The 18 day combination safari marries together three of most popular safaris; the 3 day Sossusvlei Safari, the 7 day Northern Adventure and the 8 day Delta and Falls Safari. It offers an extremely comprehensive safari tour of Namibia, with the route first heading south to the towering sand dunes at Sossusvlei, north to see the big cats of Okonjima and the famous Etosha National Park, the Namib Desert and some rock engravings, before hitting the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls in Livingstone. Nights 3 and night 10 are included in the price of the trip, in a quality Windhoek guest-house. The itinerary is assisted comfortable camping, with participation limited to only helping with the tents.

Highlights of the Combination Safari include

• Sossusvlei - The name originates from the Nama language and refers to the 'gathering of water.' Feel the heat, touch the sand and climb the biggest dunes in the world. They're simply magnificent!
• Okonjima – learn and experience first hand the cheetah and leopard rehabilitation programme.
• Etosha National Park – a magical place from sunrise to long past sunset, the plains and waterholes are places of sheer wonder, drama and diversity.
• Gaining first hand experience of the Stone Age culture with the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region.
• The World Heritage site at Twyfelfontein, a 'Petrified Forest' and Namibia's highest mountain, The Brandberg in the beautiful and rugged Damaraland.
• Namibia's premier seaside town on the Skeleton Coast. The coast has always held a strong attraction for visitors, and Swakopmund is no different!
• Two nights beside a pristine lagoon in the Okavango Delta, and it's incredible sightings of large numbers of prey and predators.
• The flood plains and riverine forests of the Mahango Game Reserve.
• A boat cruise into the Chobe National Park, with hippo and crocs for company.
• Livingstone and 'The Smoke That Thunders' the awesome Victoria Falls.

Camping Safaris | Namibia

Day 1: Windhoek - Sossusvlei

Guests will be collected from their accommodation in Windhoek at around 08h15, and heading first south-westerly crossing the Namib Central Plateau, then dropping down the Great Escarpement via the Remhoogte Pass.
Open plains emerge from the descent out of the mountains, and from here on in it's only a short distance to the next stop, the tiny settlement of Solitaire (famous for it's apple pie!) A short refreshment stop follows, before continuing on through the impressive desert scenery, open grass savannah and farmlands. It's not long before the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib, come into view. Arrival at Agama Camp is scheduled for the afternoon, perfect timing to marvel as the colours glow and change on the distant mountains to the east. An early night is recommended.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Agama Camp

Day 2: Sossusvlei

A pre-dawn departure is essential to catch the sunrise on the desert. After passing through Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes, it's straight into the heart of the dune field, reaching Sossusvlei itself by walking the last 5km through the dunes. As you travel down the valley to Sossusvlei, the huge star dunes on either side dwarf everything else. Is there life out there? Ancient mineral pans and stunted camel thorn trees make for perfect photo opportunities. But look closely at the sand! Tiny tracks at the base of the dunes might lead to 1 of 200 species of beetles living in the Namib. Larger tracks might belong to black-backed jackal or gemsbok, or might be the two-toed track left behind by an ostrich!
The morning is spent in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting Dune 45. Many people think the name originates because it is about 45km from Sesriem, (which it is) but it's because of the numbering system devised by conservation staff, and by coincidence it happens to be dune number 45 on the map. There is a lunch stop at Sesriem to escape from the heat of the afternoon, and once the day cools off in the late afternoon, there is a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Agama Camp

Day 3: Windhoek

A more leisurely start to the day. Guests may wish to take a pleasure flight over the dunes, which your guide can help organize. After breakfast the tour leaves the area and heads back north, once again through the wonderful Highlands. The route is slightly different from the outward journey, but just as scenic and spectacular. After an en-route lunch stop, arrival in Windhoek at approximately 16h00. Driving time for is approximately 5hrs. (350kms)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: A Windhoek Guest House

 

Day 4: Windhoek - Okonjima

Today the tour first heads north, stopping at small towns along the way, including Okahandja, (The Garden Town of Namibia) with time to visit Namibia's largest woodcarvers market. The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs and curios.
Continuing north and driving through mainly farmland, the tour is scheduled to arrive at Okonjima's Omboroko campsite mid-afternoon, with time to set up camp and to relax before heading out for the afternoon's activities. 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. Activities commence at 15h00 in the winter, and 16h00 in the summer. The leopard can be viewed frequently here, (but not guaranteed) from a hide or radio-tracked from a game viewing vehicle. The cheetah project offers a valuable insight into the welfare work of the AfriCat foundation.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Okonjima Campsite

