12 Day / 11 Night Classic Namibia Safari

HIGHLIGHTS

Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, Game Drives in Etosha National Park, Visit to the Cheetah Conservation Foundation, Dolphine Cruise & Himba Village.

DAY 1: WINDHOEK
Windhoek, with its lingering heritage of German architecture, activities and atmosphere is a city that can be visited throughout the year. The day is spent at leisure. We are met by our guide at the hotel reception for a briefing at +-18h00. (Hotel Thule or Similar Accommodation) (Dinner – Own Arrangements)

DAY 2: CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND
We depart Windhoek after breakfast, arriving at Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in time for lunch. The CCF is an incorporated association not for gain which mission is to be internationally recognized centre of excellence in the conservation of cheetahs and their environment. We visit the education centre where we can learn about the history of the cheetahs. After lunch we join the staff for the feeding of the cheetahs that stay in the centre. After the visit we continue to our overnight lodge. (Frans Indongo Lodge or similar) (BLD)

DAY 3/4/5: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa. Thousands of wild animals are attracted to the area, including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, zebra giraffe and several species of antelope. The birdlife is prolific with 326 recorded species. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are enjoyed with the evenings spent watching an amazing diversity of animals around the floodlit waterhole bordering our camps. Namutoni or similar day 3/4, Okaukuejo or similar day 5 (Luxury Mobile Safari) (BLD) (BLD) (BLD)

DAY 6/7: DAMARALAND TWYFELFONTEIN AREA HIMBA VILLAGE
An early morning drive takes us to our exclusive camp at Damaraland – one of the last true wilderness areas in Africa. The following morning we visit the Twyfelfontein area – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2000 rock carvings. We visit the fascinating Organ Pipes, a peculiar geological feature with numerous dolomite columns and then see the volcanic, Burnt Mountain. Today we also visit a Damara Living Museum. Together with the Bushmen the Damara belong to the oldest nations in Namibia. Due to their loose social structures the Damara were not able to defend themselves against aggressors during the colonization of Namibia. This is one of the reasons why their culture has to a great extent fallen into oblivion. Within the framework of the Living Museum of the Damara an attempt was made to reconstruct the ‚lost culture’ of the Damara. We experience the daily routine in our traditional museum, including our traditional blacksmith (making of weapons and tools), tanning of leather (production of traditional clothes), jewellery and crafts, dancing, singing and traditional games, Holy Fire and fire making and much more. During the afternoon we enjoy a riverside drive hoping to encounter the unique desert adapted elephants. Luxury Mobile Safari (BLD) (BLD)

DAY 8/9: SWAKOPMUND – BOAT CRUISE
En route to Swakopmund we visit a Himba village. The Ovahimba are a semi-nomadic tribe, who live in scattered settlements throughout the region. On our visit to their traditional settlement we are able to learning more about these fascinating people and their history. Swakopmund, with its quaint Bavarian style architecture, is the principal coastal resort of Namibia. Time is spent at leisure to enjoy the charm of this old town or to undertake one of the many optional activities on offer (scenic flights, quad biking, etc. at own expense). A morning Marine Boat Cruise is included, where a variety of bird species can be seen. There is also the chance to see two of the dolphin species and the leatherback turtles that inhabit this area of the Namibian coast. Hansa Hotel or similar (B)(B)

DAY 10/11: NAMIB DESERT / SOSSUSVLEI
We drive via Kuiseb River en route to our camp on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei – situated in the oldest desert in the world, stopping in the dune belt to enjoy the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. The morning is spent walking amongst the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.  En-route back to camp we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon. Luxury Mobile Safari (BLD)(BLD)

DAY 12: WINDHOEK
We arrive in Windhoek around Midday. (B)

The itinerary will depend on local conditions

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A LUXURY MOBILE SAFARI……
(Exclusive camping sites and en-suite bathroom)
5 Tent Grading – Your safari crew includes a professional guide, his assistants and chef who pre-erect your camp and are responsible for all camp duties.

GROUP SIZE: 2 – 8 passengers per vehicle

TENTS & EQUIPMENT: 2 person spacious, comfortable Meru tent (L6m x W3.5m x H2.20m) with built-in groundsheet and carpet, 4 large aerating windows with mosquito netting. Safari folding chair. 2 comfortable beds (not camp) with (20cm) thick foam mattress, linen, duvets, pillows and blankets. En-suite bathroom (L2m X W3.5mX H2.20m) with warm shower, towels, hand basin, mirror and flush toilet, shampoo, soap, body lotion and insect repellent.

FOOD & DRINKS: 3 delicious wholesome meals each day when camping, with dinner served ‘Al fresco’ under the stars – bush cuisine at its best! Mineral water included. Tea and coffee available in camp. Alcoholic beverages not included and may be purchased en route and at the start of the safari. South African wine is served with dinner when camping. Excludes lunches & dinners in Windhoek and Swakopmund.

VEHICLES: Toyota 4×4 Land Rover with sliding windows and pop-up roof. Fridges and battery charging facilities on all vehicles.

STAFF: Guide, Camp Manager, chef, camp assistant/s.