Witnessing Best of Namibia (High Season) Accommodated Tour

This morning, a Tour Guide from Nali Safaris will collect you from your various accommodation establishments or from the Windhoek International Airport (assuming you land before 08h00). You then depart Windhoek in your safari vehicle with your private guide and head north via Okahandja town for a short visit to a local market, to shop for woodcarvings and curios. The local community operates the stalls on a co-operative basis and the market is a perfect place to do last minute shopping for truly Namibian souvenirs.

We then proceed to Okonjima Africat Foundation, the highlight at this sanctuary is the tracking of cheetah and leopard safaris. Okonjima Africat Foundation is situated halfway between the capital Windhoek and the Etosha National Park, the 55,000 acre Okonjima Game Reserve has some of the best accommodation in Namibia.  We arrive in good time to join excursion at the foundation.

You will be taken on a tour during which you will be able to meet, close-up-and-personal, some of the cheetah that are going through the Africat rehabilitation programme. Most of the animals currently living at Okonjima have been rescued from various desperate situations, being orphaned or caught in a trap, and the aim of the rehabilitation process is to attempt to re-introduce them into the wild.

You join an early morning excursion for leopard tracking in the Jeep, after the excursion you will return to the lodge for a brunch meal. After the brunch meal we exit Okonjima Africat Foundation on our way to Etosha National Park. You will spend 2 nights in this world-class game park in your touring vehicle, visiting a number of waterholes to observe the wildlife. Etosha translated, means ‘The place of dry water’ and here we get our first view of the magnificent salt pan.  Etosha National Park is home to 114 different mammal species including zebra, springbok, eland, oryx, kudu, giraffe and the all-important big four: the lion, the leopard, the elephant and black and white rhino.  The wide variety of animals guarantee impressive game viewing.  Etosha is also a bird watchers’ paradise, with more than 340 bird species recorded in the park.

**Memorable Moment: The Etosha Pan is a vast, bare, open expanse of shimmering green and white that covers around 4 800km², almost a quarter of the beautiful Etosha National Park.  At 130 km’s long and up to 50km’s wide in places, it is comfortably the largest salt pan in Africa and is the park’s most distinctive and dramatic feature, visible even from space.**

You then make a lunch stop at Halali Wildlife Resort located in the middle of the park. After lunch you proceed with game viewing on your way to overnight accommodation, Okaukuejo Wildlife Resort. The rest of the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure (from experience, this is usually welcomed after an exhilarating full day game viewing seated in the vehicle).

After sunset floodlights illuminate the waterhole. This is the best time and place to see the endangered black rhino. This archaic mammal can often be seen drinking alongside lion and elephant. The number and interaction of the animals is the major drawcard of Okaukuejo Rest Camp in Namibia.

This morning you will need to rise early for a magical wildlife encounter’s experience with your guide in the famous Etosha National Park, normally setting off before sunrise with luck on your side, you will observe nocturnal animals in the early mornings. We spend another day in Etosha’s unique desert landscape searching out for amongst other animals it’s large population of elephants and marvelling at its prolific bird life.

Unlike other parks in Africa, where you can spend days looking for animals, Etosha’s charm lies in its ability to bring the animals to you. Just park your car next to one of the many water holes, then wait and watch while a host of animals – lions, elephants, springboks, gemsboks etc. – come not two by two but by the hundreds.

Etosha’ s essence is the vast Etosha Pan, an immense, flat, saline desert that, for a few days each year, is converted by rain into a shallow lagoon teeming with flamingos and pelicans. In contrast, late in the dry season, everything, from the elephants to the once-golden grasslands, seems cast, spectrelike, in Etosha’s white chalky dust. And what wildlife there is! Even if you’ve had a taste of African wildlife watching previously, you are likely to be mesmerized by it here.

After an early morning breakfast we exit the park in the western side of Etosha via Galton Gate on our way to Kaokoland in Epupa Falls area. One of the highlights of Kaokoland in the far northern reaches of Namibia, Epupa is a magical belt of makalani palm forest on the perennial Kunene River.

There’s something special about this Kaokoland refuge 180km north of Opuwo, where the Kunene River plunges into the gorge below. Baobab trees cling to the rocky slopes as torrents of water rumble and tumble down the rocks with a flash of rainbow and an invigorating burst of wonder.

In between rest and relaxation, there is much to experience here. Take the golden opportunity to visit the Himba, one of the last semi-nomadic groups in Africa; get your courage in check for a guided walk in search of the Kunene crocs or a rafting trip on the river (seasonal); and follow trails downstream keeping eyes open for our avian friends who favour this riverine habitat. And at sunset join the sundowner drive to a hill overlooking Epupa Falls for that time of day when everything pauses for beauty and celebration. Drink in the African ambience and magic of Epupa.

