NAMIBIA EXTRAVAGANZA

19 Day Safari 

 

Day 1 OTJITOTONGWE CHEETAH FARM - We collect you from your accommodation and depart from Backpackers Lodge, Windhoek 7.30am. Short stop at Otjiwarongo for fresh produce. Roadside lunch between Outjo and Kamanjab. We arrive mid afternoon and set up camp near the cheetah enclosure. We learn about tame and captive cheetah and the impact they have in commercial farming areas. The evening is spent around the campfire. (L,D)

Day 2 OPUWO - This morning we continue north and find our first himba people en-route to Opuwo, the regional centre of Kaokoland. We set up camp and then take a local himba guide with us and explore the area surrounding Opuwo looking for traditional villages of these fascinating people. Through our local guide we ask questions and get an insight into the lives of these still traditional people and how they cope with the 21st century. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Evening spent around the camp fire. (B,L,D)

Day 3 PALMWAG - Early departure for the drive south to Damaraland, we make a short stop at Fort Sesfontein before making way to the camp ground at Palmwag, a natural oasis in the desert. After lunch we embark on a 3 hour game drive looking for the desert elephants and rhinos that make this area famous. Dinner prepared by the guide with group assistance. Evening spent around the camp fire. (B,L,D)

Day 4 MILE 108, SKELETON COAST - We game drive towards the Skeleton Coast National Park where we have the whole day to explore this remote and isolated stretch of coast. This area is famous for it's shipwrecks and linear oasis where we find small game. We camp on the beach tonight and listen to the roar of the Atlantic Ocean. Evening meal cooked by guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

Day 5 SPITZKOPPE - Short stop at the Cape Cross seal colony as we head south. We stop at Henties Bay for some fresh produce before heading inland to the famous Spitzkoppe. This afternoon we take a short walk to explore this area before setting up camp. Evening meal cooked by the guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

Day 6 WINDHOEK - This morning we can explore this wonderful mountain at leisure. We drop off those people who are joining the Northern Namibia Adventure in Usakos and then continue on for a roadside lunch. We return to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Market for those last minute curios. Arrival at Chameleon Backpacker's Lodge in Windhoek approximately 5.30pm. Overnight in a twin room with shared facilities. (B,L)

Day 7 WINDHOEK - day at leisure to enjoy the sights of the city or just to relax and do the washing. Sit by the pool or play with the meerkats. Overnight twin room with shared facilities.

Day 8 QUIVER TREE FOREST - Departure from Backpacker's Lodge, at 8.30am. We travel south passing through the "window to the south" and crossing the Tropic of Capricorn. We stop at Mariental for fresh supplies before having a roadside lunch. We arrive at Quiver Tree Forest late afternoon and pitch camp and have time to relax and explore the quiver tree forest and rock formations. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Evening spent around camp fire. (B,L,D)

Day 9 HOBAS, FISH RIVER CANYON - Depart camp early with a short stop in Keetmanshoop for fresh supplies. Arrival at Hobas to pitch camp and have lunch. Couple of hours to relax or swim in the pool with afternoon drive to edge of Fish River Canyon. Begin hike to bottom of the canyon for swim in the Fish River. (**Seasonal restrictions apply on walk to bottom of canyon during summer.) Sunset overlooking canyon before returning to camp. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Evening around camp fire. (B,L,D)

Day 10 KLEIN AUS MOUNTAINS - Short stop on the Fish River for those who did not make it to the bottom before proceeding to Aus and our overnight accommodation in multi-share bungalow or you may prefer to camp. After lunch we have the afternoon to explore the many hiking trails or take the optional activity of horse riding (minimum 3 persons and to be booked in advance). Late afternoon your guide will lead you to the "saddle" for a breathtaking view of the Namib Desert at sunset. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Overnight accommodation is multi-share. (B,L,D)

