Namibia

Namibia Lodge Safari / Namibia in Focus / Transafrican Lodge Safari / Cape to Namibia Self-Drive
Transkalahari Explorer/ Luxury Camping / Serviced Camping / Budget Camping

Northern Experience Safari (with upgrade options)

A small group semi-participation Camping Safari from Cape Town to Victoria Falls
through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia

Highlights
Victoria Falls, Sunset cruise on the Chobe River in the Chobe National Park, Western Caprivi, Game Drive in Mudumo National Park, 2 nights in the Okavango Delta including Mokoro Experience, 3-nights in Etosha National Park including Game Drives, Himba Experience, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, 2-Day Orange River including canoeing, Cedarberg, Cape Town

Pre-Tour Optional Days in Cape Town
Day Tour 1: Cape Point Tour
The day is spent exploring the Cape Peninsula. Visiting Hout Bay on the Atlantic coast before heading off to Cape Point for lunch. In the afternoon we head back via the Penguin colony on the Indian Ocean and then end off the day having sundowners overlooking Cape Town.
Departure: 08h45 Return: 17h00
Day Tour 2: Cape Wine Tour
We visit the winelands of Stellenbosch, tasting wines from the different wineries. Lunch is included.
Departure: 08h45 Return: 17h00

DAY 1: Cape Town, South Africa
Arrival in Cape Town. On request, airport transfers can be arranged. You have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Lady Hamilton Hotel (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

tour normally departs from Cape Town Lady Hamilton Hotel. Please be punctual! 10h00 departure. Please note that the daily departure times are subject to change due to seasonal changes, as well as unforeseen circumstances. Your guide will confirm daily departure times the evening before.
The pre-departure meeting will be the night before our tour starts at 18h00 at the Lady Hamilton Hotel.

DAY 2: Cape Town to Cedarberg Mountains, South Africa LD
A 10am start from the Lady Hamilton Hotel takes us to the beach on the Atlantic Ocean to have a last look at Table Mountain across the bay. After lunch we head for the Cedarberg Mountains, bypassing Citrusdal, a bustling rural village set amongst lush green citrus orchards.
Distance: 250 km Departure: 10h00
Accommodation: Gecko Creek (tents, wash rooms with hot water)

DAY 3: West Coast of South Africa to Orange River, South Africa BLD
Travelling up the West Coast, we pass through some magnificent mountain ranges on our way to the Orange River. If you are travelling in spring you will see the spectacular carpets of wildflowers in the famous Namaqualand region.
Distance: 511km Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic spot on West Coast of South Africa
Accommodation: Felix Unite River Camp on Orange River (tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).

DAY 4: Canoeing on the Orange River, Namibia BLD
The only travelling today is done in a canoe. Put your feet up and relax as the currents take you downstream - mind the rapids though!
Distance: 20 km (on the river)
Lunch Stop: Banks of the Orange River
Accommodation: Felix Unite River Camp on Orange River (tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).

DAY 5: Fish River Canyon, Namibia BLD
Today we head off to Canon Road House close to the Fish River Canyon. Later in the evening we take in another perfect African sunset with the magnificent views and scenery along the edge of the Canyon.
Distance: 141km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Canon Road House Campsite (tents, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).

DAY 6: Sossusvlei, Namibia BLD
Moving inland we make our way to Hammerstein Lodge, which is close to the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei.
Distance: 650 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge Campsite (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).

DAY 7: Sesriem and Sossusvlei, Namibia BLD
We visit the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. A drive into the dunes is also available (optional cost of R95pp transfer from 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei/Dead vlei parking area). At sunset these red sand dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake).
Distance: 120 km Departure: 05h00
Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge Campsite (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).

DAY 8: Namib Naukluft National Park & Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund, Namibia BL
The day is spent driving through the Namib Naukluft National Park and the Kuiseb Canyon on our way to Swakopmund.
Distance: 332 km Departure: 10h00
Accommodation: Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (with bathroom and hot water). Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town.

