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Essence of Namibia Safari

a safari through Namibia

This luxury mobile camping and accommodated safari is geared to those wishing to enjoy the feel of being in the “bush” with the additional comfort of camp beds supplied with full bed linen, a qualified guide and two camp assistants that will enable you to spend quality time enjoying this incredible country. The safari takes you through hauntingly beautiful deserts, into the wildlife kingdom of Etosha, to the tribes of the nomadic himba and san people, as well as a conservation project for large cats. Enjoy the fascinating diversity that Namibia has to offer

a lion cub in Namibia
dunes at Sossusvlei
sociable weavers nest

Safari Synopsis:

Day
Destination
Accommodation
1
2 & 3
4 & 5
6 & 7
8, 9 & 10
11
12

Sa Ta Kao Village
Sesriem
Swakopmund
Damaraland
Etosha National Park
Okonjima
Windhoek

Community Campsite
Sesriem Campsite
Guesthouse
Grootberg Lodge
Campsites
Okonjima Main Camp
Elephant in Etosha get thirsty too!
game viewing in Etosha
Typical Damaraland views
Day
Route/Activities
1
Sa Ta Kao

You will be collected from your accommodation and depart Windhoek at approx 08h30 and drive east close to the Botswana border. We lunch en route and arrive at the camp in the Kalahari basin mid afternoon, the camp will already have been set up and you will have a chance to relax and visit the local San village to experience the daily life as it exists today. The local San woman make exquisite jewellery hand crafted from ostrich shell and other items sourced from their surroundings. Around sunset you can enjoy the singing, dancing and story telling of the san people and have a chance to chat about day-to-day life. Evening spent around campfire. Approx distance 420kms
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Sa Ta Kao - San Village

2
Sesriem

This morning we can walk with a San tracker to learn how their forefathers would have hunted and collected food as well as discuss how they survive in today’s modern world and the traditions that have survived (this activity may also be run on day 1). From here there is a long drive through to Sesriem, heading through mountain and desert landscapes. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the desert and surrounding mountain ranges from camp. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen provided. Ablution facilities are shared . Approx distance 530kms
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Sesriem

3
Sesriem

We depart camp one hour prior to sunrise and drive down an ancient riverbed surrounded by towering sand dunes. Our first stop is Sossusvlei where the dunes are at their most spectacular just after sunrise and witness the changing colours of these famous sand dunes as long shadows are cast and gradually lessen as the sun rises higher in the sky and the deep intense colours turn to pastel shades. We enjoy brunch under the shade of the acacia trees before exploring on foot Dead Vlei, a dramatic vlei with ancient, skeletal camel thorn trees scattered around the shimmering pan. We return to camp to relax during the hottest part of the day and later this afternoon we explore the nearby Sesriem Canyon and top off the day with a climb on Elim’s Dune for sunset and drinks. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen provided, shared ablution facilities. Approx distance 140kms
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Sesriem

4
Swakopmund

Departing camp after breakfast we drive through the heart of the Namib with panoramic views across the dry, unforgiving desert. We stop at the port town of Walvis Bay on the edge of the lagoon, a RAMSAR wetland site where we may see the many species of aquatic birds that make their home here such as the greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, avocets and the endemic damara tern. We also see the salt farms and learn more about this fascinating industry that is one of the most important exports of the country. We arrive mid afternoon in the quaint town of Swakopmund and relax for the afternoon. Overnight we are based in twin share rooms with en suite facilities. Approx distance 300kms
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Stilts in Swakopmund

5
Swakopmund

A full day at leisure in Swakopmund. You can choose to join some of the optional activities on offer here including:

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Stilts in Swakopmund

6
Damaraland

Travelling north along the coast we make a brief stop at the lichen fields, an important ecological site before continuing our way to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross, here thousands of Cape Fur seals live and breed on the beach. We journey further north along the coast and enter the Skeleton Coast National Park, visiting a small shipwreck. Heading inland we look at some of the fascinating plant life including the welwitschia mirabilis that can live for over a thousand years, the landscape dramatically changes as the imposing, ancient mountain ranges come into view. We arrive at the lodge late afternoon. The lodge offers wonderful views across the mountains, twin room with en suite, dinner served in the restaurant (BLD) Approx distance 475kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge

7
Damaraland

A wonderful adventure awaits us today. We can enjoy rhino tracking with local trackers and guides to search for the bull rhinos that are living in this conservancy region. Relocated from the Torra Conservancy by Ministry of Environment and Tourism in mid 2006, they are now settling into their surroundings. You will head out into this concession land using telemetry equipment and initially tracking from a vehicle and then on foot. Please note you should be of reasonable fitness to participate in this activity. Alternatively, there are other excursions you can join such a visit to a local himba community to meet these proud nomadic people or join a game drive. Note: no children under 12 able to join the rhino tracking and min 2/person per activity. Overnight in lodge with dinner served in the restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge

8
Etosha National Park

We enter Etosha through the Western Gate that is reserved for Namibian Tour Operators only. We game drive through this little travelled area looking for the many species present. If time permits we can enjoy a game drive later this afternoon or relax by the pool or waterhole at Okaukuejo. The evening is spent at the floodlit waterhole by the camp to watch as the animals come to drink. This is often a busy waterhole and many species flock here to quench their thirst after sunset. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen provided, shared ablution facilities. Approx distance 150kms to gate, game drive through Etosha to Okaukuejo c200kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping:
Okaukuejo - Etosha

9
Etosha National Park
We follow the rhythm of the animals during our stay in Etosha – up early to watch them feed in the coolness of the morning, return to camp then head across to Halali our base for tonight. We’ll relax after lunch and enjoy an optional afternoon game drive to nearby waterholes as they again become active. Etosha is home to species of game including elephants, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, endangered cheetah, hyaena, giraffe and numerous types of antelope, it’s a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. We can spend the evening at the floodlit waterhole often visited by elephant, rhino, hyaena and leopard. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen provided, shared ablution facilities. Approx distance c100-150kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Halali - Etosha

10
Etosha National Park
We game drive early morning and return to camp for brunch. Today we game drive and visit the stark Etosha Pan, where this park derives it’s name, the white shimmering haze disappears into the horizon and indistinct shapes gradually appear from this apparently lifeless wasteland as the animals cross to the water holes scattered around the edge of the pans and provide a vital life source. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen provided, shared ablution facilities, evening spent at floodlit waterhole. Approx distance 100-150kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Namutoni - Etosha

11
Okonjima
A final game drive before we leave Etosha behind and drive south to arrive at Okonjima after lunch. The Afri-Cat Foundation is based here and is devoted the conservation of predators specifically cheetah and leopard with the aim to ease the conflict of interests that arises between humans and carnivores. A large part of their work is in animal welfare – rehabilitating and relocating animals, which have been causing problems in their home territory and providing refuge and veterinary care for injured or orphaned animals. This afternoon we will have close encounters with large predators such as cheetah and leopard and get some excellent photo opportunities. Overnight at Main Camp – twin share room with en suite facilities. (Please note that no children under the age of 12 are able to join in the activities at Okonjima). Approx 360kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Okonjima Main Camp

12
Windhoek
You can enjoy a self-guided walking trail looking for the many species of birds before we transfer you to the airport in time for your onward flight and we visit the craft markets at Okahandja en route where you can bargain for some local crafts, or last minute gifts Approx 180kms
Meals: Breakfast

Please note – 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 above

Vital Statistics
Duration 14 Days
Price valid until 1 November 2007: N$19 500 per person sharing
single supplement: N$1 600
Departures

2007 Departures:

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
19
23
14
4
2
6
27
24
15

These are the scheduled departure dates - howevere we can add additional departures for private groups
Mode of Transport Your vehicle will be a custom built 4x4 Landcruiser or Nissan Patrol with pop-top roof and large windows for great views of the landscapes and animals.
The vehicles are fitted with individual bucket seats complete with seat belts for comfort & safety. The vehicle carries a cool box for your drinks which is accessible whilst the vehicle is travelling.

Includes services of a professional English speaking driver/guide; services of 2 camp assistants and back up vehicle; meals as specified on itinerary; camping equipment; activities with San people; activities at Okonjima; game drives Etosha; airport transfers.

Meals on Safari Breakfast: Combination of continental and light cooked English style
Lunch: informal in camp or road side lunches prepared by the guide. Typically cold meats and salad vegetables, fresh rolls or bread (where available), occasionally soup and fresh rolls. Emphasis on fresh fruit, vegetables and variety.
Dinner: prepared over an open fire there is always 2 courses + tea/coffee and biscuits

Typical main course consists of braai, salad and vegetables or pasta dish and salad or stew with rice and vegetables. All meals are prepared using as many fresh ingredients where possible. Second course will either be a starter or a desert depending on guide discretion. Tea/coffee/hot chocolate always available after each meal with sweet biscuits.

Camping equipment

The safari includes quality camping equipment to make your safari as comfortable as possible:

  • Spacious & stand up style 2-man dome tents (rip stop canvas).
  • Comfortable camp beds.
  • Roll up mattresses.
  • Feather Pillow with pillow case.
  • Sheet, sleeping bag and blanket in winter months.
  • Bath towel per person.
  • Comfortable campstyle chairs with back and armrests.
  • Torch & battery operated lamp (1 per tent).
  • Hand wash stand with hand towel (1 per tent).
  • Good quality cutlery, crockery, mugs and wine goblets.

General Information Shower and toilet facilities will be available each night. Some of the camps have permanent ablution facilities. At these sites we erect our camp at a comfortable location close enough to these facilities. At the more rustic camp sites we errect our own bush toilet and bush shower.Laundry facilities are available at Swakopmund and during the course of our safari hand-washing facilities are available. We recommend that you bring lightweight wash and wear items of clothing.

Prices are quoted on a twin share basis, single supplement is available on request. Drinks including mineral water are not included in the cost of your safari.

We do however, provide some wine with your evening meals each night that you are under canvas with us.Maximum group size is 8 clients in one custom built 4x4 vehicle and 2 camp assistants in the backup vehicle. This is to ensure that each and every client gets the personal attention they deserve.

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