Day 5: Etosha Park

An early departure and continuing the journey north through some more small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel along the way. The first main stop is to the mysterious Lake Otjikoto, Namibia's largest permanent natural lake, into which German troops dumped weapons and ammunition prior to surrender in 1915.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Namutoni

Day 6: Etosha Park

An early start to benefit from a full day's game driving, heading east on the drive towards Halali Camp, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way there are several waterholes to visit and splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan. The game viewing along this route is usually excellent.
The lunch time stop is at Halali, with time for a leisurely lunch, dip in the pool or a visit to see who's taking a drink at the waterhole. The game driving continues down to Okaukuejo, famous for its waterhole, quite rightly described as one of the 'best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa.' Black rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope pass by.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Okaukuejo

Day 7: Etosha - Kamanjab

One last game drive on the way out of Etosha National Park as the tour heads south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab, with a short stop here before continuing on to find the Himba Tribesmen.
This is the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. The Ovahimba, an offshoot of the much larger Herero group, are semi-nomadic pastoralists, who breed cattle and goats. These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm. Oase Village is located some 15-20km outside Kamanjab, the exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location, to take advantage of better grazing elsewhere. During the afternoon, the group we will be invited into Oase Village to meet with the locals, but with a specialist guide for the duration. He will be able to translate and introduce the 'alternative lifestyle.' include marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the local religion, 'Holy Fire.'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Oase Village Camp

Day 8: Kamanjab - Brandberg

The safari drives into one of the most interesting, beautiful and dramatic regions in Namibia, Damaraland, first heading south to the capital of this region, the small town of Khorixas, and then west, travelling via the Petrified Forest geological site, to visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. At both of these locations, a local guide will conduct a short guided tour. It's then deeper into the desert to Namibia's highest mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m) an ancient Bushman spiritual site. Desert-adapted elephants are regular visitors here. Tonight's campsite will be set up under the shadow of this giant granite monolith.
Driving time: approx. (400 km).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Brandberg

Day 9: Brandberg - Swakopmund

An early start benefits from the cool morning air, especially important on today's guided hike, into the mountain to see the world famous so called 'White Lady' rock painting. (Said to be over 20,000 years old and probably a male!) It can be seen deep in the wild and lovely Tsisab ('leopard') gorge and is one of a whole gallery of splendid paintings to be found in the Maack Cave.
It's then back on the road to admire more of the beautiful Damaraland scenery. The next stop is in the small town of Uis, an old mining town, and one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones, especially rough Amethyst and Tourmaline.
From here it's directly west across the 'gravel plains' on the way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. After first meeting the ocean at Henties Bay, it's north along the coast to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross, where more seals breed than anywhere else in the world. Following the skeleton coast southbound, the final overnight stop is at the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia's premier seaside town. Scheduled arrival time is for the late afternoon, with time to explore the town on foot before sunset. The coast has always held a strong attraction for visitors, and Swakopmund is no different.
Accommodation tonight is in shared bungalows, with en-suite bathroom facilities. Most of the restaurants have an excellent choice of game meats and the seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organize a group meal in a local restaurant for this evening. (Participation is recommended but by no means required.) Dinner this evening is on own account.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Bungalows

Day 10: Swakopmund - Windhoek

Drive time back to Windhoek is around 5 hours hrs, departing after lunch. The morning is available for free leisure time in and around the beaches, shops and town's amenities. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund. There are many activities available in Swakopmund: dune-boarding, scenic flights over the desert and Skeleton Coast, skydiving and a whole lot more. After the morning in Swakopmund, we have lunch and then drive back to Windhoek, arriving about 17h30.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: A Guest House

Day 11: Windhoek - Ghanzi

The long journey (500km) on the Trans Kalahari Highway begins. The drive is via the small farming centre of Gobabis and on to the border with Botswana. After completing the relevant cross-border documentation formalities, the tour continues through rural Botswana to the town of Ghanzi, a cattle farming area and on to the evenings campsite.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Ghanzi - Okavango Delta

An early start with a quick stop in Ghanzi for a quick re-supply before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way. The change in vegetation heralds the arrival on the very western edge of the Okavango Delta. The tour heads north for a while, before traversing west on entering the Delta proper. The first glimpses of the crystal waters through the lush vegetation can now be admired and the group make camp on the banks of a pristine African lagoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Okavango Delta

