Namibia family safari
| country: | Namibia |
| departures: | 2009: 17 Dec 2010: 31 Mar, 21 Jul, 28 Jul, 4 Aug, 18 Aug, 18 Dec 2011: 9 Apr, 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 3 Aug, 17 Aug, 16 Dec |
| price: | From £2089 - £2779 (15 days) per adult and from £1839 - £2169 per child including flights from the UK. From £1359 - £1729 per adult and from £1199 - £1469 per child excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 3 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Namibia offers a wonderful variety of experiences with excellent camping in unique locations and striking scenery like nowhere else. Meet cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, fur seals and Himba tribespeople amid massive sand dunes. This ideal family safari will astonish and fulfill.
Game Galore!
Namibia's wildlife is nothing short of spectacular - from the imposing forms of elephants and rhinos to small brightly-coloured birdlife. Etosha is a premier game viewing destination, and its waterholes attract prides of lion, herds of impala, springbok, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest, zebra and oryx. By contrast, the coast offers thousands of fur seals, flamingos and the opportunity to see dolphins.
Africat Foundation
You’ll spend the night at the ‘Africat Foundation’ where you’ll see cheetah, lion and leopard whilst learning how these amazing animals are being protected.
Desert Dunes
The red sand dunes of Sossusvlei are said to be the highest in the world. Watch how the dunes change colour on an early morning outing, and climb to the top for amazing views.
Himba Tribes
Of the peoples of Namibia the semi-nomadic Himba, their long hair matted with red clay, are probably the best known. Their lifestyle remains very traditional - spend some time in a village and you'll experience a way of life completely different from your own.
Game Galore!
Namibia's wildlife is nothing short of spectacular - from the imposing forms of elephants and rhinos to small brightly-coloured birdlife. Etosha is a premier game viewing destination, and its waterholes attract prides of lion, herds of impala, springbok, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest, zebra and oryx. By contrast, the coast offers thousands of fur seals, flamingos and the opportunity to see dolphins.
Africat Foundation
You’ll spend the night at the ‘Africat Foundation’ where you’ll see cheetah, lion and leopard whilst learning how these amazing animals are being protected.
Desert Dunes
The red sand dunes of Sossusvlei are said to be the highest in the world. Watch how the dunes change colour on an early morning outing, and climb to the top for amazing views.
Himba Tribes
Of the peoples of Namibia the semi-nomadic Himba, their long hair matted with red clay, are probably the best known. Their lifestyle remains very traditional - spend some time in a village and you'll experience a way of life completely different from your own.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London Overnight flights from London to Windhoek |
| Day 2: | Sossusvlei/Namib Desert Camp After arriving in Windhoek you'll set off on your adventrue. First of all, you traverse the Khomas Hochland Highlands before descending to the Namib Desert. You’ll also stop at Solitaire for refreshments at a wayside station, seemingly set in a time warp and filled with all manner of goods and curios; the cakes are pretty good too! A short hop further on, you arrive at the campsite at Agama Camp, about 50 kms from the entrance to Sossusvlei. You’ll end the day viewing the changing colours as the sun sets opposite the Naukluft Mountains. Driving time: approx. 5 hours (350 km) Camp – 2 nights (Swimming pool) (LD) |
| Day 3: | Sossusvlei / Sesriem You rise well before dawn and drive in darkness to the heart of the desert to witness an incredible scene. With the first hint of daylight, you drive through the dry river bed where the dunes flush with colour, which deepens and changes as the sun rises and strike the quartz sand. The spectacle is breathtaking. The endless expanse of legendary 'walking dunes' - sculpted by the wind - has to be seen to be believed. Far from all looking alike, dunes of different areas have distinctive shapes and characteristics. Later in the morning you’ll be able to walk through them to learn about the curious mechanics of this unstable landscape and discover the natural world living within and around it. At the end of an ancient river course lies Dead Vlei - a clay pan cut off from all water by red dunes over 1000 years ago. The gnarled black trees are eerie and very photogenic. The dunes in this area rise up to 300m high (reputedly the highest on earth) and the silence and tremendous sense of isolation is impressive. You may be lucky and see the striking gemsbok (oryx) so keep a sharp lookout. The heat forces you back and later in the afternoon you visit Sesriem Gorge, a geological wonderland of distinct rock formation where the desert floor has been cut by the force of water. For those wanting to truly appreciate the vastness of the desert here there is the opportunity to take an over flight of the dunes (optional); the view is nothing short of magical. (BLD) |
