NORTHERN NAMIBIA 4x4 ADVENTURE – 8 DAYS 2010 DEPARTURES: EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM WINDHOEK/SWAKOPMUND
PRICE FROM 1 NOVEMBER 2009- 30 OCTOBER 2010 - PRICE: N$7800/pp (South African Rand or Namibia Dollars only)
OVERVIEW
This safari offers nature at its best - from a magical night at Spitzkoppe exploring the ancient rock paintings to the wild camp of Hobatere in a private wildlife concession with it's own viewing hide. There is an optional half day excursion to visit the Nomadic Himba people near Opuwo before travelling through the Western Gate of Etosha (only accessible by Namibian Tour Operators) for a full days game viewing with no-one else around. Finally we end our safari experience with our last night at the beautiful Waterberg Bush Camp and enjoy a short and informative walk on the plateau and see the beautiful sunset. For the adventurous we kick start this safari with an accommodated night in Swakopmund where you can join one of the many adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad biking, dolphin cruises and just simply walk along the Atlantic shore and listen to the pounding of the waves.Vehicle Used: 4x4 with pop top roof
Maximum Group Size: 8 + 2 guides
Single Supplement: None
OPTION FOR UPGRADING ACCOMMODATION IN PALMWAG LODGE, OKAUKUEJO, HALALI AND OKONJIMA BUT DEPENDS ON AVAILABILITY.
NORTHERN NAMIBIA ADVENTURE - 8 DAYS
This stunning adventure takes you into the north of Namibia visiting the quaint seaside town of Swakopmund, the impressive and magical inselberg Spitzkoppe, with its collection of rock paintings and strange rock formations. Heading deeper into the country you can enjoy a very scenic area of Damaraland. From here to Etosha National Park -recognized as one of the best game reserves in Africa and excellent game viewing with your final night at Waterberg Plateau.
Day 1 VILLA WIESSE GUESTHOUSE, SWAKOPMUND
We depart from Thimbi Thimbi offices at 8.30am for Swakopmund, (please note
that this safari can also depart from Swakopmund at +-12H00). After collecting
fresh supplies for lunch we drive to the port town of Walvis Bay where we visit
the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site. We may see the many species
of bird including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and
the endemic damara tern. We return to Swakopmund where your guide will assist
those wishing to book optional adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad
biking, scenic flights, parachuting, dolphin cruises to name a few, which you
have time for this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Overnight in comfortable
twin/double r ooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre. Laundry
facilities are available here. This evening's meal is a group dinner in a restaurant
at client's own expense (L)
Day 2 SPITZKOPPE
This morning you have free time to visit the museum and aquarium, explore the town, or partake in optional activities such as sand boarding and quad biking. We depart after lunch, driving along a section of the Skeleton Coast before turning inland for Spitzkoppe, a huge inselberg towering above the dry desert plains and arriving late afternoon to set up camp. We have the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the wonderful rock formations that have been created by erosion over thousands of years. Dinner prepared by the guide and camp assistant. Evening spent under a million stars. Overnight based at community run bush camp with no toilet/shower facilities. (BLD)
Day 3 PALMWAG CAMP
This morning we enjoy a walk to Bushman's Paradise, viewing the ancient bushman paintings and vistas of the vast surrounding desert or you may simply wander around the desert floor. From here our drive takes us to the World heritage site to visit the rock engravings and paintings at Twyfelfontein in time for lunch. After lunch we drive through some beautiful and dramatic landscapes arriving at our campsite late afternoon. This afternoon you can take a walk around the camp or just having a good time at the campsite. Some times the well-known Desert adapted Elephants are seen roaming around the campsite. Overnight camping, dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant (BLD) OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION
Day 4 PALMWAG CAMP
Today you can relax at the camp, enjoy a walk in the surrounding land or do optional activities offered by Palmwag Lodge like Himba Excursion, Game Drives, Desert Elephant Drives etc.. The Himba's are remarkable and proud people who live in the Kunene region. Formally cattle/goat herders some still live a traditional life style in this harsh environment. After your activities, you return to camp late afternoon and you can enjoy your afternoon around swimming pool and the bar. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant (BLD) OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION
Day 5 OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
We depart for Etosha this morning. We stop in Outjo to pick up some fresh supplies and heading towards Okaukuejo. This massive park is a haven for wildlife and supports one of the most important ecological and wildlife systems on the continent. After setting up our tents we take a late afternoon game drive visiting the surrounding waterholes looking for species such as elephant, lion, rhino, kudu, giraffe as well as the large herds of springbok, zebra and wildebeest that survive in this region. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. Evening viewing at flood lit waterhole, famous for its visits by black rhinos. (BLD) OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION
Day 6 NAMUTONI, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive transiting across the
park visiting various waterholes along the way and look out for the many species
of animals. 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, a vast depression which can even be seen
from space and the white shimmering haze disappearing into the horizon. Dinner
prepared by guide and camp assistant. Evening viewing at flood lit waterhole.
(BLD)
Day 7 WATERBERG PLATEAU
We'll enjoy an early morning game drive before departing Etosha on the eastern side. We have a stop at Tsumeb collecting fresh supplies and continuing on to Hoba Meteorite, the largest meteorite in the world for lunch.We arrive late afternoon at Waterberg Resort at the eastern end of the Plateau. Witness the fabulous colours of the lichen growing on the rock face of the plateau at sunset from the top of the plateau directly above our camp and enjoy the views across the Kalahari. There are plenty of animals wandering freely in this area such as eland, ostrich, springbok, kudu and impala. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. (BLD)
Day 8 WINDHOEK
Your guide will lead you on a short walk this morning before we head back to Windhoek. After brunch we return to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Markets for those last minute gifts. We arrive at Thimbi Thimbi offices where you can enjoy an after safari drink and share your memories of your safari. (BL)
Please note - the itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above. IMPORTANT - Whilst visiting villages and local communities we cannot guarantee activities on offer, it often depends on how they feel on the day, however, it will give you the opportunity to meet and experience life in Namibia in today's society
Approx total distance 2000kms
