15 Night Namibian Tour

This exciting 15 Night Namibian Tour starts in the stunning city of Upington in South Africa and ends in Windhoek Namibia. The highlights of this tour include Namibia South, Desert Horses, Naukluft Park, Tiras Mountains, Sossusvlei, Namibia West Coast, Damaraland, Heritage Site, Etosha, Waterberg Plateau and Otjiwarongo Area. The safari is conducted in a 4x4 tour vehicle. Accommodation is provided at comfortable guesthouses and tourist class lodges along the way.

Day 1/2: Aussenkehr Park - Namibian Border

Today we will arrive at the Aussenkehr Park, which is remote and mountainous and one of the finest wilderness areas in South Africa. It is home to numerous rare mammal, reptile and plant species. Here we may get in contact with local Nama tribes who move with their livestock with the changing of seasons in search of better pastures. We cross the Namibian border via Ariamsvlei, to our overnight destination at Norotshama River Lodge.

Overnight at Norotshama River Lodge. (DBB)

Day 3: Succulent Karoo Desert

En route to Klein Aus Vista, we visit one of the highlights in Southern Namibia is the great Fish River Canyon which we shall visit in the afternoon measuring 160 km in length, 27 km in width and up to 550 m deep the canyon is one area presents an awesome sight during sunset. The Fish River originates 600 km further up in the Naukluft Mountains and ends south of Ai-Ais were it flows into the Gariep River. The canyon offers beautiful views from various lookout points. Klein Aus Vista Homestead is also the realm of the ?wild horses of the Namib. These magnificent creatures can often be seen roaming the far horizons or gathering at a watering point close by.

Overnight at Klein-Aus Vista or similar. (DBB)



Day 4/5: Namib Desert

We proceed slowly to our next destination near the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park. Age-old camel thorn trees and unsurpassed 360 degrees views dominate the desert landscape towards the mountain range in the distance.

Today's highlight is the high dunes at Sossusvlei, a truly spectacular sight. We enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best. At Dune 45, the more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of the world's most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2.6-kilometer round-trip walk takes you to the well photographed ?Dead Vlei?. Sossusvlei is at the ?end of road' and the highlight of the day. We also visit the rugged Sesriem Canyon, where the Tsauchab River and erosion have incised a narrow gorge over the millennia. The permanent water pools at its bottom have ensured the survival of nomadic populations in prehistoric times as well as that of early European explorers and the so-called Thirstland Trekkers, in more recent centuries. On our way back to the Lodge, we visit the Sesreim Canyon. On return to our accommodation, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Activities:

Sossusvlei- Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy Dune, Sesriem Canyon

Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge or similar. (DBB)

Day 6/7: Swakopmund

Today's destination is the cool Atlantic Coast and the quaint town of Swakopmund. En route we will explore the Namib Desert with the rugged Kuiseb Canyon, while driving along the Swakop riverbed. We stop at the eerie moon landscape and marvel at the Welwitschia Mirabilis, an ancient plant endemic to the Namib Desert. After arriving in Swakopmund you can explore the popular coastal resort on your own and spend time at leisure or with shopping.

Take a walk through town and enjoy the mixture of colonial flair and historic architecture in Swakopmund (the historic town, the Woermannhouse, the Hohenzollernhouse, the old Magistrates Court, the historical Jail and the Jetty and the lighthouse.

Activities:

Desert Moon Landscape, en-route to Swakopmund

Marine Cruise ? 2nd Day

Dune Quad Bike Drive ? 2nd Day

Overnight at Desert Breeze or similar. (DBB)

Day 8/9: Twyfelfontein

The Twyfelfontein area, being a very vulnerable and delicate ecosystem, is renowned for some of the best examples of Bushman paintings and rock engravings in southern Africa and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interesting rock formations and the remainder of prehistoric volcanic action can be seen among the most prominent geographic features including the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, Doros Crater and the Petrified Forest. The fauna and flora of Damaraland is typical of the Pro-Namib region and plant species include the magnificent Welwitschia, Moringa and a variety of the Commiphora species. The Desert adapted Elephant, Giraffe, Springbok, Zebra, Oryx, and Ostrich include some of the wildlife which can be found living in total harmony with the community. The Lodge is situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy and boast 56 en-suite twin rooms, reception, lounge, curio shop, open dining room, bar and swimming pool. In construction utmost care was taken to reduce the visual impact on the environment and to blend into the mountainside with the use of thatch roofs, natural stone and paint colors toning in with the surrounding rock formations.