| Day 4: | Swakopmund The horizon is studded with massive granite kopjes (mounds of boulders) as you descend to the seemingly endless lunar landscape of the Namib Desert. After visiting Walvis Bay with its flamingos and pelicans, you finally reach Swakopmund; set on the Atlantic coast, this is Namibia's second city. When Namibia was declared a German protectorate in 1884, the new colonial masters set to looking for an appropriate site for their principal port and capital city. At that time the most obvious choice for a deep water port was Walvis Bay but this had been annexed by the British some years earlier. Indeed Walvis Bay remained a British, and later South African, enclave even up until after Namibian independence in 1990. Due to the abundance of fresh water and a chance landing by a German gunboat, this site at the mouth of the Swakop River - just 30km north of Walvis Bay - was settled and developed throughout years of German administration. Today Swakopmund has a pleasant seaside feel and the German architectural influence is everywhere to be found. Tonight you have the opportunity to dine in a restaurant – an ideal opportunity to savour fresh seafood from the Atlantic or even Black Forest gateau! Driving time: approximately 4 hours (280 km) Chalet – 2 nights (BL) |
| Day 5: | Swakopmund There is plenty to do in and around Swakopmund. You can take a trip off the coast to go dolphin spotting or you could choose something with a bit more adrenalin such as sand-boarding. For those looking to see more of the country there are overflights from here to go in search of elusive desert elephants and see shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast. Alternatively you can relax on the beach and see the largest quartz crystal in the world. All activities are optional. (B) |
| Day 6: | Brandberg / Damaraland Heading north by road you follow the Skeleton Coast - so named by mariners who saw many whale bones strewn on its inhospitable shores. You’ll stop to visit Cape Cross Seal Reserve which protects up to 100,000 cape fur seals (a species of sea lion). The sight, noise and smell is incredible as the vast mass of animals huddle together with jackals prowling at the edges, hoping for an easy meal. After crossing the gravel plains of the Namib Desert, you skirt the granite massif of Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg (2573m) which glows a spectacular deep red colour at sunset. En route, watch out for the extremely elusive desert elephants. It’s hard to imagine that these animals can live in such a harsh environment. Springbok however inhabit the plains, while the more rocky areas attract klipspringer and mountain zebra. Driving time: approximately 3 hours (200 km) Camp – 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 7: | Himba village Today you travel further north through Damaraland. You stop at Twyfelfontein where you visit an ancient Bushman site to see rock engravings carved into petrified sand dunes. Over 2500 petroglyphs, some of which date back over 6000 years to the early Stone Age, depict a variety of animals, including some no longer found in the region. Driving on through spectacular countryside with numerous granite outcrops, you come to Kamanjab, pitching camp near a Himba village. The Himba are one of the most traditional of African people with a semi-nomadic lifestyle, raising goats and cattle. They are actually descendants of a group of Herrero herders who fled into the remote north-west after been displaced by the Nama. The Himba have clung to their traditions and the beautiful Himba women are noted for their intricate hairstyles and traditional jewellery. As Himba women wear few clothes apart from a loin cloth or goatskin mini-skirt, they rub their bodies with red ochre and fat to protect themselves from the sun; this also gives their appearance a rich red colour. Himba jewellery is made in intricate designs from iron or shell. Their homesteads are cone-shaped structures made from palm leaves, mud and cattle dung. During the course of a year the family will move from one home to another in search of grazing for the animals. You’ll spend the afternoon at the village learning about this extraordinary way of life. Driving time: approximately 5 hours (350 km) Camp – 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 8: | Etosha National Park Continuing your drive north through picturesque farm country you arrive in Etosha National Park in time for a game drive. Namibia's highly-renowned premier game park is huge - almost the size of Belgium - with excellent facilities. You stay first in Okaukuejo. Once the site of a fort, Okaukuejo is now the administrative headquarters of the park and the views at sunset from the top of its circular tower are renowned; it’s possible to see as far as the unpronounceable Ondundozonananandana Mountains! However, the highlight of your first night in Etosha is an evening spent at the waterhole, where you have an excellent chance of viewing the rare black rhino and other animals not usually seen by day. Driving time: approximately 4 hours (300 km) Camp – 2 nights (Swimming pool) (BLD) |
