DISCOVER KAOKOLAND TOUR 12 days / 11 nights Guided Mobile Camping safari

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1 DISCOVER KAOKOLAND TOUR 12 days / 11 nights Guided Mobile Camping safari Himba Woman and cattle on the Omuhonga River, near Epupa For those who can afford the time and who wish to join a fixed date tour, this is the ultimate way to experience Namibia s infrastructureless north west, frequently in isolation and well away from the tourist routes. Beginning and ending in Swakopmund, the tour commences by making a bee-line for the Epupa Falls on the Kunene River, passing via the Seal Colony at Cape Cross and the stark southern stages of the Skeleton Coast before tracking inland to Palmwag Lodge, a frontier-feel lodge which marks the beginning of the Kaokoveld proper. From here to Epupa via Opuwo, the road is still marked on the map, but requires a 4x4 if you have any sense. Epupa Falls is located in a beautiful highland setting, and is a wonderful sight whether at low water, or in full flood (the latter very rare). Himba settlements are visited formerly here and a couple of nights in and around the Epupa area make for gentle distraction, relaxation and fascinating cultural interest. From thence forward, things get tougher as you head over the renowned Van Zyl s Pass to the less accessible and more isolated part of the Kaokoveld. Only a handful of guides care to navigate van Zyls narrow, steep, and extremely rocky pass it can only be driven in one direction, namely down into the Marienfluss, and is literally navigated wheel-over-rock by wheel-over-rock. The Marienfluss valley and the Hartmann s valley, and the omnipresent Kunene River at their top end, provide fascinating exploration long, fringed by mountains, empty of people, abounding with plains game, and exquisitely remote. From here one heads south via Purros and Sesfontein along rough roads, crossing dry river beds that track westwards, and which provide corridors for plains game and desert-adapted Elephant - in the dry season especially, the Hoarusib and Hoanib Rivers, among others, frequently abound in wildlife, and sightings of elephant are almost a given. The tour ends with a final relaxing overnight at Palmwag Lodge (or similar) before returning to Swakopmund via Twyfelfontein and its famous rock engravings

2 Itinerary Day 1: Departure from Swakopmund along the Atlantic Coast towards the North. Visit the lichen fields near Wlotzka s Baken before continuing to Henties Bay, a small holiday resort. Onwards to the seal colony at Cape Cross. After visiting the seals, the journey continues via Ugabmund to the southern Skeleton Coast Park to inspect a shipwreck (a good spot for lunch). As you leave the Skeleton Coast Park via Springbokwasser in the early afternoon, you ll experience the harsh transition from the Namib Desert to the Damaraland highlands, with their impressive flat-topped mountainscape and ragged valleys. Here one can usually sight the first springbok, zebra and Oryx and, with any luck, desert elephants. Overnight stay in bungalows at Palmwag Lodge, a rustic but comfortable bush lodge with a frontier feel. After enjoying a drink and a good supper, enjoy your final night for a while under a solid roof. Day 2: After breakfast the journey continues through central Damaraland and the Khowarib Gorge en route to Opuwo, a small frontier town where your guide will stock up on supplies. Here you are likely to see the first Ovahimba, nomads who live according to ancient traditions in the north-west of the country, and elegantly dressed Herero women, wearing colourful horned-shaped hats. Open-air camping in the vicinity of Opuwo - usually on top of the hill above the town, which has fine views. Enjoy an ice-cold drink while the guide prepares the meal on an open fire and revel in your first night under the stars. Day 3: Drive on north via Okangwati, a small settlement situated on the Omuhonga River. As you head north towards Epupa you will almost certainly meet nomadic Ovahimbas tending their herds of cattle and goats en route. Onwards to the Epupa Falls on the Kunene River, passing through a dramatic highland landscape as you approach the river, which cuts deeply through the base of the highlands of Southern Angola. Epupa marks the most northerly point of your tour, and rewards the effort of getting up here with the joy of being in a truly lovely riverside setting, and the opportunity to spend a couple of nights relaxing and unwinding beneath shady palms in the riverside environment; the falls themselves provide the main focus, and are interesting at times of low water or in full flow. Enjoy an unforgettable sundowner on a small hill looking directly onto the falls, with sweeping views of the river valley. Camp overnight beneath palms next to the river, in one of the small lodge-owned campsites. Day 4 and 5: The next two and a half days takes you through the fascinating landscape and valleys of central Kaokoland. You ll have excellent opportunities to meet the inhabitants of one or more Ovahimba settlements, where you will without doubt receive a warm and friendly welcome. Learn about the ancient customs and way of life of this fascinating tribe and

