|
This 10 day Namibia safari combines the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert continues through Namibia into the north enjoying highlights such as the wildlife kingdom of Etosha National Park. You have the opportunity to meet and learn about the fascinating culture of the semi nomadic Himba people in the far north as an optional activity.
 |
 |
 |
|
Namibia Highlights Safari Synopsis:
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Day |
Route/Activities |
1 Sesriem |
We collect you from your Windhoek accommodation at 7.45 and the safari departs from Windhoek at 08h30. Driving through the rugged Khomas Hochland mountain range we descend to the desert floor via the Gamsberg Pass, an imposing flat topped mountain and one of the highest points in Namibia, which provides a dramatic back drop for our roadside lunch. After a short stop at Solitaire, we arrive at Sesriem camp mid afternoon and set up your tents underneath the ancient camel thorn trees then enjoy a late afternoon walk across the desert to Elim’s Dune on the edge of the famous sand dune sea with views across to the nearby mountains. We return to camp just after sunset to enjoy our dinner |
2 Agama River Camp |
Pre dawn departure from camp to drive the 65km to Sossusvlei where we watch the sunrise from this spectacular and unique area (dependent on opening time of inner park gate). We head up a dune close to Sossusvlei then walk to Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees scattered around, contrasting with a backdrop of huge orange-red dunes that make for superb photographic opportunities. We enjoy a mid morning brunch after exploring this dramatic and desolate landscape before returning to camp for lunch, a swim and explore nearby Sesriem Canyon on foot. We drive this afternoon to our camp just 45km’s from Sesriem camp. Enjoy another spectacular sunset surrounded by this colourful desert and sleep under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. Overnight camping and dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant |
3 Swakopmund |
Early morning departure from camp stopping at the one horse town of Solitaire before continuing through the desert with its endless views across the pastel-coloured gravel plains to the port town of Walvis Bay. We visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where we may see the many species of birds including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and the endemic Damara Tern, then a short trip to the nearby salt farm. We continue onto the quaint town of Swakopmund, on the Atlantic coast of Namibia. This is a town full of historic buildings the afternoon will be at leisure to explore the town or to join one of the numerous adventure activities in Swakopmund (these activities can be pre-booked or arranged with your safari guide). Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre. Laundry facilities are available here. This evening’s meal is a group dinner in a restaurant at client’s own expense. |
|
4 Spitzkoppe |
This morning in Swakopmund you have free time to visit the museum, explore the town, visit the aquarium or partake in optional activities such as sand boarding and quad biking. The safari departs after lunch, driving along a section of the Skeleton Coast before turning inland for Spitzkoppe and arriving late afternoon to set up camp. We have a late afternoon climb to Bushman’s Paradise to see the ancient bushman paintings and see vistas of the vast surrounding desert or simply wander around the desert floor exploring the wonderful rock formations that have been created by erosion over thousands of years. Dinner prepared by the guide with assistance from apprentice Guide. Evening spent under a million stars. Overnight remote bush camp. |
|
5 Hobatere |
This morning we enjoy a walk to Bushmans Paradise, viewing the ancient bushman paintings and vistas of the vast surrounding desert or you may simply wander around the desert floor. From here our drive takes us through some beautiful and dramatic landscapes arriving at camp late afternoon. Hobatere borders western Etosha and the camp is set amongst boulders and trees offering seclusion, however, game, including lion may wander around freely and there are no fences to separate the camp from concession land. Overnight wild camping, dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant |
|
6 Hobatere |
Today you can relax at the camp, enjoy a walk in the surrounding land or watch the game from the hide come to drink at the waterhole, alternatively join an OPTIONAL day trip through to Opuwo and visit the local himba tribes. These remarkable and proud people live in the Kunene region. Formally cattle/goat herders some still live a traditional life style in this harsh environment. You will be accompanied by a local guide who will translate all your questions giving you a chance to find how they survive in today’s modern world learn about their fascinating culture. We return to camp late afternoon and you can sit at the waterhole watching the game come to quench their thirst. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant |
|
7 Okaukuejo - Etosha National Park |
We depart for Etosha National Park entering through the western gate and game driving through to Okaukuejo. This massive park is a haven for wildlife and supports one of the most important ecological and wildlife systems on the continent. After setting up our tents we take a late afternoon game drive visiting the surrounding waterholes looking for species such as elephant, lion, rhino, kudu, giraffe as well as the large herds of springbok, zebra and wildebeest that survive in this region. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. Evening viewing at flood lit waterhole, famous for its visits by black rhinos. |
6 Onguma Camp - near Etosha National Park |
Sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive transiting across the park visiting various waterholes along the way and look out for the many species of animals. We spend the hottest part of the day at Halali camp where we have lunch and enjoy a swim or an afternoon snooze. Late afternoon game drive to Namutoni via the famous Etosha Pan, a vast depression which can even be seen from space and the white shimmering haze disappearing into the horizon. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. Spend the evening around campfire. |
|
9 Waterberg Plateau |
We’ll enjoy an early morning game drive before departing Etosha on the eastern side. We have a short stop at Lake Otjikoto before collecting fresh supplies at Tsumeb and continuing on to Hoba Meteorite, the largest meteorite in the world for lunch. We arrive late afternoon at Waterberg Plateau Bush camp at the eastern end of the Plateau. Witness the fabulous colours of the lichen growing on the rock face of the plateau at sunset from the top of the plateau directly above our camp and enjoy the views across the Kalahari. There are plenty of animals wandering freely in this area such as eland, ostrich, springbok, kudu and impala. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. |
|
10 Windhoek |
Your guide will lead you on a short hike through the ravine at the base of the plateau. After brunch the safari returns to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Markets for those last minute gifts. (B,L) |
Note: The safari 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 above. IMPORTANT - Whilst visiting villages and local communities we cannot guarantee activities on offer, it often depends on how they feel on the day, however, it will give you the opportunity to meet and experience life in Namibia in today’s society.
| Vital Statistics - Namibia Highlights Safari | |
| Namibia Highlights Safari Duration | 10 Days |
| Cost | valid until 31 October 2008: N$5500 + N$950 local payment in cash (South African Rand or Namibia Dollars only payable on morning of safari) Optional Himba Excurscion – N$650 (min of 2 people) |
| Safari Departure | Every Monday |
| Mode of Transport | 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof |
| Group Size | Maximum of 8 people |
| Safari Staff | 1 safari guide & 1 apprentice (assistant) guide |
| General Namibia safari information |
|