Combination Safari |
18 Day Camping Safari |
* Maximum group size is 14 travellers
* Transport for up to 8 people will be in a minibus. For more
than 8 a specially converted safari truck will be used.
* Itinerary is assisted comfortable camping with participation
limited to only helping with the tents
* Guaranteed departures on selected Tuesdays of the year,
all year
* Night 3 and night 10 are included in the price of the trip
in a quality Windhoek guest-house.
I t is also possible to remain with your guide for the
2 day return to Windhoek at the end of the trip, making the
itinerary 24 days in total. (N$: 1 000:00 per person additional
cost for the return).
|
Prices from April 2010 until end of March
2011
N$ 22,500 per person
Enquire or book email: book@go.namibiabookings.com
|
| You travel first to the world’s highest sand dunes
in the world’s oldest desert, back to Windhoek for one
night and then on to meet, close-up-and personal the Big Cats
at Okonjima, the amazing wildlife in Etosha National Park
and then on to gain first hand experience of the Stone Age
culture of the Himba Tribes. Namibia’s highest mountain
in beautiful desert Damaraland is next and then on to Namibia’s
premier seaside town, Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast before
returning to Windhoek for one further night.
From here you will spend two nights beside a pristine lagoon
in the Delta and then travel back into Namibia to traverse,
over two nights the little visited Caprivi Region. Back into
Botswana to Kasane for a boat cruise into the Chobe National
Park and then on to Livingstone and “The Smoke That
Thunders”, the awesome Victoria Falls.
Highlights: Namibian Sand Dunes,
Big Cats particularly cheetah, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast,
Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Brandberg mountain - Namibia's
highest mountain.
|
|
Safari email: book@go.namibiabookings.com |
Namibian Combination Safari Tour Details
Day 1:
Windhoek - Namib Desert (BLD) (Camping)
We travel out over the Eros Mountains and along scenic roads, on
our way south-west to the desert. We also pass over part of the
Naukluft Mountains the Khomas Hochland range on our journey today
and head down from Namibia’s central plateau by way of the
beautifull Remhoogte Pass. Coming out of the mountains we reach
open plains and from here it is only a short distance to our next
stop, the tiny town of Solitaire. We will stop here for some refreshments
before continuing on through desert scenery
We cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain
begins to give way to the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib.
We aim to arrive at our camp during the late afternoon and watch
the colours glow and change on distant mountains to the east.
Day 2:
Namib Desert - Sossusvlei (BLD) (Camping)
A pre dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the
soft light of the sunrise on the desert as we drive in. We will
arrive at the entrance to the dunes on sunrise and then travel through
the dune field as the sun is coming up. The light casts strong contrasts
of colour on the edges of the dunes and offers stunning views from
the dry river bed you travel through.
We reach Sossusvlei itself by walking the last 5 km through the
dunes. The walk is like nothing else, enjoying the changing light
and coolness of the morning. Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel
thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or maybe an ostrich
make the photo opportunities perfect.
We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting “dune
45”, and as the day wears on we return to Sesriem for lunch
and to escape the heat of the afternoon. As the day cools off in
the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem
Canyon.
Day 3:
Sossusvlei - Windhoek (BL) (Accommodated)
After breakfast we begin our journey, over the mountains and along
scenic roads, back to Windhoek. We will travel back by different
roads, this time climbing up to Windhoek and travelling by way of
the massive Gamsberg Pass in the Khomas Hochland Mountain Range
on our way back to civilization.
We are due back into the city around 16:00 and you will be dropped
off at your accommodation on our return. This night’s accommodation
is included in the price of the safari but dinner tonight will be
for the client’s own account in a local restaurant.
Day 4:
Windhoek - Okonjima (LD) (Camping)
You will be collected from your accommodation between 08:30 &
09:00. We will travel north, stopping at small towns along the way
including Okahandja, where we have time to visit Namibia’s
largest wood carving market. The market is operated on a local co-operative
basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.
