Namibia wildlife & camping safari
| country: | Namibia |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | Departures every Wednesday throughout the year |
| price: | From £1535 - £1980 (16 days) including flights from the UK. This trip can also be booked without flights |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
This trip is a combination of two week-long safaris, the first visits the best of Namibia’s northern wildlife and the second explores the spectacularly scenic south. It’s a grand overview of the country during which you’ll visit several local communities, both traditional and modern, and a tremendous variety of contrasting environments.
From the canyons of the Fish River to the saltpans of Etosha and the rock art at Twyfelfontein, from the big cats of AfriCat to tens of thousands of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of Namibia’s scenery and wildlife. The Marula Safari is an assisted camping safari. By camping for much of the time, assisted camping safaris offer the best of Namibia at a very reasonable cost. In a country where it's usually much warmer and drier than in the UK, camping is a great way to maximise your time outdoors.
Each trip is led by a professional guide, who also acts as your driver and helps around camp. The other vital person on these trips is the camp assistant. It's his/her job to do most of the camp shores. Whilst you will help to put up and take down your tent (it's very easy!), you need not worry about cooking or washing up. This leaves you and your guide more time to relax and chat about the country and your experiences.
From the canyons of the Fish River to the saltpans of Etosha and the rock art at Twyfelfontein, from the big cats of AfriCat to tens of thousands of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of Namibia’s scenery and wildlife. The Marula Safari is an assisted camping safari. By camping for much of the time, assisted camping safaris offer the best of Namibia at a very reasonable cost. In a country where it's usually much warmer and drier than in the UK, camping is a great way to maximise your time outdoors.
Each trip is led by a professional guide, who also acts as your driver and helps around camp. The other vital person on these trips is the camp assistant. It's his/her job to do most of the camp shores. Whilst you will help to put up and take down your tent (it's very easy!), you need not worry about cooking or washing up. This leaves you and your guide more time to relax and chat about the country and your experiences.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Flight to Namibia: Scheduled overnight flight from London Gatwick to Windhoek.(D) |
| Day 2: | Windhoek: On arrival in Windhoek, you are met and transferred to a comfortable guesthouse. The afternoon is free. Relax by the pool, or wander into town to explore. Dinner is at your own expense as there are plenty of good restaurants to choose from. Alternatively, you can order at the guesthouse. You will find your hosts there helpful and friendly, and our Namibian team is easily contactable and happy to answer any queries you might have. (B) |
| Day 3: | AfriCat Foundation: After breakfast, you are collected between 08.30 and 09.00 for the short drive north to Okahandja. Local artisans come here from all over Namibia to sell their crafts, as the town is home to the country’s largest and best craft market: it’s a great place to buy high-quality, handmade souvenirs. The drive continues to a private campsite at Okonjima, where you spend the afternoon learning about the work done by the AfriCat Foundation to conserve Namibia’s big cats, especially cheetah. You can usually get very close to some of these magnificent predators. Windhoek – AfriCat: approx 3½ hours (300km). (BLD) |
| Day 4: | Etosha National Park: Rise with the sun for a hearty breakfast, before driving north to the mysterious Lake Otjikoto. This unusual landmark is Namibia’s largest permanent natural lake, and you will spend a little time here learning something of its history. Continue to your campsite on the eastern side of Etosha National Park. The late afternoon is spent game viewing, partly driving around and partly stopping to watch the action at waterholes. You finally return to camp just before sunset for a tasty fireside dinner. AfriCat – eastern Etosha: approx 5 hours (300km). (BLD) |
| Day 5: | Etosha National Park: After breaking camp, you head slowly west through this stark but beautiful park, with some spectacular views of the huge, silvery expanse of Etosha Pan. Spotting the big game is easy; but travelling with a knowledgeable guide enables you also to understand and appreciate the smaller species, and learn about some of Etosha’s many birds. You stop at Halali, in the middle of the park, for a leisurely lunch and to relax during the heat of the day. During the afternoon you game drive your way to your camp on the south western side of Etosha National Park. Game drives. (BLD) |
