3 Day Sossusvlei Express Scheduled & Accommodated Safari 2017

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1 P a g e 1 3 Day Sossusvlei Express Scheduled & Accommodated Safari 2017 Sossusvlei 3 Days / 2 Nights Reference: 3 Day Sossusvlei Express Scheduled & Accommodated Safari 2017 Date of Issue: 28 November 2016 Click here to view your Digital Itinerary

2 P a g e 2 Overview For those clients with limited time available, this short safari is the perfect solution, departing around lunchtime on Friday from Swakopmund and finishing in Windhoek on Sunday afternoon. Our base is in the Sesriem area with accommodation in permanent adobe style tents with en suite facilities or twin rooms and stunning views across the mountains and desert. This is an excellent way to experience the amazing sand dune sea of the Namib and Sossusvlei region on this 3 day trip. Highlights: Namib Naukluft National Park - Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Dune 45; track wild cheetahs at the N/a'Ankuse Namib Conservation Centre. Accommodation Destination Nights Desert Camp Sossusvlei 1 Desert Camp Sossusvlei 1 Key to meals served on trip: B Breakfast; L Lunch; D - Dinner Price (Price valid from 1 April March 2018) Per person sharing to Chameleon: N$6,200 Single supplement: N$800 Min: 1 person to confirm departure if more than 30 days before departure Max: 12 people NOTE: No Single Supplement will be charged to those clients that are willing to share with another single person of the same sex. Included Includes: Transport in safari vehicle (no air-conditioning); services of an English speaking driver/guide; accommodation as indicated; meals as indicated; entry fees to Namib Naukluft National Park and to N/a ankuse Conservation Centre; excursion into Sossusvlei (including 4x4 shuttle) & cheetah tracking activity at Solitaire; pick up within Swakopmund city limits and drop off within Windhoek city limits Excluded Excludes: Pre and post safari accommodation; airport transfers; flights; visas; travel insurance; items of a personal nature; additional meals; snacks and drinks including bottled water; telephone calls and internet services; tips and gratuities; lost luggage Day 1: Desert Camp, Sossusvlei Day Itinerary You will be picked up from your guesthouse/hotel in Swakopmund at 11h15, (wintertime 10h15) for a brief predeparture talk. The vehicle will travel via the Kuiseb Canyon, and Ghaub Pass before stopping at Solitaire to refuel. Your guide will provide a light lunch on board. Arrival at camp is late afternoon, there is time for a short walk to view

3 P a g e 3 the beautiful sunset over the Naukluft Mountains. Overnight accommodation is in permanent adobe style tents with en-suite bathroom. Dinner is prepared over the campfire by your guide (LD) Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes within the Namib Naukluft National Park. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographers' heaven. Perhaps the most iconic is the stunning Dead Vlei where the dazzling white clay pan is punctuated by skeletons of ancient camel-thorn trees, and set against the backdrop of the apricot dunes. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei - Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Elim's Dune - other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains and a great hiking destination. Overnight: Desert Camp View ibrochure Desert Camp is situated only 5 km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Naukluft Park. Nestled under centuries old thorn trees, Desert Camp offers an unsurpassed view over the desert landscape and surrounding mountains. The 20 self-catering accommodation units are of a tented structure and equipped with en-suite bathroom, shaded veranda with a fitted kitchenette, barbeque, power points and an adjacent parking area. Each twin-bedded bedroom features a fold-out sleeper couch where 2 small children (under 12) can be accommodated. Facilities at the main building include a bar with big screen television, a sparkling swimming pool and 2 communal boma-areas which are perfect for groups travelling together. Fresh food supplies can be ordered daily at reception or meals can be enjoyed at the nearby Sossusvlei Lodge restaurant (there is no restaurant facility at Desert Camp). Exciting desert activities like guided excursions to Sossusvlei, Quad Biking, Sundowner Drives and magnificent Scenic Flights over the dunes and coast can be booked at the Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre. Included Lunch & Dinner

