Afroventrues Scheduled Safaris

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Botswana Explorer

10 Days serviced camping Safari
Okavango Delta, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Chobe national Park, Vicotria Falls.
US $1630
This is our most popular camping safari to explore the unique habitat of
Northern Botswana.





At certain times this runs in conjunction with the Okavango / Kalahari Explorer and can be combined for a 15 Day safari.

DAY 1: VICTORIA FALLS 
At 17h00 meet your Afro Ventures guide at the Lokuthula Lodges (on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge property) for a comprehensive safari briefing. Overnight at the Lokuthula Lodge twin bedded rooms with private facilities on a bed and breakfast basis (dinner tonight is for our own account).

DAYS 2, 3, 4 & 5: CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
This morning you visit “Mosi-oa-tunya - the Smoke that thunders” which will give you a spectacular view of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring views (a guided Tour of the Falls is included in your safari fare). It is a short drive from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park in Botswana.  We camp for two nights in the Serondela area of northern Chobe.  This is the heart of elephant country and here we have an opportunity to spend many hours watching the huge herds in and around the waters of the Chobe River. Northern Chobe has beautiful scenery and magnificent sunsets, with a large variety of bird and animal life. From northern Chobe we travel southwest to Savute and spend two nights camped next to the now dry Savute Channel.  Depending on the time of year huge animal concentrations are attracted to this area, and Savute is excellent for lion and other predator viewing throughout the year.  Camping in Chobe National Park.

DAYS 6 & 7: MOREMI WILDLIFE RESERVE
Today we negotiate the sandy tracks to Moremi - tucked into the northeastern sector of the Okavango.  The Reserve was set aside in 1963 by the Batawana tribe, and is rated as Africa’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuary.  Our days are spent on extensive gameviewing drives.  Camping in the Khwai region of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve.

DAYS 8 & 9: OKAVANGO DELTA 
We travel by road to Maun where we transfer by light aircraft into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Here we explore the crystal clear channels, islands and waterways by mokoro , and undertake gameviewing walks on the islands. Our two overnights are spent at our Afro Ventures campsite in a private concession area 

DAY 10: MAUN
After breakfast we transfer to Maun by charter aircraft where our safari terminates.

: Suitable for reasonably fit people and involves some hiking and rugged conditions. Combination serviced camping and hotel safari. Botswana Explorer travels with a maximum of 7 participants, in a specially customised 4x4 safari vehicle, and accompanied by an expert Afro Ventures safari guide throughout. All meals, and table wine on camping overnights, are included in the safari fare except for lunch and dinner in Victoria Falls. Airport transfers at Victoria Falls are also included. Window seat guaranteed throughout. Age limit 65 years, no children under 12 years. Private departures possible, subject to vehicle and guide availability.

DATES:

Victoria Falls to Maun

VM01 26 JAN SAT 04 FEB MON
VM02 23 FEB SAT 04 MAR MON
VM03 09 MAR SAT 18 MAR MON
VM04 30 MAR SAT 08 APR MON
VM05 20 APR SAT 29 APR MON
VM06 04 MAY SAT 13 MAY MON
VM07 11 MAY SAT 20 MAY MON
VM08 01 JUN SAT 10 JUN MON
VM09 15 JUN SAT 24 JUN MON
VM10 29 JUN SAT 08 JUL MON
VM11 13 JUL SAT 22 JUL MON
VM12 20 JUL SAT 29 JUL MON
VM13 17 AUG SAT 26 AUG MON
VM14 31 AUG SAT 09 SEP MON
VM15 07 SEP SAT 16 SEP MON
VM16 14 SEP SAT 23 SEP MON
VM17 21 SEP SAT 30 SEP MON
VM18 05 OCT SAT 14 OCT MON
VM19 12 OCT SAT 21 OCT MON
VM20 26 OCT SAT 04 NOV MON
VM21 02 NOV SAT 11 NOV MON
VM22 09 NOV SAT 18 NOV MON
VM23 23 NOV SAT 02 DEC MON
VM24 07 DEC SAT 16 DEC MON
VM25 28 DEC SAT 06 JAN MON
 