| Day 9: | Etosha Np, Okaukuejo Early in the morning, you will go in search of a multitude of animals and birds. At the park’s heart is the enormous Etosha Pan, a shallow, salty depression that may once have been a lakebed, but now only fills with shallow water in exceptionally wet years. Around its perimeter, numerous perennial waterholes attract great concentrations of wildlife. Four endangered species live here: black rhinoceros, black-faced impala, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and the tiny damara dik-dik. Returning to camp during the heat of the day, you can spend the afternoon relaxing in the shade by the pool or at the waterhole. As it begins to cool off you head out again to add to your growing list of species spotted: elephant, giraffe, zebra, springbok, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, gemsbok, kudu, eland, plus the carnivores: lion, cheetah, possibly leopard, spotted and brown hyena, and black-backed jackal. The long bird list includes more than 320 species - from ostrich and flamingo to the rare Wahlberg's eagle, and the Klaas' cuckoo. In the evening you can have a hot shower and relax at the waterhole. It is always a treat to watch sunset and enjoy supper under the stars. (BLD) |
| Day 10: | Etosha Np, Namutoni As you head off across Etosha, more and more animals and birds appear and soon it is time for lunch at Halali, another camp within the park, set in a unique area of rocky limestone outcrops. Here you rest for a few hours with the chance to have a refreshing swim before carrying on to the eastern camp at Namutoni. The whitewashed ramparts of Namutoni’s old German fort - originally built to control and subdue the Ovambo people. Now restored, they are an evocative reminder of Namibia’s past. Namutoni also has a floodlit waterhole that allows you to view game during the evening and late into the night if you choose. Camp – 1 night (Swimming pool) (BLD) Please note: Night stops in the Etosha National Park may alter depending on game concentrations and local conditions |
| Day 11: | Waterberg This morning you take a final game drive in the park before leaving Etosha and heading south through the mining town of Tsumeb and past Otiwarango to the Waterberg Plateau. The local Herero people call this area Oueverumue meaning ‘narrow gate,’ and the sandstone mountain is an impressive sight as it surges out of the bushveld plain. The area offers a good contrast to other areas you have visited. Driving time approximately 5 hours (350km). Camp – 1 night (Swimming pool) (BLD) |
| Day 12: | Africat Cheetah Foundation This morning you’ll be able to stretch your legs a bit with a walk through the Waterberg. Getting out on foot is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this area and there are numerous trails. Your leader will select one to match the group’s ability. In the early afternoon you’ll drive to Okonjima where the Africat Foundation is based. The Africat Foundation is a great place to learn about big cats, especially cheetahs and leopards. You’ll be able to find out about the dangers facing these beautiful creatures, come up close to animals being raised and spend time in the specially designed hides to give you the chance to see them in the wild. Rather than a fleeting visit to the foundation, you’ll camp overnight giving you plenty of opportunity to make the most of the activities on offer. Driving time approximately 2 ½hours (120km) Camp – 1 night (Swimming Pool) (BLD) |
| Day 13: | Windhoek After a leisurely morning at the Africat Foundation you drive south on a flat, well-surfaced road to Windhoek (approx. 4 hours). Crossing the heartland of the Herero-speaking people, there’ll be a stop in Okahandja where there are some excellent wood-carving markets. On arrival in Windhoek you'll check-in to your accommodation and have a free evening. Driving time approximately 4 hours (250km) Hotel - 1 night (BL) |
| Day 14: | Fly to London Most of the day is free to relax and explore the city. Windhoek is a relatively quiet city especially compared to other capital cities. Much of the architecture bears German influence and there are several old buildings of interest. You may also choose to take a look at a couple of the city’s small museums. Look out for the Gibeon Meteorite Fountain where 31 large meteorites from the Gibeon shower (the largest known meteorite shower to fall to Earth) are mounted on steel columns. The trip ends for Land Only clients whilst later in the day those of you on our group flights to London will be transferred to the airport to catch your overnight flights to the UK. (B) |
| Day 15: | Arrive in London Arrive in London |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
travellers' tales
We had a brilliant time in Namibia; it's a fantastic country with an amazing variety of scenery, wonderful birds and animals and a great climate... and can be enjoyed without too much hassle, important when travelling with 4 children.
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how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: The Africat Foundation is involved in numerous projects. They provide animal welfare for large carnivores such as cheetah, leopard, lions and hyena including raising orphaned animals. In addition to this they run research projects to better protect these animals in the wild and provide solutions for man and nature to co-exist.
By staying at the foundation we are not only able to provide income for the charity but our clients can also learn about the fantastic work they do and are able to transport this knowledge to help inform others.For more information about the foundation and its valuable work you can go to their website at www.africat.org. Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
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. |