3 Day Cultural Adventure Safari - Namibia

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Windhoek at 8am and depart eastwards into the Kalahari Desert. This part of Namibia is called Omaheke Region otherwise known as cattle country for its abundant cattle farmers both commercial and communal. We are destined for Epukiro a community settlement area where the Herero, Mbanderu and Tswana indigenous Namibian groups live. During the first part of the day we will be driving past commercial farms and then on towards communal land, as we go deeper into the Kalahari desert. A picnic lunch will be served en-route.

Our first stop will be at a Tswana settlement, this settlement exists because years ago the people came to live around a mission station. Our activities will include a tour around the settlement to view Tswana traditional huts, a visit to nearby German soldiers’ graves from the 1904 German-Herero war and an exceptional Tswana traditional dance incorporating a play of a traditional wedding, combining music and the natural dancing rhythm of the Tswana people.

Our day will be concluded at a Mbanderu village known as Otjozondjima where we will overnight. The evening will be spent around the open fire where dinner will be served and a briefing will be done to provide more detailed information about the traditional way of living. You will overnight in mud houses equipped with beds, mattresses and light will be by candles.

Driving time: approx. 4hrs (330 km). (Lunch, Dinner)

Today we will wake up before sunrise to witness a holy fire ceremony performed at a nearby village. The holy fire serves as a religion for the traditional Mbanderu people and takes center stage in the lives of many people in this region of Namibia. The holy fire is a way to communicate with their forefathers to request strengths in times of hardship and healing when they are sick. Find out more yourself from the people.

Breakfast will be served on our return from the holy fire ceremony after which the ladies in the group have a chance to try-on the famous Victorian style Herero dresses. Later in the day we will further integrate into the normal daily activities at the village which will include cow milking, a tour around the village which will help us to understand the dynamics of village life, bread making, a visit to a local school in a nearby settlement and a visit to some development projects in the area.

On occasion we might have a chance to witness a traditional wedding or funeral in the nearby villages. All these events are public and invitations are normally extended to all members of society who wish to witness these occasions. Lunch will be provided and we will try and maintain a typical menu of people in the village.

During the afternoon the group will participate in the normal village chores include taking the goats to the kraal and feeding the young ones before returning to witness the preparation of our dinner. Tonight you will get your questions answered on the way of living of the people and all your daily observations will be explained in more detail while enjoying your meal around the fire. (B, L, D)

We depart early in the morning just after breakfast heading towards Gobabis, the capital of the Omaheke region. In Gobabis we will visit some development projects and a craft centre hosting handmade San crafts. The souvenirs are made by the local people at developmental and empowering project in a settlement in the remote part of the Kalahari.

We will also visit the townships in Gobabis to enlighten your understanding of the socio-economic differences in living standards between the rich and the poor of Namibian society. History has played an important part in influencing the way people live in Namibia, a briefing of historical events will be made through out the entire duration of the tour. Lunch at own cost will be obtained from a restaurant in Gobabis before we kiss goodbye to the Kalahari and head back to Windhoek. Expected arrival time in Windhoek will be around 4pm . (Breakfast)

• Luggage limits are 10kg per person and we will only carry soft bags to minimize luggage damage. One small day pack for hand luggage and a sleeping bag are separate.
• Safaris are undertaken on a twin share basis. Should you be travelling alone we will ask you to share with another traveller.
• The Safari is run on a participation basis - and you will be expected to help with the camp chores
• All drinks must be purchased by you during your safari including mineral water.