Maun to Victoria 

MV01 14 JAN MON 23 JAN WED
MV02 07 FEB THU 16 FEB SAT
MV03 18 FEB MON 27 FEB WED
MV04 04 MAR MON 13 MAR WED
MV05 21 MAR THU 30 MAR SAT
MV06 25 MAR MON 03 APR WED
MV07 04 APR THU 13 APR SAT
MV08 11 APR THU 20 APR SAT
MV09 15 APR MON 24 APR WED
MV10 29 APR MON 08 MAY WED
MV11 02 MAY THU 11 MAY SAT
MV12 13 MAY MON 22 MAY WED
MV13 20 MAY MON 29 MAY WED
MV14 03 JUN MON 12 JUN WED
MV15 06 JUN THU 15 JUN SAT
MV16 17 JUN MON 26 JUN WED
MV17 01 JUL MON 10 JUL WED
MV18 11 JUL THU 20 JUL SAT
MV19 29 JUL MON 07 AUG WED
MV20 08 AUG THU 17 AUG SAT
MV21 12 AUG MON 21 AUG WED
MV22 26 AUG MON 04 SEP WED
MV23 02 SEP MON 11 SEP WED
MV24 09 SEP MON 18 SEP WED
MV25 19 SEP THU 28 SEP SAT
MV26 23 SEP MON 02 OCT WED
MV27 07 OCT MON 16 OCT WED
MV28 17 OCT THU 26 OCT SAT
MV29 21 OCT MON 30 OCT WED
MV30 07 NOV THU 16 NOV SAT
MV31 14 NOV THU 23 NOV SAT
MV32 25 NOV MON 04 DEC WED
MV33 02 DEC MON 11 DEC WED
MV 34 12 DEC THU 21 DEC SAT
MV 35 23 DEC MON 01 JAN WED


 
Kalahari-Okavango Venture

8 Days serviced camping Safari
Okavango Delta and Central Kalahari
US$ 1 585 / US$ 1 625

Serviced camping safari in the northern Kalahari  and Okavango Delta.  This runs in conjunction with the Botswana Explorer Safari and can be combined for a 15 Day safari.
 

DAY 1: CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE
Our safari commences in Maun - gateway to the famous wildlife areas of Botswana. Upon arrival you are met by an Afro Ventures representative. By light aircraft the group heads towards the Central Kalahari Game Reserve where you are welcomed by your guide. We travel by land cruiser to our pre-erected campsite in Deception Valley - an ancient riverbed meandering between wooded dunes across the Central Kalahari. Acacia islands dot its course and herds of springbok and gemsbok graze peacefully in close proximity to our camp.

DAYS 2, 3 & 4: CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE
Deception Valley was the site for the research and experiences of Mark and Delia Owens, so vividly captured in their book "Cry of the Kalahari". The riverbed supports a great diversity of fauna and flora and we explore this fragile ecosystem along a great length of its course. Numbers of gemsbok feed along the way. We could also encounter lion, leopard, brown hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, hartebeest, jackal, bat-eared fox and various other species. Not really the quantity but rather the environment in which they are found is so intriguing. Raptors such as black shouldered kites, kestrels and eagles abound while marsh owls are often seen after the rains. Many topics are discussed around the fire at night and comeraderie forms an integral part of this unique experience.

DAY 5: MAUN
From the Kalahari we travel via Makalamabedi to Maun, passing through rural cattle posts and remote villages. We overnight at Riley’s Hotel (picnic lunches with dinner and breakfast at Riley’s Hotel).

DAYS 6 & 7: OKAVANGO DELTA
This morning we enjoy a scenic flight into the Okavango Delta where we camp at our Afro Ventures campsite on a private concession (complete with camp staff) and explore the Okavango by mokoro and powerboat. The evening meal is prepared under a canopy of African mangosteen trees while around us the sounds of the night are now quite different - thousands of frogs forming a noisy, yet soothing backdrop. We rise with the dawn and explore the floodplains on foot and by mokoro. Depending on game concentrations we could expect to find lechwe, kudu, buffalo, rietbok and many other species. The flora too provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate ecology of the delta. During the hot hours of the day the possibility to swim presents itself.

DAY 8: TERMINATION OF TOUR
After a leisurely breakfast we must return to Maun by air charter in time for connecting flights.