DAY 9: Swakopmund, Namibia BL
We have the opportunity to explore this quaint German town by day and night. There are a number of activities to enjoy here; sand boarding, quad biking, skydiving and even fishing. You may even dare to brave the Atlantic sea.
Distance: 0km (day of leisure)
Accommodation: Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (with bathroom and hot water). Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town
ACTIVITY RATE for Optional Excursions in Swakopmund: Sand boarding R 250, Sand boarding (stand up) R 350, Fishing R 850, Quad-biking R 500, Sky Diving R 1900, Himba Visit - Scenic Flight (Full day excursion) On request

DAY 10: Cape Cross Seal Colony and Brandberg,Namibia BLD
We follow the barren Atlantic Coast line on our way out of Swakopmund to visit Africa's largest seal colony after lunch. Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind we head inland across the desert planes for Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. Either this afternoon or the next morning we walk up a valley on Brandberg and visit the famous 'White Lady' rock painting.
Distance: 270 km Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Cape Cross Seal Colony picnic site
Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge (tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).

DAY 11: Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest and Himba Village, Namibia BLD
An early morning start takes us from Brandberg to our first stops at Twyfelfontein and Petrified Forest. Our final destination for the day will be Kamanjab. Depending on the time of arrival we go and explore a traditional Himba Village that afternoon or the next morning. This will be a journey of culture exchange and learning and understanding of our last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.
Distance: 310 km Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: picnic spot enroute
Accommodation: Porcupine Camp (tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).

DAY 12: From Kamanjab to Etosha National Park, Namibia BLD
After our cultural experience in Kamanjab, we head to the land of the big five - Etosha National Park Lunch is eaten close to the small German town of Outjo where we relax and have the opportunity to visit an Internet cafe. Our final destination for the day is Etosha. As the sun sets and late into the night, the group has the opportunity to watch animals drink at floodlit waterholes.
Distance: 270 km Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic spot en route
Accommodation: Okaukuejo (tents, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience stores)

DAYS 13 & 14: Etosha National Park, Namibia BLD, BLD
We fill the next 2 days with game drives, including evening game viewing at floodlit waterholes. In the mornings we have the opportunity to take game drive at sunrise. At all three camps, Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali you can take a swim in the swimming pool or as the sun sets, and late into the night, the group can watch animals drink at the floodlit waterhole.
Distance: Approx. 150 km of game drives Departure: 10h00
Lunch stop: At one of the camps
Accommodation: Namutoni, Okaukuejo, Halali (tents, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).

DAY 15 & 16: Etosha to Kavango River, Namibia BL, BL
Leaving Etosha we head to Rundu and onto n'Kwazi River Camp, which is on the banks of the Kavango River over looking Angola. A sunset cruise, horse riding, traditional dancing in the evening as well as visiting a local village are optional or you can just put your feet up and relax on the banks of the river as the sunsets.
Distance: 362 km Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: A picnic site en route to n'Kwazi
Accommodation: n'Kwazi River Camp (tents, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and laundry service available)

DAY 17 & 18: Kavango River to Okavango Delta, Botswana BLD, BLD
We leave Namibia for Etsha, on the western border of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We will be transferred to our camp in the Delta. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes). The Delta is a well-preserved gem of Africa with a vast oasis of crystal clear lakelets, lagoons and palm-fringed islands. On our last evening in the Delta we feast with a braai (barbeque).
Day 17
Distance: 360 km (20km in 4x4) Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
Day 18
Distance: 20 km by motorized boat Departure: 08h00
6km by Mokoro / about 5km walk in Delta
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).

DAY 19: Western Caprivi, Namibia BLD
Leaving Botswana, we drive up the Western border of the Okavango Delta before crossing over into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River. In the afternoon you will go on a game drive to the Mudumo National Park. In contrast to the rest of Namibia, the area is lush with riverine forest, marshes, dense savannah and mopane woodland.
Distance: 325 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Camp Kwando (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).