Continuing north, passing through farmland, we aim to arrive at
Okonjima during the middle afternoon, giving us time to set up our
camp and to relax in the shade for a while before heading out on
to the property to take part in the afternoon’s activities.
Okonjima is the home of the Africat Foundation, a specialist conservation
concern that centres its operations around the African Big Cats,
particularly cheetah. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour
during which you will be able to meet, close-up-and-personal, some
of the cheetah that are going through the Africat rehabilitation
programme.
Most of the animals currently living at Okonjima have been rescued
from various desperate situations, being orphaned or caught in a
trap, and the aim of rehabilitation process is to attempt to re-introduce
them into the wild.
After our educational tour we will return our accommodation and
prepare for dinner under the African stars.
Day 5:
Okonjima - Namutoni, Etosha National Park (BLD) (Camping)
An early start and continuing north we pass through some small towns,
making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel. Our first main port
of call today is the mysterious Lake Otjikoto.
Otjikoto is in fact Namibia's largest permanent natural lake and
we take time here to rest a little and learn something about the
history of this unusual landmark.
Continuing on to Namutoni camp in Etosha National Park we again
aim to arrive in time for lunch, giving us time to relax before
heading out into the park during the cool of the late afternoon
for our first game drive.
After your evening meal there are still more chances to see Etosha's
big game at Namutoni's floodlit waterhole. Situated on the boundary
of Namutoni and easily reachable on foot, elephants are regular
visitors here and there is a good chance of seeing other species
of game as well.
Day 6:
Namutoni, Etosha National Park - Okaukuejo (BLD) (Camping)
A full day's game driving. We again leave early to enjoy the cool
morning air as we game drive our way through Etosha to Halali camp,
situated in the middle of the park. Along the way we visit several
waterholes and are afforded splendid views of the massive Etosha
Pan. The game viewing is usually excellent and we have the chance
to tick off a few new species that are not normally seen on the
Namutoni side of the park.
We stop at Halali for a rest and a leisurely lunch. There is time
to visit the Halali waterhole and to make use of the swimming pool
and bar facilities before continuing on our way and game driving
down to Okaukuejo.
Okaukuejo is famous for its waterhole, which has been described
as one of the "best game viewing opportunities in Southern
Africa". Situated on the doorstep of our accommodation, black
rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope are usually
seen.
Day 7:
Okaukuejo - Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab (BLD) (Camping)
Leaving Etosha we begin our journey south with a relatively short
drive to the small town of Kamanjab where we will make a short stop
here before continuing on to find the Himba Tribesmen.
This is the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside
the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia These tribes-people have
migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their
traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm. Oase Village
is located about 15 to 20 km outside Kamanjab, the exact location
of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location.
During the afternoon we will be invited into Oase Village and will
meet with the locals. We will have a specialist guide for the time
we are there, who will be able to translate for us and will introduce
us to this “alternative lifestyle”. We will learn about
marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the local
religion, “Holy Fire”.
Day 8:
Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab - Brandberg Mountain (BLD) (Camping)
Today we head into one of the most beautiful desert regions in Namibia,
Damaraland. We drive south to the capital of this region, the small
town of Khorixas, and then take a detour to the west, travelling
via the Petrified Forest geological site, to visit the ancient Bushman
rock engravings at Twyfelfontien. At both these locations we will
have local guides to conduct us on a short guided tour.
From here we head deeper into the desert to Namibia’s highest
mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m). Brandberg Mountain is an ancient
Bushman spiritual site and tonight we will sleep under the shadow
of this giant granite monolith.
Day 9:
Brandberg Mountain - Swakopmund (BL) (Accommodated)
Starting early to enjoy the cool of the morning we will hike, “into”
the mountain with our guide to see the world famous “White
Lady” rock painting. Attributed to the Bushman artists, the
white lady panel is believed by some to be in excess of 20 000 years
old.
Back on the road for more beautiful Damaraland scenery. We make
our first stop in the small town of Uis, an old mining town, and
one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones, for which Namibia
is famous. Here, rough Amethyst, Tourmaline etc can be found at
bargain prices.
