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Namibia Experience safariSAFARI HIGHLIGHTS:The 14 day Namibian Experience is a combination of two of our most popular safaris, the 7 day Namibia Northern Safari and the 7 day Namibia Southern Safari, and offers an extremely comprehensive safari tour of Namibia. Departure: Friday. Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights. Accommodation: Camping. Group Size: Minimum 2, Maximum 14 Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris.
Rates from:
N$ 16200
Per person sharing
The Namibian Dollar is 1 to 1 with the South African RandSafari rates are in Namibian Dollars *Rates may vary according to season CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTATION Flights (return); UK - NAM; from £ 800 USA - NAM; from $ 1700 EUR - NAM; from € 1100 Subject to availability & T&C's Currency Converter Day 1: Windhoek - Keetmanshoop » We start our long journey south on the main B1 highway, travelling through the thin strip of Kalahari Desert that protrudes onto the eastern side of Namibia. Stopping at small towns along the way including Rehoboth, traditional home of the Baster people, we aim to arrive at the Quiver Tree Forest in the middle afternoon. Located just north of the southern centre of Keetmanshoop, (officially the sunniest town in the world), we make camp and have time to explore the area on foot. » Quiver trees are not in fact trees, they are a type of aloe, (Aloe Dichotoma), so called because the branches fork "dictomously". These weird looking plants dot the landscape in this part of the world and are locally common, however they are one of the world's rarest flora species. » Camping » Lunch and dinner Day 2: Fish River Canyon » Before leaving the Keetmanshoop area we visit another local site of interest this morning, the Giants Playground", an area filled with massively eroded dolorite rocks that are precariously balanced in tottering towers. After a short stop in Keetmanshoop itself we continue south, leaving the main road far behind us and join the extensive network of gravel roads that unite rural Namibia. » Arriving at Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world, in the early afternoon, we drive to the main look out where the views of need to be seen to be believed. We can see the river sparkling in the sunlight far below us, and can barely imagine how many millennia it took for the forces of erosion to carve such a magnificent vista. » Driving still further south, we travel all the way to the southern border with South Africa, the mighty Orange River. Coming from the arid desert regions that have formed the landscape for most of our journey, it is an amazing sight to see green vegetation and bright ribbon of flowing water appear out of seemingly no-where. » Camping » Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 3: Klein Aus » An easy drive this morning so we have a leisurely start. There is time for a dip in the cool waters of the Orange, (very cold waters in the winter time). Our road follows the scenic course of the river for the first part of the day's journey before heading back into the desert and the beautiful landscapes that Namibian has to offer. » Our route takes us past the zinc mines of Rosh Pinah where we will take a short break before arriving at our destination, the tiny town of Aus in the middle to late afternoon. We sleep tonight at Kline Aus Vista, a private reserve, beautifully located in the Aus Mountain Range, (Huib-Hoch-Plateau region). » There is time to explore this stunning area on foot and to find a lofty perch in the mountains to watch the sun slip over the western horizon. » Camping » Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 4: Luderitz » We are up with the dawn this morning for the short drive to Luderitz, we travel on the main road and keep a sharp look out for the unique Namib wild horses. These horses are the only feral horses in Namibia and have, very unusually, become adapted to an existence with very limited water. Where they originated from is un-clear, some people think they are the descendants of the horses used by the German cavalry during the First World War. Another theory is that they originally came from a horse farm that used to be run by a German Barron, (von Wolff), in the very early colonial days. » We arrive in Luderitz in time to join an optional extra excursion, a trip on an old wooden sailing ship, "The Sedina". We take a cruise around Luderitz bay and, weather permitting, to Halifax Island to see the Jackass Penguins. If the weather conditions are suitable we turn off the engines come back to Luderitz under sail. » Straight after the Sedina trip we drive out to Kolmanskop, a desert ghost town about 20 km out of Luderitz. It was built in the 1920's during the diamond rush and was abandoned when bigger and better diamonds were found further along the coast. The area is still abandoned and the desert has encroached over the entire town, giving an eerie feeling and real meaning to the word "ghost". » Lunch today is not included in the programme, this is to allow everybody as much flexibility with their time as possible and to give us the opportunity to sample some of the excellent local cafes. » During the middle of the day there is time to explore Luderitz Town with its traditional German architecture and later we will take a drive out to Diaz Point to see the bird life, hopefully a few seals and the stone cross replica, originally erected by the Portuguese mariner Bartholomew Diaz. » Returning to Klein Aus Vista in the late afternoon, the road takes us through the "forbidden Zone" so named because in years gone by, the alluvial diamonds found in Namibia were simply scattered across the desert and we again have time to enjoy sunset over the mountains. » Camping » Breakfast and dinner Day 5: Namib Desert » Turning north, we once again head deep into the ancient southern Namib, travelling on small gravel roads and passing some tiny rural communities along the way. The scenery is harsh, and sometimes forbidding. The process of erosion in these areas is well advanced and we pass time rounded "koppies" arid terrain and outcrops of tortured rock. » Traversing this bleak yet beautiful landscape, the terrain begins to change and we cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain begins to give way to the immense Naukluft Mountains 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. » Camping » Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 6: Namib Desert - Sossusvlei - Namib Desert » 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. » Camping » Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 7: Namib Desert Camp - Windhoek » After breakfast we begin our journey, over the mountains and along scenic roads, back to Windhoek. We will travel over the Naukluft Mountains and also the Khomas Hochland Range, through beautiful mountain passes 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. » Breakfast and lunch Day 8: Windhoek - Africat Foundation » 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. » Camping » Lunch and dinner Day 9: Namutoni Camp / Etosha National Park » 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. » Camping » Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 10: Okaukuejo - Etosha National Park » 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. » Camping » Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 11: Oase-Himba Village » 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". » Camping » Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 12: Brandberg Mountain » 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. » Camping » Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 13: Swakopmund » 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. » Chalet » Breakfast and lunch Day 14: Windhoek » 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). » This is the last day of our trip and after lunch we will transfer back to the capital city where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. » Breakfast and lunch Included in this safari; - 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 Excluded from this safari; - Sleeping bag (can be hired) - Personal travel insurance - Alcoholic beverages - Soft drinks - Flights, airport taxes and visa costs - Booking Conditions |
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