DAY 20: Chobe National Park, Botswana BLD
The next morning we depart from Camp Kwando, head along the Caprivi and cross the border back into Botswana to drive through Chobe National Park to our camp on the Chobe River. In the afternoon you will go on a sunset cruise along the banks on the Chobe National Park. We spend the night camping on the banks of the Chobe River listening to the calls of Africa.
Distance: 260 km Departure: 10h00
Accommodation: Toro Lodge (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).

DAY 21: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls, Zambia B
A mid morning departure takes you from Chobe to Livingstone in Zambia by ferry across the Zambezi. The tour finishes here where you will be dropped off at your lodge of choice. The Victoria Falls can be seen from Livingstone in Zambia.
Distance: 110 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Zambezi Waterfront (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar)

DAY 22: End of tour B
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. We can arrange an airport transfer on request (own expense). We hope to welcome you on one of our African adventures soon.

Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request.
Standard Room, Lady Hamilton Hotel (Cape Town) = From R525 pp Sharing (BB), From R950 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport transfer (Lady Hamilton Hotel) = R110 pp (based on a minimum of 2 people)
Standard Chalet, Zambezi Waterfront (Livingstone) = From U$ 80 pp Sharing (BB), From U$ 110 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport Transfer (Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone)= U$16 pp (based on minimum of 2 people)

Meal Key - B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Group Size Minimum 4 people, Maximum 10 people

2009 Per Person Rate = US$ 2315.00. Single Supplement: US$ 100.00. Local payment US$ 250
Partial Upgrade Price (Chalet accommodation on 10 nights during the safari depending on availability at the various accommodation establishments where we can upgrade to bedded accommodation.) = US$ 2865.00, single supplement = US$ 290.00. Local payment U$ 250
Full Upgrade Price (Chalet accommodation on all nights during the safari depending on availability at the various accommodation establishments where we can upgrade to bedded accommodation.) = US$ 3475.00, single supplement = US$ 450.00. Local payment U$ 250

Departure Dates 2009: May: 14/28, June: 11/25*, July: 09/16* , August: 13*/27, September: 10, October: 08/29, July: 09/16*/30 November: 12/26, D
* - Guaranteed Departures

Included in the price
Use of full camping equipment (except sleeping bags), 21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 15 dinners, coffee/tea with the meals, transport on the tour, 4 nights in chalets and 17 nights camping, activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.

Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request.
Standard Chalet, Zambezi Waterfront (Livingstone) = From U$ 80 pp Sharing (BB), From U$ 110 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport Transfer (Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone)= U$16 pp (based on minimum of 2 people)
Standard Room, Lady Hamilton Hotel (Cape Town) = From R525 pp Sharing (BB), From R950 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport transfer (Lady Hamilton Hotel) = R110 pp (based on a minimum of 2 people)

Transport
fully equipped Toyota Landcruisers or appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, windows for game viewing and a music system. All luggage is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort inside the vehicle. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen.
Accommodation
Accommodation on our camping safaris is 2 guests per 3-man dome tent, fitted with mosquito nets. We provide sleeping mattresses. Chalet accommodation is provided in Swakopmund. Clients can also upgrade to bedded accommodation on every 3rd day on average depending on the tour Please note that the accommodation mentioned above are only a guideline. Operator reserves the right to make use of similar accommodation same standards during the tour.
Spending money
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios and additional entertainment. US Dollars, Pound Sterling and South African Rand (ZAR) are the most practical and convenient currencies. There are automatic teller machines (ATM's) available in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa to draw money. Foreign exchange into the local currency is possible in most large cities, through which we pass.
International credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted.
Meals
All meals are organized and prepared by the guide with the help of the group (on participation safaris). Meals are nutritious and filling, drawing on fresh local produce where possible. We buy groceries along the way, so our clients have a say in what type of meals are eaten. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
First Aid
Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.
Luggage
Maximum baggage allowance: 12 kg. Jenman Safaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both, the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.
Insurance
It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving home country.
Sleeping bags
We are able to supply sleeping bags during the tour if necessary.. A fee of US$ 30 / Euro 25 will be charged.
Participation
The Southern Experience Safari is a semi-participating Camping Safari. This means, that the participants will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks as i.e. setting up the overnight camps (tents, chairs, tables), cooking meals and cleaning dishes afterwards, tidying up the campsite before leaving and packing/un-packing of the van.
Visas
All visa requirements to visit Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa must be organized prior to departure by clients.


