Namibian Culture & Nature Safari

After collection from your Windhoek accommodation between 08:15 and 08:30, final packing is done before the safari leaves Windhoek, north through Okahandja and Otjiwarongo and on to Etosha National Park. We set up camp and then have our first game drive - returning by sunset. The safari guide then cooks dinner over an open fire. There is a floodlit waterhole at the camp, which is famous for its excellent sightings of elephant and the rare black rhino. It is a wonderful experience to watch the wildlife come to drink or bathe. You may see several different types of antelope, zebra, giraffe...
Driving time: approx. 5hrs (450 km)

After breakfast, we game drive east through the Etosha National Park. We stop in the Halali area to have lunch and take a rest through the heat of the day. At the centre of the Etosha Park is the vast Etosha Pan, a shallow, salty depression, which was once a lake, but now only fills with shallow water in exceptionally wet years. Around the edge are many waterholes which attract much wildlife. In the afternoon, we move further east to Namutoni Rest Camp. There is an old fort here, with a small museum tracing its history. You can watch sunset from the tower looking out across the plain, then enjoy dinner around the camp fire under the clear starry sky. We will camp at Namutoni tonight
Game drives for the day.

Early in the morning, after a quick breakfast, the safari heads out looking for animals and birds. Returning to camp, we spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or at the waterhole. There is also a short camp perimeter walk. As evening approaches, we head out again to add to the growing list of species spotted. In the evening, we gather round the camp fire for dinner and then relax there or at the waterhole.
Game drives in Etosha National Park for the day.

We leave Etosha Park today, and drive to the Ombili Bushman Project. Here we see the San (Bushman) people living their traditional village life, but with opportunities to learn skills on the farm or in the vegetable garden. They also have an outlet to sell traditional wood carvings, craft work and basket work. There is a school for the children.

From here the safari continues north into Owamboland where we start to see a more rural side of Namibia. We camp at Olukonda where we have the chance to sleep in a traditional hut or a basic missionary cottage. Dinner is cooked by the safari guide over the open fire.
Driving time: approx. 4 hrs (350 km)

In the morning we visit an interesting museum which shows a great deal about the Owambo history and culture. Then we head further north and into the heart of Owamboland. We visit the thriving town of Ondangwa with its busy market, and then continue north to the Ombulantu area, where we camp at a traditional kraal with an Owambo family. The majority of Namibias’ population live in this way in Owamboland.
Driving time: approx. 5 hrs (250 km)

This morning we head further north to the border with Angola. We take a break at the Ruacana Dam before continuing west along the Kunene River to our accommodation for the next two nights. The Kunene River Lodge is a haven on the banks of the river. The vegetation is lush and the birdlife prolific. There are some lovely walks and the option of mountain biking in the surrounding hills. The atmosphere is very relaxing. You can hear the sounds of the river as you enjoy your meal in the dining room.
Driving time: approx. 4 hrs (250 km)

We have a full day to enjoy the delightful surroundings.There is the option of river rafting, which is very popular and good fun, or you may want to relax with some walking or mountain biking. It is a perfect time to ‘re-charge your batteries’.

We make an early start to go to one of the many Ovahimba villages in the region. The Himba are one of the most traditional of African people with a semi-nomadic lifestyle, raising goats and cattle. They also maintain their distinctive dress of goat-leather, ochre painted skin and leather, iron and shell jewellery.

In the afternoon we travel south to Damaraland. We camp beside a small river and enjoy another night out under the stars. There is also a village nearby where we can meet with some of the local Damara people.
Driving time: approx. 6 hrs (350 km)

We travel further south through Damaraland, keeping an eye open for the elusive desert elephant – they can sometimes be glimpsed in one of the dry river beds. We stop at Twyfelfontein to see the petroglyphs and Bushman paintings and have lunch. We then drive through spectacular countryside with numerous granite outcrops and the Brandberg massif looming on the horizon. After a couple of hours, we arrive at the small mining town of Uis where we stay at a very quaint little guest house. Uis was once a thriving community but, since the closure of the principal tin mine, it is now a sleepy village on the edge of the Namib Desert.
Driving time: approx. 6 hrs (450 km)

We then travel back to Windhoek and have the afternoon for last-minute souvenir shopping. Our trip finishes in Windhoek.
Accommodation or airport transfers can be arranged.
Driving time: approx. 5 hrs (350 km)