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The tour starts at the Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek. Those on group flights will be picked up at the airport and we will drive into town for an hour or so. In town everyone will have a chance to change money and pick up any supplies they may need; this is also an opportunity for our guides to buy fresh food. We will then drive to our lodge. The afternoon can be spent exploring or relaxing.Arebbusch Lodge or similar
Today we head southwest through the spectacular scenery of the Namib-Naukluft Park towards the Sesriem/Solitaire area. This national park, one of the largest in the world, is home to one of the driest and oldest deserts on earth. It contains the finest desert scenery in Africa, if not in the world, with towering jagged rock formations and an incredible lunar landscape so be prepared for some great photo stops. (driving 300-350kms/7hrs)Solitaire Guest Farm or similar
Today we spend much of today in the Namib Desert. Rising early we catch the tallest sand dunes in the world in the morning light and have the opportunity to climb one of the dunes for fantastic views. We can either walk to Hiddenvlei or catch a transfer (optional extra) to Deadvlei where ancient acacia trees in the desert form an eerie scene. If we’re lucky we may see gemsbok or ostrich among the sand dunes. In the afternoon we visit Sesriem Canyon before joining a guide to see the cheetahs at the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (please see Responsible Travel section) - depending on time we may go tomorrow morning. (driving 200kms/3hrs)Solitaire Guest Farm or similar
A long but very scenic drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park to Swakopmund. En route we visit Walvis Bay for lunch and to see local flamingos. Swakopmund is a small German colonial resort town with quaint cake shops and coffee houses and a centre for adrenaline activities. (driving 300kms /5.5hrs).Prost Hotel or similar
Today is a free day to enjoy one of the many optional activities on offer in and around town. At sea you can go deep-sea fishing, in the desert you can go sand-boarding and quad-biking and in the sky you can fly over the skeleton coast. Or if none of these appeal you can spend the day enjoying the fantastic Viennese style cakes, walk along the beach or in the nearby dunes or just enjoy watching the world go-by in this town which seems strangely out of place in Africa.Prost Hotel or similar
After a relaxing start we leave the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean behind and head inland towards Namibia’s highest mountain, Brandberg, in Damaraland. The Damaraland area is famous for the desert elephants which roam in the Ugab River. Star gazing is normally spectacular from this remote area (240kms / 3.5hrs).Brandberg White Lady Lodge or similar
We begin our day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we will enjoy a walk through valley 45 for approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way we will view beautiful, granite rock formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley takes us to the famous ‘White Lady’ rock painting which, along with a number of other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left by Bushmen at least 2000 years ago. Afterwards we will drive towards the Khorixas area where we should pass various Himba and Herero women selling crafts from the roadside. There is also the possibility of spotting Desert elephants and meerkats on the way. We will arrive at our accommodation after lunch and then in the afternoon we can view Vingerklip, a striking pinnacle of rock balancing vertically on its own (driving 250kms / 4.5hrs).Outjo Lodge or similar
Today we begin with a short drive to Etosha. We should arrive at Etosha in time for a late afternoon game drive before arriving at our accommodation for the night. The itinerary allows plenty of time to really enjoy this fabulous game park. (driving 200kms / 3hrs)Okaukuejo Lodge or similar
Etosha is a huge park of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large salt pan. Etosha is home to a great variety species, which are generally easy to find as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes. Wildebeest, zebra, impala, springbuck, kudu, elephant, giraffe, lion and even rhino are all common sights here. Take plenty of camera memory and lots of patience and you will be rewarded by one of the greatest game spectacles in Southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place for birds, with plenty of water birds on the lakes (when filled with water), and weaverbirds and hornbills in the trees. While in Etosha we typically stay within the park on some or all of the nights (subject to availability) and some of these are located next to waterholes. These camps also offer optional night drives which you can book and pay for on arrival.Namutoni Lodge or similarMeals included: Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x1)
Leaving Etosha behind, we head towards the Waterberg Plateau. This 200 metre high gigantic flat-topped plateau with bushveld on top is one of Namibia’s most fertile areas. There are several walking trails, including one leading to a spectacular viewpoint near the top of the plateau offering a great view of the surrounding area. It is also possible to do an optional 4x4 game drive. (driving 300kms / 5hrs)Waterberg Lodge or similar
We have some free time this morning to relax or explore the Waterberg Plateau a little further. Later we head back to Windhoek stopping at a crafts market on the way. (driving 320kms / 4.5hrs).Utopia Boutique Hotel or similar
The trip ends after breakfast. Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport in time for their flight home. Free time can be spent relaxing at the accommodation or exploring Windhoek where there are museum and shopping opportunities. Alternatively, a township tour of Windhoek can be arranged and Daan Viljoen game reserve is close by (see Optional Excursions section).
12 night lodges, chalets or hotelsTravel in a purpose-built overland
truckSome long drives
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners included.In the itinerary we state which
meals are included on which day. Please allow approximately £10/US$15 per
meal per person for meals not included. Some meals are in restaurants whilst
others will be prepared by the tour leader and assistants. Camp meals are
freshly cooked over the camp fire. They are wholesome and plentiful, but do
not expect cordon bleu cuisine and please note it is not always easy to get
fresh meat. However, the standard of food is generally good. Breakfast -
cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried
breakfast. Lunch - cheese, cold meats, pasta, salads, bread or rolls. Dinner
- potjie (stew), braai (BBQ) or stir fries. Vegetarians are well catered for
on this trip though sometimes options might be more limited.