Activity:

World Heritage Site visit

Rock Paintings/Organ Pipes/Burnt Mountain

Damara Living Museum

Overnight at Twyfelfontein Lodge or similar. (DBB)

Day 10/11: Etosha

Departing after breakfast, we turn towards Etosha. A visit to the Etosha National Park is one of the highlights of travelling Namibia. Etosha, which was declared a game reserve by the German colonial administration back in 1907, covers an area of more than 22 000 square kilometres. In its centre lies a vast saltpan surrounded by grass and thorn savannah, Mopane bush land in the west and dry forest in the north-east. About two million years ago, this area was an enormous lake, fed by the Kunene River. However the lake slowly dried up because over time, the river changed its course. The Etosha National Park has a good infrastructure. Well-maintained gravel roads lead to the waterholes, where game viewing is at its best. In the three rest camps Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni, hotels, chalets and camping sites are available as well as restaurants, stores and swimming pools. The main entrance to the park is called the "Anderson Gate" at Okaukuejo in the south, where the park administration is also situated. The "Von Lindequist Gate" lies in the east near Namutoni. A new gate, the "Nehale lya Mpingana Gate" (King Nehale Gate) was opened at the beginning of 2003 in the north-east. The pan is just about always dry. However, in the southern parts there are have water-holes scattered throughout this area and form the basis of life for countless game. Be it a lion or an elephant, a giraffe or a zebra; almost all African animal species are represented in the huge nature reserve, approx. 22 000 square kilometres in size. There is an estimated number of 250 lions in the park, 300 rhinos, 2 500 giraffes, 6 000 zebras and more than 2 000 elephants. The dainty springbok are especially numerous; at least 20 000 of them roam the reserve. Often, they can be observed in enormous herds of several hundred animals.

Activities:

1 x full day game drive.

Overnight at Etosha Safari Lodge (DBB)

Day 12: Waterberg Region

Often skipped out, or at best given a single night's layover, as people race for pole position at a waterhole in Etosha National Park up north, the Waterberg has many game farms and lodges that warrant a longer stay. The 200 meter-high, flat-topped Waterberg Plateau is sometimes described as the Lost Eden because, once up there, the animals have no way down. Leopard, buffalo, and the rare and endangered roan and sable antelope live atop this magnificent brick-red sandstone block. The plateau can be explored on a Nature Conservation guided game viewing vehicle or guided wilderness trail. In the shadow of the plateau is a restful resort with bird studded camp sites where parrots chatter above your head and cottages with impressive views over the surrounding savannah.

The plateau supports open grassland and broad-leafed woodland. The foothills and plains are marked by savannah woodland with acacia the dominant tree. Several springs well up to provide lush undergrowth and yet another wildlife habitat. Age-old geological attractions en route to the northern regions offer interesting diversions and provide some spectacular scenery. This area was the scene of a terrible massacre of the Herero people by the German colonists and a graveyard within the resort is a poignant reminder of the dead.

Attractions:

Rare species including white rhino, buffalo, and sable and roan antelope have been introduced to the Waterberg Plateau Park and the existing game includes giraffe, kudu, leopard, hyena and cheetah. While no match for Etosha National Park as a wildlife destination, the park has two excellent and very popular long walking safaris that provide a fascinating close encounter with Namibia's wilderness. One is guided with no set route and the other is a self-guided demarcated trail.

Activities:

Rhino Drive - Up close and personal

Overnight at Waterberg Plateau Lodge. (DBB)

Day 13/14: Otjiwarongo Area ? Erindi

The ultimate bush luxury in an environment geared up for relaxed game viewing. Erindi comprises of 70 719 ha of pristine wilderness, and presents an amazing array of diverse landscapes - from golden savannah to dense bush with mountains, natural waterholes, grasslands and pans.

Old Traders Lodge is the perfect base for your forays into the exhilarating bush. The spacious suites have all the charm, comfort and conveniences you'd expect of a top-flight resort. Spot various game species while walking through the Camp, on the deck, or from your suite patio.

Activities:

Fully inclusive with package. (Am and PM Game Drive)

Overnight at Old Traders Lodge Bush Camp. (FI)

Day 15: Windhoek ? Ondekaremba

The farm Ondekaremba measures 7.300 hectares and boasts a 100-year old family tradition. Shortly after touching down you will be met by the peace and quiet of Africa's wide-open spaces. Enjoy after a long flight the charm of scenery and unspoilt nature. Ondekaremba is called, he place where grazing is good.

Overnight at Ondekaremba Farm. (DBB)



Day 16: End of Tour

Transfer to Hosea Kutako



Inclusions and Exclusions

Included:

- SAT transport with 4x4 vehicles; Public Liability & Passenger Liability Insurance;

- Transfer to Hosea Kutako Airport;

- Services of a licensed English speaking driver-guide per vehicle;

- 15 nights' accommodation in comfortable guesthouses/guest farms/tourist class lodges. Meals at DBB (Dinner Bed and Breakfast unless not specified);

- Fees for nature conservation areas, sightseeing & activities as per itinerary (unless stipulated as ?optional?)

- Activities as stated in itinerary;

- Non-alcoholic beverages (water and cool drinks) on tour vehicle during overland drives (in limited quantities)

- Free internet access at overnight venues.

Excluded:

- Flights not mentioned/ Visa & Permits / Travel Insurances of any kind;

- Tip & gratuities to hotel/restaurant personnel and guides;

- Alcoholic and any other beverages in addition to those included above;

- Any optional services/meals/activities/excursions not included/not mentioned in the itinerary;

- Any expense of a personal nature such as for phone calls, laundry services, souvenirs, and similar.