Namibia - Sand , Canyon and Sea

Windhoek – Kalahari Desert – Fish River Canyon – Luderitz – Klein Aus Vista – Zebra River –
Sesriem – Swakopmund – Damaraland – Etosha National Park – Otavi Mountains – Windhoek

About the Program:
Length: 19 days
Min/max: 8/16
Tour type: Cultual adventure and natural expedition


Wedged between the golden Namib Desert and the blue South Atlantic Ocean, Namibia, the land of deserts, seascapes, salt pans, ancient rock carvings and fantastic wildlife is one of Africa’s most unique safari destinations. Namibia has the world's highest sand dunes, limitless horizons, staggering geology, first-grade game parks, interesting fauna and flora, and fascinating cultures.

Since gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia has been attracting tourists in ever increasing numbers. A huge country with just over 1.5 million inhabitants, it has a population density of less than two people per square kilometre – one of the lowest in the world. Its inhabitants are composed of 11 ethnic groups; among them are the San Bushmen, the Khoi-Khoi, the Himba, the Ovambo and white Namibians descended from colonial settlers.

Our trip is meant to avoid courting the mass market. Instead, it will follow the path of a personable and up-close experience.

We have personally selected some small, charming, unique and well-located hotels, lodges and private estates for our small group which is limited to a maximum 12 members. With such a small group, we hope that each of our travelers will enjoy an intimate atmosphere and a personable introduction to the culture, while tasting the flair of the country and feeling the warmth of its people.

2011 - 2012
Contact us for more information.


COST (Per Person)
Land only (twin): upon request 
Single supplement: upon request 


Price includes:
  • Domestic land transportation by coach.
  • All meals
  • Accommodation at hotels, guesthouses and lodges
  • English-speaking guide
  • All entrance fees according to the program.
  • Special game viewing and activities
  • River cruise
  • Travel manual and accessories
Price excludes:
  • International flight to and from Windhoek
  • Any beverage
  • Personal expenses
  • Video or Photographic fees at sites
  • Gratuities to guides, drivers and lodge staff.

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DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1   Thursday, Arrive Windhoek
Arrival at Windhoek International Airport, where your guide will meet you and bring you to Windhoek, here you will enjoy a city tour. Hilltop House is perched on one of Windhoek's hills and only a few minutes’ walk from town centre. Each room has wonderful views of eastern Windhoek extending to the mountains in the far distance.
Welcome dinner.
D          Hilltop House

Day 2   Friday, Windhoek to Kalahari Desert via Rehoboth
Drive south via Rehoboth, capital of the Baster people, into the Kalahari Desert. The luxurious Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is nestled amidst picturesque Kalahari landscape. The spacious bungalows are scattered unobtrusively around the main lodge area ensuring plenty of privacy and exquisite views. The wide veranda welcomes to enjoy a refreshing drink, a pool and extensive library are at guests’ disposal. An optional walk is also offered. The optional afternoon scenic drive displays a kaleidoscope of true African colours – red sand, yellow grass, green trees contrasted by deep blue skies. The occasional Springbok, Oryx antelope and ostrich dwell in this dune landscape.
B/L/D    Bagatelle Game Ranch

Day 3   Saturday, Kalahari Desert to Fish River Canyon
Travel further south to the Fish River Canyon. Along the way the quiver tree forest will be visited. The Cañon Roadhouse borders the Fish River Canyon Park. The former farmhouse was converted into a pleasant restaurant and rustic bar, comfortable and well constructed rooms were added. 
B/L/D    Cañon Roadhouse

Day 4   Sunday, Fish River Canyon
The day is spent in the vicinity of the second largest canyon in the world. On a hike along the eastern gorge breathtaking views are afforded.
B/L/D    Cañon Roadhouse

canyon

Day 5   Monday, Fish River Canyon to Luderitz
Continue via Aus to Lüderitz. Once the flourishing beginning of the German colony, Lüderitz is now an excursion onto the past. Hotel Zum Sperrgebiet Seaview lies near the Waterfront and offers a small heated indoor swimming pool and sauna. Most 22 rooms have a balcony with a view onto the harbour. The restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood.
B/L/D    Hotel Zum Sperrgebiet Seaview

Day 6   Tuesday, Luderitz to Klein-Aus Vista
Klein-Aus Vista is located at the border to the ”Sperrgebiet” (diamond restricted area) west of Aus. From this point at 1500 m above sea level the Namib drops over the next 120 km to sea level at Lüderitz. The main building of Klein-Aus Vista offers a small bar, restaurant and three charming guest rooms as well as nine bungalows. Seven kilometres further is Eagles Nest with six separate rooms affording astonishing views over the Namib. The area of the legendary wild horses of Garup is only a few kilometres away. 
B/L/D    Klein-Aus Vista - Eagles Nest

Day 7   Wednesday, Klein-Aus Vista to Zebra River
Drive along Namib Naukluft Park to the Tsaris Mountains. The intimate Zebra River Lodge is situated approximately 90 kilometres from Sesriem amongst the desolate Tsaris Mountains.
B/L/D    Zebra River Lodge

River

Day 8   Thursday, Zebra River
Time to relax at Zebra River Lodge. Marianne and Rob Field create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Various hiking trails e.g. to a natural spring, invite to marvel at this ruggedly beautiful landscape.
B/L/D    Zebra River Lodge