We rise early this morning for a day which is sure to prove most memorable. With their intricate hairstyles and traditional adornments, the Himba are one of Namibia’s most distinctive tribes. We spend time with these proud people, learning about their captivating heritage and special way of life.

Book and join any activity offered by the lodge (at clients own cost):

Visit to a Himba Village, rate @ N$ 945.00 pp
A close up guided experience of the traditional lives of the Himba in the Epupa area. Duration 3-4.

There a lot of smiles exchanged and appreciation shown by humble negotiation of the beautiful crafts on display. After the excursion, a food gift will be presented to the Himba as a token note of appreciation and for the warm welcome. Morning departure is at: 8h00 after breakfast. Afternoon departure is at: 14h30 after lunch. Duration is approximately 2 – 3hrs long to have the guests back at the lodge in time for lunch or dinner depending on their activity time slot.

Sunset Walk, rate @ N$ 410.00 pp
Enjoy a guided walk to a beautiful scenic sundowner hill above the Epupa Falls where snacks and drinks.

Walking Trail, rate @ N$ 385.00 pp
A scenic and beautiful 2 hour guided walk upstream along the Kunene River. You might also see the vervet monkeys. This is also a great walk for bird enthusiasts.

After an early morning breakfast we depart to the northern part of Damaraland in the area of Palmwag. Palmwag concession – protected area for rare game species.  The immense area is an extremely important refuge for rare animal species, some of which are threatened with extinction. It is estimated that more than 70% of the hooked-lipped rhinos that are still living in the wild can be found here.

The fascinating desert-dwelling elephants, mountain zebras and giraffes also roam the area. A healthy population of antelopes attracts a substantial number of large predators such as leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas. In addition, a group of “desert lions” has adapted to the arid conditions of the Palmwag concession.

Between Kaokoland and the Skeleton Coast, where the flat-topped Etendeka Mountains and the carpet of rich red rock greet the tributaries of the Uniab River, lies Palmwag Lodge and Camp. Amid swaying makalani palms and robust mopane trees nourished by underground water, the lodge overlooks the sweeping northern Damaraland landscape peppered with green euphorbias.

Feel the freedom of the north-western corner of Namibia, one of Africa’s last wildernesses, a refuge for black rhino and lion, and home to the famous desert elephant that follow the ephemeral rivers spanning the land like arteries of life. The hustle and bustle of daily living dissipates here as you entertain a slower rhythm of life. In the Kaokoveld extremes, where wildlife wanders freely, the infinite dome of blue sky holds sway during the day, and at night, the brilliance of the night sky takes the stage.

Join a guided hike, a day or morning of exploration or a sundowner drive in the 582 000-hectare Palmwag Concession, a vast conservation area with an abundance of wildlife. Palmwag collaborates with neighboring conservancies, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and Save the Rhino Trust to safeguard this rich wild heritage, offering guests extraordinary unrivalled African experiences.

After breakfast and morning excursions are done, we depart to southern Damaraland in Twyfelfontein area, en-route we visit the Petrified Forest, which dates back millions of years and offers a haunting landscape of gigantic fossilized trees. Twyfelfontein (meaning “doubtful fountain”), is a massive, open air art gallery. With over 2,000 rock engravings, Twyfelfontein represent one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. In June 2007 this striking natural red-rock gallery of tumbled boulders, smooth surfaces and history etched in stone was awarded World Heritage Site status, making it Namibia’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site to date.

The engravings are estimated to be up to 6,000 years old, and it is believed by many that their creators were San medicine people or shamans, who created their engravings as a means of recording the shaman’s experience among the spirits while in a trance. Among the most celebrated of the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein are a giant giraffe, a “lion man” with a hand at the end of its tail, and a dancing kudu.

Damaraland: The breath-taking mountainous region of Damaraland is home to an assortment of desert-adapted wildlife such as elephant, rhino, zebra and lion, which eke out an existence in this near-barren landscape. A not-to-be-missed attraction is the picturesque Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, which is home to thousands of ancient rock paintings – most notably the White Lady. The rocky outcrops of Twyfelfontein feature exceptional Bushmen engravings, which are considered to be some of the best-preserved etchings on the continent.

An early start to see the highlights of Damaraland – one of the last true wilderness areas in Africa. Craggy mountains and table-flat plateaux unfolding towards deep-red kopjes and oft-dry plains: rocks are the key to Damaraland’s scenic beauty. With no permanent rivers, few inhabitants and a smattering of wildlife, this is a place to unwind, to watch and to wonder. After breakfast we visit the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, the fascinating geological features such as the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain.