: Suitable for reasonably fit people and involves some hiking and rugged conditions. Combination serviced camping and hotel safari. Botswana Explorer travels with a maximum of 7 participants, in a specially customised 4x4 safari vehicle, and accompanied by an expert Afro Ventures safari guide throughout. All meals, and table wine on camping overnights, are included in the safari fare except for lunch and dinner in Victoria Falls. Airport transfers at Victoria Falls are also included. Window seat guaranteed throughout. Age limit 65 years, no children under 12 years. Private departures possible, subject to vehicle and guide availability.

DATES:

DS01 13 FEB WED 20 FEB WED
DS02 27 FEB WED 06 MAR WED
DS03 20 MAR WED 27 MAR WED
DS04 10 APR WED 17 APR WED
DS05 08 MAY WED 15 MAY WED
DS06 26 JUN WED 03 JUL WED
DS07 24 JUL WED 31 JUL WED
DS08 21 AUG WED 28 AUG WED
DS09 27 NOV WED 04 DEC WED
DS10 18 DEC WED 25 DEC WED


 
 
Botswana Tales and Traditions
4 day Serviced Camping
Tribal Folklore, History and Art
$570 - $600

Day 1:  Tsodilo Hills

Daprt from Maun at 8 AM driving towards the now dry Lake Ngami area and continue northward past Etsha to Tsodilo Hills.  The Hills are renowned for the most extensive collection of Rock art with some 3,500 paintings.  After an afternoon visit to some of the more accessible paintings, relax around the campfire and learn more about the area and the people who left this legacy.

Day 2:  Tsodilo Hills

After and early breakfast, walk (with some climbing) for about four hours.  This will allow us to see some of the more inaccessible and interesting paintings, whilst also allowing us to eyoy breath-taking scnery.  Return to the campsite for lunch.  Afternoon visit to the local Sav village before further investigation of the area. Return to the cmapsite for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Etsha
After an early breakfast leave for Etsha, a collection of 13 villages 240km north of Maun, inhaibted by two trimbes, the Hambukushu and Beyei.  These tribes are the foremost basket weavers in Botswan who utilize natural dyes from the Delta.  We will also learn about local farming techniques.

day 4:  Maun
Return to Maun where the safari terminates by early afternoon.Grade 4 safari suitable for reasonably fit people and includes serve conditions and some hiking. 

DATES
BT01 19 MAR TUE 22 MAR FRI
BT02 21 MAY TUE 24 MAY FRI
BT03 03 JUN MON 06 JUN THU
BT04 08 JUL MON 11 JUL THU
BT05 30 JUL TUE 02 AUG FRI
BT06 30 AUG FRI 02 SEP MON
BT07 01 OCT TUE 04 OCT FRI
BT08 04 NOV MON 07 NOV THU


 
Deserts of Namibia
8 day Serviced Camping
US $1100
Windhoek  / Central Kalahari / Tsaris Mountains / Namib Naukluft / Swakopmund

Wilds of Namibia
6 day Serviced Camping
US $850
Swakopmund / Waterburg / Etosha / Windhoek

Wilds of Namibia

DAY 01: SWAKOPMUND 
Swakopmund is Namibia’s premier seaside resort and resembles a Bavarian village with its many turn of the century buildings harking back to its German colonial past.  Hedged by the desert and the wild Atlantic sea Swakopmund offers old-world charm, a relaxed atmosphere, fine cafes and restaurants.  Meet your fellow travellers and Afro Ventures safari leader at 17.00 hours in the foyer of the Strand Hotel for a comprehensive safari briefing and dinner, which is for your own account.  Overnight Strand Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. 
 

DAY 02:WATERBERG PLATEAU
After an early breakfast we depart for Waterberg Plateau.  Our route takes us through Karibib,  known for its marble, and the pretty little town of Omaruru.  Rising some 200m above a surrounding sea of bush and savannah, the Waterberg Plateau Park is recognisable from some distance away. Its 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 us 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 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.   En route we will have the opportunity to visit the San (Bushman) community of Ombili.  This was started as a self-help scheme, and visitors are invited to visit the local school and craft centre.  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 awill in this area.  Afternoon game-drive in the vicinity of Namutoni, 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 in the dry season but in a good rainy season home to flamingos, pelicans and many other water birds.  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:
After a final early morning game drive and breakfast we return to Windhoek where we arrive during the late afternoon