Day 9   Friday, Zebra River to Sesriem
Today you visit Sossusvlei, boasting some of the highest dunes in the world. The dramatic colours, enhanced by the rising and setting sun, may be experienced. A 4WD shuttle is available for the last stretch to Sossusvlei as thick dune sand blocks the road. A visit to Sesriem Canyon is possible before leaving the park. Afterwards continue to Solitaire Guest Farm, which is situated ± 75  km north of Sesriem. The friendly and interesting hosts of German-Afrikaans origin create a comfortable atmosphere as expected on a traditional guest farm. Over a hearty farm-style meal one can learn much about the country, its people and life in rural Namibia. The wide plain is scattered with Kamelthorn acacias, with mountain ranges and dunes forming the backdrop.
B/L/D    Solitaire Guest Farm

Day 10  Saturday, Sesriem to Swakopmund
Continue through the Kuiseb Canyon and across the Namib Desert to the Atlantic Coast. Along the way the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis desert plant and moon landscape will be visited.
Beach Lodge offers a unique and special location of being directly at the shore of the ocean. Every room has an exquisite view of the sea through oversized windows or large glass sliding doors. For warm and romantic evenings all rooms are equipped with a fireplace, as Namibia’s coast is known for its cold mist. The building in shape and with the large round window strongly resembles an ocean liner.
B/L/D    Beach Lodge

desert

Day 11  Sunday, Swakopmund
 In the morning guided walk through this small town with the German touch. In the afternoon drive to the harbour town Walvisbay and visit the lagoon, which is famous as a bird‘s paradise.
B/L/D    Beach Lodge

Day 12  Monday, Swakopmund to Damaraland
The journey continues along the Atlantic Coast into Damaraland.  Doro Nawas Camp is situated in ruggedly beautiful Damaraland in the valley of the dry Aba-Huab River. The design and decor of the rooms blends into the surrounding scenery, allowing panoramic views from terraces and flat rooftops. The historic site of Twyfelfontein with its ancient rock engravings is only 25 km from the lodge.
Today you visit the historical sight Twyfelfontein and the surrounding sights Burnt Mountain and the Valley of the Organ Pipes. On a short hike at Twyfelfontein some of the 2500 rock graving and paintings can be seen.
B/L/D    Doro Nawas Camp

Day 13  Tuesday, Damaraland
Today drive to another lodge in the area. Grootberg Lodge lies in rugged Damaraland, 90 km west of Kamanjab, atop Grootberg plateau. The eleven thatched bungalows blend into the surrounding landscape and invite with simple elegance. Upon arrival guests are collected at the reception area at the bottom of the mountain and are treated to an adventurous drive onto the plateau. The bungalows and main entertainment area with restaurant and bar afford breath-taking views over the vast, untamed beauty of Damaraland. The Klip Rivier valley below is rich in wildlife including the legendary desert elephants that frequent this area. Guests may be rewarded with the powerful roar of a lion or the bone-chilling trumpet of an elephant. 
B/L/D    Grootberg Lodge

Bird

Day 14  Wednesday, Damaraland to Etosha National Park
Travel to Etosha National Park renowned for its diversity of wild life. Etosha Safari Camp is situated only a short distance from the southern park gate (Andersson Gate). The uniquely designed safari bungalows are spacious and the veranda affords a beautiful view over the thorn bush savannah. Meals are served in a rustic yet tastefully decorated restaurant. A large swimming pool is at guests’ disposal.
B/L/D    Etosha Safari Camp 

Day 15  Thursday, Etosha National Park
Enjoy a day of game viewing across Etosha National Park. Shortly before sunset head to the eastern park gate. Onguma Bush Camp is situated within the private Onguma Nature Reserve, bordering Etosha National Park on the East. The former farmstead was extensively renovated to a comfortable accommodation. After a long day of game viewing the pool is inviting. From the raised wooden deck, guests can observe the comings and goings at the nearby water hole, which is often frequented by lions and other game. 
B/L/D    Onguma Bush Camp

Etosha

Day 16  Friday, Etosha National Park
Another day of game viewing in Etosha National Park, while on the outlook for lions, elephants, eland and damara-dikdik (the largest and smallest antelope respectively), giraffes and many more.
B/L/D    Onguma Bush Camp

Day 17  Saturday, Etosha National Park to Otavi Mountains
Travel past the legendary Lake Otjikoto and past the mining town of Tsumeb, where the museum will be visited. Ohange Namibia Lodge is situated in the Otavi Mountains, offering friendly service and personal attention. The lodge consists of ten unique African style Mountain Huts, with en-suite facilities affording sweeping views on the water hole and the Otavi Mountains. The abundant wildlife can be observed from the vantage point of the lodge, on hikes, horse rides or game drives.
B/L/D    Ohange Namibia Lodge

Day 18  Sunday, Otavi Mountains to Windhoek suburb
Drive via Otjiwarongo to Okahandja, where an exquisite woodcraft market will be visited. Karivo Nature Lodge is situated in the eastern highlands of Namibia approximately 40 km to Windhoek International Airport. The lodge is built against one of the many hills overlooking the bush savannah. The rooms are double-story boasting two balconies. The tropical courtyard with a waterfall offers shelter during the heat of the day. Optional activities include game drives, hikes and horseback rides, and after sunset stargazing. 
Farewell dinner.
B/L/D    Karivo Nature Lodge

Day 19  Monday, Depart Windhoek International Airport
Depending on the time of departure, your guide will bring you to Windhoek International Airport for your departure flight.
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