From here we turn directly west and cross the “gravel plains”
on our way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. Meeting
the ocean at Henties Bay, we first head north along the coast to
visit the seal colony at Cape Cross. Here at certain times of the
year there can be as many as 100,000 Cape Fur seals in attendance.
The next destination is Swakopmund, following the Skeleton Coast
into Namibia's premier seaside town. We aim to arrive in the late
afternoon giving us time to explore the town on foot before sunset.
Tonight we take the chance to sample one of the excellent restaurants.
The seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organise
a group meal in a local restaurant for this evening. Participation
is recommended but by no means required.
Dinner this evening in not included in the price of the safari
and will be for the client’s own account
Day 10:
Swakopmund - Windhoek (BL) (Accommodated)
The drive back to Windhoek today will take about 4 and a half hours.
We will only depart after lunch,
giving us time to spend the morning relaxing in Swakopmund. Swakopmund
is a very pleasant seaside town with lots of shops, a good stretch
of beach (although the Atlantic here is quite cold) and an open-air
curio market. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian
National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund.
Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be
arranged. These include aeroplane and microlight flights over the
desert, scenic drives, fishing trips (both from the beach or in
a boat), four-wheel motorcycle (quad bike) trips into the desert
and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sand boarding trips (also
in the dunes), skydiving, surfing, bird-watching and many other
activities are available. Your tour guide will discuss all the possible
options with you before you reach Swakopmund and will offer to make
bookings in advance of your arrival. (N.B. All extra activities
and excursions in Swakopmund are subject to availability and are
made at the clients’ own risk and expense).
We are due back into the city around 16:00 and you will be dropped
off at your accommodation on our return. This night’s accommodation
is included in the price of the safari but dinner tonight will be
for the client’s own account in a local restaurant.
Day 11:
Windhoek - Ghanzi, Kalahari, Botswana (BL) (Camping)
You will be collected from your accommodation between 07:30 and
08:00. A long drive today, making use of the Trans-Kalahari-Highway,
a relatively new road that provides an invaluable communication
link between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The road takes
us first to the small town of Gobabis, one of the main livestock
farming centres of Namibia, and then on to the border with Botswana.
After completing the immigration formalities we continue, through
rural Botswana to the town of Ghanzi, located in the centre of cattle
farming Botswana. Ghanzi is located almost in the middle of the
Kalahari Desert and was almost unknown before the Trans Kalahari
Highway.
Day 12:
Ghanzi, Kalahari, Botswana - Okavango Delta (BLD) (Camping)
An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute
supplies before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of
the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way. A change
in vegetation heralds our arrival on the very western edge of one
of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta.
Here we turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels
west as we enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the
crystal waters through the lush vegetation and we make our camp
on the banks of a pristine African lagoon.
Day 13:
Okavango Delta (BLD) (Camping)
We are in the territory of the River People, so this morning we
leave our vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion,
first by motor-boat and then by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe),
deep into the Delta.
Mokoro’s will be our main form of transport for the next
two days. These amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed
for the narrow waterways of the Okavango and allow us to travel
further into the Delta than if we were using more modern forms of
transport. Mokoros carry three people, two seated passengers and
one driver. The driver stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real
feat of balance), and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer
the mokoro through the twisting channels. It really is the only
way to travel.
Back to camp in the late afternoon for another night by the Okavango
waters.
Day 14:
Okavango Delta - Caprivi, Namibia (BLD) (Camping)
Back on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities
completed we go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small
but excellent park right on the edge of the Okavango River. We game
drive our way through Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely
seen Namibian species such as roan the majestic sable antelope.
Our camp for tonight is just outside the Game Reserve, and we are
again beside the Okavango, but this time the main river, on its
journey from the Angolan highlands, through the pan handle to waters
end, the delta.
Day 15:
Caprivir, Namibia (BLD) (Camping)
The Caprivi Strip is a long narrow stretch of territory running
along the Botswana’s northern border. It is a landscape of
broadleaf forest with many small communities dotted along our route.