Deserts of Namibia

DAY 1: Central Kalahari
Leave Windhoek for our exclusive camp at Intu Africa Kalahari Private Game Reserve.  The surrounding  area with its colorful dunes of red sand, umbrella shaped camelthorn trees and large variety of game, birds, trees, and grass species is typical of the Kalaharai eco-system.  The Kalahari is one of Africa's last wildlife paradises and remains an area supporting nomadic antelope herds, such as oryx, kudu, eland, blue wildebees and springbok.  Carnivores are also well represented in the Kalahari and include lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, hyena, black backed jackal and a variety of smaller cats.  Bird life is prolific and a rich complement of birds of prey including martial eagle, lappet faced vulture, giant spotted eagle owl and pale chanting goshawk frequent the area.  A prominent feature of the Kalahari is the huge communal nests of the sociable weaver built around the camelthorn trees.  Sundowners are taken on a nearby dune whilst watching the sun go down over this harsh but breathtakingly beautiful land.
 

DAY 2: Central Kalahari
Early morning desert walk with a Bushman tracker who will explain the secrets of the Kalahari known only to the San.  The san were the first known inhabitants of the Kalahari.  Traditionally they are skilled hunter-gatherers living in small communities.  Their survival skills and adaptation to the harsh Kalahari wilderness have become legendary.  Afternoon game drive, during which you will be introduced to a surprising variety of game and birds, and if one is lucky, lion.  Dinner around a campfire under a blanket of a thousand stars is followed by a night drive where you may see honey badger, bat eared and Cape fox, spotted genet and an array of owls.

DAY 3: Tsaris Mountains
We travel via Duwisib Castle, built by the legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife, and drive along scenic back roads to our exclusive camp site in the heart of the rugged Taris Mountains.  The spectacular scenery of the canyons and the natural springs offer a dramatic contrast to the red dune landscapes of the Kalahari.  This area is a geologist’s paradise, famous for its stromatolites and it was in these mountains that the earliest Shelley fossils were found.  Sundowners are enjoyed at a vantage point offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

DAY 4: Tsaris Mountains
We take one of a number of walking trails that lead us to shady gorges with seasonal springs.  There is a chance of seeing Hartmann’s mountain zebra, kudu, klipspringer, steenbok and some of the larger raptors such as black eagle and black breasted snake eagle which nest in this area.  As the sun sets and the night sky comes alive, the crisp, dry air of this land of vastness and stillness provides and uparalleled opportunity to marvel at our galaxy.

DAY 5:  Namib Naukluft
Today we head west towards the Tsauchab Valley and the majestic dunes of Sossusvlei.  The huge sand dunes with their massive red, curved walls rising from white clay pans dwarf everything in sight.  In the late afternoon their color dramatically chanes from apricot to orange to a dark maroon.  From Sossusvlei we make our way to our exclusive campsite surrounded by the huge Naukluft mountains characterised by sheer cliffs, deeply incised river valleys and rolling hills. 

DAY 6: Namib Naukluft
We set off by 4x4 as far as the plateau.  From there we hike  thr0ugh the gorge with its many quiver grees and rock pool, which are large enough to cool off in.  An optional late afternoon horse ride at a neraby guest farm. 

Day 7: Swakopmund
We travel via Solitaire through the Kuiseb river and head across the Namib gravel flats to Walvis Bay where we encounter, depending upon the time of year flocks of flamingoes that feed in the shallow lagoons bordering the town.   Short drive takes us to the coast town of Swakopmund where we overnight in the Strand Hotel.  The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy activities such as dune boarding, quad biking, tandem skydiving or walking around the town.

Day 8: after breakfast at the hotel the safari terminates.

