|
Namibia> Safaris in Namibia> Other Safaris around Namibia |
This hiking trail is designed for guests who wish to experience the desert at a leisurely pace, emphasis is spent on good guiding with your guide taking time to explain the intracacies of the desert fauna and flora. The daily distance will not exceed 10 km. This ensures that all the desert organisms usually not seen when driving through the desert, can be closely observed. The terrain offers mountains as well as sandy desert; this provides the opportunity to see the whole desert, not only the dunes.
You will need to make your own way to the start of this hike - we find most people include this particular hike in their self drive safari around Namibia. The starting point of the hike is close to the dunes at Sossusvlei so spending a night at one of the lodges near Sossusvlei before the hike begins is advisable.
All you need to bring is your hiking boots, everything else is supplied. The Tok Tokkie trail is well known for having a high level of guiding so you can expect to learn plenty about the desert fauna & flora you encounter.
|
Day
|
Route/Activities |
|
1
|
You should plan to arrive at the Tok Tokkie Guesthouse by 14.00. On arrival you will be given a day pack including a water bottle and something to eat – nuts and fruit. You can add to this pack a camera and binoculars and a book to read during the heat of the day. Please pack a bag of your own with clothes you need for the night you arrive and for the next day and night. The support vehicle brings this bag to the overnight campsites. You are transferred by car to the starting point of the trail. This is about a half-hour drive through the dunes. The car then carries on the overnight place to drop of the bags with the rest of your clothes. The drop off point is in the heart of the sand dunes. These are not the dunes you see at Sossusvlei, but smaller, vegetated and have a unique beauty of their own. A short walk to the overnight stop brings you to the camp. Now you can relax with a sundowner, enjoy the magnificent scenery and start “feeling” the desert. A two-course dinner is served, offering all the luxuries to make this an unforgettable experience. Your “tent” is the magnificent desert sky, unmarred by city lights. The stars are your ceiling, the silence your room mate. |
|
2
|
You are woken, with early morning tea or coffee, before sunrise. After a quick snack we get on our way with the sun so as to avoid walking in the heat of the day. Today’s walk takes us up to the highest point of a small mountain to see a breathtaking view of dunes and plains. We spend a good part of the morning in the mountain, before descending down the other side of the mountain into a dry riverbed. Insect life adapted to the harsh environment, is prolific. Birding is good with possible sightings of Namib endemic such as Dune Larks. Larger animals you might come across include bat-eared fox, cape fox and oryx. During the hottest part of the day we rest in the shade. You carry a hearty brunch and you have time for a siesta and reflection of the morning’s sightings. During the last few hours of the day we continue through dunes tour second overnight spot in the dunes, overlooking the dune sea and gravel plains in front of you and magnificent mountain scenery behind you. Photography is spectacular with shadows on the dunes and an ever-changing palette of colours shortly before sunset. A gourmet meal in the desert after a long and enjoyable day is indeed a welcome sight. The sound of barking geckoes petting for a wife, the occasional cry of the Hyena and more likely than not, the silence accompany you through the night. |
|
3
|
Again you wake in the soft light before sunrise. Coffee and rusks are served before the hike continues through the dune 'field'. These soft and rolling dunes are clustered with camelthorn tree, which provide a welcome shade for rest. Today's walk is easy and you arrive at the guesthouse in time for lunch. |
Note: Itinerary Description Text supplied by tour operator
| Vital Statistics | |
| Duration | 3 Days |
| Cost - valid until 30 November 2008 | N$3 860 per person Children under 12 half price |
| Mode of Transport | Hiking Boots |
| Group Size | 2-7 to ensure personal attention. Bigger groups can be accommodated on request |
| Notes: | 1. Personal packs should not weigh more than 10 kg. Keep camera equipment light; a telephoto lens for animals and birds, and a wide angle for scenery are recommended. Whilst walking we have no facilities to charge batteries for video cameras so be sure to have sufficient loaded batteries available. 2. Bathroom facilities comprise a long-drop toilet, a bucket shower and a hand basin at the overnight stops. During the day spade and toilet paper is provides. Fresh water for washing hands will always be available. 3. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will be provided to ensure a healthy balanced diet; however, if you have any special dietary requirements or wishes please be sure to inform us in advance so that necessary planning may be done to ensure that you have an enjoyable stay. 4. prices include all meals, the services of a guide and “back-up” crew as well as the transfer to the starting point. Tea, coffee and juice are freely available. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be made available, but will be charges to your account. 5. Although it is unlikely that you will come across a vehicle during your walk, it is always in radio contact allowing for a quick return to the guesthouse in the unlikely event of an accident or medical emergency. 6. Your guide carries an extensive first-aid kit, with a back up in the vehicle. All guides have a working knowledge of first aid. You are also covered by compulsory emergency evacuation insurance, which assures quick evacuation to a hospital should it become necessary. |
| What to bring |
|