4 P a g e 4 Day 2: Desert Camp, Sossusvlei Day Itinerary We depart at dawn from camp to arrive at the park gate for sunrise. We then drive down an ancient river bed surrounded by towering dunes to the 2x4 parking (around 55kms) and take a 4x4 shuttle into the Sossusvlei area to appreciate the beauty of this place in early morning light and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the region. We explore this unique area on foot before heading into Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees, contrasting with a backdrop of huge dunes with their ever-changing colours. We can either walk or take the 4x4 shuttle back to our vehicle, from here drive back to our accommodation stopping enroute at the famous Dune 45 which we can climb, or just wander around the base, before continuing to Sesriem to visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon - one of the few permanent water sources - before arriving back at our lodge late afternoon to watch the sunset over this spectacular desert. Overnight based in twin share rooms or permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms. Dinner prepared by our guide. (BLD) Sossusvlei Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes within the Namib Naukluft National Park. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographers' heaven. Perhaps the most iconic is the stunning Dead Vlei where the dazzling white clay pan is punctuated by skeletons of ancient camel-thorn trees, and set against the backdrop of the apricot dunes. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei - Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Elim's Dune - other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains and a great hiking destination. Dead Vlei This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as dessicated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namib Desert, blue skies, a white-clay pan, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer's dream.

5 P a g e 5 Sesriem Canyon Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather ( ses riem six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon. Dune 45 Dune 45 is located 45kms from the Sesriem gate, (and entrance to dunes), it is renowned for its elegant shape, which along with its position close to the road has earned it the distinction of most photographed dune in the world. Popular for sunrise, many people climb to gain a vantage point to watch the sun rise over the surrounding area and enjoy the changing colour of the dunes, at only 80 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient it is an easier climb than many of the other dunes found. Included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 3: Departure Day Itinerary Early morning breakfast before heading to Solitaire Guest Farm where we join a biologist to track wild cheetahs at the N/a'ankuse Namib Conservation Centre. We return to Windhoek via Bullsport and Rehoboth and arrive mid-afternoon back in Windhoek where you'll be dropped at your accommodation. Should you wish to travel on this afternoon we DO NOT recommend flights prior to 17h00. (B) Included Breakfast

6 P a g e 6 Consultant Notes The preferred accommodation on this safari is located 3 km outside the Namib Naukluft National Park, however if this is not available we will book a lodge of a similar standard within 90 kms of the park gate. Please note the itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours, etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above. Should you require transport options to Swakopmund or assistance in booking pre-safari accommodation in Swakopmund please contact our safari office or consider the 4day Swakopmund & Sossusvlei trip, this safari can also be combined with the 4day Etosha & Swakopmund Safari NB: The accommodation provided is on a twin share basis in safari style permanent tents or twin rooms with ensuite facilities and self-catering facilities. Accommodation provided is located outside the Namib Naukluft Park. Participation: Sleeping bags or bath towels are not necessary but please bring swim wear and pool towels, especially during the summer months. This safari is semi-participation and you will be asked to help with light kitchen duties. Travel: Namibia is an incredible country to visit but please remember that we are in Africa and that not all standards are the same as you would get in Europe or other first world countries. To the majority of our clients, that is part of the appeal of travelling to destinations such as ours. If you are not comfortable with new challenges then you may wish to consider other companies or destinations. Please also note that due to the location of destinations, long days are inevitable and you will travel on gravel roads and dust tends to get everywhere so it s worth ensuring you protect your equipment Visas: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for clients prior to departure. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date to country of travel. If this is not the case, there is a danger of being turned away by the Immigration Service on arrival at the airport assuming your airline has agreed to bring you and risk a fine in the first place. The Company cannot be held liable for any necessary visas or other travel documents not held by the clients. Please also note that if your passport requires a visa for the countries you visit and multiple entry, you will need to carry your passport with you during the trip. Weather: Please note that in winter evenings and nights in particular can be very cold. We recommend layered clothing day time temps can be 25 C so t-shirts and shorts is great for then, but thermals are very useful for evenings/night. Summer temperatures can exceed 40 C, but as that is our rainy season a lightweight rain jacket is handy. As with most places layering is the most recommended way of clothing please ensure you pack your clothes in plastic bags and ensure cameras/electrical equipment is suitably protected. Climate: The African sun is very strong. Please use a factor 30 sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3 litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. It can also get very cold during winter months on this route. Money: The Namibian dollar is tied permanently against the South African rand on a 1/1 basis so you are able to check the current exchange rate against your local currency, but please note that Namibian dollars are not regarded as an international currency and cannot be purchased outside of the country. Therefore, if bringing foreign money into the country you ll receive SA rand. Both Namibian dollars and South African rand are legal currencies in Namibia. Generally, credit card facilities are accepted in the lodges and ATM s are available in towns. However, we recommend you carry some cash with you in case a machine is out of order. Travellers cheques can only be exchanged in major towns and it is often a time consuming and costly process so we do not recommend carrying them with you. We recommend you bring South African rand with you or exchange at the airports prior to landing in Windhoek to avoid any unnecessary delays upon arrival or needing to carry large sums of money and passports

