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This 15 day camping safari begins in Windhoek, Namibia and visits the sand dunes at Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, the coastal town of Swakopmund, the attractions of Kaokoland including a Himba village. The safari then procedes to the Etosha National Park for a few days of game viewing in this magnificent park before proceding through the game parks of the Kavango region and Caprivi Strip on Namibia. Travelling through Botswana the safari visits the Chobe National park before arriving at Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.
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Day
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Route/Activities |
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1
Windhoek - Sesriem |
You will be met at Windhoek Int’l Airport, or your accommodation in Windhoek by your guide and taken into the city. There will be time for a short break to change money and buy any last minute necessities before travelling southwest through the Khomas Hochland highlands and on to Sesriem Camp situated on open savannah grassland between the dune fields and the Tsaris Mtns. A fitting site for your first Namibian sunset. Driving time approx: 5.5 hrs. (lunch & dinner) |
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2
Sesriem |
Your guide will wake you well before dawn in order to get you into the middle of the dune fields at Sossusvlei for sunrise. This time of the day is the optimum for photography and walking in the dunes before it gets too hot. You will be taken on a walk by a local expert who will enhance your visit with his amazing knowledge of the flora and fauna that survive in these harsh conditions. Enjoy a late lunch with some time to relax by the swimming pool before heading out to the nearby Sesriem Gorge. Driving time approx: 2 hrs. (breakfast, lunch and dinner) |
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3
Sesriem - Swakopmund |
After breakfast and breaking camp, the safari travels west across the many changing faces of the Namib Desert to the Atlantic coast and the port of Walvis Bay. Lunch is at the Walvis Bay lagoon accompanied by the sight of thousands of flamingos and shore birds all feeding in the nearby water. After lunch, you will continue north along the coast to the resort town of Swakopmund, your stop for the night. You are in bungalow accommodation and, in the afternoon, there will be time for an optional scenic flight or sunset quad-biking. Dinner is on your own account allowing you the option of trying out one of the many excellent seafood restaurants. Driving time approx: 5 hrs. (breakfast & lunch) |
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4
Swakopmund - Damaraland |
The safari continues north along the Skeleton Coast to the Cape Cross Seal Colony. You will see, at close hand, the countless fur seals that congregate here to feed and breed. Also, visit the proclamation cross which was left by the first European to visit these shores in 1485, the Portugese explorer, Diego Cao. You then head further north to the Skeleton Coast National Park before heading inland to Damaraland where we will camp tonight. Driving time approx: 6 hrs. (breakfast, lunch and dinner) |
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5
Damaraland |
During the cool of the morning you will visit the ancient rock-engraving site at Twyfelfontein. From here your route takes you northeast through the splendid Damaraland scenery to the small town of Kamanjab. It is near here that you will camp for the night at a Himba Community Project. After lunch, you will spend the afternoon visiting the local people and getting an insight to their fascinating customs and traditions. Accommodation tonight is at the Himba Village campsite. Driving time approx: 2.5 hrs. (breakfast, lunch and dinner) |
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6
Etosha National Park |
Another short drive sees you crossing cattle-ranching land on your way to Etosha National Park. You will arrive before lunch in time to relax either at the waterhole or around the pool. In the afternoon, there will be a game drive to explore the surrounding waterholes for the numerous species of animals and birds, which inhabit the Park. The floodlit waterhole at the Okakuejo Camp, where the safari spends tonight, is famous for the frequent sightings of black rhino and elephant. Driving time approx: 3.5 hrs. plus game drive. (breakfast, lunch and dinner) |
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7
Etosha Park |
There is full day of game driving today across Etosha. You will again visit some of the numerous waterholes as well as seeing the spectacular Etosha Pan itself. Lunch is ‘en route’ with a break to rest before continuing to Namutoni Camp on the eastern edge of the Park. Again, there is a floodlit waterhole to visit after dinner. Driving time approx: game driving all day. (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
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8 |
Today the safari leaves Etosha National Park and contines north-east through the Kavango Region of Namibia. The scene changes drastically as you travel north with traditional kraals and farming methods becoming much more apparent. There are roadside markets and many more people living here, which makes quite a change from the south of Namibia. We will be camped near the banks of the Okavango River in very pleasant surroundings and you will be able to have a sundown drink looking across the river to Angola. Driving time approx: 5.5 hrs. |
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9
Mahango area |
It is only a two-hour drive to your next stop at the western end of the Caprivi Strip. Again, your camp is on the banks of the Okavango River and only a short drive to the Mahango Game Reserve. After pitching camp, it is off to game drive searching for the animals, which frequent this very productive little reserve. There are very good opportunities to see some new species such as sable and roan antelope as well as buffalo. It is then back to camp for dinner. Driving time approx: 2.5 hrs. plus game drive. |
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10
Mudumu National Park |
It is another short drive across the Caprivi Strip today heading east to the Kwando River area. We will camp in the Mudumu National Park for the next two nights enjoying the peace and tranquility of the ‘Caprivi Delta’. The bird life is prolific and there is, again, the chance to see many more animals such as waterbuck, bushbuck, or the rare sitatunga. The peace and tranqulity of this area is also magnificent. After establishing camp, you will head out on an afternoon game drive. Driving time approx: 3 hrs. plus game drive. |
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11
Mudumu National Park |
It is up early for a morning game drive to explore more of Mudumu and Mamili National Parks and then back to camp in time for brunch. After relaxing through the heat of the day, you will then have an excursion to a nearby cultural village and be given a very interesting tour and insight into the daily lives of the Caprivian people. It is fascinating to learn of their customs and how they fit into today’s world. It’s then back to camp for another evening under the stars of Africa. Driving time approx: game drive. |
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12
Kasane / Chobe River Botswana |
After traversing the rest of the Caprivi Strip, your route takes you into Botswana. As soon as you leave the border, you will enter Chobe National Park, so be on the watch for more big game. Your camp tonight is beside the Chobe River and, in the afternoon, you will have a boat cruise up the river. It is a brilliant way to see the masses of animals and birds, which inhabit this lush area of Chobe Park. It’s nice to cruise into the sunset without the dust of driving. Driving time approx: 4.5 hrs. |
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13
Livingstone / Victoria Falls |
A relaxed morning sees you heading into Zambia via a ferry across the Zambezi River. It is then a quick drive to Livingstone and the mighty Victoria Falls. After setting up camp for the last two nights of the trip, it is into town to see the markets and then to Victoria Falls themselves. Truly, a natural wonder and a sight you won’t soon forget. In the evening it is worth preparing for any activities that you might want to participate in tomorrow. Driving time approx: 1.5 hrs. |
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14
Livingstone / Victoria Falls |
There are numerous optional action activities centered on Victoria Falls. You have the choice of white water rafting, bunjee jumping, micro lighting, boat cruises or just exploring the town of Livingstone. There are numerous shops, a museum and various curio markets. Your guide will help you decide on the activities you want and book them for you. At the end of the day, your guide will collect everyone in time for your last dinner together at the end of a memorable safari. |
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15
Victoria Falls |
Depending on flight times, you may have time for a final look at the curio markets before heading out to the airport to wish each other fond farewells. Your guide will be returning to Windhoek, Namibia by road. If you wish to return to Windhoek, please let us know. |
Note: Itinerary description text supplied by tour operator
| Vital Statistics | |
| Duration | 15 Days |
| Cost - valid until December 2004 | 2004: N$13 750 per person sharing |
| Departures for 2004 | 14 March, 23 May, 13 July, 10 August, 5 September, 3 October, 5 December |
| Mode of Transport | Minibus or 4x4 vehicle |
| Group Size | Maximum of 12 |