WELCOME
2 AFRICA - NAMIBIA TOURS!
EXPLORING
NAMIBIA
14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS - WINDHOEK TO WINDHOEK
Landscapes
of Namibia, from the treacherous gorges of the Fish River Canyon in
the south, to Swakopmund, Damaraland and one of Africa's premier wildlife
reserves in the north, the famous Etosha National Park.
Day
1
Our
journey takes us south to the vegetated red dunes of the Kalahari
Desert which differ from the Namib as the dunes are greener and less
stark. A late afternoon scenic drive will be undertaken in the area.
Kalahari
Region (Auob Lodge) - lunch, dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day
2
A
full day's journey takes us south through the desertdominated landscapes,
to a picturesque Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop. This prehistoric
tree reaches skyward with graphically forked branches, trunks that
peel and form intricate patterns as the tree matures and offers rewarding
subjects to photograph. 'Giants Playground' is an impressive
jumble of massive boulders, a virtual maze where time can be spent
wandering through the extensive rocky labyrinth.
Fish
River Canyon (Canon Lodge) - lunch packs, bed and breakfast basis
Day
3
Proceed
to the magnificent boulder-studded plains and hills to the east of
the great Fish River Canyon, where impressive surrounding rock formations
provide many interesting hours for the enthusiastic nature lover.
A guided excursion is taken to the majestic Fish River Canyon with
its viewpoints high above the deep winding gorges. The afternoon is
at leisure to explore the attractive natural surroundings of the Lodge.
Fish River Canyon (Canon Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day
4
The
next leg of our journey takes us via the small historic village of
Aus and through the vast barren expanse of the prohibited Diamond
area, to Lüderitz. After a short sightseeing tour of Lüderitz,
enjoy an afternoon excursion to Diaz Cross where the daring Portuguese
sailors erected a stone pillar in the 1480s.
Lüderitz
(Nest Hotel) - bed and breakfast basis
Day
5
After
breakfast we travel to the famous ghost town of Kolmanskop. During
the afternoon we proceed across the impressive Neisip Plains to Helmeringhausen.
Helmeringhausen
(Helmeringhausen Hotel) - full board basis
Day
6
Duwisib
Castle, built by legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife, was
completed in 1909. Today the interior of the castle and much of its
original furniture, artworks and firearms can be viewed. Proceed to
southern Namib Desert. Afternoon at leisure to relax in the desert
surrounds.
Sesriem
Area (Hammerstein Guest Farm) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day
7
An
early start is imperative, as this is the coolest part of the day
and the best time for photography. Our journey takes us to the famous
Sossusvlei, a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes
in the world. Climbing one of the dunes affords the energetic traveller
with an unforgettable experience of endless vistas. Afternoon excursion
to Sesriem Canyon.
Sesriem
Area (Hammerstein Guest Farm) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day
8
Our
destination today is the coastal town of Swakopmund via the Gaub and
Kuiseb Canyons and what we call the 'gramadoelas' (bad lands). Prior
to arrival in Swakopmund we visit Moon Valley, an unusual view overlooking
the landscape formed by the valleys of the Swakop River, one of the
broadest and longest of the country's ephemeral water courses. Visit
Namibias most celebrated plant, the ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis,
found on the vast gravel plains.
Swakopmund
(Hansa Hotel) - lunch packs, bed and breakfast basis
Day
9
Full
day at leisure in Swakopmund to enjoy the variety of coastal activities
on offer.
Swakopmund
(Hansa Hotel) - bed and breakfast basis
Day
10
Departing
Swakopmund we travel northwards to Henties Bay and onwards to the
Cape Cross Seal Reserve, after which we head inland past the Brandberg
Mountains into Damaraland.
Damaraland
(Twyfelfontein Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day
11
Twyfelfontein,
meaning 'doubtful spring' has been occupied for thousands of years
with its spring attracting huge herds of game, making it an excellent
base for early hunters. The slopes of the area are strewn with boulders;
all dotted with thousands of engravings and some ancient paintings,
a virtual open-air museum. Geological features in the area include
the Organ Pipes, angular columns of dolerite which form part of Namibias
rich natural history. A visit will also be made to the Petrified Forest.
Outjo
(Namatubis Guest Farm) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day
12
Enter
the world famous Etosha National Park where a full days game
drive is enjoyed, as we head east. The game and birds found here are
typical of the savannah plains of Southern Africa, but include several
species endemic to the western side of the continent, adjacent to
the Namib desert. Herbivores such as zebra, elephant, giraffe, Eland,
Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, springbok, kudu and steenbok abound. Among
the rarer species, Black and White Rhino (recently reintroduced) are
sometimes seen. Black-faced Impala are restricted to Namibia and southern
Angola and the Damara Dik-Dik, the parks smallest antelope is
also endemic. Hundreds of bird species have been recorded, with many
migrants during the summer period. Larger felines are found such as
lion, leopard, cheetah and caracal, with hyenas, Cape Fox and Black-
Backed Jackal seen during the early mornings and late evenings. Exit
the National Park and proceed to a private lodge situated on the outside
of the National Park.
Etosha
National Park (Mokuti Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day
13
We
return to the National Park for morning and afternoon game viewing.
Etosha
National Park (Mokuti Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis
Day
14
Early
morning departure to the town of Tsumeb which is dominated by the
central mine shaft, mining a rich ore pipe for copper, zinc, lead,
silver and a variety of unusual crystals for which Tsumeb is world
famous. This one pipe has produced 217 different minerals and gemstones,
of which 40 have been found nowhere else on earth. Continue south
through the garden town of Otjiwarongo, originally a railway staging
post between Tsumeb and Swakopmund. Okahandja is the administrative
centre for the Herero people and where the Kavango woodcarvers ply
their trade at a large open-air craft market on the outskirts of town.
We return to Windhoek in the late afternoon where the tour ends with
a transfer to your hotel or the airport.
PRICES
FROM 1ST OF DECEMBER 04 TO 30TH OF JUNE 05:
Price
per person sharing: R 21650
Single supplement: R 2600
PRICES
FROM 1ST OF JULY 05 TO 31ST OF OCTOBER 05:
Price
per person sharing: R 22300
Single supplement: R 2680
Departure: Fridays on specified dates