Great Adventure Trips

Namibia

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

15 Day Pure Namibia

A small group participation Camping and Lodge Safari from Windhoek to Windhoek Namibia

Highlights
Windhoek, Waterberg Plateau, Etosha National Park, Ruacana, Epupa Falls & Himba Experience, Opuwo, Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, & Sossusvlei

DAY 1: Windhoek D
After your arrival at Windhoek Airport you'll be picked up and transferred to your Lodge. The rest of the day is free for leisure. You'll meet your guide and the rest of the group and can arrange last minute things in Namibia's capital before our journey starts
Accommodation: Roof of Africa Lodge (Double Rooms with en-suite bathroom, restaurant, bar & Swimming Pool)

DAY 2: Windhoek to Waterberg Plateau BLD
Early in the morning, we leave Windhoek and drive north to our destination, the Waterberg Plateau. The Waterberg Plateau towers 400 meters above the surrounding plains, and 1878 meters above sea level dominating the landscape for miles around. The oldest rock stratum is 850 million years old and dinosaurs left their tracks here 200 million years ago. After arrival and setting up our camp we are taken on an open vehicle game drive through the National Park. If time allows you have the option to go on guided walks through the park.
Distance: 280 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Waterberg National Park Camp (inside the National Park, ablutions with hot and cold water, toilets)

DAY 3 - 4: Drive to Etosha National Park, Namibia BLD
We leave the Waterberg behind us and travel towards Namibia's well-known Highlight of the North - Etosha National Park. After arrival we go on our first game drive through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907, it is home to approx 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. On Day 4 we'll spend as much time as possible driving through the 'Great White Place' (translation for Etosha) trying to get closer to some of the Big 5.
Day 3
Distance: 280 km (on the river)
Accommodation: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo, Namutoni or Halali), Camping - Camps have a bar, restaurant and swimming Pool as well as convenience store.
Day 4:
Distance: 150 km of game driving
Accommodation: Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo, Namutoni or Halali), Camping - Camps have a bar, restaurant and swimming Pool as well as convenience store.

DAY 5: Etosha to Ruacana National Park, Namibia BLD
We leave the wilderness and wildlife of Etosha National Park behind us and enter the rural areas of northern Namibia. We travel through many small rural villages before arriving in Ruacana and set up our Camp at Hippo Pools. Ruacana lies on the border of Angola and Namibia and you will experience a totally different lifestyle to ours.
Distance: 400km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Eha Lodge camping

DAY 6 - 7: Ruacana Falls and Epupa BLD, BLD
After an early start, we will get up early and go on a hike to Ruacana Falls (1 hour). The dramatic 85 m Ruacana Falls was once a natural wonder, but all that changed thanks to Angola's Calueque Dam, 20km upstream, and NamPower's Ruacana power plant. On the rare occasions when there's a surfeit of water, Ruacana returns to its former glory as one of the most spectacular sights on the continent. After our hike to the falls we start our expedition deeper into the Kunene Region, exploring the real life of the Himba Tribe. Already on our drive to Epupa, we will see here and there Himbas passing us. When we arrive in Epupa we set up our camp and will be able to explore the beauty and remoteness of this area, bordering Angola. On Day 7 we will take part in a Himba Experience and visit one of their local villages to explore their culture and traditions. Epupa means 'falling water' in the Herero and Himba languages. Epupa is Namibia's largest system of waterfalls and cataracts, and it lies on the Kunene River in northern Kaokoland. You'll be spoilt with beautiful scenery and have the option to take a walk to the Epupa Falls or try some other hikes in the valley.
Distance: 300 km (bad road) Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic Spot en route.
Accommodation: Omarunga Camp (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool, situated on the banks of the Kunene River).