DATES:

Deserts of Namibia
DN01 19 FEB TUE 26 FEB TUE
DN02 05 MAR TUE 12 MAR TUE
DN03 26 MAR TUE 02 APR TUE
DN04 07 MAY TUE 14 MAY TUE
DN05 28 MAY TUE 04 JUN TUE
DN06 18 JUN TUE 25 JUN TUE
DN07 16 JUL TUE 23 JUL TUE
DN08 30 JUL TUE 06 AUG TUE
DN09 03 SEP TUE 10 SEP TUE
DN10 17 SEP TUE 24 SEP TUE
DN11 08 OCT TUE 15 OCT TUE
DN12 22 OCT TUE 29 OCT TUE
DN13 12 NOV TUE 19 NOV TUE
DN14 17 DEC TUE 24 DEC TUE
Wilds of Namibia
WN01 26 FEB TUE 03 MAR SUN
WN02 12 MAR TUE 17 MAR SUN
WN03 02 APR TUE 07 APR SUN
WN04 14 MAY TUE 19 MAY SUN
WN05 04 JUN TUE 09 JUN SUN
WN06 25 JUN TUE 30 JUN SUN
WN07 23 JUL TUE 28 JUL SUN
WN08 06 AUG TUE 11 AUG SUN
WN09 10 SEP TUE 15 SEP SUN
WN10 24 SEP TUE 29 SEP SUN
WN11 15 OCT TUE 20 OCT SUN
WN12 29 OCT TUE 03 NOV SUN
WN13 19 NOV TUE 29 NOV SUN
WN14 24 DEC TUE 29 DEC SUN

 
 
Kaokoveld Adventure

14 Days serviced camping Safari
Okavango Delta and Central Kalahari
US$1,296 / $1,433

This safari is as diverse and exciting as Namibia itself. We search for the elusive desert rhino in river valleys and visit local villages to absorb the cultures of the Ovahimba people. We also experience the drama of the totally unexpected oasis of Epupa Falls in the midst of a rugged desert environment, and explore the grandeur of mountainous terrain, San rock art at Twyfelfontein, and the wonder of many species of desert-adapted animals.
 

DAY 1: SWAKOPMUND
Our Safari begins in Swakopmund, a quaint coastal town, which still exhibits many signs of its German colonial past. This evening we meet our guide in the lounge of the Strand Hotel (meeting time is 18.00). Our meeting will give us the chance to meet our fellow travellers, and our guide will brief us fully on the safari. We will enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants (dinner is for own account).

DAY 2 & 3: NORTHERN DAMARALAND
The journey continues up the coast to Cape Cross, for a visit to the well-known Cape Fur Seal colony, numbering some 80 000 to 100 000 individuals. Heading inland, we travel into Northern Damaraland, via the Skeleton Coast. Northern Damaraland still has a significant population of lion, elephant, leopard, large antelope, giraffe, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, and, the last free ranging black rhino population in the world, which we track on extensive game and nature drives. En route we will stop at a hidden waterfall with its crystal clear natural pool, allowing us time for a cooling swim.

DAY 4 & 5: SOUTHERN KAOKOLAND
Kaokoland is one of Africa's last wilderness areas. It stretches from the coastal desert plain and rises slowly into a wild and rugged landscape. It is here that slow-growing trees cling to rocky outcrops, and the elusive desert-adapted elephant has made its home. A number of other mammal species may also be encountered, such as the giraffe, oryx, and springbok. We camp wild on the banks of the seasonal Hoanib River, west of Sesfontein.

DAY 6: CENTRAL KAOKOLAND
After breakfast our Safari continues up the course of the Hoanib River, before turning to the north, via Otjomatemba, and Okatumba. This is our first opportunity to experience the way of life of the nomadic Himba people of the area, who still lead a traditional pastoral way of life.

DAY 7: EPUPA FALLS
Travelling northwards, we make our way to Opuwo, the capital of the Kaokoveld. En route we pass through Kaoko-Otavi where the ruins of a church built by the "Dorsland Trekkers" can be seen. After our brief encounter with civilisation we head north again to the Kunene River. Tonight we overnight at a rustic community run campsite on the banks of the Kunene River under tall Makalani palm trees a few metres from the Falls. This area is a stunning contrast to the otherwise stark surroundings. The Kunene River flows strongly all year round, and has its source in the Angolan Highlands.

DAY 8: EPUPA FALLS
After breakfast we go on an excursion to an Ovahimba village east of the falls and here we have the opportunity to meet a family and to learn more about their culture, tradition and how they survive in such a harsh environment. Late afternoon we go for an easy hike along the bank of the river in search of the endemic bird species such as the Cinderella waxbill, and rufous-tailed palmthrush.

DAY 9: OTJOVASANDU
Today we leave the Falls, and head south via Opuwo and along the western border of Etosha National Park. We camp wild in the dry Otjivosandu River bed, where the scenery is spectacular, and majestic leadwood trees line the river bank. The local Herero and Himba people believe that these leadwood trees contain the souls of their ancestors.