Twyfelfontein: A true landmark situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to one of the largest collections of rock-art engravings found in Southern Africa. Not only did the Khoi-San and tribes of ancient years leave us with a true cultural heritage, but the whole area is characterised by natural wonders such as Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert-adapted animals – of which the desert-adapted elephant is probably the most well-known species.

After a visit to these geological sites, you depart to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund. The drive today takes you southwest through awesome and ever changing landscapes passing through some small settlement towns of Kamanjab, Uis. You will meet the ocean at the coastal town of Henties Bay and then continue south to Swakopmund where you can enjoy the pleasant seaside location and cooler coastal air for your next two nights. There will be time this afternoon to explore the town and wander along the waterfront on foot, before heading off for dinner at a popular restaurant which specializes in locally harvested seafood.

Swakopmund: Swakopmund resembles a small, German coastal resort nestled between the desert and the sea. It boasts a charming combination of German colonial architecture blended with modern hotels, shops, restaurants, museums, craft centres, galleries and cafés. Swakopmund had its beginnings as a landing station in 1892 when the German Imperial Navy erected beacons on the site.

Settlers followed and made attempts to create a harbor town by constructing a concrete Mole and then an iron jetty – which attempts were ultimately unsuccessful. The advent of World War one halted developments, and the town sank into decline until half a century later when infrastructure improved and an asphalt road opened between Windhoek and Swakopmund. This made reaching the previously isolated town quicker and easier and it prospered once again to become Namibia’s premier resort town. Although the sea is normally cold for swimming there are pleasant beaches and the cooler climate is refreshing after time spent in the desert.

Today is a free day. The idea is to allow time for everybody to do their own thing. Swakopmund is a very pleasant seaside town with lots of shops, a good stretch of beach (although the Atlantic here is quite cold) and an open-air curio market. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund.

Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be arranged. These include airplane and microlight flights over the desert, scenic drives, fishing trips (both from the beach or in a boat), four-wheel motorcycle (quad bike) trips into the desert and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sand boarding trips (also in the dunes), skydiving, surfing, bird-watching and many other activities are available. Your tour guide will discuss all the possible options with you before you reach Swakopmund and will offer to make bookings in advance of your arrival.

In addition to this, you can opt for the memorable excursion of the Full Day Shipwreck Sandwich Harbor Excursion (activity on own account). You check in at the office located at Walvis Bay Waterfront at 08h00 for a departure shortly thereafter.  After a short break at the Walvis Bay Lagoon to see masses of flamingos, the drive initially takes us through our exclusive Concession area to the Kuiseb river delta, a dry riverbed where the odd springbok may still be seen.

We proceed on a route through the dunes and along the beach, stopping at various spots along the spectacular Sandwich Harbor lagoon.  We drive southwards on narrow stretches of beach where the majestic dunes of the Namib Desert roll into the sea. We will arrive at the Shawnee ship wreck late morning.  Namibia’s coast’s rough seas, roaring winds and strong ocean currents are primarily responsible for a number of shipwrecks strewn along the Namibian coast.  One of these is the Shawnee, a transport tug that ran aground in mysterious circumstances on 6th February 1976.   Now wedged on a narrow stretch between the ocean and the dunes, it is home to a variety of seabirds and black-backed jackal.

You will be served with lunch on the spectacular beach at the wreck, consisting of a selection of fresh Namibian oysters paired with crisp sparkling wine; meat and fish platters with Namibian beer, an assortment of cool drinks and bottled mineral water. We proceed over some exhilarating dunes and you will experience some of the area’s typical fauna and flora.

Animals which have developed ways to adapt to the desert include the black-backed jackal, fog-basking beetle, dancing spider (‘white lady of the Namib’), golden mole, shovel-snouted lizard, palmato gecko, springbok, oryx, brown hyena and ostrich.  Endemic to the central Namib Desert, the !Nara plant has adapted well to the desert.  Its tap root can reach more than 15m into the ground to reach water resources. Passing a stretch through the Kuiseb Delta, we will be back at the Waterfront at around 17h00. Your tour guide will be waiting to pick you up back to Swakopmund.

This morning we depart to Sesriem area, we proceed through the southern region of the Namib Naukluft Park, the Kuiseb Canyon, and the Gaub Pass before we reach our accommodation. You arrive at the Lodge in the afternoon and you will stay here for two nights whilst you explore the remarkable sights of the Namib Desert.

