17 Nights, 18 Days From NAD 45700 pp

Itinerary

Day 1.  Windhoek - Auob Country Lodge, Kalahari Desert   (398 Km)

Immediately after your arrival at Hosea Kutako airport, we depart for the quaint little village of Gochas, located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert.  Embarking on a travel through open savannah plains, you bear witness to how the land gradually evolves into one of the most well known deserts on earth. The red dunes of the Kalahari provide spectacular photo opportunities and one comes to realize what the term "Thirst Land" really means.  We overnight at the Auob Lodge, where southern hospitality brings a close to the day.

(L)

 

Day 2.  Gochas - Quiver Tree Forest - Canon Lodge    (531 Km)

After an early departure, we follow the Auob River and partake in a rollercoaster ride of dunes that simply demands an extra surge of adrenaline from the body. We make a brief stop at the mysterious Quiver Tree Forest, located just north of the town of Keetmanshoop. We then head south towards the mighty Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, and second only to the American Grand Canyon. The day ends at Canon Lodge.

(B,L)

 

Day 3.  Canon Lodge - Klein Aus Vista, via Rosh Pinah    (300 Km)

We have now reached the most southern part of Namibia. Rare plant species such as the "halfmens" (half-human) can be observed in this area. Following the Orange River - the natural border between South Africa and Namibia - we head west. On our way to Aus, we pass the Rosh Pinah mine, where a vein of zinc leaks from the rocky world. We reach the town of Aus, lying on the edge of the Huib plateau by the late afternoon, and the day comes to a close with us spending the night amongst the majestic boulders of Klein Aus Vista. Scenic views of the plains below and a memorable sunset usher you into the night.

(B,L)

 

Day 4.  Aus - Tsauchab River Camp    (320 Km)

Skirting the border of the fourth largest game reserve in the world, the Namib Naukluft Park, we head towards Sesriem, the gateway to the highest dunes known to man. Along the way we encounter spectacular dune and mountain ranges, stretching from horizon to horizon. Our camp on vast open plains and under the magnificent southern skies is sufficient time for not only personal introspection, but also for the realisation of the actual insignificance of man.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 5.  Sesriem - Sossusvlei- Naukluft    (170Km)

To experience a sunrise of indescribable beauty over the dunes at Sossusvlei, we need to depart long before dawn.  But have no fear - the magical rays of the new day are definitely worth the effort!  During the return journey, we visit another great canyon: the Sesriem Canyon. From the sea of the Namib sand to the Naukluft massif, our journey takes us to the Naukluft Mountains. We will camp in the shadows of wild fig trees, and as the darkness prevails, your heart will fall into symphonic harmony with the hum of a true African night.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 6.  Naukluft - Swakopmund    (283 Km)

This morning is spent exploring the stunning and dramatic surroundings of the Olive Trail. This 11 km walk enhances your senses and supplies you with a lifetime's worth of conquering memories. After the walk, we travel to Swakopmund through the upper part of the Namib Naukluft Park and pass by several landmarks of interest along the way, like the Gaub and Kuiseb Rivers. The vibrant town of Swakopmund, with its predominantly German architecture and kaleidoscope of gastronomic treats, is indeed a jewel of the ocean.

(B,L)

 

Day 7.  Swakopmund

Use some free time to explore the streets of Swakopmund with its various souvenirs and restaurants. For those not so keen on staying in town, you can also participate in desert excursions, quad-biking, dune boarding, boat cruises and much more.

(B)

 

Day 8.  Swakopmund - Save the Rhino Trust Camp    (229 Km)

After a first-class breakfast, we head towards the seal colony at Cape Cross, where the largest concentration of Cape fur seals along the Namibian coast is found. With its newly built walkway providing excellent photo opportunities for the keen, you can wander amongst the seals with absolute safety. We then head east again, this time to Save The Rhino Trust. Dropping down into the Ugab River, the campsite is a welcome sight to behold.  The warm inland air has now been replaced with cooler ocean breezes. As we settle down for the night, the potential to see the elusive desert elephant is ever present.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 9.  SRT - Twyfelfontein, via Doros Crater    (100 Km)

Today we enter a wilderness area known as Damaraland. From sharp rocky ridges to extinct volcanoes, we explore our way to our next destination.  Twyfelfontein, Afrikaans for fountain of doubt, is the ultimate location for viewing ancient rock engravings.  The unique tranquil atmosphere found in this area always drives the understanding that you are now in the heart of Namibia.

