|
|
Namib, Skeleton Coast and Wilderness safari
offered by supplier M08340 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 14
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 6
people
Destination(s):
Namibia
Specialty Categories:
Cultural Journey
Desert Expeditions
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 31220 South Africa Rand (ZAR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 47600 South Africa Rand (ZAR)
|
|
As the name implies, this safari includes most of Namibia's wilderness areas. Starting along the formidable Skeleton Coast and the ancient sites of the northern Namib desert in and around the Messum Crater. This safari will continue into the wilderness of Kaokoveld, which includes Damaraland and Kaokoland, as far north as the Epupa Falls in the Kunene River, the northern-most border of Namibia with Angola to meet the nomadic, ochre-colored Ova-Himba. Finally, a complete change of scenery as you visit the Khomas Hochland (our central highlands) and the central/southern Namib desert. Visit and climb some of the highest sand dunes found in the world at Sossusvlei.
Experience the ever-changing colors of this pristine wilderness as the sun rises in the sky. Wander through time as you explore the geologically historic Sesriem Gorge, then "imprint" the vastness of the Namib in your mind before ending your visit in early nineteenth century luxury - a German Castle, situated high above the Windhoek skyline and offering a view of the setting sun being invited into the folds of the distant Khomas Hochland on the horizon. Included in the price of this safari, is an excursion into the wilderness of Damaraland to join the local Save the Rhino Trust trackers on their daily routine of tracking and monitoring the Black Rhino - the only place on earth where the Black Rhino still roams free - without fence or reserve!
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet your host at Namibia's International airport and transfer to our Capital City, Windhoek, to settle into a comfortable 4-star Hotel. Relax and acclimatize to Namibia with the entire afternoon and evening at own leisure, a welcome dinner and early night.
Day 2: A hearty breakfast to set you right for a journey along the perimeter of the Khomas Hochland (our central highlands) to the edge of the escarpment. Descend into the Namib desert to your first lodging of this safari. Arrive at a Moroccan-styled tented camp in time for a brisk walk on the grounds of the lodge, or rest and freshen up for dinner - served al fresco on the terrace with paraffin/kerosene lamps lit after sunset. Dine while viewing desert wildlife quenching their thirst at a floodlit waterhole.
Day 3: Be woken before sunrise for a quick cup of coffee/tea before driving out along the Tsauchab River valley towards some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. Arrive in time to climb one of these dunes and experience the changing colors of the landscape as the sun rises in the sky. When you are quite ready, descend and enjoy a picnic brunch under age-old Camel thorn trees (Acacia erioloba) before returning to the lodge for a short rest, swim or siesta. Late afternoon, take a drive to the geologically historic Sesriem Gorge - a practical geology text book!
Day 4: Traverse the endless gravel plains of the central Namib to the Namibian coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive at Namibia's own holiday Riviera, Swakopmund. If you are seafood lovers - Swakopmund is it!
Day 5: Continue on a salt-surfaced road towards the formidable Skeleton Coast with a stop at a quaint seaside lodge to enjoy sundowners while viewing the sunset over this peaceful bay.
Day 6: Special treat today as you join a local guide, taking you to view the largest congregation of Cape Fur Seals on a mainland. Excellent opportunity for close-up photography of these - sometimes comical - creatures of the sea. This is followed by an excursion into the Interior through the ancient landscape of the northern Namib desert. Visit a 400 year old petrified salt lagoon, and one of the richest Lichen fields in the Namib, en-route to the Messum Crater. The silence and solitude of the crater is totally contrasting with the turbulence of other destinations. You will be introduced to ancient rock paintings in this desolate rocky region, as well as many geological phenomena. End your day with a sensational beach drive and sundowners in the brisk breeze of the Skeleton Coast.
Day 7: Enter and drive through the Skeleton Coast Park before veering back into the Interior and one of the last true wilderness regions in Africa, Kaokoland - home to the Ova-Himba. After penetrating some distance into this arid, wild and desolate area, arrive at a desert lodge in the midst of this wilderness. Situated on a very special Concession area, this is the southernmost range of the only place on earth where the Black Rhino still roams free. Transfer to - what is probably - one of the most isolated and remote camps in Africa, situated in the middle of many thousands of square kilometers of this pristine and ancient wilderness.
Day 8: Entire day to join the local Save the Rhino Trust trackers on their daily routine of tracking and monitoring the Black Rhino. Many other species of wildlife could also be encountered. From the elusive Namibian desert Elephant to Lion, Cheetah and a variety of Antelope, birds and reptiles.
Day 9: After transferring back to the Damaraland Lodge and your safari vehicle, continue towards the northern regions of Damaraland for lunch and a cold beer at an old, restored German Fort - the official boundary between Damaraland and Kaokoland. Arrive at the ONLY town of the entire Kaokoland by mid- afternoon, in time for an excursion to visit a local Ova-Himba village.
Day 10: Enjoy a day excursion to the Epupa Falls in the Kunene River - the northernmost border of Namibia with Angola, and main congregating area of the nomadic, ochre-colored Ova-Himba.
Day 11: A slightly earlier breakfast this morning as you return to the northernmost boundary of Damaraland. You should arrive on this special Concession area in time for lunch. Relax, swim, view wildlife at the waterhole or enjoy a short siesta before dinner. After dinner, join a night drive to seek out the nocturnal animals of Africa.
Day 12: After breakfast, enjoy what is probably the most informative nature hike available. This venue also boasts at least 11 of the 14 endemic and semi- endemic bird species of Namibia. Return to the lodge for a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or a rest before lunch. A late afternoon drive for Game viewing will end a most rewarding stay. (Recently, a pride of nine Lions also decided to make this Concession area their "new" home).
Day 13: The day had arrived to leave the wilderness, albeit reluctantly, and return to Windhoek and civilization. At least your accommodation will be an experience in itself - an early nineteenth century German castle. Dine with the skyline of Windhoek at your feet. View the setting sun, being invited into the folds of the Khomas Hochland on the horizon, on this, the last night of your Namibian safari.
Day 14: Subject to flight departure time, you may have the entire morning to browse the Central Business District of Windhoek for those last minute mementos. Be transferred to Namibia's International airport to arrive in time for your departure flight.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Quoted prices are only valid until 31 December 2008.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Namibia
Cultural Journey
Desert Expeditions
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
|
|
|
, ext: 08340