ZAMBIA
To explore Zambia is to step back into the untamed Africa of legend. It is the real Africa with vast, unspoiled wilderness areas waiting to be discovered. The country is shaped by three great rivers, bordered by three breathtaking lakes and sheltered by big, big skies. It is a land that beckons adventurers and those who prefer to avoid the busy tourist destinations.
While thrill seekers can try the white water frenzy of the Zambezi River or the adrenaline choked bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia also offers fine wildlife safaris. It is a place the African walking safari with great hiking trails, glorious sunsets, friendly people, ancient traditions and mystic legends of nature at its wildest and most exquisite.
Victoria Falls
'So lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight' said David Livingstone of the supreme Mosi-oa-Tunya ('The smoke that thunders'). This legendary traveler first saw the Falls from the Zambian side and his memory is enshrined in the nearby town of Livingstone. The views from the Zimbabwean & Zambian side are quite different, varying dramatically depending on the season and water flow.
The Falls are over a mile in length and boast the largest curtain of water in the world - over 500 million liters or water per minute go over the falls and drop 100 m at Rainbow Falls on the Zambian side. Not surprisingly is it the seventh wonder of the world and fast becoming one of the top adventure destinations in the world.
The river is divided into a series of braided channels that descend in many separate falls. Below the Falls the river enters a narrow series of gorges, which represent locations successively occupied by the falls earlier in their history. Since the uplifting of the Makgadikgadi Pan area some two million years ago, the Zambezi River has been cutting through the basalt base rock, exploiting weak fissures, and forming a series of retreating gorges. Seven previous waterfalls occupied the seven gorges below the present falls, and Devil's Cataract in Zimbabwe is where the next cut back will form a new waterfall that will eventually leave the present falls lip high above the river in the gorge below.