| Day 6: | Himba Community Project: After an early game drive in Etosha, you set off towards Damaraland, pausing at Outjo to buy fresh produce – and perhaps to visit the tempting local German-style bakery/café for a pastry and drink. Then, close by the small town of Kamanjab, you reach your campsite, before heading out to the nearby Himba Village for the afternoon. Like East Africa’s Maasai, the Himba have a proud culture that they have successfully retained in the face of the modern world. Many adhere to their traditional dress and customs, living in ways that have changed little over the centuries. Each aspect of their lives has a meaning, from how they set up their kraal to honour their ancestors, to the way they wear their hair. Oase village is the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their traditional way of life in their village located on a farm. You spend the afternoon with them at this village, where a local guide introduces you to their alternative lifestyle and helps you to learn about Himba life and culture. Southwest Etosha to Kamanjab: approx 2½ hours (250km). (BLD) |
| Day 7: | Damaraland: Today you take your time on a spectacular drive into the mountainous and picturesque Damaraland. Travel via the Petrified Forest geological site before enjoying lunch near Twyfelfontein – a seemingly ordinary valley (now a World Heritage Site) that hides an amazing gallery of ancient rock art. At each of these sites a local guide will lead you; this ensures that the local knowledge is maintained and revenue from tourism is ploughed back into the surrounding communities. From here you continue to your campsite in the shade of Brandberg, which at 2,573m is Namibia’s highest mountain. Kamanjab – Brandberg: approx 5 hours (400km). (BLD) |
| Day 8: | Swakopmund: An early start ensures that the day is still cool for your relatively easy, 90-minute walk to see the world famous ‘White Lady’ rock painting on the mountain. Attributed to the Bushman artists, the painting is believed by some to be more than 20,000 years old and is well worth the visit. On your way to the coast, you have time for a short stop in Uis. Once there was a busy, thriving community here, centred on a large tin mine; but the mine closed a few years ago and now it’s a much quieter, sleepy spot. Semi-precious stones such as amethyst and tourmaline can be found here at bargain prices. Travelling along the Skeleton Coast, you pause to visit Cape Cross, where you can walk to within feet of an enormous colony of Cape fur seals. Reaching Swakopmund, you settle into your chalet and are free to browse among the many interesting shops and craft centres, and check out the several excellent (and great value) seafood restaurants. Brandberg - Swakopmund: approx 4 hours (250km). (BL) |
| Day 9: | Windhoek: Swakopmund is a major centre for activities, from dune-boarding, quad-biking, sky-diving and dolphin cruises to scenic flights over the desert. You can arrange these with us in advance, or when you arrive. Alternatively, spend your morning exploring the town or relaxing in one of its many cafés. You depart for Windhoek about noon, arriving back at your guesthouse by late afternoon. Your evening is free, but often your group and guide arrange to meet up for dinner. Swakopmund – Windhoek: approx 4½ hours (350km). (BL) |
| Day 10: | Quiver Tree Forest: After breakfast, your guide collects you between 07.30 and 08.00 for the longest drive of the trip. You head south, over the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping for lunch near a Nama village. Nama people speak a Khoisan language (with clicks!), and your guide will introduce you sensitively to their lifestyle and traditions. One of the elders often talks about the community's history, and sometimes you’ll be treated to a short play or an impromptu concert by the church choir. Arts and crafts made by the villagers are available and, because everyone benefits from your visit, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. After lunch, drive south to your camp in the atmospheric Quiver Tree Forest. In fact the weird, skeletal quiver trees aren’t trees at all, but a type of tree aloe; they dot the landscape in this part of the world and are locally common, but are one of the world’s rarest flora species. Windhoek – Quiver Tree Forest: approx 6½ hours (500km). (BLD) |
