The Ultimate Wildlife Safari is a 9 day accommodated tour around some of Namibia's most notable wildlife and conservation areas. There is a wide and interesting pot-pourri of attractions for visitors to do and see, especially the outstanding quality and diversity of Namibian wildlife. (This safari is only available during the months of January, February and March 2011). Highlights include:

• Erongo Mountains - one of Namibia's most popular tourist draw-cards is the volcanic Erongo Mountain Range. The western peaks rise 2,320m above sea level and the roughly circular massif, dominates the flat plains west of Omaruru and gives the Erongo region its name. They are flanked by the Namib Desert to the west and a mixed, woodland savannah to the east.
• Damaraland - undoubtedly one of the most scenic areas in Namibia. This is a huge, untamed, ruggedly beautiful region that offers many a traveller a more adventurous challenge. Damaraland is characterized by prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Towards the west, the geography changes dramatically and the endless sandy wastes are able to sustain a small, but wide-ranging, population of desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, giraffe, ostrich and springbok. Kudu and giraffe browse along the ephemeral rivers that traverse the desert plains.
• Hobatere Concession - this 32,000ha wildlife concession area is approximately 80km north of Kamanjab on the western edge of the Etosha National Park. The environment and game densities are similar to Etosha and game species include elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, eland and zebra.
• Etosha National Park - one of Southern Africa's most popular and important conservation areas. It covers an area of 22 270km² and is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish (the catfish). It is possible to see elephant, lion, giraffe, blue wildebeest, zebra, black and white rhino, eland, kudu, oryx, cheetah, leopard, hyena and the lesser honeyguide leading honey badgers to a bee's nest. There is also the endemic black-faced impala.
• AfriCat Foundation - this is a non-profit organisation, based on the farm of Okonjima. It searches for solutions to the conflict between predators and farmers in Namibia. They achieve these goals through farmer assistance, youth education, research, and animal welfare. Large carnivores such as cheetahs, leopards, brown hyenas and lions are provided for and their rehabilitation and conservation are of paramount importance.

Please note:

• This tour can be used to follow-on from the Ultimate Desert 8 Day Safari. A night in Windhoek (on own account) can be arranged before the Ultimate Desert Safari begins the following day. This provides a very attractive tour that visits the highlights of both northern Namibia's vegetated wildlife areas and southern Namibia's desert landscapes .
• You will be lead by a fully professional and experienced safari guide who has an intimate knowledge of each area and the camp/lodge you are visiting. Each guide has a specific area of expertise. This will enhance the quality and experience of your tour.

Day 1: Windhoek to Erongo Mountains

Passengers will collected from their accommodation in Windhoek or from the International Airport (assuming you land before 10h00). The safari heads north to Okahandja before the scenic drive towards the Erongo Mountains in time for lunch. A period of relaxation follows before a guided nature drive in an open 4x4 vehicle within the Erongo Conservancy. This includes a short but interesting hike to the rock paintings at Paula's Cave. There is also a guided sundowner walk to a set viewpoint nearby the lodge, returning in time to freshen up before dinner.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Erongo Wilderness Lodge

Day 2: Erongo Mountains to Damaraland

There is a choice of 2 optional guided walks in the morning. The energetic might consider the first beginning before sunrise with a duration of 3½hr to 4hr. The 2nd begins an hour later and takes 2hr. After a hearty breakfast the scenic drive into Damaraland starts with 2 nights at your overnight accommodation. Camp Kipwe overlooks the ephemeral Aba Huab River and in the afternoon your guide will lead you to the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, (a World Heritage Site) Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. The camp has it's own 'sundowner rock', the ideal setting for a cool drink as the sun sets over Damaraland.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Kipwe

Day 3: Damaraland

An early breakfast precedes the 4x4 excursion along the river bed in search of the desert-adapted elephant, returning to the camp for lunch. In the afternoon guests can either have some free time or visit any of the local attractions if you haven't already done so.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Kipwe

Day 4: Damaraland to Hobatere Concession

Guests are free to take a stroll before breakfast. The tour heads north-east through northern Damaraland and into the Hobatere Concession, stopping off at the Petrified Forest en-route. There is a wide variety of game to be observed here including predators. As the lodge is in a private concession there is the opportunity to participate in a night drive and observe some nocturnal creatures such as aardvark, Cape and bat-eared foxes, aardwolf and genets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hobatere Lodge

Day 5: Hobatere Lodge to Etosha National Park

From the lodge there is a short drive to Etosha National Park and through the western boundary at Galton Gate (by special permit). This gate is closed to 'normal tourist traffic', concentrating instead on the research and rehabilitation of animals. The game drive is across the park to Okaukuejo Resort, one of the best floodlit waterholes there is.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Okaukuejo Resort

Day 6: Etosha National Park

Guests can look forward to a full day's game drive as the safari heads eastwards, stopping en-route for wildlife viewing and animal interaction at the many waterholes and natural springs along the way. There is lunch stop at Halali Restcamp before exiting the park through the Von Lindequist Gate to the overnight accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mushara Outpost

Day 7: Etosha National Park

Full day game-viewing is offered at your leisure within the eastern side of Etosha National Park. Namutoni Fort is steeped in history and the waterhole there is fantastic for bird-watchers. There are many other places that wildlife congregate to drink, especially in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mushara Outpost

Day 8: Etosha National Park to Okonjima

After breakfast the safari departs the Etosha area and heads south to Okonjima Bush Camp. This site is located at the foot of the Omboroko Mountains near Waterberg and a better destination to end a safari would be hard to find. Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation. It is a wildlife sanctuary that focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of the big cats, especially if they have been injured or captured. Cheetah can be visited close up and leopard tracked by vehicle. Both activities afford the most amazing photographic opportunities. There is also a visit to the cheetah welfare project. A trip to the night hide rounds off this fabulous safari. Nocturnal animals such as porcupine, caracal, honey badger and even leopard can be spotted.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Okonjima Bush Camp

Day 9: Okonjima to Windhoek

The safari cannot finish without one last guided tour to see the big cats followed by a sumptuous breakfast. Departure is scheduled for the late morning, via the Garden Town of Okahandja and back to your accommodation in Windhoek or to be dropped off at the International Airport, where the Wildlife Safari draws to a memorable close. There is the opportunity to join the 8 Day Ultimate Deserts Safari - departing the following morning..
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Included

Accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned safari vehicle. Meals stipulated above.
Services of a registered and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
Entrance fees and excursions as described in above itinerary.
Return airport transfers from Windhoek International Airport - Windhoek - Windhoek International Airport.
Mineral water on board the safari vehicle.
Welcome pack.

Excluded

International flights to Namibia and airport taxes.
Any meals not included in the listed itinerary.
Any entrance fees and excursions not included in the itinerary.
All beverages with the exception of mineral water on board the safari vehicle.
Laundry (laundry service available at lodges at extra cost).
Gratuities.
Items of personal nature.
Visa fees.

Route & Accommodation

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated.

Luggage:

Is normally restricted to 20kg (not including photographic equipment) per person in a soft, hold all type bag. Weight is generally less important than volume as everything is carried with you on safari. If adding extensions that involve light aircraft transfers the luggage limit may be reduced further to 12 kg in soft bags (please enquire if this may apply to you). If required, any extra luggage can be stored at our base when visitors are away on safari.

Vehicles:

Vehicles used are normally comfortable minibuses, equipped with air-conditioning and cool boxes or fridges for drinks and snacks. A trailer for luggage is taken if required. Ultimate Safaris reserves the right to change the vehicles used to 4 x 4 safari vehicles if the road conditions at the time indicate that this is necessary for the success of the safari.