(B,L)

 

Day 10.  Twyfelfontein - Okaukuejo, via Otjovasondu    (385 Km) 

We follow a gravel road through several conservancies* on our way to Otjovasondu.  (*Conservancies are areas that are managed and run by local tribes who draw benefit from these lands through sustainable resource utilization. In turn, the probability of observing wildlife in these areas is much higher because of this practise.)

The western part of Etosha National Park, previously closed to the general public, is now used by licensed tour operators as an entrance into the world renowned park. We too use it to take us to virgin land, rarely seen by people. Okaukuejo and its floodlit waterhole is our home for the night.

(B,L)

 

Day 11. Okaukuejo - Onguma Bush Camp    (140 Km)

An early morning departure allows us to see plenty of game as we travel to Namutoni, the most eastern resort of Etosha. Wildlife of all sorts can be spotted during the day. At the end of our journey, Onguma Bush Camp awaits, with its rustic and relaxed atmosphere supplying a smooth tonic for your weary soul.

(B,L)

 

Day 12.  Onguma - Tsumkwe Lodge    (420 Km)

We leave Onguma after a hearty breakfast and tackle the gravel road leading into the heart of Bushmanland (now known as Tsumkwe), home of the San people. After a brief stop at Tsumkwe Village, we head towards Tsumkwe Country Lodge.

(B,L)

 

Day 13.  Tsumkwe - Sikereti    (60 Km)

This 60km, sandy stretch into the Kaudom Game Park takes about 3 hours to complete. The Kaudom game reserve represents the North-Eastern Kalahari Woodlands, strewn with "omurambas" (dry-riverbeds) and forests of teak.  Again, the race for survival and the simple impossibility of it astounds reasonable thought.  Supposedly the last home of free ranging wild dogs, Kaudom holds nearly as many secrets as there are stars in the sky, just waiting for a seeking eye and willing soul.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 14. Sikereti - Kaudom Camp   (140 Km)

A network of very sandy roads links Sikeretti to its Northern sister camp, Kaudom. Our chosen route takes us down one of the sandy tracks to the numerous watering holes along the way. Elephant, lion, giraffe and the kudu - the elusive ‘Grey Ghost' - are but someof the species we will encounter. Khaudum camp is situated on the Khaudum Omuramba, where a sundowner in Africa takes on a totally new perspective.

Welcome dear friend, and behold ... the true heart of Africa at your fingertips!

(B,L,D)

 

Day 15. Kaudom to Ngepi Camp    (200 Km)

The time has drawn near to meet the "Golden Highway", a stretch of 60 Km of very heavy 4x4 driving. We travel through a forest of Rhodesian Teak trees. All look exactly the same but each has a different story to tell of how this path has broken the spirits of many avid adventurers and reminded them of the mortals they are. After what seems like an endless journey, a paved road appears, and the sweat and heartache of the Katere is but a distant memory.  Once more the panorama changes, and an open river plain greets us like an old friend.

The drive to Mahango Game Reserve follows the contours of the Kavango River. Our camp at Ngepi is one of the best kept secrets in Namibia, and the peace and quiet on the banks of the Kavango River quickly help you forget that just a few days ago you saw only sand; and now - only water ...

(B,L)

 

Day 16. Ngepi. Explore Mahango and area    (50 Km)

The Mahango Game Reserve represents the only park that encompasses the whole of the Kavango River. It borders the southern Botswana with woodland, mixed savannah and riverine vegetation. A larger variety and concentration of game can be found in the park, including elephants, roan, impala, sable, hippo and crocodile.  Another day of memories is born from under the Great African Skies.  Ngepi thus ends our Kavango experience.

(B,L)

 

Day 17. Ngepi - Roy's Camp    (474 Km)

Distances in Namibia are great. Instead of seeing this as a limiting factor, enjoy the road. Travelling by road allows for a great part of Namibia and her people to be seen, each different from the next.  Traditional villages, woodcrafts and food sold by the roadside clearly indicate the importance of the transport veins throughout the country. One never knows what lies ahead or is around the next corner. Quiet moments pave the way for memories and reflections of a journey as unbelievable as the country you are now just getting to know.

(B)

 

Day 18. Roy's Camp - Windhoek    (455 Km)

The dreaded last day. From Grootfontein (Afrikaans for "Big Fountain") we follow the dark snake of tarmac as it winds down in a southerly direction towards Windhoek. Browsing the Okahandja wood market will mark the last stop before we embark on the remainder of our journey, our destination being the Hosea Kutako International Airport.

(B,L)