Great Adventure Trips

Namibia

Namibia in Style / Namibia in Focus / Andersson's Safari / Cape to Namibia Self-Drive
Adventure Namibia Self-Drive / Luxury Camping / Serviced Camping / Budget Camping

Namibia and Botswana Adventure

16 days Windhoek to Livingstone / Victoria Falls

THE HIGHLIGHTS:
" Windhoek.
" Walking in the giant dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert.
" Wild camping in the desert and reserves.
" Optional activities in Swakopmund.
" Rock engravings in Twyfelfontein.
" Visit of a traditional Himba village.
" Game drives & night observation of animals at waterholes in Etosha National Park.
" Bushmen experience at Tsumeb.
" Mokoro excursion on the Okavango River.
" Game drive and boat excursion on the Kwando River and Caprivi Game Reserve.
" 2 nights in Livingstone / Victoria Falls.

DAY 1: WINDHOEK
The day is spent at leisure. We meet our guide at the reception of the hotel for a briefing at +-18h00. Hotel Safari (or similar accommodation). (Dinner own arrangements).

DAY 2/ 3: SESRIEM/ SOSSUSVLEI
Our journey takes us through ever changing scenery to our camp located on the edge of the Namib Desert. We enjoy a sunset walk in the dunes surrounding our camp. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world's highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon. (B, L, D).

DAY 4: SWAKOPMUND
Heading north we reach the coast at Walvis Bay, and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional excursions (own expense) for the following day. Activities available include sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, kayaking, hot air ballooning or scenic flights over the vast Namib Desert. Dinner is enjoyed at a local restaurant (own expense). Accommodation in bungalows or guest-house. (B, L).

DAY 5: SPITZKOPPE
The morning is spent at leisure enjoying the town of Swakopmund or the various activities on offer. Departing after lunch, we head north and set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression. (B, D).

DAY 6: DAMARALAND / TWYFELFONTEIN
We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We visit the Twyfelfontein area for walks to the bushmen paintings/ rock engravings as well as the Organ Pipes. (B, L, D).

DAY 7: HIMBA VISIT / ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
In the morning we visit the Himba tribe, a semi-nomadic tribe, living in scattered settlements throughout the region. They are characterised by their proud yet friendly stature and the women are noted for their unusual beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional dress. A few hours are spent learning more about these fascinating people. After our visit we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive. (B, L, D).

DAY 8/ 9: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home. Floodlit waterholes at Okaukuejo and Namutoni campsites attract an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife sightings. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives. (B, L, D).

DAY 10: TSUMEB (BUSHMEN EXPERIENCE)
Departing Etosha we enter the Tsumeb area of Namibia. Learn about the traditional Bushmen way of life, their uses of the local fauna and flora and gain an insight into the life of this ancient culture on a 3 hour guided walk. (B, L, D).

DAY 11/ 12: OKAVANGO RIVER
We enter the Caprivi Strip where camp is set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. Enjoy sunset on the deck or a swim in the "river pool". The following afternoon we relax on a sunset mokoro excursion whilst enjoying the prolific bird and animal life of the Okavango. (B, L, D).

DAY 13: KWANDO RIVER - CAPRIVI
Driving through the BwaBwata National Park (formally Caprivi Game Reserve) we stop for a guided tour at a traditional Caprivi village and have a chance to buy their famous weavings before setting up camp on the banks of the Kwando River. Elephant and Hippo can be viewed from the deck overlooking the river. An afternoon boat excursion and game drive are undertaken in search of the many wild animals that inhabit the BwaBwata National Park. (B, L, D).

DAY 14/ 15: LIVINGSTONE/ VICTORIA FALLS
We travel across the Zambian border to view Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls, rhino walks, elephant back safaris, and to visit the Falls (own expense). (All meals excluding 1 lunch & 1 dinner).

DAY 16: LIVINGSTONE/ VICTORIAFALLS
The safari ends after breakfast.

This itinerary will depend on local conditions.

Tour grading: participation safari - All the camp duties are shared amongst the participants. A camp assistant/ cook helps the guide with the cooking. Your participation and involvement is part of the fun. It builds the group dynamic and plays an important role in the enjoyment and success of the tour.
Accommodation: 13 nights camping, 2 nights hotel/ chalet in Windhoek and Swakopmund. We provide spacious, comfortable tents (W 2.4m, L2.4, H 1.9m) accommodating 2 persons each. Each tent is insect proof and equipped with a built in ground sheet for insulation as well as two aerating windows with mosquito nets. Each passenger is provided with a foam mattress and a comfortable safari folding chair. A comprehensive set of cooking and camping equipment, water containers, first aid box, reference books on mammals and birds of the area and a set of spare parts is carried in the vehicle. In fact the only things the participants need to bring are their personal effects and a sleeping bag or blanket, and small pillow.
Meals: All meals when camping, except 1 lunch & 1 dinner in Livingstone/ Victoria Falls. Breakfast only in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Group Size: 4-16 participants.
Sleeping Bag Hire: EURO 25 - must be booked in advance.
Transfers: Transfers in Windhoek and Livingstone ($78) may be pre-booked.
Important: Not recommended for participants over 55 years.
Important: This safari is recommended for healthy, active participants looking for an adventurous holiday.

2007 Prices: Jan.-March = US$1611, April-June & Nov..-Dec. = US$1696, July-Oct. = US$1851

2007 Dates: Feb. 6-21, March 6-21, April 10-25, May 8-23, June 5-20, July 3-18, July 10-25, Aug. 7-22, Aug. 14-29, Sept. 4-19, Sept. 11-26, Oct. 9-24, Oct. 16-31, Nov. 6-21, Dec. 18-Jan. 2

2007 departures are guaranteed with 4 passengers