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

The Oryx & Himba Safari (12 Days)

Venture into a world of changing scenery, contrasting unspoilt wilderness and numerous cultures with the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Windhoek and Swakopmund. We explore Namibia's attractions using a diverse itinerary, including the central area with the Namib Desert and the northern area with the famous Etosha National Park as well as a visit to a Himba tribe and the world renowned Okonjima Africat Foundation. Enjoy our unique campsites in the desert under the Namibian sky.

DAY 1: WINDHOEK
Windhoek, with its novel scenery of German architecture, activities and atmosphere is a city which can be visited throughout the year. The day is spent at leisure. Safari Hotel *** or guesthouse accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis. Dinner and lunch are for your own account.

DAY 2: OKONJIMA AFRICAT FOUNDATION
We depart Windhoek after breakfast, arriving at Okonjima in time for lunch. The Africat foundation is a non-profit organization committed to the long-term conservation and preservation of Namibia's large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. An afternoon activity is included which could be either tracking cheetah or leopard on foot, or viewing the veterinary work done by the foundation. The night is spent camping under the bright stars at Okonjima. (All meals).

DAY 3/4/5: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa. Thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, etc. are attracted to the area. The birdlife is prolific with 326 recorded species. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are enjoyed with the evenings spent watching an amazing diversity of animals around the floodlit waterhole bordering our campsite. (All meals).

DAY 6: HIMBA VISIT
Our final early morning game drive takes us through the Western corridor of
Etosha en-route to our camp from where we visit the Ovahimba. The Himbas
are a semi-nomadic tribe, who live 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 with a visit to a traditional Himba settlement learning more about these fascinating people. (All meals).

DAY 7/8: DAMARALAND
An early morning drive takes us to our camp in Damaraland. The changing colours of the surrounding landscapes are enjoyed on a guided walk with explanations of the unique flora and geology of the area. We visit the Twyfelfontein area with walks to view the ancient Bushman rock engravings, Organ Pipes, and the Burnt Mountain. (All meals).

DAY 9: SWAKOPMUND via Skeleton Coast
Travelling via the Skeleton Coast a visit is made to Cape Cross Seal Colony, one of the largest mainland seal colonies in the world. Swakopmund, with its German colonial atmosphere, is the principal coastal resort of Namibia. Time is spent at leisure to enjoy the charm of this old town or to undertake one of the many optional activities on offer (scenic flights, hot air ballooning, etc. own expense). Overnight accommodation in Guest House. (All meals, excluding dinner).

DAY 10/11: NAMIB DESERT - SESRIEM
Driving via the Moon landscape we stop to view the unusual prehistoric Welwitschia plant, a dwarf tree flourishing on the moisture of the Atlantic Coast. Its lifespan is estimated at more than 1,000 years. We travel via Kuiseb Canyon en-route to our camp on the edge of the Namib desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei stopping in the dune belt to enjoy the changing colours of the world's highest sand dunes. The morning is spent walking amongst the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. En-route back to camp we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon and sunset in the dunes surrounding our camp. (All meals, excluding lunch day 10).

DAY 12: WINDHOEK
Climbing through the mountains of the Namib Naukluft Park, we arrive in Windhoek in the early afternoon +-14h00. (Breakfast only).

The itinerary will depend on local conditions.

Serviced safari: No camp duties.
Accommodation: 9 Nights standard camping with camp bed, mattress, sleeping bag, & small pillow provided, 2 nights hotel/ chalet in Windhoek & Swakopmund.
Meals: Prepared by the guide and cook, all meals when camping. Breakfast only in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Group size: 4-12Participants.
Transfers: Transfers in Windhoek (+-€50 p/p) may be pre-booked.
Sleeping bag hire: €24 - must be booked in advance

2007 Prices: Jan.-March = US$1473, April-June & Nov.-Dec. = US$1541, July-Oct.= US$1619. Airport transfers = US$77.

2007 Dates: Feb. 12-23, March 12-23, April 2-13, May 7-18, June 4-15, July 2-13, July 16-27, Aug. 6-17, Aug. 20-31, Sept. 3-14, Sept. 17-28, Oct. 8-19, Oct. 22-Nov. 2, Nov. 5-16, Dec. 22-Jan. 2

2007 departures guaranteed to go with minimum of 4 passengers.