DAY 8: Palmwag, Namibia BLD
We have a long day ahead! We leave the Northern part of Namibia and drive through the Joubert Pass to Palmwag. Palmwag and surroundings is home of the desert elephants and after reaching our destination for today we will try and find these majestic animals. We are going on a walk after asking the locals in which direction they have seen the desert elephants last, trying to spot them and get closer to them.
Back in our camp our guide will prepare dinner for the group and we will enjoy another beautiful African Sunset
Distance: 250 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Campsite at Palmwag Lodge (bar, restaurant, swimming pool)

DAY 9: Spitzkoppe, Namibia BLD
Our destination today is Spitzkoppe, known as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. Rising to an altitude of about 1 800 meters, the Spitzkoppe is by no means Namibia's highest mountain, however, due to its striking outlines it is regarded as the most well-known mountain in the country. Situated in an endless dry plain, the island of mountains can be seen from far away.
We will leave Palmwag early so that there are enough hours to sill enjoy a hike at Spitzkoppe.
Distance: 320 km Departure: 8h00
Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Camp

DAY 10 & 11: Swakopmund, Namibia BL, B
Today we only have a short drive to Swakopmund, but if you want to, you can take part in a few of the many optional activities that are offered in Swakopmund like Quad biking, Sand boarding or Sky diving. But of course you can also just go and enjoy the little German coastal town and explore its beauty, beaches and charm.
This evening you can enjoy a typical Namibian meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense).
Distance: 200 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Villa Wiese (double rooms with en-suite bathroom, several bars and restaurants in town, internet café in town).

DAY 12-13: Sossusvlei, Namibia BLD, BLD
An early morning start takes us from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on our way to Sesriem in the apparently oldest desert - Namib Desert. We visit the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. There is an option of taking the shuttle into the dunes. (Own expense) 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: 345 km (day one) Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Hammerstein Campsite (ablution blocks with hot and cold water)

DAY 14: Drive to Windhoek, Namibia BL
We leave the Desert behind us and travel back to Windhoek. This will be a long day but driving through beautiful country site and short stops in-between will reimburse us for that.
In the evening we'll arrive back in civilization in Windhoek and enjoy if you want a hearty meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense) and celebrate our last evening of the tour
Distance: 500 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Roof of Africa Lodge (double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar, restaurant and shops in town, swimming pool)

DAYS 15: Windhoek, end of tour B
After we meet a last time to enjoy our breakfast together, you will still have time to explore the town of Windhoek on your own depending on when your flight leaves back home or to your next destination. You will be transferred to the airport to check-in for your flight and we hope to welcome you again sometime on one of our adventures.

Meal Key B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Group Size Maximum 10 people

2009 tour price: US$ 1950.00 Single supplement US$ 50.00 Local payment ZAR 1500

Departure Dates 2009: April 30, May 14, June 11/25, July 09/23, August 06/20, September 03/17, October 02/15, November 12/26, December 10/24

Included in the price
Use of full camping equipment (except sleeping bags), meals as per itinerary, coffee/tea with the meals, coffee/tea with the meals, transport on the tour, 3 nights in basic Lodges and 11 nights camping at designated campsites, activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.

Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged at Roof of Africa Lodge:
Roof of Africa Lodge, Standard Room, including breakfast= ZAR 350.00 per person sharing per night, ZAR 545.00 per person single per night
One-way Airport Transfer from Windhoek Airport to Roof of Africa= ZAR 160.00 per person one-way (based on a min of 2 pax)

Transport
Operator uses fully equipped Toyota Busses or Toyota Landcruisers or appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating and a music system. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen. All luggage is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle.
Accommodation
Accommodation on our camping safaris is 2 guests per 3-man dome tent, fitted with mosquito nets. Operator provides sleeping mattresses. Chalet, Lodge or tented camp accommodation is provided on 3 nights during the safari. Please note that the accommodations 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. Namibian Dollar and South African Rand (ZAR) are the most practical and convenient currencies. There are automatic teller machines (ATM's) available in some bigger towns 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 by the guide and are prepared by him/her with the help of the group (This is 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 your home country.
Sleeping bags:
Operator is able to supply sleeping bags during the tour if necessary. A fee of US$ 30 / Euro 25 will be charged.
Participation:
The Pure Namibia Tour is a semi-participation camping and lodge safari. This means, that the participants will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, i.e. setting up the overnight camps (tents, chairs, tables), cooking meals and cleaning dishes afterwards, tidying up the campsite before leaving and packing and un-packing of the vehicle.
Visas:
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for clients to visit Namibia prior to departure.