The locals in this area are the Kavango people and we make a cultural
visit to a local community. The people here have taken the initiative
to establish a traditional “kraal” which will be opened
for us and we will give a guided tour.
We have the chance to gain a significant insight into the local
customs and culture, including demonstrations of traditional medicine
and superstition.
From here it is only a short drive to our camp for the night, also
operated as a community project, located on the banks of the Kwando
River in a beautifull setting. There is a craft market nearby where
you can shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.
Day 16:
Caprivir - Kasane, Botswana (BLD) (Camping)
We finish our long transit of the Caprivi region this morning when
we arrive in Namibia’s easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A
short break here before crossing back across the border into Botswana.
The road takes us directly into the world famous Chobe National
Park. Chobe has the world’s largest population of African
Elephants and the chances of seeing some big game are very good
as we transit through the park to the small town of Kasane. We make
camp in the grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the
Chobe River.
Time to relax in the afternoon before joining a river boat cruise,
back into the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see
a huge amount of wild game, both on the river banks and in the waters
swirling around us.
Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding Chobe River and
on the land side there is often a kaleidoscope of different antelope
and species such as elephant, buffalo and even the Big Cats come
to the river banks for their sun-downer drink. The Chobe River provides
a very broad habitat for bird life and it is possible to see many
beautifull species of our feathered friends.
Day 17:
Kasane, Botswana - Livingstone Zambia (BLD) (Camping)
Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula
ferry depot and complete our Botswanan exit formalities. We cross
the Chobe on the local ferry boat, enter Zambia and from here it
is a short drive to the town of Livingstone. Named after the famous
British missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the town
is a bustling African centre. We make our camp on the banks of the
Zambezi River and have time to explore the town and to visit the
might Victoria Falls.
The views of the waterfall from the Zambian bank are fantastic,
there are many small paths and lookout points to explore. This afternoon
your guide will help you organise the many optional activities available
in Livingstone. These include white water rafting, bungi jumping,
other excursions on the river and scenic flights to mention but
a few.
Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant at the client’s
own expense.
NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done
at the clients own risk and expense.
Day 18:
Livingstone (B)
After breakfast the safari is finished. Your guide will be able
to offer advice on other travel plans you have in this region. We
pack up our campsite.
For clients transferring back to Windhoek tomorrow this is a free
day for you to explore the area or to take part in optional activities.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price of the trip. Your
guide will arrange a time to collect you for the return journey
in the morning. You will keep your tent for tonight and this nights
camping is included in the price of the safari.
Day 19:
Rundu, Namibia (BLD) (Camping)
An early start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will
not be stopping to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse
the Caprivi Strip and will spend the night near the small town of
Rundu in northern Namibia. We camp in the grounds of a lodge on
the banks for the Okavango River, looking into Angola on the far
river bank.
Dinner tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included
in the price.
Day 20:
Rundu - Windhoek (BL)
Another early start and another long drive. We head south through
Kavango Province, down through the towns of Grootfontien, Otjiwarongo
and Okahandja before reaching our final destination, Windhoek.
There will be stops at some of the local woodcarving stalls as well
as the market at Okahandja before arriving in the city.
We are due back into the city in the late afternoon and you will
be dropped off at your accommodation on our return. Tonight the
accommodation is not included in the price of the safari.
Safaris include
All transport
3 Meals a day (unless differently specified)
Tap drinking water
Tea & coffee in camp
All camping equipment
Park entrance fees
Camping fees
Professional guide
Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek
Safaris exclude
Sleeping bag (can be hired)
Personal travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Soft drinks
Visas
Useful to bring with you:
Towel, torch, water bottle, hat.
If you are traveling on your own, you will share a “room/tent”
with another same gender client. You do not pay extra when booking
as a single person.
If however you request a single room/tent, then you'll pay a single
supplement.
Safari email: book@go.namibiabookings.com | 
Version Francais