BOTSWANA
The San were among the first human inhabitants of this region before the Setswana migrated southwards and slowly occupied the region from the 16th century onwards, until early in the 19th century. By mid century missionaries arrived, including David Livingstone and Robert Moffat, and by 1885 the territory was a British protectorate. Botswana gained its independence in 1966 and has been the most stable democracy in Africa. The first president ruled from 1966 until his death in 1980, the second till 1994 (re-elected twice, then resigned) and the third from 1998.
The country has a strong currency with one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa, maintains a neutral international political stance.
It is heavily reliant on mining (especially diamonds) & tourism and maintains close ties with its neighbor South Africa, an economic powerhouse for the region.
Wildlife is abundant in Botswana and includes lions, giraffes, leopards, antelope, elephants, crocodiles and ostriches. Botswana is a semiarid and has average annual (summer) rainfall of 640 mm (about 25 in) in the north to less than 230 mm (less than 9 in) in the Kalahari. Drought is therefore a not uncommon and the vegetation is mostly savannah.
Geographically Botswana relatively flat (the average elevation of about 1000 m) and can be viewed (for all intensive purposes) as three major regions follows:
Chobe National Park in the north, another outstanding wilderness area of enormous diversity - lion and elephant can be viewed from river of 4x4 game drives.
The Okavango Delta is a vast marshland and one of the largest inland river deltas in the world - 15 000 km2 of wilderness and prime of safari area. The Kalahari Desert in the central and southwestern regions occupies over half the land areas of Botswana. It is a mystical, harsh and unspoiled landmass.
The saltpans of north-central Botswana and the Tuli block in the far eastern corner of Botswana are also areas of significance.
Chobe National Park
Chobe is about 11 000 km2 of wilderness area watered by the Chobe & Savuti Rivers and thus attracting huge concentrations of game. This includes lion and some of the highest concentration of elephants in Africa - an estimated population of around 25 000 in winter. Game viewing is renowned and the in the Northern areas near Kasane, both the riverboat game viewing experience and the 4x4 vehicle option are popular.
In addition the spectacular annual summer migrations of plains game, especially zebra, is a highlight, as well giraffe, warthog and numerous antelope including sable, roan, oribi, reedbuck, lechwe and the colourful Chobe bushbuck.
Bird watching opportunities in Chobe are ample and include some 350 species including the awesome African fish eagle, the rare Pell's fishing owl, saddle-billed storks, long-toed plovers, pink-backed pelicans, African skimmers, Bradfield's hornbills and carmine bee-eaters. Finally, the sunsets are spectacular.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana near Maun incorporates the Moremi Game Reserve and is a unique wildlife paradise - one of the finest in the world. It is one of the largest inland river deltas in the world. This unsurpassed natural environment is a maze of waterways, islands and reed banks creating a perfect place for lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, hyena, wild dog, kudu, impala, roan, zebra, lechwe, hippo, crocodile, amongst others. There are 440 bird species in the delta and fish species are also abundant, including tiger fish, sharp-toothed catfish, barbell and bream.
Travel through the swamps ands surrounding areas is generally by open 4x4 game viewing vehicle or a peaceful meander in a 'Mokoro', a flat-bottomed dugout canoe.
The Delta is hot throughout the year with temperatures ranging from about 14°C in January to 24°C in July. Rainfall averages 525 mm annually, but varies greatly from year to year. Water levels and flooding reach a maximum between March and July, after rains at the source and the usual 15 000 km2 can expand to approximately 22 000 km2 in high-rainfall years.

