Andersson's
Africa
(7 passengers
maximum)
DAY
01: CENTRAL HIGHLANDS/KALAHARI
Within
minutes of leaving Hosea Kutako International Airport we are embraced by
the compelling beauty of Namibia¹s wide-open spaces. On the
drive to Eningu Clay House Lodge we will be introduced to a variety of
birds, game, trees and grass species typical of this area where the ecosystem
of the Central Highlands and the Kalahari meet. Another surprise
is Eningu, which has been artistically inspired and uniquely styled out
of clay to blend in perfectly with the russet-coloured sands of the surrounding
Kalahari. This afternoon is spent relaxing beside the swimming pool
or sitting on the roof top deck absorbing the peace, richness and contrasts
of the surrounding bush savannah. As evening beckons a gentle
stroll leads one to a nearby hide where sundowners are enjoyed whilst the
sun goes down and the night comes alive. A delicious dinner
is accompanied by a selection of South African wines.
DAY
02: WATERBERG PLATEAU
An
early morning walk is followed by a wholesome breakfast. Our drive
to the Waterberg takes us along quiet country roads through an area rich
in cattle and game farms. Rising some 200m above a surrounding sea
of bush and savannah, the Waterberg Plateau Park is recognisable from some
distance away. It’s imposing, flamboyant red sandstone formations and lush
green vegetation present an island of vibrant colour, which seems to glow
at sunrise and sunset. This vast pristine wilderness is home to a
huge variety of plant species, 240 bird species, and rare and endangered
species of game. It is also an area steeped in history as it
was in the foothills of the Waterberg where the Herero people lost their
greatest battle to the German colonial forces at the beginning of the century.
Our exclusive campsite provides a shady refuge beautifully situated under
a dense canopy of leadwood, camelthorn and umbrella thorn trees. Kudu and
the diminutive Damara Dik Dik frequent the area of the campsite, and leopard
tracks have been seen on a number of occasions. A late afternoon walk for
sundowners enjoyed at a vantage point on top of the Waterberg will afford
you a truly magical view of the sandstone cliffs that are emblazoned with
colourful splashes of lichen. Like a backdrop in the distance lie
the flat plains of the Northern Kalahari.
DAY
03: WATERBERG PLATEAU
Today
will be spent exploring the Waterberg Plateau on foot. In addition
to bringing one closer to nature this is a wonderful way to observe and
learn about the diverse bird and plant life that makes the Waterberg such
a unique destination. An added bonus is the possibility that we may
experience the thrill of seeing buffalo, and black or white rhino.
DAY
04: ETOSHA
Keeping
to the country roads we make our way to our exclusive campsite at the private
Fischer’s Pan Game Reserve, which borders the eastern perimeter of the
world renowned Etosha National Park only a couple of kilometres away from
the Von Lindequist Gate. In addition to its prime and secluded location
our campsite is beautifully situated on the edge of a small vlei, which
is surrounded by shady terminalia and tamboti trees. A variety of
game, including leopard, roam at will in this area Afternoon
game drive in the Namutoni area, which is characterised by the historic
Beau Gestean fort.
DAY
05: ETOSHA
Etosha
National Park covers 22 270 sq km of countryside ranging from dense bush
to barren plains. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan, meaning
"Place of Dry Water", a vast, dry silvery-white shallow depression of shimmering
mirages. Along the southern edge of the Pan perennial springs feed
waterholes, which attract an abundance of mammal and bird species thus
providing rewarding and often spectacular game viewing. The day is
spent game viewing in Etosha National Park.
DAY
06: ETOSHA
Today
we make our way to the western side of Etosha National Park stopping en
route at the numerous water holes to view game at close quarters.
Late afternoon we arrive at Okaukuejo where our overnight accommodation
is in bungalows. The highlight at Okaukuejo is a floodlit waterhole,
which is frequented by elephant, giraffe, black rhino, and lion.
Sundowners are followed by a barbeque and a further opportunity to view
the antics of nocturnal visitors to the waterhole.
DAY
07: SOUTHERN DAMARALAND
After
a final early morning game drive we head for our private camp site in southern
Damaraland. Between the Ugab and the Huab rivers lies a vast unspoilt
wilderness with magnificent rugged scenery of rolling plains and distant
mountains, a variety of desert flora and fauna, fascinating geological
formations and a wealth of rock paintings and engravings which combine
to form the unique attractions of Damaraland. Enjoy a late afternoon
stroll amongst the boulders and kopjes that are the heart of this amazing
land. Enjoy a sundowner as you reflect on the true meaning of peace
and tranquillity.
DAY
08: SOUTHERN DAMARALAND
Early
this morning we visit the San (Bushman) rock paintings and engravings at
nearby Twyfelfontein. These spectacular engravings are thought
to be the work of hunter-gatherers who lived in the area thousands of years
ago. South of Twyfelfontein in a desolate landscape of volcanic rock lies
the Burnt Mountain. Nearby a further geological curiosity is
the formation of perpendicular basalt called the Organ Pipes. Other
activities include nature walks and off road drives in search of the rare
desert-adapated elephants and the elusive desert black rhino, which have
adapted to the harsh elements of this region.
DAY
09: SWAKOPMUND
We
head towards the coast and Cape Cross where the Portuguese seafarer Diego
Cao became the first European to set foot on Namibian soil in 1486.
Cape Cross is also home to more than 80 000 Cape Fur Seals. A special
feature along the coast is the extensive lichen fields. Swakopmund
is Namibia¹s premier seaside resort and resembles a Bavarian village
with its many 19th century buildings hearking back to its colonial past.
Hedged by the desert and the wild Atlantic, Swakopmund offers old
world charm, a relaxed atmosphere and a host of activities. Our accommodation
tonight is at the four star Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre which
has been built in and around the impeccably restored historical station
building. Dinner will be at a local seafood restaurant.
DAY 10: SWAKOPMUND
This morning at 08.30 we
depart on a seal and dolphin cruise. This takes us through Walvis
Bay harbour, the fishing factories and Russian trawlers. From here on to
bird island, Pelican Point and back via the lagoon where a variety of birds
such as pelicans, flamingos, and cormorants can be seen. A highlight is
wild seals boarding the boat to be fed by hand. Fresh oysters, champagne
and snacks are enjoyed at the seal colony where dolphins join the fun around
the boat. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy a variety of optional
activities such as quad biking, a scenic flight over the dunes and coast,
and golf on one of the five registered desert golf course in the world.
DAY 11: NAMIB NAUKLUFT
After a leisurely breakfast
we make our way to the Namib Naukluft Park where landscapes range from
an impressive mountain massif to desert plains and high dunes. The
afternoon’s highlight is a visit to the awe inspiring dunes of Sossusvlei,
many of which are in excess of 300 m high, arguably making them the highest
in the world. As the late afternoon sun plays on these fascinating
dunes their colour can change from apricot to orange to a dark maroon thus
creating wonderful photographic opportunities. Our exclusive
campsite is surrounded by the huge Naukluft Mountains, a rugged range characterised
by sheer cliffs deeply incised river valleys and rolling hills which are
a sanctuary for Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, springbok and kudu.
A feature of our attractive campsite is the ruins of an old police station
which still huddles in the shade of ancient trees and takes one back to
the time of the Schutztruppe.
DAY 12: NAMIB NAUKLUFT
Today we explore one of
the most pristine gorges in the Naukluft. We set off by 4x4 as far
as the plateau. From then on the rest of the journey is by foot as
we hike through the gorge with its many quiver trees and rock pools, which
are large enough to cool off in. An optional late afternoon activity
is horse riding at a nearby guest farm
DAY 13:
After breakfast we return
to Windhoek via the Khomas Hochland stopping off at a guest farm for lunch.
GRADE 1: Suitable for all
healthy people. Combination fully serviced under canvas, lodge and hotel
safari. Andersson¹s Africa travels with a maximum of 7 participants,
in an air-conditioned 4x4 safari vehicle, and accompanied by an expert
Afro Ventures safari guide throughout. All meals and drinks are included
in the safari fare, as well as airport transfers at the beginning and end
of the safari. Window seat guaranteed throughout. Age limit 65 years, no
children under 12 years. Private departures possible, subject to vehicle
and guide availability.
Age
limit: 65 years. |
DEPARTURE
DATES:
NA01
26 JAN SAT 07 FEB THU
NA02
16 FEB SAT 28 FEB THU
NA03
23 MAR SAT 04 APR THU
NA04
13 APR SAT 25 APR THU
NA05
27 APR SAT 09 MAY THU
NA06
18 MAY SAT 30 MAY THU
NA07
29 JUN SAT 11 JUL THU
NA08
27 JUL SAT 08 AUG THU
NA09
17 AUG SAT 29 AUG THU
NA10
31 AUG SAT 12 SEP THU
NA11
05 OCT SAT 17 OCT THU
NA12
09 NOV SAT 21 NOV THU
NA13
30 NOV SAT 12 DEC THU
NA14
21 DEC SAT 02 JAN THU
Price US $2800
[subject to season
and exchange rate]
|