This itinerary is merely a suggested route highlighting Namibia's main attractions.
ROUTING HIGHLIGHTS:
Windhoek – Western Kalahari Basin – Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz – Namib Naukluft Park – Swakopmund & Skeleton Coast – Twyfelfontein – Etosha National Park – Caprivi
Pre and post accommodation or camping can be organised to include South Africa, Botswana and/-or Zimbabwe.
Day 1
Fish River Canyon (Entering Namibia through Noordoewer/Vioolsdrif border)
Continuing in a southerly direction on route through the southern Karas Region via the small town Keetmanshoop, one of the oldest established towns in Namibia and the capital of the south. Optional excursions on route should be included to the “Quiver Tree Forest”; an outcrop colonized by an Aloe tree species (Aloe dichotoma) and the basalt formations of the “Giants Play Ground”. Late afternoon arrival.
Day 2
Lüderitz
This morning can be spent conducting an excursion to the Fish River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world and the second largest in Africa. This impressive geological formation had its origins some 1’800 million years ago and has had evidence of human “habitation” for over 50 000 years. Visits should be conducted to the various viewpoints, including Hells Bend.
Leaving the Fish River Canyon follow the main route in a westerly direction over the central highland plateau towards the small mountain town of Aus before descending into the Namib Desert. Aus was established as a prisoner of war camp in 1915 following the surrender of the German colonial troops to the South African forces. The site was chosen for its strategic significance, situated on the railway line between Keetmanshoop and the harbour town of Lüderitz. An excursion on route should be included to Garub, a watering point in the desert normally frequented by the “Feral Horses” and light lunch . Late afternoon arrival in Lüderitz.
While in Lüderitz excursions should be conducted to the various attractions of this quaint harbour town. The best way to do this is on foot and should include visits to the historical buildings of the Deutsche-Africa Bank, the Station Building, the Old Post Office, the Turnhalle Building, the German Lutheran Church and the Goerke House. Venturing further afield visit the Diaz Peninsula, where the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz erected a stone cross in 1488, Halifax Island, Griffith Bay and the Grosse Bucht. An excursion which should not be missed is a visit to the ghost town of “Kolmanskop” and provides an interesting glimpse of the former diamond boomtown, which was finally deserted in 1956.
Day 3
Namib Naukluft Park
Departing from Lüderitz today’s route returns towards Aus. The word “Aus” means 'snake fountain' in the Nama language. In the past, Aus held particular importance for indigenous people and early explorers, as it was the place to replenish water supplies before or after crossing the harsh Namib Desert. Today this scenic area is of biological significance: three desert biomes overlap right here. Aus also has a rich history, spanning centuries. In an attempt to create jobs and revive the little town a program was launched by the community and the private sector. With educational displays, a café, restaurant, souvenir shop and various guided activities, Aus Info Center will create opportunities for the community to benefit from tourism.
Day 4
Sossusvlei / Sesriem
Today’s departure continues in a northerly direction on route towards the Namib Naukluft Park. An excursion on route should be included to the Duwisib Castle before your midday arrival at the Desert Homestead. The Duwisib Castle was built in 1907 for Hansheinrich von Wolf and his American heiress wife Jayta. The fort was designed by Willi Sander, renowned for designing Windhoek’s, Heinitzburg Castle. Stone for the castle was quarried some three kilometres away while other material and furnishings were imported from Germany via Lüderitz.
Travellers to the Sossusvlei area will be hard pressed to find a more idyllic setting from which to explore the magnificent red dunes of the Namib or the jewel like rock pools of the Naukluft Mountain, then the Desert Homestead. The Desert Homestead offers simple but stylish accommodation is provided in rustic rock, thatched chalets which were designed with the fragile beauty of this remarkable environment in mind. The lodge is situated approximately 32 kilometres from Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei
Day 5
Sossusvlei / Sesriem
Conduct an early morning excursion along the path of the ancient Tschaub River into the Namib Sand Sea including a visit to the famed Sossusvlei, Dune 45 and Deadvlei. Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the desert is more stunning than Sossusvlei, with its monumentally high dunes, the shadows of their sinuous crests continually changing as the day waxes and wanes. Gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand, the highest estimated at 325 m. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the deflationary clay pans at some of their bases. An afternoon excursion should be conducted to the Sesriem Canyon, a small yet picturesque canyon carved over millions of years into the Tschaub River.
Day 6
Swakopmund
Departing from the central Namib Region today’s route continues in a northerly direction along the eastern boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park passing through the small settlement of Solitaire on route to the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. Continue across the “gravel plains” of the Namib Desert on route towards Namibia’s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. Optional excursions on route can be included to the erosion feature of the “Moon Valley” and to Namibia’s ancient plant species, the “Welwitschia mirabilis.