NAMIBIA
'Namibia' means 'open plains' in the ancient Hottentot language. It is a sought after tourist destination defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography. Namibia is sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior. Northern Namibia features the great Etosha National Park, with the countries largest concentration of game and in the south the majestic Fish River Canyon plunges 550 m and extends for 160 km. Between these four highlights lies over 820 000 km2 (the size of France & Britain combined) of contrasting scenery.
The world's highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber reflection. Pre-historic rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient, rocky mountain ranges.
Many of the features of this country are of particular scientific interest and attract scientists from all over the world.
Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in its constitution. About 15,5% of the country has been set-aside as national parks. In these areas, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and protected. They serve as a living reminder to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa.
Western Caprivi
A part of the Western Caprivi previously known as the Golden Triangle is a pristine wilderness area, practically untouched by any. The area was formerly under government jurisdiction - a 'no man's land' so wild that both private landowners and even nature conservation officials had no authority until the early-nineties. The land was finally handed over to nature conservation officials who now have prominent presence in the area. A spectacular part of this area is well known as 'The Horseshoe', a meandering part of the Kwando River now cut-off to from the flow to form a horseshoe teeming with game.
A 10-12 km drive through swamp and savannah takes you directly there while the return trip follows the Kwando River. Not only are hippos abundant in this area, but also a resident pride of lions. The Horseshoe is also on the buffalo migration route north. Other animals to be seen are elephant, giraffe, hyena, tebe, lechwe, kudu and over 400 identified bird species.
Etosha
Consisting of over 22 000 km2 of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, the Etosha National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife. Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of about 5 000 km2. This great, white expanse locals call 'great place of dry water', often shimmers with mirages and herds of game can be seen within this eerie setting.
There are 144 mammal species in the park, including elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino, predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, wildcat, hyena and jackal.
The black rhino population of 300 is one of the few growing populations in the world and the local elephant are reputed to be the largest in Africa - the tallest standing at 4 m at the shoulder. Their tusks however are relatively small due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their diet.
The majestic eland, the tiny, shy Damara dik-dik (45 cm high) and the striking gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings are common. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia's national bird, the vividly coloured crimson-breasted shrike. During the more rainy seasons Etosha is also one of the most important breeding grounds for flamingos.
Etosha is also known for its expert game management and attentive protection of the unspoiled environment.
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is known as Namibia's largest open-air art gallery exhibiting pre-historic artists. One of Africa's richest collections of rock engravings is on display. It is believed ancient hunters painted these Bushman Paintings, mostly of lions, giraffes and elephants, while in wait for wild animals at the waterholes. Although the exact age of the paintings are unknown, it is estimated that they are between a few hundred and several thousand years old.
Burnt Mountain, south of Twyfelfontein is a panorama of desolation, with coloured rocks contrasting vividly against the grey-black surroundings.
The Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in this area.
Kamanjab Himba Village
The name Kamanjab means Rock and it has been directly translated from otji-herero. The Himba Village of the very well known guide and translator Jaco will take you on a journey of cultural exchange and learning and understanding of the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba. Jaco is an Afrikaans speaking white male, but lives for several years now with his Himba family and speaks otji-hereo fluently. He was adopted in the Himba culture by an old chief Tjskume Bhahona that lives in the mountains at Onkongko near Opuwo. After spending a lot of time with his new family Jaco decided to come home to his family farm near Kamanjab where he was still farming with goats, sheep and nguni cattle, the old chief then asked Jaco if he can send some of his people with him to come and help him on his farm, Cauas Okawa to look after his goats and cattle. They built a traditional village for themselves and do their farming and also planting during the raining season. Please take note that they only allow persons that are really interested in the culture and want to have a cultural exchange, not only to take photos and go. You'll experience the milking ceremony, the believes around the holy fire and the ancestors, their herbal medicine and smoke bath. The meaning of jewelry pieces and hairstyles to imitate the status of each tribe member and their close relationship to nature, their cattle and their children.
Brandberg