As this is the territory of the river people, Mokoro's (dug-out canoe's) will be the main form of transport for the next two days. These amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed for the narrow waterways of the Okavango, and allow travel further into the Delta than with more modern forms of transport. They carry three people, two seated passengers and one driver, the poler. He stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real feat of balance), and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer the Mokoro through the twisting channels of the Delta.
The Okavango Delta provides a seasonal habitat to numerous different species of animal including elephant, buffalo, hippo, lechwe, tsessebe, blue wildebeest, giraffe, the Nile crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyenas, kudu, sable, zebra, warthog and chacma baboon. There are over 400 species of bird, including African Fish Eagle, crested crane and the sacred ibis. Return to camp for the late afternoon, to enjoy another spectacular night watching and listening to the sights and sounds of the Okavango waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Okavango Delta - Mahango Game Park

Along the Caprivi's southwestern boundary with Botswana, is the 25,000ha Mahango Game Reserve, today's destination, reached after completing the necessary passport requirements for entry back into Namibia. The tour game drives through this ecologically diverse area of grasslands, flood plains, riverine forests and reed and papyrus beds, which helps to sustain over 60 species of mammal including all the big cats, elephant, hippo, kudu, sable, roan antelope, lechwe, oribi and the shy situtunge. The camp for tonight is just outside the Game Reserve, beside the Okavango River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Mahango - Kwando River

There is a 3hr drive along the Caprivi Strip, a long narrow stretch of territory running along the Namibia / Botswana border, through a landscape of broad leaf forest, with many small communities dotted along the route. At one of these settlements, the local Kavango people have established a traditional 'kraal' and it is to this initiative that the tour makes a cultural visit. This very interesting and informative part of the trip, assists in gaining a significant insight into the local customs and culture, including demonstrations of traditional medicine and superstition.
From here it is only a short drive to the camp for the night, also operated as a community project, located on the banks of the Kwando River. There is a craft market nearby where you can shop for truly Namibian souvenirs and curios.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Kwando River - Chobe River

The transit of the Caprivi region this morning is complete on arrival in Namibia's easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. There is a short break before crossing back across the border into Botswana, and driving directly into the world famous Chobe National Park, where the world's largest population of African elephants roam. The trip transits through the park to the small town of Kasane. This evening's campsite is in the grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the Chobe River.
There is time to relax in the afternoon, before joining a river boat cruise, back into the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see a huge amount of wild game, and this is excellent game viewing territory, so camera's and binoculars at the ready! Crocs and hippo are on both river banks and in the waters swirling around us, not forgetting elephant, buffalo and the big cats that come to the river banks for a drink and a snack. The Chobe River also provides a wide variety of bird life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Chobe River - Livingstone

Another border crossing today, on the drive out of Kasane to the Kazangula ferry depot to complete the relevant Botswana exit formalities. Transit across the Chobe River is on a local ferry boat, entering Zambia and the short drive to the town of Livingstone, named after the famous British missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone. The evenings camp is made on the banks of the Zambezi River, with time to explore the town and to visit the might Victoria Falls. The views of the waterfall from the Zambian bank are simply fantastic, with many small paths and lookout points.
Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant. (On own account.)
NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done at the clients own risk and expense.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 18: Livingstone

The Delta and Falls Tour comes to an end after breakfast. Your guide will be able to offer advice on travel plans. Clients transferring back to Windhoek have a free day to explore the area or to take part in optional activities. Lunch and dinner are not included in the price of the trip. Your guide will arrange a collection time for the return journey.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 19 & 20 - Optional transfer Back to Windhoek

An early start and a long drive, transit transportation only, taking in sights along the way. Traversing the Caprivi Strip, the transfer will spend the night near the small town of Rundu, camping in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the Okavango River.
Another early start and long drive, heading south through Kavango Province, down through the towns of Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja before reaching Windhoek. There will be a stops at the local woodcarvers market at Okahandja before arriving in the city. Travellers will be dropped off at their accommodation in Windhoek. Approximate driving time for days 9 and 10 is around 20hrs. Approximate driving time 20 hours

Mode of transport

Transport for up to 8 people will be in a minibus or a Land Cruiser. For more than 8 a specially converted safari truck will be used

Number Of Participants

Maximum of fourteen

Included

All transport
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Tea & coffee in camp
All camping equipment
Park entrance & accommodation fees
Guide
Pick-up and drop-off at accommodation in Windhoek

Excluded

Beverages
Sleeping Bag (can be hired)
Tips
Travel Insurance

Other

Itinerary is assisted comfortable camping with participation limited to only helping with the tents

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.

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