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OVERVIEW
Combine the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei with the oldest desert
in the world and continue your journey through this remarkable
country into the north enjoying highlights such as the wildlife
kingdom of Etosha National Park safari. You have the opportunity to
meet and learn about the fascinating culture of the semi nomadic
Himba people in the far north as an OPTIONAL activity.
PRICE: N$5100/PERSON + N$950 Local payment in cash
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
Himba - N$650/PERSON
OPTIONAL HIMBA EXCURSION MUST BE PAID FOR PRIOR TO SAFARI DEPARTURE
DEPARTS: Every Monday from Windhoek
Vehicle Used: 4x4
Maximum Group Size: 8 + 2 guides
Single Supplement: None
Prices (Valid until 31st OCT 2007)
ITINERARY
Day 1 SESRIEM – Departure from Chameleon Guesthouse and
Backpackers at 8:30am. Driving through the rugged Khomas Hochland
mountain range we descend to the desert floor via the Gamsberg Pass,
an imposing flat topped mountain and one of the highest points in
Namibia, which provides a dramatic back drop for our roadside lunch.
After a short stop at Solitaire, we arrive at camp mid afternoon and
enjoy a late afternoon walk across the desert to Elim’s Dune on the
edge of the famous sand dune sea with views across to the nearby
mountains. We return to camp just after sunset to enjoy our dinner
prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. Overnight
camping (L,D)
Day 2 SESRIEM – Pre dawn departure from camp to drive the
65km to Sossusvlei where we watch the sunrise from this spectacular
and unique area (dependent on opening time of inner park gate). We
head up a dune close to Sossusvlei then walk to Dead Vlei with its
large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn
trees scattered around, contrasting with a backdrop of huge
orange-red dunes that make for superb photographic opportunities. We
enjoy a mid morning brunch after exploring this dramatic and
desolate landscape before returning to camp for a swim and this
afternoon explore nearby Sesriem Canyon on foot. Enjoy another
spectacular sunset surrounded by this colourful desert and sleep
under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. Overnight camping
and dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 DUNEDIN STAR GUESTHOUSE, SWAKOPMUND – Early morning
departure from camp stopping at the one horse town of Solitaire
before continuing through the desert with its endless views across
the pastel-coloured gravel plains to the port town of Walvis Bay. We
visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where we
may see the many species of birds including Greater and Lesser
Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and the endemic Damara Tern
before a short stop at the salt farm. We continue onto the quaint
town of Swakopmund, full of historic buildings and 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 but a few, which you have time for this afternoon
and tomorrow morning. Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms
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. (B,L)
Day 4 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 5 HOBATERE, DAMARALAND – 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 through some beautiful
and dramatic landscapes arriving at camp late afternoon. Hobatere
borders western Etosha and the camp is set amongst boulders and
trees offering seclusion, however, game, including lion may wander
around freely and there are no fences to separate the camp from
concession land. Overnight wild camping, dinner prepared by guide
and camp assistant (B,L,D)
Day 6 HOBATERE, DAMARALAND – Today you can relax at the camp,
enjoy a walk in the surrounding land or watch the game from the
nearby hide come to drink at the waterhole, alternatively join an
OPTIONAL day trip through to Opuwo and visit the local himba tribes.
These remarkable and proud people live in the Kunene region.
Formally cattle/goat herders some still live a traditional life
style in this harsh environment. You will be accompanied by a local
guide who will translate all your questions giving you a chance to
find how they survive in today’s modern world learn about their
fascinating culture. We return to camp late afternoon and you can
sit at the waterhole watching the game come to quench their thirst.
Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant (BLD)
Day 7 OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - We depart for Etosha
entering through the western gate and game driving through to
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 (B,L,D)
Day 8 NAMUTONI OR HALALI, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - sunrise
departure from camp for full morning game drive. Transit 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 with assistance from Apprentice Guide. Nighttime viewing at
flood lit waterhole. (B,L,D)
Day 9 WATERBERG PLATEAU - sunrise game drive and return to
camp for breakfast. We have a short stop at Lake Otjikoto and Hoba
Meteorite – the largest in the world there is also a short stop at
Tsumeb to obtain fresh supplies. Late afternoon arrival at
Chameleon’s bush camp at the eastern end of Waterberg 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 with assistance
from Apprentice Guide. (B,L,D)
Day 10 WINDHOEK - your guide will lead you on a short hike
through the ravine at the base of the plateau. After brunch we
return to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Markets for those last
minute gifts. We arrive at Chameleon Guesthouse where you can enjoy
an after safari drink and share your memories of your safari. (B,L)
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.
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