Day 7
Swakopmund
Today can be spent at leisure to explore Namibia’s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. This quaint town nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended gardens. There is a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries, while the coastline and the desert respectively offer many options for adventure or relaxation. While in Swakopmund an excursion should be conducted to Namibia’s largest commercial harbour, Walvis Bay and the Walvis Bay Lagoon, protected under the RAMSAR Convention as an important wetland. The lagoon is renowned for its seasonal abundance of both the Greater and Lesser Flamingo species. Activities recommended would include LEVO Dolphin Tour during the morning and Tommy’s Living Desert Tour in the evening.
Day 8
Skeleton Coast – Cape Cross
Early morning departure from Swakopmund in a northerly direction on route through the National West Coast Recreational Area towards the small fishing town of Henties Bay. An excursion which should be included on route is a visit to the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Cape Cross. In 1486, the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia, Diago Ciao, erected a cross in honour of John 1 of Portugal at a site now known as Cape Cross 115 km north of Swakopmund. In addition to being of historical interest, Cape Cross has a breeding colony of Cape Fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus).
Day 09
Skeleton Coast – Damaraland - Twyfelfontein
Leaving the coast continue in an easterly direction crossing the “gravel plains” towards the abandoned mining town of Uis, and Namibia’s highest Mountain Range. The Brandberg is 2573m at its highest point and renowned for the famous work of bushmen art, “the White Lady”. Late afternoon arrival at Ugab Terrace Lodge near Khorixas with an spectacular view of the Vingerklip.
Twyfelfontein is one of the richest areas of rock engravings and Bushmen paintings in Namibia. Guided walking excursion can be conducted to some of the engraving sites. Interesting geological features in the area include the Burnt Mountain and the dolomite columns known as the “Organ Pipes”.
Departing from Twyfelfontein continue in an easterly direction via the small towns of Khorixas and Outjo towards the Etosha National Park. Optional excursions on route can be conducted to the Petrified Forest, with approximately 50 examples of petrified trees dating back some 260 million years, and to the Vingerklip or “Rock Finger” formation in the Ugab River Valley. This limestone skittle was formed approximately 30 million years ago by water erosion
Day 10
Damaraland – Khowarig Lodge
Departing Ugab Terrace Lodge to Khowarib Schlucht (gorge) on the Hoanib River where one can visit Anmare Traditional Village (Herero). Ongongo Waterfall where one can stop for a swim in the crystal clear pool. Fort Sesfontein was one of a chain of out posts built by the Germans to try and combat gun smuggling and control cattle movements (in an attempt to control the spread of diseases). In 1987 the fort was restored and turned into a lodge. The name Sesfontein derives from the Afrikaans words ses = six and fontein = spring and refers to the six springs found here. The “town” is a small, dusty outpost and supports a mixture of Afrikaners, Nama’s, Herero’s and sometimes Himba.
Day 11
Etosha National Park
Departing from Khowarib Lodge continue in an easterly direction via the small towns of Khorixas and Outjo towards the Etosha National Park. Optional excursions on route can be conducted to the Petrified Forest, with approximately 50 examples of petrified trees dating back some 260 million years This small farming centre of Outjo has its origins as hunting and trading centre and was first inhabited by the early European explorer Tom Lambert in 1880.
Entrance into the Etosha National Park is via the central Anderson’s Gate. Please note that on entering the park an entrance permit must be completed. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the conditions of entry into the park and comply with them. Your park entry permit must be presented at the reservations office when registering for your rooms.
The late afternoon can be spent conducting game drives to the numerous waterholes in the Okaukuejo area. Please remember to return to the camp before the gates close at sunset. Okaukuejo is the main administrative camp of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for visitors in 1957. Apart from the accommodation and other facilities for tourists, the camp is also home to the Ecological Institute, which is responsible for the research and management of the park. The Okaukuejo waterhole is probably one of the most renowned waterholes in the park. The presence of game is seasonal but winter offers game enthusiasts a unique experience as the illuminated waterhole is situated next to the camp. Common sightings include large herds of elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, brown hyena, Burchell’s and Hartman’s Mountain Zebra, Gnu and numerous antelope species.
Meals are available from the camp restaurant while late evenings can be spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.
Okaukuejo Rest Camp is the main administrative camp of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for visitors in 1957. A variety of accommodation is available from self-catering chalet units to twin bedded bungalows. Facilities at the rest camp include a restaurant, shop, post office, swimming pool and filling station. Okaukuejo is also home to the Ecological Institute, which is responsible for the research and management of the park. The Okaukuejo waterhole is probably one of the most renowned waterholes.