About 100 km further south lay the imposing Brandberg massif; the highest peak in Namibia at 2574 m. Besides being a major challenge to rock climbers the Brandberg is most famous for rock paintings. One of the paintings discovered in 1917, can be viewed on an overhang in Maack's Shelter, named after this first discoverer. In 1955 however, Breuil, a well-known French archaeologist and historian copied, described and named the painting as the 'The White Lady', thinking that the figure resembled a lady of Greek or Egyptian origin. Although 'The White Lady' has since been the subject of much controversy, scientists now seem to agree that the painting portrays a young man. This is due to the lower part of 'his' body being painted white, a magical hunting spell, as was customary to the Himbas and the Hereros.
This area is also the haunt of the extremely rare Desert Elephant, one of the true natural wonders of the word, surviving as they do in this thirsty land. This is also one of the few places in the world where animals are completely wild in a mountain desert landscape. With the help of locals these elephants can be tracked - an experience not easily forgotten.
Cape Cross Seal Colony
The Cape Cross Seal Colony is north of Swakopmund. During breeding season as many as 200 000 Cape fur seals (the world's largest fur seal) gather in the cold waters along this coast. The numerous islets and isolated parts of the shore are used as nurseries for their young.
Swakopmund
A true oasis and respite from the solemn desert and its monotonous heat. A seaside holiday resort full of old-world charm and modern amenities, from the quaint German colonial influences to a funky Internet café. The tranquil setting includes promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens, the Swakopmund museum (covering natural history, mineralogy, botany, historical and ethnological aspects), the National Marine & Research Centre, an aquarium, a public library, an Olympic sized, heated indoor swimming pool and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. This 'middle of the desert' feel is one of its attractions - one can enjoy the wild expanse of the adjacent desert and sea and yet be within easy reach of the creature comforts of Swakopmund's hotels, restaurants, bars and a much-needed laundries!
There is plenty to see and do and activities include quad biking, sand boarding, rock & surf fishing and skydiving. There is also a tannery, manufacturing well-known kudu leather shoes, a brewery producing fine beers in the German tradition.
Namib-Naukluft National Park
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is an incredibly unusual and diverse 'super- conservation' area. There is nothing quite like it. It's probably the most unusual in the world - an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It covers almost 50 000 km2 and is ranked as the 4th largest in the world (the largest nature conservation area in Namibia) with landscapes including an impressive mountain massif, desert plains, high sand dunes, deep gorges and an estuarine lagoon. In truly African light show there is often clear and sometimes sudden shift in the mood of the moment, as light, textures and shadows give desert landscapes entirely new characters.
Survivors in this harsh landscape include the Oryx, springbok and zebra as well as the Welwitschia mirabilis, an odd-looking desert shrub. One large, protected specimen is estimated at 1 500 years old.
Sesriem
Erosion of many centuries has incised a narrow gorge through which the Tsauchab River disappears dramatically down a steep gorge in the plain. This gorge, Sesriem Canyon, about 1 km long with pools along the ways and a 30-40 m pool at its end. These pools of water on a gravel bed in an otherwise arid region, attracts many birds and animals.
Sossusvlei
The visual spectacular in the Sossusvlei area is unsurpassed. Amongst the continuous towering dunes as far as the eye can see is arguably the highlight of the Namib Desert, the Sossusvlei, an enormous clay-pan, enclosed by dunes. After a heavy rainfall, rare in this area, the vlei fills with water and, as the clay layers are virtually impermeable to water, a turquoise lake remains for quite some time.
The dunes and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges, and contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the white clay pans, or lakes, below.
During the rainy season one of the larger of these pans creates a haven for water birds, often including flamingos. Even during the dry season, Oryx, springbok and ostriches can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourses.
The dunes of the Namib Desert developed over a period of many millions of years and are shaped by strong-multi-directional winds. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were carried into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. The surf pushed the sand back onto land and coastal dunes formed. Dunes have subsequently shifted inland and northwards. Wind continuously re-stacks the sand of the huge shifting dunes of the Namib Desert. It tirelessly forces the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down in the wind shade. The leeward slope, therefore, is always considerably steeper than the windward side.
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is surely one of the natural wonders of Africa, as well as the second largest natural gorge on the continent. It is a 161 km long, 27 km wide ravine with a maximum depth of 550 m, surrounded by high, forbidding cliffs, and gashed into the plateau with startling abruptness. There are many awesome viewing sites to this breathtaking and immensely powerful natural phenomenon, along a 56 km stretch between its northernmost & southernmost points.
Namaqualand
Namaqualand is the famous flower wonderland. This desert landscape has extremely sensitive veld conditions and fascinating plants unique to this area. Come the brief rainy season the landscape undergoes a drastic transformation and the wild spring flowers provide a spectacular flower show. Flowering starts north and spreads southward, but is hard to predict and depends on weather conditions especially berg winds. The flower season progresses as the weather becomes warmer.
