Namibia Experience
For those wishing to see Namibia in depth, this fun trip explores the highlights of this spectacular and remote country.
Stage highlights:
We head north through the Cederberg before crossing into Namibia. Our campsite is situated on the banks of the Gariep River. A popular option here is the canoeing trip. A short drive north and we marvel at the vast Fish River canyon. The next day we visit the Quiver Tree Forest en route to the majestic Kalahari Desert. After reaching the Kalahari desert we will have a full day to experience one of Africa's vanishing cultural groups, the Bushmen.
Heading through the Namib Naukluft National Park, we make our way to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund, where we can enjoy the various optional excursions in the area, such as dune boarding, quad biking, etc.
Leaving behind Swakopmund we travel along the coastal route to visit Cape Cross, home to a colony of 100 000 seals, and continue up to the Skeleton Coast to Palmwag in Damaraland. A morning game drive into the Damaraland wilderness area in search of the elusive Black Rhino and Desert Elephant. Heading on we enter Etosha National Park with its abundance of game congregated around the watering holes. After breakfast we depart for the Waterberg Plateau National Park. Optional hike and sundowners on the plateau. Early departure for Windhoek, with a stop along the way at a traditional African craft market. After a short orientation tour of Windhoek the tour ends.
Stage duration:16 Days
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Day 1: Cederberg
We depart Cape Town and take a scenic drive to the Cederberg. The afternoon is at leisure for an optional hike. (Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
Summer activities include:
1/ Short guided hikes into the nearby Cederberg hills +/- 3hrs. 2/ Rock Art site hike +/- 2hrs. 3/ Swimming and/or floating on tubes is a must in the Olifants River (200m from lodge) until way past sundown. 4/ Climb up and sit on rocks for late sundowners. 5/ Normal indoor activities – ping pong table, darts
Winter activities include:
1/ Guided hikes into the Cederberg hills (weather and river flow permitting) 3hrs. 2/ Short walks to rock art site, river and Citrus orchard +/- 1hr. 3/ Guided Citrus information walk (for those interested). 4/ You may also explore the surroundings on their own at their own pace and time. 5/ Picking your own oranges - in season (winter).
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 2: Gariep (Orange) River
After breakfast we leave for the Gariep River. Travel through Namaqualand, world renowned for its seasonal display of wild flowers. We overnight on the banks of the Gariep River.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
It is quite a long drive up to the Orange River. There will be a short stop in the town of Springbok or some shopping and possibly banking (there is an ATM here).
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 3: Gariep River
Spend the day swimming or relaxing or take part in an optional canoe trip.
Optional Activity: Full day Canoe Trip.
Stage highlights:
Our whole day could be spent on the river, or relaxing in the sun. Those going on the canoe trip will leave at around 9am and come back at around 4pm.
Make sure that you take enough water with you, and ensure you drink enough water on the river – watch out for dehydration!! You should drink at least 3 litres of water while on the river, more if you have been drinking the night before. The canoe trip is around 7km long and is suitable for all levels of fitness.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 4: Fish River Canyon
Drive to the spectacular Fish River Canyon. End the day with sundowners at the rim and overnight at Hobas campsite. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
The viewpoint is about 10km from the Campsite. If there is time we can take a walk down to the hikers’ viewpoint.
Unfortunately you are under no circumstances allowed to walk down the canyon, not even to the first plateau.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 5: Kalahari
Today we visit the Quiver Tree Forest en route to the majestic Kalahari Desert. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
Quiver Tree Forest.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 6: Kalahari / Bushmen
A full day to experience one of Africa's vanishing cultural groups, the Bushmen.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
Early in the morning we set off on a one and half hour desert walk to meet the Bushmen. Make sure you take your water with you and ensure that you listen to the local guides when they explain what is polite and what is not.
In the afternoon we have the option to take a 4 x 4 game drive across the red desert dunes where we will have the can see a variety of birds and game species (springbok, giraffes, zebra, oryx, blue wildebeest, etc)
Stage duration:1 Day
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DAY 7: Sesriem and Sossusvlei
Today we head off to the Namib Naukluft Park, an area unmatched in stark beauty and home to the highest sand dunes in the world.
Late afternoon visit to the Sesriem Canyon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
It is quite a long drive through to Sesriem Camp. Once we get there we will set up the tents quickly before taking the short drive to the Sesriem Canyon to explore and see the sunset.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 8: Swakopmund
Sunrise at Sossusvlei dunes hereafter we depart for Swakopmund. We overnight in a local hostel and have dinner out. (Breakfast, Lunch) Dinner: It’s not included. The group usually goes out for a dinner at a local restaurant – the guides can book this in advance. After the meal the group usually goes out to one of the local clubs. If you do, one of the guides will go with you.