DAY 10: TORRA CONSERVANCY
The Safari continues via the mountainous Khowarib Schlucht (canyon), a breathtakingly beautiful area of sheer cliff-faces towering above, and home to black eagles. We camp wild in this ancient volcanic landscape.

DAY 11 & 12: HUAB
Early this morning we head out into the Huab River valley, via Twyfelfontein, which is famous for it's numerous rock engravings and paintings, attributed to the San (Bushmen). It is in this area where we will be able to explore the Seasonal Huab River with the possibility of encountering several species of game, including the desert-adapted elephant.

DAY 13: SWAKOPMUND
After breakfast we make our way via Henties Bay, for our return to Swakopmund, and the Strand Hotel, where we expect to arrive in the late afternoon. We enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at one of Swakopmund's seafood restaurants.

DAY 14: End of tour
Our safari ends after breakfast this morning. A transfer is included from the Strand Hotel to Walvis Bay airport.
 

DATES 2002:

30 Jan - 12 Feb
27 Feb - 12 Mar
20 Mar - 2 Apr
17 Apr - 30 Apr
1May - 14 May
6 jUn - 18 Jun
10 Jul - 23 Jul
14 Aug - 27 Aug 
27 Nov - 10 Dec
20 Mar - 2 Apr
5 Jun - 18 Jun
19 Sep - 1 Oct


 
Thristlands  Adventure

13 Days serviced camping Safari

US$ 1 319 / US$ 1 446

An adventure of a lifetime, camping wild at exclusive campsites in the most compelling and breathtaking wilderness areas throughout Namibia. We journey through the lush Waterberg bushveld and game-rich Etosha. We track rhino in Damaraland and explore the ancient geological features around Twyfelfontein. At Swakopmund where desert meets ocean, there is time to enjoy an array of dune adventure sports. Finally, we explore the worlds highest dunes of Sossusvlei and take on the challenge of a gorge hike in the Naukluft Mountains.
 

DAY 1: WATERBERG PLATEAU 
Our Safari starts this morning when we meet our guide at 08.00 in the foyer of the Windhoek Country Club. Once we have met our fellow travellers and had a briefing from our guide, we travel off the beaten track towards the Waterberg Plateau. Our route takes us through Kalahari Bush Savannah, with the chance to see several antelope species. The Waterberg Plateau itself extends over 48 km from the southwest to the northeast. Surrounded by a wall of steep, reddish-yellow cliffs which seem to glow at sunrise and sunset, the massif rises at it highest peak in the south-west, some 1 800m above sea level, whereas the north-east slope is very gradual. Our exclusive campsite is in one of the gorges, which forms a natural horseshoe, and looks down a valley towards the Northern Kalahari. After lunch we enjoy an afternoon walk along the top of the plateau, which affords some magnificent views, and where we might be lucky enough to encounter black or white rhino and buffalo. This evening we enjoy dinner under the canopy of leadwood and acacia trees, which surround our campsite. 
  
DAY 2: ETOSHA 
After breakfast this morning, we leave the Waterberg, and continue our journey to our exclusive campsite, on the private Fischer's Pan Game Reserve adjacent to the eastern edge of Etosha National Park. En route we will have the opportunity to visit the San (Bushman) community at Ombili. This was started as a self-help scheme, and visitors are invited to visit the local school, and craft centre. This afternoon we enjoy our first exploratory game drive in Etosha National Park. Etosha is one of the world's great conservation areas, and is some 22 270 square kilometres. We drive along the gravel road network that crosses the Park, visiting the permanent waterholes and viewing points. There is something enigmatic in the vast silent grey-white Pan that covers 4 590 square kilometres of the Park. 
  
DAY 3: ETOSHA 
We have an early start today, with a game drive into Etosha, to further explore the eastern side of the park. Numerous waterholes and subterranean springs attract large herds of animals including springbok, zebra, gnu, giraffe, kudu and elephant. Great game viewing can occur when prides of lion dominate the precious water resources. Our day is dictated by wildlife movements and sightings: we expect to spend the entire day in the Park, enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the Rest Camps. 
  
