateau and offers stunning views. You may encounter the tiny Damara Dik Dik, Chacma Baboon, Rock Hyrax and a variety of birds walking in this area.

Accommodation: Waterberg Plateau Park
The Waterberg Camp underwent extensive upgrading in 2007. It nestles along the base of the cliffs of the Waterberg Plateau, inside the National Park of the same name. It towers some 200m above the surrounding landscape, and the plateau with its sheer cliffs and fascinating rock formations, serve as a breeding area for endangered animal species.
Facilities include a restaurant, kiosk, (which is open outside restaurant hours) and adjacent to the reception office is a shop which stocks basic groceries, beer, wine, wood and souvenirs. The restaurant and bar are still located in the old, historic Rasthaus, which was built in 1908 and originally used as a police post.
Accommodation is in a combination of double rooms
There are a number of activities at Waterberg, including daily guided 4x4 game drives to the plateau, and are led by a park ranger. There is a selection of shorter walking trails around the camp that you can explore by yourself, in a morning or afternoon. The fit and active can climb up to a look-out point on the top of the plateau. What a view!
A variety of animals can be viewed in and around the plateau, including black and white rhinoceros, buffalo, sable and roan antelope, and the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik, which can be observed at close quarters foraging around the camp.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the area, including the only colony of the endangered Cape Vulture, left within Namibia.

Day 19
Windhoek
You may wish to spend some more time walking in the park before returning to Windhoek via 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. Continue to the Windhoek Airport for your scheduled 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