Discover the fossilised dunes, the red dunes above the plateau and the many wonders of the Namib Desert on this guided drive around Gondwana Namib Park. Refreshments and a light snack included. Sundowner Dune Drive: Approx. 2 hours, departure: 2 hours before sunset, min. 4 persons. (Activity with the lodge is on clients own account)

Complementing the magnificence of a red sand sea, Namib Desert Lodge lies at the foot of ancient fossilised dunes. Make some space for wonder. A sunset or early morning drive through the red dunes exploring the sand masterpiece is breath-taking. Atop the ridge as the sand begins to glow deep rich sienna, a view of utter beauty is illuminated in gold, extending from the soft dunes around you to the green ribbon of riverine trees in the distance and the purple-blue mountains. Tolkien would be taken aback – and inspired, I’m sure, by such fantastical scenery! One of the Sossusvlei lodges, Namib Desert Lodge is imbued with its own special character.

Enjoy the relaxed and friendly ambience while cooling off at the pool, watching gemsbok arrive at the waterhole to drink, walking the trails into the dunes or dining in the cosy restaurant. Down-to-earth and homely, it is a place to put up feet, explore, discover and love. For the ultimate desert experience, spend a night in the dunes at Dune Star Camp. An intimate adventure, this slick and simple hideaway stands alone deep in the Namib Desert.

The spacious wooden bungalows have beds with wheels to enable guests to sleep out under the stars and a dining area with a large wooden deck affords the best views of the landscape. Be prepared to fill up with desert splendour and a renewed energy for the incredible adventure of Life. Enjoy the quiet at Namib Desert Lodge away from the bustle around Sesriem, 60km away. Ideal for groups, families or individual travellers, there is space for all. A trip to Namibia is only complete with a sojourn in the Namib Desert.

This morning you will need to rise early before sunrise for a magical excursion with your guide in the Namib Naukluft National Park, normally setting off before sunrise to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft and shadows accentuate the towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world and your guide will give you an insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs. Once you have explored Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and surrounding dune fields to your heart’s content you return to Sesriem area for lunch, with the option to visit Sesriem Canyon afterwards. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure (from experience, this is usually welcomed after an exhilarating morning in the dunes).

Sossusvlei: This most frequently visited section of the massive 50,000 km² Namib Naukluft National Park has become known as Sossusvlei, famous for its towering apricot coloured sand dunes which can be reached by following the Tsauchab River valley. Sossusvlei itself is actually a clay pan set amidst these star shaped dunes which stand up to 300 meters above the surrounding plains, ranking them among the tallest dunes on earth.

The deathly white clay pan contrasts against the orange sands and forms the endpoint of the ephemeral Tsauchab River, within the interior of the Great Sand Sea. The river course rises south of the Naukluft Mountains in the Great Escarpment. It penetrates the sand sea for some 55 km before it finally peters out at Sossusvlei, about the same distance from the Atlantic Ocean. Until the encroaching dunes blocked its course around 60,000 years ago, the Tsauchab River once reached the sea; as ephemeral rivers still do in the northern half of the Namib.

Sand-locked pans to the west show where the river previously flowed to before dunes shifted its endpoint to where it currently gathers at Sossusvlei. Roughly once a decade rainfall over the catchment area is sufficient to bring the river down in flood and fill the pan. On such occasions the mirror images of dunes and camel thorn trees around the pan are reflected in the water.

Sossusvlei is the biggest of four pans in the vicinity. Another, famous for its gnarled and ghostly camel thorn trees, is Deadvlei which can be reached on foot over 1 km of sand. Deadvlei’s striking camel thorn trees, dead for want of water, still stand erect as they once grew. They survived until about 900 years ago when the sand sea finally blocked the river from occasionally flooding the pan.

Sesriem Canyon: Sesriem Canyon has evolved through centuries of erosion by the Tsauchab River which has incised a narrow gorge about 1.5 km long and 30 meters deep into the surrounding conglomerates, exposing the varying layers of sedimentation deposited over millions of years. The shaded cool depths of the canyon allow pools of water to gather during the rainy season and remain for much of the year round.

These pools were a vital source of water for early settlers who drew water for their livestock by knotting six (ses) lengths of rawhide thongs (riems) together, hence the canyon and surrounding area became known as Sesriem.

Please Note: Option to include a sunrise balloon flight before you depart for Swakopmund (optional extra at additional cost). Please note that if making use of this offer, it will need to be booked exclusively with Nali Safaris in order to fit in with other timings for this day.

Today we have a leisurely breakfast and after breakfast, we depart to Windhoek via the Remhoogte Pass – although this pass is not as steep as the Spreetshoogte, it offers beautiful scenery and only if weather condition permits. Expect to arrive in the city at around 13:00pm, although please note that times may vary.

END OF SAFARI