Itinerary:
DAY 1: Windhoek [Dinner]
After your arrival at Windhoek Airport you’ll be picked up and transferred to your Lodge. The rest of the day is free for leisure. You’ll meet your guide and the rest of the group and can arrange last minute things in Namibia’s capital before our journey starts
Accommodation: Lodge (Double Rooms with en-suite bathroom, restaurant, bar & Swimming Pool)
DAY 2: Windhoek to Waterberg Plateau [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Early in the morning, we leave Windhoek and drive north to our destination, the Waterberg Plateau. The Waterberg Plateau towers 400 meters above the surrounding plains, and 1878 meters above sea level dominating the landscape for miles around. The oldest rock stratum is 850 million years old and dinosaurs left their tracks here 200 million years ago. After arrival and setting up our camp we are taken on an open vehicle game drive through the National Park. If time allows you have the option to go on guided walks through the park.
Lunch Stop: Picnic spot en route
Accommodation: Waterberg National Park Camp (inside the National Park, ablutions with hot and cold water, toilets)
DAY 3 - 4: Drive to Etosha National Park, Namibia [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
We leave the Waterberg behind us and travel towards Namibia’s well-known Highlight of the North – Etosha National Park. After arrival we go on our first game drive through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907, it is home to approx 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. On Day 4 we’ll spend as much time as possible driving through the ‘Great White Place’ (translation for Etosha) trying to get closer to some of the Big 5.
Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en route
Accommodation: Etosha National Park Camping – Camps have a bar, restaurant and swimming Pool as well as convenience store.
DAY 5: Etosha to Ruacana National Park, Namibia [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
We leave the wilderness and wildlife of Etosha National Park behind us and enter the rural areas of northern Namibia. We travel through many small rural villages before arriving in Ruacana and set up our Camp at Hippo Pools. Ruacana lies on the border of Angola and Namibia and you will experience a totally different lifestyle to ours. Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en route
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 6 - 7: Ruacana Falls and Epupa [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
After an early start, we will get up early and go on a hike to Ruacana Falls (1 hour). The dramatic 85 m Ruacana Falls was once a natural wonder, but all that changed thanks to Angola's Calueque Dam, 20km upstream, and NamPower's Ruacana power plant. On the rare occasions when there's a surfeit of water, Ruacana returns to its former glory as one of the most spectacular sights on the continent. After our hike to the falls we start our expedition deeper into the Kunene Region, exploring the real life of the Himba Tribe. Already on our drive to Epupa, we will see here and there Himbas passing us. When we arrive in Epupa we set up our camp and will be able to explore the beauty and remoteness of this area, bordering Angola. On Day 7 we will take part in a Himba Experience and visit one of their local villages to explore their culture and traditions. Epupa means 'falling water' in the Herero and Himba languages. Epupa is Namibia's largest system of waterfalls and cataracts, and it lies on the Kunene River in northern Kaokoland. You’ll be spoilt with beautiful scenery and have the option to take a walk to the Epupa Falls or try some other hikes in the valley.
Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en route.
Accommodation: Camping tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool, situated on the banks of the Kunene River
DAY 8: Palmwag, Namibia [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
We have a long day ahead! We leave the Northern part of Namibia and drive through the Joubert Pass to Palmwag. Palmwag and surroundings is home of the desert elephants and after reaching our destination for today we will try and find these majestic animals. We are going on a walk after asking the locals in which direction they have seen the desert elephants last, trying to spot them and get closer to them. Back in our camp our guide will prepare dinner for the group and we will enjoy another beautiful African Sunset.
Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en route
Accommodation: Campsite, bar, restaurant, swimming pool
DAY 9: Spitzkoppe, Namibia [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
Our destination today is Spitzkoppe, known as the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’. Rising to an altitude of about 1 800 meters, the Spitzkoppe is by no means Namibia's highest mountain, however, due to its striking outlines it is regarded as the most well-known mountain in the country. Situated in an endless dry plain, the island of mountains can be seen from far away. We will leave Palmwag early so that there are enough hours to sill enjoy a hike at Spitzkoppe.
Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en-route
Accommodation: Campsite
DAY 10 & 11: Swakopmund, Namibia [Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast]
Today we only have a short drive to Swakopmund, but if you want to, you can take part in a few of the many optional activities that are offered in Swakopmund like Quad biking, Sand boarding or Sky diving. But of course you can also just go and enjoy the little German coastal town and explore its beauty, beaches and charm. This evening you can enjoy a typical Namibian meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense).
Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en-route
Accommodation: Villa Wiese (double rooms with en-suite bathroom, several bars and restaurants in town, internet café in town).
DAY 12-13: Sossusvlei, Namibia [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]
An early morning start takes us from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on our way to Sesriem in the apparently oldest desert – Namib Desert. We visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. There is an option of taking the shuttle into the dunes. (Own expense) At sunset these red sand dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake).
Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en-route
Accommodation: Campsite (ablution blocks with hot and cold water)
DAY 14: Drive to Windhoek, Namibia [Breakfast & Lunch]
We leave the Desert behind us and travel back to Windhoek. This will be a long day but driving through beautiful country site and short stops in-between will reimburse us for that. In the evening we’ll arrive back in civilization in Windhoek and enjoy if you want a hearty meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense) and celebrate our last evening of the tour.
Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en-route
Accommodation: Lodge (double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar, restaurant and shops in town, swimming pool)
DAYS 15: Windhoek, end of tour [Breakfast]
After we meet a last time to enjoy our breakfast together, you will still have time to explore the town of Windhoek on your own depending on when your flight leaves back home or to your next destination. You will be transferred to the airport to check-in for your flight and we hope to welcome you again sometime on one of our adventures.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Includes
Use of full camping equipment (except sleeping bags), meals as per itinerary, coffee/tea with the meals, coffee/tea with the meals, transport on the tour, 3 nights in basic Lodges and 11 nights camping at designated campsites, activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.
Excludes
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, all personal expenses, insurance for luggage, tips, drinks, laundry.
Extra information
Upgraded Camping Safari:
This tour is also available as an Upgraded Camping Safari. Accommodation in chalets / permanent tented camps of a 3 star standard, most have en-suite facilities.
Accommodation:
On the camping safaris, 2 guests per 3-person dome tents, fitted with mosquito nets. Sleeping mattresses are provided. Sleeping bags can be rented at an extra fee of US$ 30 / Euro 25 for the duration of the safari.
Participation:
Semi-participation Camping Safaris run with a maximum of 10 clients. A guide, who is both driver and cook, will accompany the clients. Clients become part of the experience and participate in the tour. This means, that the participants will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, such as setting up and breaking down of overnight camps (tents, chairs, tables), packing and unpacking the vehicle, assisting with preparation of meals and cleaning dishes. The guide will do the cooking and be responsible for all other organisational duties. This creates an amazing bond between the clients on these safaris.
Local Payment:
On most of our Safaris a local payment needs to be paid to the guide before the tours starts. Your local payment covers on the road expenses such as National Park entrance fees, excursions and activities as well as the use of local guides. This provides your guide with sufficient funds on the road and ensures that your money goes to the African communities directly.
Transport:
Fully equipped Toyota Landcruisers or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, windows for game viewing and a music system. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen. All luggage is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle.
Spending money:
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, tips, alcoholic drinks and additional entertainment. US Dollars, Pound Sterling and Botswana Pula are the most practical and convenient currencies.
Meals:
All meals are organized by the guide and are prepared by him/her with the help of the group. Meals are nutritious and filling, drawing on fresh local produce where possible. Groceries are bought along the way, this allows clients to have a say in what type of meals are eaten. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
First Aid:
Guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration. It is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.
Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance: 12 kg. This is a stipulated luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.
Insurance:
It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving your home country. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange travel insurance for you - travel@toursa.com.
Visas:
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa prior to departure.