7 P a g e 7 around the city. It is customary to tip in Namibia, usually, around 10% at restaurants. Your guide can be tipped at your discretion if you feel he/she has done a superb job we recommend N$40-50/person/day. Safety: As with every destination safety tips needs to be adhered to; we strongly recommend you use a safe in a hotel/lodge or lock up your valuables when you are not in the room; when in a vehicle do not leave valuables on display but tucked away and out of sight. It is also better to have copies of passports, money, cards, etc. split between travellers so if anything unexpected happens (e.g. a bag is lost or stolen) then other funds/cards are available. You may also wish to consider using a money belt/neck wallet. We suggest you leave valuable jewellery at home you won t need it while travelling. A padlock for your luggage is also recommended Insurance: It is essential that you purchase comprehensive personal travel insurance before you embark on your holiday, medical insurance is insufficient. Travel insurance is for your own protection and should include evacuation; we also recommend full cover for baggage loss, etc. and consider it to be an essential part of modern international travel. We recommend as an insurance option. If you have credit card insurance please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. If you are uncertain whether this is enough please contact us when you book to ensure you have adequate cover. Health: Namibia is a low risk malarial destination, but we recommend that you seek professional medical advice to enable you to make decisions on personal malaria protection. Note that Etosha is considered a malaria region (low risk) particularly during rainy season. No vaccinations are required by law for the countries being visited on this tour, though we recommend you are current with TB, tetanus, polio etc. Water: All tap water in Namibia has been purified or comes directly from boreholes and is safe to drink. Tap water is generally safe to drink but bottled mineral water is easily available at shops and rest camps should you prefer to drink this, and is also provided at lodges. Electrical: Plugs are 220V and are 3 pin (round pin as opposed to square pin). Adaptors can be purchased in Windhoek; they are the same as South Africa if you are shopping in your home country or at airport. It is possible to re-charge batteries at lodges, but clients must be responsible for security of their possessions and Chameleon cannot be held responsible for clients personal possessions. WiFi is available at most lodges (though they may charge for its use and it may be only available in central areas, or be slow! Dietary: We can assist with booking of various dietary requirements or food allergies, but we appreciate your details when you book with us (or with your agent) and we will advise the appropriate lodges. Please be aware that the choice and options may not be as great as your home country. Booking & payment: When you have decided on a trip a booking form will need to be completed, signed and returned to us and we will enquire regarding availability and advise you. Once we have taken deposit, a confirmation is sent to you, advising you of the services agreed and booked. Payment is due approximately 6 weeks (sometimes 8 weeks depending on the supplier) prior to departure. Exchange 4 free, bank transfers and MasterCard/Visa are all accepted forms of payment, but please ensure there are sufficient funds and your bank is aware of the transaction about to take place (if you are paying via credit card). In this day and age many banks will withhold money as a safeguard against fraud and this delay can be critical- particularly if you are booking at short notice. Please also allow for payment to process and if paying via bank transfer to include all bank fees. NOTE we are unable to confirm bookings/trip until funds have cleared into our account, any delay may see a cancellation in your trip and booking released. Pre and Post Tour Accommodation: If you require accommodation before or after your tour we can arrange this for you.

8 P a g e 8 Once you have booked your safari pre-departure information and a safari confirmation will be sent to you. The predeparture information will assist you with what to bring, weather conditions and most other common questions we get asked. Departs every Friday from Swakopmund This safari is run by a local tour operator If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us. Tel: Fax: info@chameleonholidays.com Web - Skype- chameleon.holidays