Stage highlights:
We will get up at 4am this morning in order to get to the foot of the giant Dune 45 so that we can be on top of it before the sun comes up.
You will need warm clothes and shoes as the sand can get VERY cold overnight. After the sun comes up the temperatures will rise quickly. Once we have taken lots of pictures and come own off the dune (some might want to run) we will have a large breakfast.
After breakfast we will introduce you to a local guide named Boesman who offers an on- foot hike into the dunes, it is worth every cent – Boesman will show you all the small creatures of the desert.
If you don’t want to go to the vlei with Boesman, you can go on the hike from the 2x4 parking lot (where the truck will be parked) in to Sossusvlei – it is about 5km and you must take a LOT of water. Do not go alone and if you get too hot, stop and rest before carrying on.
On return from the Desert explorations we will pack up camp and then depart for Swakopmund. If there is a headwind the drive can take quite some time, so we will want to leave before lunchtime if possible. We will stop at the Kuiseb pass for dramatic geology (also known as the Moon Landscapes). We make a stop at Walvis Bay to view the flamingos. NB: As you go through the Guab pass you will be crossing the Tropic of Capricorn.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 9: Swakopmund
A full day to enjoy the various optional excursions in the area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
We will have lunch back at the hostel after the quadding. You can go and have lunch in town if you want to and then carry on exploring the town. The guides will arrange a time to meet at the hostel for lunch. There are ATM banking facilities here and Foreign exchange offices that are open during working hours.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 10 and 11: Skeleton Coast
Travel along the coastal route to visit Cape Cross, home to a colony of 100 000 seals, and then up to the Skeleton Coast to Palmwag.
There is an option of a game drive into the Damaraland wilderness area in search of the elusive Black Rhino and Desert Elephant. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
We will take the Skeleton Coast road up north past Henties Bay to Cape Cross. When you view the seals, do not wear any fleece clothing, the stink will stick to the clothes. In the afternoon we will arrive at Palmwag where we will set up camp. Let the guides know beforehand if you would like to book the 4x4 game drive in this area. There is a chance that you may see the Desert Elephant in this part of Namibia.
Stage duration:2 Days
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Day 12, 13 and 14: Etosha NP
We travel to Etosha National Park renowned for the Etosha Pan, a vast barren saltpan, measuring some 50 km by 139km. The Park is teeming with wildlife and provides a haven for bird and game viewing. Overnight in Etosha with game viewing drives each day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
During the rainy season, animals are scattered over a vast grazing area, congregating in large numbers on the plains west of the pan where the grazing is good. At this time bird life in the pan is varied. The 400-mm of rain that falls also creates muddy roads and excellent conditions for malaria carrying mosquitoes. Temperatures are high - around 38 DegreesCelsius - and life is not very comfortable. In the winter temperatures drop to below 3 degrees Celsius.
Note: The quality of the experience in game parks is directly related to how quiet and attentive you are. Game viewing in Etosha is normally very good and the animal life is varied.
Stage duration:3 Days
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Day 15: Waterberg Plateau
After breakfast we depart for the Waterberg Plateau National Park. There is a possibility of a hike and sundowners on the plateau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
You can go hiking here, all the walks are around 40min long and a map is available at reception. Game drives can be booked at reception and last around 4 hours. The morning drives include breakfast and the afternoon drives include a sundowner.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 16: Windhoek
An early departure sees on heading for Windhoek, with a stop along the way at a traditional African craft market. After a short orientation tour of Windhoek the tour ends. (Breakfast)
Stage highlights:
Please let us know if you require accommodation this evening as we can book this for you. We can also book bus and plane tickets for you. Please do not book any international flights on Day 16.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Cost includes:-
Meals as indicated on the itinerary, accommodation, registered guides, transport as per itinerary
Cost Excludes:-
All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips and optional activities
Departure dates:-
29/03/2004, 12/04/2004, 26/04/2004, 10/05/2004, 24/05/2004, 07/06/2004, 21/06/2004, 05/07/2004, 19/07/2004, 02/08/2004, 16/08/2004, 30/08/2004, 13/09/2004, 27/09/2004, 11/10/2004, 25/10/2004, 08/11/2004, 22/11/2004, 06/12/2004
Baggage Limits:-
One backpack and one daypack
Age Limits:-
Minimum Age:- 16 Maximum Age:- 60
Passenger Limit:-
20
What to bring along:-
Your luggage is limited to ONE backpack and ONE day pack weighing no more than 20kg. As a general rule, if you cannot lift your own luggage - you’ve got too much stuff! Most people make the mistake of bringing too many clothes. Suitcases are not suitable on tour – especially huge samsonite-style cases! Bags with wheels are of no use when you are moving you bag from the truck to your tent through sand.
Price:-
The cost of the 16 DAYS NAMIBIAN EXPERIENCE is ZAR 5800.00
Local Payment:-
N/A
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