Day 11 KLEIN AUS MOUNTAINS - Depart Klein Aus for Luderitz day trip. We arrive at Kolmanskop for a guided tour of the ghost town in the desert dunes, and then explore Luderitz. After lunch we drive out to Diaz Point and look for the penguins on Halifax Island. We return to Klein Aus late afternoon after stopping to look for the famous desert horses of the Namib. Guide to prepare dinner cooked on camp fire with group assistance. Overnight accommodation on a multi-share basis. (B,L,D)

Day 12 SESRIEM - Early departure for the drive to Duwisib Castle where we spend time exploring the castle completed in 1909. Depart for Sesreim with roadside lunch and afternoon arrival to pitch camp. Time to relax before visiting Sesreim Canyon and sunset spent on Elim's Dune overlooking the central Namib sand sea and the Naukluft Mountains. Dinner prepared by guide with groups assistance. (B,L,D)

Day 13 SWAKOPMUND - Depart camp before sunrise and drive 65km in to watch the sunrise over the spectacular dunes of the Sossusvlei region. Time to explore on foot and visit one of the incredible sandvlei's in the region before returning to the camp ground, collect trailer and then travel to Solitaire for lunch. After lunch drive through the Namib Desert to Swakopmund via the lagoon at Walvis Bay. We arrive at our bungalow late afternoon. Dinner prepared by the guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

Day 14 BRANDBERG - this morning you have free time to visit the museum, explore the town, visit the aquarium or partake in optional activities such as sand boarding and quadbiking. After lunch we drive north up the Skeleton Coast to the Cape Cross Seal Colony where there can be up to 100,000 cape fur seals. We arrive at Brandberg Mountain late afternoon and set up camp. Dinner prepared by the guide with group assistance. Evening spent under a million stars. Overnight remote bush camp. (B,L,D)

Day 15 ABA HUAB - early morning guided walk into the White Lady bushman paintings. Our drive through to our camp takes us through some beautiful and dramatic landscapes and we keep our eyes peeled for desert elephant. After lunch we relax at camp or explore the river bed for signs of elephant. In the cooler part of the afternoon we visit Twyfelfontein for a guided walk and interpretation of the stone age etchings and engravings. Short visit to Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

Day 16 OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - we enjoy a guided walk through the Petrified Forest before proceeding to Outjo for fresh supplies. Roadside lunch and game drive to camp. After setting up our tents we take a late afternoon game drive visiting many waterholes and looking for species such as elephant, lion, rhino, kudu, giraffe, springbok, zebra and many more. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Night time viewing at flood lit waterhole. (B,L,D)

Day 17 NAMUTONI, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive. Transit across the park visiting various waterholes along the way. We spend the hottest part of the day at Halali camp where we have lunch and enjoy a swim or an afternoon snooze. Late afternoon game drive to Namutoni via the famous Etosha Pan. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Night time viewing at flood lit waterhole. (B,L,D)

Day 18 WATERBERG PLATEAU - sunrise game drive and return to camp for a cooked breakfast. We have a short stop at Lake Otjikoto before proceeding to Otjiwarongo for fresh supplies. Late afternoon arrival at Waterberg. Witness the fabulous colours of the lichen growing on the rock face of the plateau at sunset. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

Day 19 WINDHOEK - optional game drive on top of the Waterberg Plateau to view endangered species such as rhino, eland, roan and sable. Alternatively you can hike the many short trails at the base of the plateau and your guide will lead you to the top of the plateau for a stunning view of the Kalahari. After lunch we return to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Markets for those last minute gifts. We arrive at Chameleon Backpackers Lodge where you can enjoy an after safari drink and share your memories of your safari. (B,L)

Meal Plan: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.

 

Price Includes :- Transport; services of a professional safari leader; meals (as specified) prepared by your safari leader with group assistance; camping and entrance fees; camping equipment (except sleeping bag); services of a local guide to Himba village; game drive Damaraland; game drives Etosha; accommodation on a twin share basis in Swakopmund and Windhoek; tea/coffee in camp.

Price Excludes :- Flights to and from Africa, accommodation before or after the safari, Insurance, visa costs, drinks and items of a personal nature.

Departures Every FRIDAY from WINDHOEK