Day 12
Etosha National Park
Continue your game drives at leisure through the park visiting the numerous waterholes on route towards the Namutoni Rest Camp. The late afternoon can be spent conducting your game viewing activities around the waterholes in the eastern Namutoni Region. Some of these waterholes are artesian fountains or contact springs while others are artificial. One of these is the Chodob waterhole, which is fed by an artesian fountain. It has a floating reed island, a characteristic associated with this sort of fountain. It is one of the few waterholes frequented by eland. Apart from eland, black-faced impala, warthog and giraffe gather here to drink allowing for excellent photography.
Other waterholes worth visiting include Klein Namutoni, Groot Okevi, and Kalkheuwel while also including a visit to the Fort Namutoni. The first fort, a six roomed building was erected during 1902. In 1904, however it was totally destroyed by Owambo raiders. In 1906 it was rebuilt and considerably enlarged and the fort never again came under attack. From 1910 onwards it served periodically as a police post but eventually fell into disuse. It was however rebuilt in 1956 according to its original design and opened in 1958 as a tourist camp.
Meals are available from the camp restaurant while late evenings can be spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.
Namutoni Rest Camp is situated on the eastern edge of the pan, and centres around a beautiful old fort in an area dotted with graceful Makalani palms. It dates back to a German police post, built before the turn of the century, and was later used as an army base and for English prisoners in the First World War, before being restored to its present state in 1957.
As a reminder of its military past, sunrise and sunset are observed by a bugler calling from the top of the watch tower, in the fort's north-eastern corner. The presence of the fort gives Namutoni more character than the other rest camps in Etosha.
Day 13
Kavango Region
Your journeys heads via Tsumebto Grootfontein.
The small town of Grootfontein serves the surrounding cattle-ranching community and is the last centre on the road to Rundu and the far east. The town's Herero name - Otjiwanda Tjongue - means leopard crest, and these animals still occur in the surroundings. Due to the relatively high rainfall and large number of springs in the area, the San and Damara's who lived here in the first half of the 19th century, called the place Gei-/ous, which translates as Grootfontein (Afrikaans for large spring)
Day 14
Caprivi – Popa Falls – Mahango Game Reserve
Continue your journey in an easterly direction into the Caprivi Strip and Popa Falls. The higher rainfall in this north-eastern area gives rise to lush, dense vegetation very different to that found in the rest of the country.
Popa Falls are really not much more than a pretty set of rapids on the Okavango River created by a rocky ledge. Most impressive in the rainy season, the falls have a drop of about 3 metres and extend across the full width of the river. After the Popa Falls the Okavango River spreads out to form the remarkable inland Okavango Delta. The Popa Falls are an important habitat for two rare fish species; broad head catfish and ocellated spiny eel. Game viewing opportunities are scarce here, but the bird life is rich.
The Mahango Game Park borders on the perennial Okavango River. Characterised by riverine forests, a broad flood plain, magnificent baobabs and large herds of elephant and red lechwe, the Mahango is one of Namibia's most diverse and interesting conservation areas. It was proclaimed in 1989, extends over 244 km2, links up with the Buffalo Core Conservation Area across the river and harbours rare game species such as buffalo, sable and roan antelope, bushbuck, reedbuck, tsessebe and sitatunga. The reserve is home to over 400 bird species, conspicuous examples being king- fishers, herons, cormorants, African skimmers, Wattled cranes, Pygmy geese and African fish eagles.
Nunda river Lodge’s hidden wildlife paradise in the Caprivi where time stands still. This lodge is nestled amongst majestic trees on the banks of the Okavango River a few hundred metres from Popa Falls. The Lodge offers an exquisite view over the Okavango River with excellent opportunities for bird watching. The lodge is only 12km’s from the Mahango Game Reserve, which is celebrated for it’s abundance of game species such as elephant, buffalo, sable and roan antelope, bushbuck, reedbuck and tsessebe.
Day 15 & 16
Caprivi – Kwando River
After breakfast you proceed further east via Kongola to your next destination, situated on the Kwando River. The Kwando River is home to hippo and crocodile and the waters sustain many elephant in the small Mamili and Mudumu Parks.
Mamili in particular is a birders paradise with over 430 species having been identified here. The vegetation is very similar to that of Botswana's Okavango Delta region and is made up of dense stands of sycamore fig, jackal berry, Leadwood and sausage trees in the centre of lush islands surrounded by papyrus swamps.
Activities on offer during your stay are Nature drives, Boat Excursions, Guided walks, Stargazing, Bird watching, Visits to villages and fishing.
Day 17
Caprivi – Katima Mulilo
Set in a beautiful African environment on the banks of the Zambezi River in North Eastern Namibia, east from Katima Mulilo, is the secluded Kalizo Lodge. Relax and unwind at Kalizo's tranquil surroundings in the Primeval Wilderness.
Day 18
Leaving Namibia through Victoria Falls / Chobe National Park (separate add-ons)
Contact our office for a full list and description of the properties used in this itinerary.
