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The starting point for this trip is the Arebbusch Lodge. For those on the group transfer, we spend sometime in the capital city to change money and collect supplies and then drive to the Arebbush Lodge on the outskirts of the city.Arebbusch Lodge or similar
Today we embark on our longest drive of the trip as we head southwest through the spectacular scenery of the Namib-Naukluft Park to our first campsite at Sesriem. 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 incredible lunar landscapes. (350kms / 7hrs)NWR Sesriem Campsite or similar
Today we spend all day in the Namib Desert. Rising early we catch the tallest sand dunes in the world in the best light and have the opportunity to climb one of the dunes as the sun rises, truly one of Africa's greatest sights. 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. (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. (300kms / 5.5hrs)Prost hotel or similar
Today is spent in and around Swakopmund. There is time to go fishing, relax on the beach, or enjoy a cream tea and a seafood dinner along the front. If you're keen for some action, there are enough options for the whole family such as experiencing the thrill of quad biking over sand dunes or try the popular new sport of sandboarding.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 (250kms / 4.5hrs).Bradberg Whilte Lady Lodge (camping) 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 230kms / 4hrs).Khorias Lodge or similar
The first day is spent with a scenic drive to Etosha. We should arrive in time to do a late afternoon game drive before setting up at our camp. Our itinerary allows plenty of time to really enjoy this fabulous game park. (240kms / 3.5hrs)Okaukujo Camp 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 Camp or similarDay 9 meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 10 meals included: Breakfast
After a relaxing start to the morning, we drive via Tsumeb and Otavi where we can stretch our legs before stopping at Otjiwarongo for lunch. We then spend our final night of camping under the African night sky on a private farm. (380kms / 6hrs).Otjiwa Safari Camp or similar
This morning we drive to the Waterberg Plateau, a 200 metre high gigantic flat-topped plateau covered with bushveld. It is one of the more fertile areas in Namibia and very colourful especially after the rains. Here there are several walking trails, including one leading to a spectacular viewpoint near the top of the plateau for a great view. In addition to a guided walk, there are many smaller walks that can be explored without a guide. (120kms / 2hrs)NWR Waterberg Lodge or similar
A drive of three and a half hours or so brings us back to Windhoek. Those not travelling with the group to London will leave us during the day. (320kms / 3.5hrs)
Travel in an overland truck with standing space and reference libraryGroup
normally 8 to 12, plus leader4 nights lodges and 1 night chalet, all en
suite, 7 nights campingDesigned for 13-16 year olds, also suitable for 9-12
year oldsSome long drives
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners.Please allow approximately GBP10 per
meal per person for meals not included. Camp meals will be wholesome and
plentiful, but do not expect cordon bleu cuisine and please note it is not
always easy to get a wide range of fresh vegetables. However, generally the
standard of food is good. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform
us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that the
availability of certain products can be minimal or non-existent, for example
wheat or dairy-free. Please be prepared for this - you may be best advised to
bring these items from home.
Travel in an overland truck with standing space and reference libraryGroup
normally 8 to 12, plus leader4 nights lodges and 1 night chalet, all en
suite, 7 nights campingDesigned for 13-16 year olds, also suitable for 9-12
year oldsSome long drives
This trip has been graded 3 (Moderate) for children aged 13-16 years old.
Although the itinerary has been designed with 13-16 year olds in mind, it is
also suitable for 9-12 year olds.Drive times on this trip are moderate and we
will normally arrive at our destination by lunch time or just after lunch. We
will rarely exceed 6 hours driving in one day. 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. There will be breaks on
the longer drives and there is also a reference library on board the
vehicle.We use a combination of lodges, chalets and campsites. 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.There is a minimal time difference and we also visit
some malaria areas. Activities such as climbing the sand dune at Sossusvlei
and the walk to the White Lady painting could be challenging for younger
children but there is the option to skip them. Most days involve early starts
with our days in Soussusvlei and Etosha beginning before sunrise.It will be
cooler during UK summer months so please ensure that you bring adequate warm
clothing, especially for the evenings when the temperature can drop quickly
when the sun goes down. It can also get very warm in UK winter months so bear
this in mind when packing.
Lodges, Chalet & CampingThe lodges and chalet we use are all located in natural settings and
generally have good facilities such as a bar and swimming pool. The campsites
used are secure and have full ablution blocks and generally swimming pools as
well. 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.Single accommodation (available on
request)
The trip is led by an experienced and knowledgeable safari guide/driver. All
camping chores including cooking, washing up and erecting and dismantling of
tents is done for you.
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners.Please allow approximately GBP10 per
meal per person for meals not included. Camp meals will be wholesome and
plentiful, but do not expect cordon bleu cuisine and please note it is not
always easy to get a wide range of fresh vegetables. However, generally the
standard of food is good. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform
us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that the
availability of certain products can be minimal or non-existent, for example
wheat or dairy-free. Please be prepared for this - you may be best advised to
bring these items from home.
The vehicle normally used for this trip is a specially modified safari
vehicle with 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. On certain departures we may use an alternative
vehicle - this will be a Mercedes Benz Sprinter with sliding windows, library
and fridge. These are comfortable, especially for long journeys on gravel
roads.
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 South
African Airways or Air Namibia (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
afternoon 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.
Exodus offers FREE airport arrival transfers on any flight for this trip, for
both Land Only and Flight Inclusive clients, so no matter which flight you
choose to arrive on you will be met and transferred to your hotel. All those
taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight
details for both arrival and departure in advance; unless specified
otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel;
transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge;
transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on
a flight with similar arrival times.The last night of the trip will be spent
in the Waterberg Plateau Park and the tour finishes in Windhoek. If your
return flight home departs before the group flight you may have to get a
private transfer from Waterberg to Windhoek. Please ask a member of our sales
team for more details.
Namibia is in the Southern Hemisphere, therefore essentially has the opposite
seasons to the UK. The summer 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 April being the hottest, when it often reaches 30degC.
However it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at night. The
wet season is between November and February (this can vary a month either
side), but this is not a bad time to go as the desert blooms after rainfall
and it never rains for very long.
Sleeping bag (3/4 season if travelling in UK summer months - otherwise 2
season)Pillow TowelTorchSun hatSun creamWater bottleSoft holdallGood walking
shoes/ trainersClothes for hot and cool (sometimes cold) weather Lightweight
waterproof gear (on the off-chance that there's rain)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. Please add this to your packing
list!
Please note the temperature in July and August can get really cold,
especially at night. We strongly recommend you bring plenty of warm clothing
if you're travelling at these times of the year.
Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes)There are
several optional activities in Swakopmund, such as ocean fishing, quad-biking
and sandboarding but there's plenty to occupy you if you don't participate.
These prices are approximate.Deadvlei transfer (if not walking on Day 3, one
way) N$ 170Quad-biking N$ 650 (for 2hrs); N$450 (for 1hr)Fat-biking N$ 450
(for 2hrs)Flight over Sossousvlei N$ 4200Ocean fishing N$ 1200-1800Desert
Night drive (Day 3) N$ 200Sandboarding:Lay Down N$ 500Stand up N$ 600Etosha
late-afternoon safari N$750
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Tipping
is obviously entirely optional but we recommend approximately £1-2
(US$1.50-3) 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.