Some of the specific areas of interest include the Skilpad Flower Reserve, an ideal place to observe the spring flower spectacular during July and September. The Richtersveld National Park desert reserve is known for its prolific bird life, while Goegap Nature Reserve has 600 types of flower and 45 mammal species, especially the bat eared-fox.
Cedarberg
Two hours north of Cape Town, over the Piekenierskloof pass, you descend into a different world - of wild, raw, dramatic beauty. The towering mountains, often a brilliant purple in the late afternoon light, preside over fruit-filled valleys and true rock wilderness. The magnitude of this wilderness is truly awe-inspiring.
Deep into the Cedarberg wilderness area one is able to walk in the mountains, explore ancient San rock art, relax in natural rock pools and enjoy the peace of this unspoiled paradise. North of the Cedarberg wilderness, hour's drive from the highway lays the Biedouw Valley (the world's first producers of Rooibos tea) where city folk flock in August & September for the spectacular sight of wild spring flowers. Once through this picturesque valley the historic mission village of Wupperthal lies deep in the Cedarberg.
Cape Town
Cape Town has traditionally been the gateway between Europe and Southern Africa and this is still evident in its atmosphere, its playful character, its people and even its architecture.
The 'Mother City' as its known locally has no shortage of attractions. It's a magnetic, multi-cultural city with an array of diverse offerings within a small, accessible area, surrounded by spectacular topography. Spectacular beaches, mountains (incredibly unique bio-diversity), hiking, water-sport, shopping centers, markets, theatres, museums, historical & cultural attractions, a first-rate waterfront, galleries, night-clubs, restaurants and an abundance of activities to suite all, are prolific in this world-class destination.
Although tastes vary, some of the more popular sights include the following:
Table Mountain
This 1086 m sandstone landmark dominates the city and has to be ascended! This is a fantastic way to gain a perspective on the city, with some breathtaking views of the peninsula, as well as an opportunity to experience the most concentrated, yet diverse, ecosystems in the world. The mountain is home to more than 1450 species of plants, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world, such as the Silver Tree and the wild orchid Disa Uniflora. Table Mountain is classified as the smallest of the six floral kingdoms of the world. The 'flat' top of the mountain is approximately nearly 3 km in length and sees almost a million tourist & hikers per year.
Visitors to the top can choose the six-minute trip to the summit via the modern cable car, one of the safest in the world, or alternatively make use of one of the 350 recognized paths all over the mountain. The easiest and quickest of these is the popular Platteklip Gorge route, a path up a ravine clearly visible on the front face of Table Mountain. The summit boasts a modern restaurant, souvenir shop and postal service.
Robben Island
With 150 years of dark, incarceration history, including the 18-year imprisonment of its most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, the island is a certain place of interest. After the fall of apartheid, the island was eventually declared a national monument in 1996, formerly opened its doors to the public in 1997, and declared an UNESCO world heritage site in 1999.
The Robben Island experience begins at Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, situated in the Clock Tower Precinct at the V&A Waterfront, where four ferries a day leave for the island. Each round trip is three and a half hours long and includes a visit to the maximum-security prison, a bus tour around the island and visits to the penguin boardwalk and museum shop. A number of antelopes can also be spotted on the island.
The Wine Routes
Constantia, a meager 20 minutes from the city centre, is the birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa. Still today, five wine farms in this area produce world-class wines, recognized for their escalating quality.
Further from the city, a drive of approximately 45 minutes north from Cape Town brings you to a region where grand mountains from a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and historic gabled Cape Dutch homesteads.
Almost 100 wine farms on four wine routes in this region alone boast not only a multitude of award winning wines, but also restaurants, wine tasting and activities. In the wine regions visitors can also experience a number of quaint villages & towns (especially Paarl, Stellenbosch & Franshoek), cheese shops, a crocodile farm, a cheetah rehabilitation centre, hikes and rivers activities.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
As one of the most successful developments in the history of Southern Africa, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a comprehensive shopping and recreational destination ranking amongst the best waterfronts in the world. It's Cape Town's most popular local attraction and has over a million visitors per year, 70% of which are Capetonian.
An array of shops, markets, restaurants, cinemas, a theatre, boat trips, helicopter trips, a brewery, hotels as well as a new residential development can all be found within walking distance and surrounded by a working harbor.

Additional attractions worth a visit are the Waterfront Craft Market & the Red Shed craft market, where visitors can watch artists & craftspeople produce as well as buy their wares. The Two Ocean Aquarium offers a constantly updated peak into indigenous Southern African fresh and seawater creatures. Next door to the aquarium the South African Maritime Museum has the largest collection of model ships in the Southern Hemisphere and some fascinating artifacts.