Camping safari in Namibia
| country: | Namibia |
| departures: | 2009: 26 Nov, 10 Dec, 24 Dec |
| price: | From US $1950 (15 days) excluding flights, single supplement US $50, local payment R1500 |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
A small group participation camping and lodge safari from Windhoek to Windhoek Namibia.
'Namibia' means 'open plains' in the ancient Hottentot language. It is a sought after tourist destination defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography. Namibia is sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior.
Northern Namibia features the great Etosha National Park, with the countries largest concentration of game and in the south the majestic Fish River Canyon plunges 550 m and extends for 160 km. Between these four highlights lies over 820 000 km2 (the size of France & Britain combined) of contrasting scenery. The world's highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber reflection. Pre-historic rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient, rocky mountain ranges.
Highlights: Windhoek, Waterberg Plateau, Etosha National Park, Ruacana, Epupa Falls & Himba Experience, Opuwo, Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Includes: Use of full camping equipment (except sleeping bags), meals as per itinerary, 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.
'Namibia' means 'open plains' in the ancient Hottentot language. It is a sought after tourist destination defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography. Namibia is sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior.
Northern Namibia features the great Etosha National Park, with the countries largest concentration of game and in the south the majestic Fish River Canyon plunges 550 m and extends for 160 km. Between these four highlights lies over 820 000 km2 (the size of France & Britain combined) of contrasting scenery. The world's highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber reflection. Pre-historic rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient, rocky mountain ranges.
Highlights: Windhoek, Waterberg Plateau, Etosha National Park, Ruacana, Epupa Falls & Himba Experience, Opuwo, Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Includes: Use of full camping equipment (except sleeping bags), meals as per itinerary, 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.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Windhoek. You'll be picked up at Windhoek (Eros) Airport and transferred to your lodge to meet your guide and the rest of the group. [D] |
| Day 2: | Windhoek to Waterberg Plateau. We drive north to our destination, the Waterberg Plateau, which towers 400m above the surrounding plains. The oldest rock stratum is 850 million years old and dinosaurs left their tracks here 200 million years ago. After setting up 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. [BLD] |
| Day 3-4: | Drive to Etosha National Park, Namibia. We travel towards Etosha Game park, which was declared a National Park in 1907. It is home to around 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. [BLD, BLD] |
| Day 5: | Etosha to Ruacana National Park. We leave the wilderness and wildlife of Etosha National Park behind us and enter the rural areas of northern Namibia. We travel through mant small rural villages and 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. [BLD] |
| Day 6-7: | Ruacana Falls and Epupa. After an early start, we will get up early and go on a hike to Ruacana Falls (1 hour). The dramatic 85m 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. [BLD] |
| Day 8: | Palmwag, Namibia. 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. [BLD] |
| Day 9: | Spitzkoppe, Namibia. Our destination today is Spitzkoppe, known as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. Rising to an altitude of about 1800 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. [BLD] |
| Day 10-11: | Swakopmund, Namibia. 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). [BLD] |
| Day 12-13: | Sossusvlei, Namibia. 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). [BLD] |
| Day 14: | Drive to Windhoek, Namibia. 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. [BL] |
| Day 15: | Windhoek, end of tour. 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. [B] |
how this holiday makes a difference
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All our drivers and guides are African born and bred, mostly from South Africa or Namibia. The have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the surrounding areas as well as with the local cultures and customs. A local guide is always hired for interpretation of local culture and traditions so as to maximise information and understanding, in turn creating opportunity, growth and sustainability for the community.
With this tour, we give you a cultural-interactive experience by participating in an excursion to the Himba tribe far North in the Kunene region. This gives the traveller an insight as to the everyday life of the Himba people. Gifts and souvenirs, hand crafted and unique to the Himba’s may be purchased upon the travellers visit. This provides sustainability in a non-obtrusive way. Without compromising safety and comfort, we have selectively chosen campsites within NACOBTA- Namibian Community Based Tourism Association. Beauty and awe-inspiring surroundings aside, we utilize 3 rest camps, Hippo Pools, Kunene Village and Spitzkoppe, all of which are community run. This affords growth and education, allowing the funds generated by tourism to be filtered back into the local community.  Our itinerary from the Kunene region in the North, South down to Palmwag affords us great opportunity to view some protected species outside a National Park and still within their natural environment. The desert elephant and the elusive Black Rhino may be spotted while travelling this wild untouched region. Look out for amongst others herd of Springbok and Oryx Gazelle.Clients are reminded on arrival at Sesriem camp of the different refuse bins at each campsite. They are colour-coded with labels, enabling all rubbish to be divided up into recyclable divisions such as glass, cans or other. |
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. |