12 night lodges, chalets or hotelsTravel in a purpose-built overland
truckSome long drives
Transport is in a specially modified safari truck with ten to twelve seats
for clients. There is plenty of legroom and packing space as well as a
reference library, fridge and/or icebox. Smaller groups may be in a
Hilux/Land Cruiser. By keeping the group size deliberately small we are able
to maximise the exposure to the great African wilderness. 80% of Namibian
roads are good gravel roads. However, the road conditions are completely
dependent on how they are being maintained at the time and on occasion
conditions can be poor. This can have an impact on journey times as well as
comfort, and can be punishing on the vehicles. Drive times on this trip are
moderate and we will normally arrive at our destination in the afternoon. The
total distance covered on the trip is about 2,800kms. Drive times below are
only approximations and do vary with road conditions and the number of stops.
We will rarely exceed 6 hours driving in one day.All activities done on tour
are moderate, such as climbing Dune 45 and visiting the White Lady rock
painting at Brandberg. The walks on the Waterberg Plateau can be classified
as moderate to strenuous as it can get a bit steep and rocky.There are some
days where we will have to get up before sunrise but this will allow us to
get the most from our activities (for example, the game drives in Etosha
where we are more likely to see wildlife in the early mornings before it gets
too hot).Please note that due to the limited amount of accommodation within
Etosha National Park, it may be necessary to sleep outside the park on some
or all of the nights that we are there. This will not impact on the number of
game drives that we have within the park.
Guesthouses & LodgesThroughout this trip we stay in mostly 2 and 3-star en suite lodges and
occasionally in permanent tented camps (which also have beds and en suite
facilities). The rooms are simple, comfortable and clean. Most properties
have swimming pools. On tour our rooms in Etosha are the only accommodation
where mosquito nets are provided as the park is in a low risk malaria area.
WiFi is available in a number of properties but not everywhere, notably it is
not available in Sesriem, Etosha or Waterberg.Please note that due to the
limited amount of accommodation within Etosha National Park, it is sometimes
necessary to sleep outside the park on some or all of the nights that we are
there. However, this is not a common occurrence. Where we stay will not
impact on the number of game drives that we have within the park.Single
accommodation (available on request)
https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/node/accommodation/images/arebbusch.jpeg?t=1HiSVF
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners included.In the itinerary we state which
meals are included on which day. Please allow approximately £10/US$15 per
meal per person for meals not included. Some meals are in restaurants whilst
others will be prepared by the tour leader and assistants. Camp meals are
freshly cooked over the camp fire. They are wholesome and plentiful, but do
not expect cordon bleu cuisine and please note it is not always easy to get
fresh meat. However, the standard of food is generally good. Breakfast -
cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried
breakfast. Lunch - cheese, cold meats, pasta, salads, bread or rolls. Dinner
- potjie (stew), braai (BBQ) or stir fries. Vegetarians are well catered for
on this trip though sometimes options might be more limited.
The vehicle normally used for this trip is a specially modified safari truck
with ten to twelve seats for clients. Seating is forward facing and the
windows are large and easy to open. Smaller groups may be in a Hilux/Land
Cruiser. People are expected to move around to permit everyone a chance to
have a window seat. There is plenty of legroom and packing space as well as a
reference library and icebox. Please note, it is not safe to stand when the
vehicle is moving, please remain seated until the vehicle stops, even on game
drives.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 15 DaysThe group flight from London
is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the
itinerary.Flights from LondonWe normally use the scheduled services of
British Airways or South African Airways or Ethiopian Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.Travelling land only: 13 days starting and ending in WindhoekYour
trip normally starts at our accommodation in Windhoek in the morning of Day
1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in
the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Namibia is in the Southern Hemisphere, therefore essentially has the opposite
seasonality to the UK. The months of June, July and August, whilst clear and
warm during the day, can drop down to single figures and even freezing at
night. Between September and May it is considerably warmer with the time
between October and March being the hottest, getting up to the high 30sºC.
However it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at night. The
wet season is between November and February, but this is not a bad time to go
as the desert blooms after rainfall, there is plenty of birdlife to see and,
it never rains for very long.
You will need the following essential items:TorchSun hatSun creamGood walking
shoes Water bottleBinocularsSwimming CostumeClothes for hot and cool
(sometimes cold) weather. Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries
where recycling isn't yet widely available; they often end up in landfill
sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to the environment and we
would like to reduce our impact here. On your trip the tap water is safe to
drink and the vehicle has a water tank. This means that safe drinking water
will be available throughout and all you need to do is bring a bottle to
re‐fill along the way. If you prefer the taste of bottled water, it is
possible to purchase and re-fill from 5l bottles throughout the itinerary.If
while packing you find a spare bit of space in your bag please be sure to
check out our partner 'Pack for a Purpose' to identify items that are needed
locally by schools and medical clinics. Your Tour Leader can assist with
donating the items.http://www.packforapurpose.org/
Please note the temperature in July and August can get really cold so we
strongly recommend warm clothing at these times of the year.Towel (for
swimming pools)
Optional ExcursionsThere are several optional activities in Swakopmund, such
as ocean fishing, quad‐biking and sand boarding but there's plenty to
occupy you if you don't participate. These prices are approximate.Deadvlei
transfer (if not walking to Hiddenvlei on Day 3) N$170Quad‐biking N$650
(for 2hrs); N$450 (for 1hr)Fat biking N$450 (for 2hrs)Sandwich Harbour N$1400
(half day)Flight over Sossousvlei and Skeleton Coast N$4200 (for 2hrs)Ocean
fishing N$1200-1800Living Desert tour N$950 (half day)Swakopmund township
tour N$650Sandboarding N$500 (lay down); N$600 (stand up)Additional Etosha
safari N$750Waterberg safari N$650 (3hrs)Windhoek township tour N$400
(minimum 2 people otherwise price higher)Daan Viljoen Game Reserve N$30
(entrance fee for walking trail)/ N$650 (one way transfer to reserve)
This is entirely optional but we would recommend approximately £1-2
(US$1.5-3) per person per day.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.