3 explore village settlements and traditional hut enclosures. Here, you ll be camping in the open, and may well get occasional visits from curious Ovahimba. The Himba (Ovahimba) People This ancient tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists occupy the Kunene region of Namibia. The Himbas, who are relatives of the Herero, are an extraordinary people who have resisted change and managed to preserve their unique cultural heritage. In the middle of the 19 th century, the Himbas were impoverished by Nama Cattle raiders and forced to become hunter gatherers. As a result of these events, they were referred to as the Tjimba, derived from the local word for Aardvark, an animal that digs for its food. Many Himbas fled to Angola where they were referred to as the Ovahimba, meaning beggars. They left Angola with their leader Vita ( War ), who settled his people in Kaokoland after the first World War. Since these events, the Himba have been following a quasinomadic/pastoral lifestyle, but increasingly find themselves having to reconcile their traditional ways with European values. Currently numbering approximately 6000 people, the Himba roam the landscape seeking grazing for their cattle and goats, and live in small beehive-shaped huts constructed of mud and cattle dung. The beautifully proud and adorned Himba women, their bodies covered in butter fat and powdered oxides to protect their skin, are distinguished by their leather headdresses, necklaces, belts and copper bracelets. One of the most interesting rituals of these people is the Okoruwo, or ritual fire. The fire is believed to provide contact between the living and the dead, which is deemed necessary for harmonious living, and appeasing their ancestors. The fire is kept alive until the death of the Headman, at which point his hut is destroyed and the fire is extinguished. The Headman s family then dance in mourning throughout the night. Before his burial, everyone says to him Karepo nawa ( Keep well ). Later, a fresh Mopane tree is lit from the embers of the old fire. Day 6, 7, 8: Your destination over the next two few days is the Kunene River once again, this time in the north-western corner of the Kaokoveld, at the top of the Hartmann s valley. The aim will be to camp on the banks of the river with day excursions exploring the scenic gorges, valleys and desert-like dune fields of this isolated part of the North West. To get there, you ll start by crossing the notorious Van Zyl s Pass, a handhewn narrow trail which painstakingly winds its way through the largest mountains in this area. Honed 4x4 driving skills combined with endurance are pre-requisites for the guide, who literally has to navigate the pass wheel-over-rock by wheel-over-rock. Towards the end of the pass the valley opens out into one of the most awe-inspiring and spectacular views this area has to offer - that across the Marienfluss riverbed. Extensive grass plains and abundant trees provide nutrition and shelter for game such as oryx, springbok, ostrich and zebra. The

4 track continues westwards beyond Marienfluss into the Hartmann s valley, or Hartmannstal. As you leave behind the mountainous areas of the previous days, the vegetation grows sparser until it blends into the expansive grass plains below. The sense of remoteness and isolation is acute as you enter this vast area. Then almost unexpectedly, a mountain range begins to materialise out of the blue haze surrounding this breathtaking, almost lunar landscape. The sense of contrast becomes quite surreal as mountains in different hues and burnt tones, valleys half blanketed with red sand, and deep gorges start crowding into the panorama you will know then that you have regained the Kunene river, this time cutting through the Serra Cafema Mountain Range, the highest mountains in southwestern Angola. Day 9: Today you ll bid farewell to the Kunene River and embark on your return journey to Palmwag. The drive progresses southwards to the Hoarusib River, following close to the border of the Skeleton Coast Park. You ll traverse virtually deserted, contrasting landscapes, ranging from almost pure desert to the Kaokohighland. As you progress, you may be lucky enough to encounter Desert Elephant, particularly in the vicinity of the scenic Hoarusib river, where these creatures seek water and forage for food. Usually camp is set up in the excellent community camp site at Purros, which has shared ablutions, and here a visit to the Himba village at Purros can be enjoyed, before enjoying a sundowner excursion in the Hoarusib. Day 10: Break up camp and game drive in search of elephants, proceeding further south into the Hoanib River. The Hoanib River Valley often appears un-navigable by vehicle, and can be intimidating for drivers who are unsure of the terrain, but unless there are high levels of water (rare), a route through can usually be found. Once in the riverbed you usually drive in a westerly direction (depending upon which route you follow to access it), seeking out elephants and other game. Abundant tree growth in the river bed offers desert elephant a healthy diet, and provides shade to a variety of game seeking respite from the sun. Camp is erected in one of the side arms of the Hoanib River, and it is not unusual for elephants to pass by the camp during the night. Day 11: Your last breakfast in the wild. Once camp has been packed up, you ll make your way back to Palmwag Lodge, going via the village of Sesfontein ( six fountains ), where you can make a short visit to the fort, a previous Schutztruppe outpost of the former German colonial time which has now been turned into a small lodge. You can also opt to stop for a picnic lunch and take a refreshing swim in the pool of the warm water spring at Ongongo (Warmquelle). Arrive back at Palmwag Lodge in the afternoon, where you can relax by the small swimming pool and enjoy a final sundowner looking out over the Palmwag wilderness. Overnight in bungalows. Fullboard.

5 Day 12: Early departure to Twyfelfontein, where you can take a tour of the ancient rock engravings. Thereafter continue via the Burnt Mountain to Uis, a deserted mining town. Here you ll pass the highest mountain of Namibia, the 2573 metre high Brandberg, seen about 20 kilometres off rising up surreally from the otherwise flat plains (it s actually an ancient volcano which has collapsed inwards). Return to Swakopmund in the late afternoon. END OF ITINERARY Dates and Prices This tour runs on a fixed date group basis once or twice per month, between March and November - see dates for 2012 below. It can also be run on a fully tailor-made basis at any time, for private groups Fixed date Departures (from Swakopmund): 3 rd March; 7 th April; 5 th May; 9 th June; 2 nd July; 16 th July; 4 th August; 18 th August; 1 st September; 15 th September; 6 th October; 20 th October; 3 rd November; 17 th November Scheduled departures require a minimum of 2 persons to run, and the maximum per group is limited to 6. Please contact us for availaibility. For the most up-to-date prices, please see our website (follow. Destinations/Namibia/Mobile Safaris/The Kaokoveld/12 day Kaokoland Tour, and click on the Dates & Prices tab) or click on the following link: or contact us on: +44 (0) info@traverseline.co.uk Safari inclusions and exclusions: INCLUDED: - Travelling costs as per itinerary; game drives, activities, entrance and park fees - Accommodation in two-man dome tents, on canvas beds, with mattresses and linen, and double rooms when at Palmwag - Full board throughout - Refreshment drinks en route, house wine and beer at dinner whilst camping - Experienced guiding in English - VAT and Bed levy EXCLUDED: - Expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone, gratuities, souvenirs, etc - Personal, medical and evacuation insurances; - Additional activities not stated in the itinerary - Alcoholic beverages and other drinks in addition to those mentioned as included - Nights spent in Swakopmund pre-and post safari

6 PLEASE NOTE: - It is compulsory for all guests to have comprehensive cancellation, baggage, emergency evacuation, and medical insurance for the duration of the trip; - The safari operator reserves the right to change the itinerary in accordance with local conditions and safety considerations When to Go In general, the Namibia is best visited outside of the summer months, from March through to early November, with June to October being the optimal months (when Namibia is at its driest and coolest). August is usually the peak month, with rates to match - accommodation fills quickly and remoter parts begin to feel a little less remote. The time you choose to visit may be constrained by other factors, depending upon where you intend to go, or what activities you intend to pursue: Mobile Camping Safaris These can be done between March and November. However, if you intend to head north of Palmwag into the Kaokoveld (Purros, and the Marienfluss and Hartmann s valleys), consider travelling between June and November if you can. In most years, trips can run successfully in earlier months, but occasional flash rainfall can fill usually dry river beds, forcing itinerary changes, eg. March-April, 2011 saw the highest rains in living memory, with camps on the Kunene River flooded, and parts of the Kaokoveld temporarily cut off to 4x4 vehicles - rare, but it can happen. Travel through Palmwag is extremely unlikely to be hindered in this period, although the Hoanib river can flood temporarily, hindering or delaying movement across the northern border of the concession. Mobile camping safaris through Damaraland, or further south through the Namib-Naukluft and around Sossusvlei are safe to plan from March onwards. Map of Route

7 Profile for Guided Mobile Camping Safaris in Namibia The joy of camping in Namibia is being able to get off the beaten track to experience its beautiful wilderness and nature. Namibia s spectacular scenic beauty and diverse flora and fauna can only be truly appreciated on an adventurous camping safari into the remote and isolated regions far off the normal tourist route. Daylight hours filled with discovery and the night spent under a blanket of stars with the unique sound of the African bush for company. Our local partners keep social responsibility in mind when planning and guiding trips. They support sustainable tourism and design safaris that have a positive impact on both the client and the indigenous people you meet. All the guides are dedicated conservationists with an intimate knowledge of the fauna, flora and cultures of the region. They love their country, have been raised in it and know what is has to offer. They speak three languages and are able to communicate with the ethnic groups of Namibia. Mobile camping safaris are offered on a non participatory basis with the entire camping equipment supplied for you. Standard equipment includes: Comfortable dome tents: 2.6 m x 2.6 m x 1.8 m. Sleeping rolls, which consist of a comfortable canvas zip up cover with comfortable mattress, proper duvets, pillow, towels and linen. Camping fold up beds. Electric tent lantern and bedside table. Fold up canvas washing stand. Solar bucket showers (1x for every 4 guests). Long-drop bush toilets (1x for every 4 guests). Three wholesome meals are served daily at table. Breakfast is full English style. Lunch consists of cold meats, cheese, salads, pickles, fresh vegetables and fruit. Dinner is a tasty warm meal cooked on an open fire. At dinner, wine and beer are included as are sundowner drinks for toasting the end of another great day on safari. Vehicles used are comfortable custom built non-air-conditioned Land Rovers and Toyota land Cruisers guaranteeing each client a window seat. Vehicles are equipped with huge sliding windows, two of which have photo roof hatches. Each vehicle is equipped with a fridge to keep drinks cold and food fresh.