DAY 4: OKAUKUEJO 
We leave our private campsite and travel westwards into the Park, stopping en route for lunch at one of Park's Rest Camps. Today is a full day's game drive, affording us the opportunity to visit several permanent waterholes. We arrive at Okaukuejo in time for a sundowner drink at the waterhole. Dinner this evening is a traditional barbecue, after which we will be able to spend time at the floodlit waterhole, watching a variety of species, quenching their thirst. Our accommodation tonight is in the Rest Camp's chalets. 
  
DAY 5& 6: NORTHERN DAMARALAND 
Today's journey begins after an early breakfast, as we head into Damaraland, an area whose attractions are spread over a large area. Our interests lie in the area bordering Kaokoland. Northern Damaraland still has a significant population of lion, elephant, leopard, large antelope, giraffe, mountain zebra (Hartmann's), and the last free-ranging black rhino population in the world. We enjoy this truly unique area for the next two days, camping in its wild and untouched landscapes. Our discovery of this fascinating area continues, as we search for hidden waterholes. This also affords us the opportunity to explore the ancient volcanic landscape on foot. 
  
DAY 7 & 8: SOUTHERN DAMARALAND 
Our Safari continues to the area between the Huab and the Ugab, where we will again be camping wild. We will visit the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein - ancient works of Art attributed to the San (Bushmen). It is in this area where we will be able to explore the seasonal river beds, with the possibility of encountering several species of game, including the elusive desert-adapted elephant. This area marks the southern limit of Damaraland. 
  
DAY 9 & 10: SWAKOPMUND 
No safari in Namibia is complete without a visit to the quaint coastal town of Swakopmund. Our route takes us from the unique landscape of Damaraland to the coast, and a visit to the Cape Cross seal colony. It is in this area that the Portuguese explorer, Diego Cao first set foot on Namibian soil, in 1486. We continue southwards on the coastal road, to Swakopmund itself. We spend two nights at the Strand Hotel, conveniently situated near the beach and within walking distance of the museum and shops. There is time to enjoy some of the town's exciting optional activities, such as quad biking, camel riding, and dune boarding. Another interesting excursion is the morning dolphin cruise leaving from Walvis Bay and travelling around Pelican Point with its seal and sea-bird colonies. 
  
DAY 11: NAMIB-NAUKLUFT 
The Namib-Naukluft is Namibia's largest National Park, and offers a surprising variety of landscapes and ecosystems - ranging from the massive sand-dunes of Sossusvlei to the vast quartzite gravel plains, and the rugged Naukluft Mountains along the eastern edge of the desert. The highlight of the Namib-Naukluft is a visit to the awe inspiring dunes of Sossusvlei, many of which are in excess of 300m high, arguably making them the highest in the world. The tints and hues of these fascinating dunes are best appreciated in the late afternoon, as colours can range from apricot to orange. The afternoon is spent climbing and exploring the dunes and pans. We leave this fascinating area for our exclusive campsite in the Naukluft Mountains. 
  
DAY 12: NAMIB NAUKLUFT 
The Naukluft Mountains offer a surprising contrast to the surrounding area. We enjoy a 4x4 excursion, and hiking trail today, to the quiver-tree gorge. It takes us up to the plateau, followed by a hike through the biggest fountain gorge in the Naukluft Mountains with its many rock-pools (which we can cool off in). Our hike ends back at our campsite. An optional late afternoon activity is horse riding at a nearby guest farm. 
  
DAY 13: End of tour 
We leave the Naukluft after breakfast this morning, for our drive back to Windhoek, where we will arrive by mid-to late afternoon. 
 
 

21 JAN - 02 FEB
11 FEB - 23 FEB
11 MAR  - 23 MAR
 08 APR -  20 APR
13 MAY -  25 MAY
03 JUN - 15 JUN
24 JUN -  06 JUL
08 JUL  -  20 JUL
 05 AUG - 17 AUG
26 AUG -  07 SEP
16 SEP  -  28 SEP
30 SEP -  12 OCT
21 OCT -  02 NOV
18 NOV - 30 NOV
16 DEC -  28 DEC



 
Contact:

Cape to Cairo
Barbara Levedahl
2761 Unicorn Ln NW
Washington DC 20015
800-356-4433 / 202-244-5954
e-mail: safari@capecairo.com