| Day 11: | Orange River: Continuing south beyond the town of Keetmanshoop, you stop to take a walk above the great Fish River Canyon (probably the world's second largest of its kind, after Arizona's Grand Canyon), carved out by erosion over millions of years. In the afternoon, continue south to a remote and beautiful road beside the Orange River, where you camp in a very tranquil setting by the river bank. Quiver Tree Forest – Orange River: approx 5½ hours (400km). (BLD) |
| Day 12: | Aus: After breakfast by the river and perhaps a quick dip, you follow the road over the southern escarpment towards the desert. The route takes you past the isolated outposts of Rosh Pinah and Skorpion, to the small hillside town of Aus. Here you camp for two nights at a stunning spot on the edge of the escarpment. The energetic may climb to view the setting sun over the Namib’s vast Koichab Pan, before returning to the fold for dinner. Orange River – Aus: approx 3½ hours (200km). (BLD) |
| Day 13: | Lüderitz/Aus: An early start, driving alongside the Sperrgebiet (the forbidden diamond-mining zone) and across your first sand dunes, takes you to the historic old German town of Lüderitz. Once there, you could explore the town or may opt to take an excellent boat cruise (about £20) on an old wooden schooner, Sedina, in search of the ocean's rich bird and marine life including African penguins and heaviside dolphins. Later visit Kolmanskop, a deserted boomtown from the early 20th century that is slowly being swallowed by the desert. You are free to sample Lüderitz's famous seafood for lunch, before an afternoon trip to explore the peninsula and the historic Diaz Point. Driving back to your camp, you usually stop to see the amazing wild horses that live along with oryx in the Namib. Aus - Lüderitz – Aus: approx 3 hours (250km). (BD) |
| Day 14: | Namib-Naukluft Park: Today you head north along the edge of the Namib Desert: this is one of the country’s most spectacular drives, with fabulous vistas at every turn. You aim to arrive at your campsite on the edge of the desert during the late afternoon, in time to watch the colours glow and change on the distant mountains to the east. Aus – Namib Desert Camp: approx 5 hours (350km). (BLD) |
| Day 15: | Namib-Naukluft Park: Rising well before dawn, you drive deep into the desert, home to some of the world’s highest dunes and stunning scenery. The shifting, contrasting patterns of light and shadow on these dunes are always enthralling, and the view from the top (if you have the energy!) is spectacular. After breakfast in the desert you continue through breathtaking scenery to some of the world’s highest dunes at Sossusvlei. Spend the morning walking through these and exploring with your guide, marvelling at the surroundings and wildlife. After lunch at Sesriem, you’ve time to relax during the heat of the day before heading to nearby Sesriem Canyon, where the force of the ephemeral Tsauchab River has sculpted amazing shapes from the rock. Desert Camp – Sossusvlei – Desert Camp: approx 2 hours (150km). (BLD) |
| Day 16: | Flight to London: Driving back to Windhoek, you pass through yet more stunning scenery as the road climbs up and over the escarpment on to the Central Highlands. You reach Windhoek in time for a quick freshen up before your scheduled flight to London. Desert Camp – Windhoek: approx 5½ hours (350km). (BLD) |
| Day 17: | Arrive in London. (B) |
travellers' tales
Watching a family of twenty or so elephants with small babies at a waterhole within 25 meters of where we sat was the highlight. The Etosha National Park made you feel like you were living within a wildlife documentary! (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.how this holiday makes a difference
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In line with our strong stance on responsible tourism, all guides on this trip are local Namibians, picked for their excellent indigenous knowledge of the area and high degree of training. Their understanding of the country's flora, fauna and local culture will ensure a true insight into Namibian life.
Throughout the trip you will stay at community run campsites and visit community initiatives at various local sights. You will also experience a taste of the nomadic Himba people in Damaraland, where a local farmer and village chief have formed a unique partnership which allows visitors to discover this intriguing culture in a sensitive and responsible manner. The trip also supports the world-renowned AfriCat foundation, which conducts vital research into the preservation of Namibia's big cats. Visitors will see first-hand the fascinating work of this respected organisation, which includes sheltering "problem" animals and rehabilitating them into the wild. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |