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Pure Namibia

Camping & Lodge Safari (15 day Small Group)

‘Namibia’ means 'open plains' in the ancient Hottentot language and is defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography.

Sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior, Namibia features the Etosha National Park in the north, and the majestic Fish River Canyon in the south.

Pre-historic rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient, rocky mountain ranges. The world’s highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber reflection.

Find out more about Namibia

 

Highlights
Windhoek, Waterberg Plateau, Etosha National Park, Ruacana, Epupa Falls & Himba Experience, Opuwo, Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei & Sesriem.

Itinerary

	Day 1 Windhoek. After your arrival at Windhoek (Eros) Airport you'll be picked up and transferred to your Lodge. The rest of the day is free for leisure. You'll meet your guide and the rest of the group and can arrange last minute things in Namibia's capital before our journey starts. [D]
	Day 2 Windhoek to Waterberg Plateau. Early in the morning, we leave Windhoek and drive north to our destination, the Waterberg Plateau. The Waterberg Plateau towers 400 meters above the surrounding plains, and 1878 meters above sea level, dominating the landscape for miles around. The oldest rock stratum is 850 million years old and dinosaurs left their tracks here 200 million years ago. After arrival and setting up our camp we are taken on an open vehicle game drive through the National Park. If time allows you have the option to go on guided walks through the park. [BLD]
	Day 3-4 Drive to Etosha National Park, Namibia. We leave the Waterberg behind us and travel towards Namibia's well-known Highlight of the North - Etosha National Park. After arrival we go on our first game drive through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907, it is home to approximately 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. On Day 4 we'll spend as much time as possible driving through the 'Great White Place' (translation for Etosha) trying to get closer to some of the Big 5. [BLD, BLD]
	Day 5 Etosha to Ruacana National Park. We leave the wilderness and wildlife of Etosha National Park behind us and enter the rural areas of northern Namibia. We travel through mant small rural villages and before arriving in Ruacana and set up our Camp at Hippo Pools. Ruacana lies on the border of Angola and Namibia and you will experience a totally different lifestyle to ours. [BLD]
	Day 6 Ruacana Falls and Epupa. We will get up early and go on a hike to Ruacana Falls (1 hour). The dramatic 85 m Ruacana Falls was once a natural wonder, but all that changed thanks to Angola's Calueque Dam, 20km upstream, and NamPower's Ruacana power plant. On the rare occasions when there's a surfeit of water, Ruacana returns to its former glory as one of the most spectacular sights on the continent. After our hike to the falls we start our expedition deeper into the Kunene Region, exploring the real life of the Himba Tribe. Already on our drive to Epupa, we will see here and there Himbas passing us. When we arrive in Epupa we set up our camp and will be able to explore the beauty and remoteness of this area, bordering Angola. [BLD]
	Day 7 Epupa. On Day 7 we will take part in a Himba Experience and visit one of their local villages to explore their culture and traditions. Epupa means 'falling water' in the Herero and Himba languages. Epupa is Namibia's largest system of waterfalls and cataracts, and it lies on the Kunene River in northern Kaokoland. You'll be spoilt with beautiful scenery and have the option to take a walk to the Epupa Falls or try some other hikes in the valley. [BLD]
	Day 8 Drive to Opuwo. Today we make our way south again away from the Angolan border. We'll drive through rough terrain so it will take us some time to reach Opuwo. Therefore we will be looking at beautiful scenery and can purely enjoy our adventure. Tonight we will stay on a community-supporting campsite at Kunene Village Rest camp just outside Opuwo. After we have set up our camp the guide will start preparing our dinner. Depending on the time of arrival you can explore the surrounding areas. We will enjoy our dinner around the campfire listening to the sounds of 'nothing' in the semi-desert of Namibia. [BLD]
	Day 9 Palmwag. We leave the Northern part of Namibia and drive through the Joubert Pass to Palmwag. Palmwag and surroundings is home of the desert elephants and after reaching our destination for today we will try and find these majestic animals. We are going on a walk after asking the locals in which direction they have seen the desert elephants last, trying to spot them and get closer to them. Back in our camp our guide will prepare dinner for the group and we will enjoy another beautiful African Sunset. [BLD]
	Day 10 Spitzkoppe. Our destination today is Spitzkoppe, known as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. Rising to an altitude of about 1 800 meters, the Spitzkoppe is by no means Namibia's highest mountain, however, due to its striking outlines, it is regarded as the most well-known mountain in the country. Situated in an endless, dry plain, the island of mountains can be seen from far away. We will leave Palmwag early so that there are enough hours to sill enjoy a hike at Spitzkoppe. [BLD]
	Day 11 Swakopmund. Today we only have a short drive to Swakopmund, but if you want to take part in a few of the many optional activities that are offered in Swakopmund like Quad biking, Sand boarding or sky diving. But of course you can also just go and enjoy the little German coastal town and explore its beauty, beaches and charm. This evening you can enjoy a typical Namibian meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense). [BL]
	Day 12-13 Sesriem & Sossusvlei. An early morning start takes us from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on our way to Sesriem in the apparently oldest desert - Namib Desert. We visit the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. There is an option of taking the shuttle into the dunes. (Own expense) At sunrise these red sand dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). [BLD, BLD]
	Day 14 Drive to Windhoek. We leave the Desert behind us and travel back to Windhoek. This will be a long day but driving through beautiful country site and short stops in-between will reimburse us for that. In the evening we'll arrive back in civilization in Windhoek and enjoy if you want a hearty meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense) and celebrate our last evening of the tour. [BL]
	Day 15 Windhoek. After we meet a last time to enjoy our breakfast together, you will still have time to explore the town of Windhoek on your own depending on when your flight leaves back home or to your next destination. You will be transferred to the airport to check-in for your flight and we hope to welcome you again sometime on one of our adventures. [B]

End of services.

TOUR COST: US$ 2395 per person sharing twin

Single Supplement: US$ 160

About Camping & Lodge Safaris, semi-participation: This camping safari offers additional comfort of bedded accommodation. The accommodations used are simple, clean, 2-3 star typical African standard, with a mix of shared and private bathrooms. Operating with a maximum of 10 passengers and a driverguide/cook, we want you to be part of the experience and therefore ask that you participate in the tour. This means, that you will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, such as setting up the overnight camps (tents, chairs, tables), assisting with meals, cleaning dishes afterwards, and tidying up the campsite. The guide will do the cooking and take over all other organisational duties.

Participation Camping/Lodge option:
We also offer this itinerary as a small group participation safari with 11 nights camping at designated campsites, and 3 nights in basic lodges US$1880 per person.

Tailor-Made Travel: We can tailor-make a private safari to meet your departure date, time period, group size and budget.

E-mail Chris Boecker to book your trip to Africa!