Namibia Self Drive Tour OPTION: Budget DURATION: 11 DAYS Tel: +264 64 46 3371 Fax: +264 64 46 1993 info@desertace.com.na www.desertace.com.na NTB Reg No: BOO01013
ITINERARY Welcome to Namibia! This booklet is a detailed breakdown of your exciting holiday plans. Have fun! Top 5 Travel Tips 1) Always wear sunscreen 2) Always travel with water in the car 3) Don t carry your valuables in plain sight 4) If travelling to remote areas, carry extra fuel 5) Driving at night is not advised due to animals roaming freely Most importantly - Enjoy!
Day 1: Windhoek On arrival at Windhoek International airport, you are met by a Desert Ace tour guide, who will assist and accompany you on your guided tour, and also hand over your travel documents. After collection you will drive to the city Windhoek. Namibia s capital city spreads out in a wide valley between bush-covered hills, and at first sight appears to be quite small. As you stroll through this centre, the pavement cafés and picturesque old German architecture conspire to give an airy, European feel, whilst street vendors remind you that this is Africa. Windhoek is also the administrative and legislative centre of the country. The Namibian capital is situated in the central part of Namibia and forms a major crossroad to the four ordinal directions. Windhoek s population, which is a meagre 380 000, comprises of an impressive cultural mix of Herero, Ovambo, Damara, Kavango, Buster, Nama, San, Afrikaans, and German people all to-ing and fro-ing along streets with African and German names, lined with some decidedly German architecture. As a destination Windhoek cannot compete with the likes of Etosha or Sossusvlei, but the architecture, history, and quirky Afro-Germanic splicing make exploring one of the world s smallest capitals an enjoyable activity. Check in at VILLA MORINGA 4* Located in the residential area of Ludwigsdorf in Windhoek, Villa Moringa is an exquisite modern, stylish and high-class guesthouse that offers an unforgettable experience. It has 6 luxuriously decorated rooms with wooden furniture and en-suite bathrooms, 2 Executive / Family rooms and 3 VIP rooms - all well equipped with air conditioning, heater and cable television. Guests are welcome to relax at the outdoor pool. A delicious full breakfast with freshly baked pastries and international cuisine are served at the villa s restaurant. Today you can spend the afternoon at your own leisure where you are able to explore the city of Windhoek or shop for curious. A variety of activities are available in and around Windhoek which you can book through your Desert Ace booking consultant. Driving time to destination: 45 minutes Driving distance to destination: 40km Overnight: Villa Moringa Guesthouse http://www.villa-moringa.com/ *subject to availability Room category: Standard room *subject to availability Meals included: Breakfast only Swimming pool; Air conditioning; Heating; Wi-Fi internet access
Day 2: Sossusvlei In the morning your journey will take to further south to the Namibia s most famous attraction, namely Sossusvlei. Driving time to destination: 5 hours Travel distance to destination: 360km Overnight: Sossusvlei Desert Camp www.desertcamp.com *subject to availability Room Category: Standard room* *subject to availability Meals included: Dinner & Breakfast Swimming pool; Wi-Fi & internet; Cell phone reception Sossusvlei is one of the top destinations in Namibia with monumental dunes up to 325 metres when measured from the base. These star-shaped dunes are a sought after topic for artists and photographers. What makes these dunes to exceptional are the warm tints of the sand, ranging from apricot to orange, red and maroon which in return contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the large deflationary clay pans at their bases. Check in at SOSSUSVLEI DESERT CAMP 3* Desert Camp is situated just 5 km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Naukluft Park. Nestled under centuries old thorn trees, Desert Camp has an unsurpassed 360 degrees view over the desert landscape and surrounding mountains. Twenty affordable eco-friendly selfcatering accommodation units constructed under canvas with adobe-style walls are available to visitors who want to experience the grandeur of Sossusvlei. Each twin bedded unit has a spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom equipped with a shower, toilet and wash basin, shaded veranda with fitted kitchenette, barbeque, lights, power points and an adjacent parking area. Facilities at the main building include a fully stocked and serviced bar with big screen television and a sparkling swimming pool to provide some levitation from the Namib Desert heat. Meals and adventure activities may be booked at the nearby Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre.
Day 3: Sossusvlei excursion Tea/Coffee and rusk will be served before your departure. A packed breakfast will be provided. Please note: Entrance fees on own account At sunrise you will reach the entrance gate of the Sossusvlei. It is another 60km about an hour s drive - through the magical scenery of Sossusvlei until you reach the 2x4 parking area. You will stop in the heart of Sossusvlei and take a walk into the dramatically scenic Dead Vlei which is lined with black coloured dead trees which is nestled in a beautiful white cracked pan. The vlei itself only fills with water after very rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it becomes a spectacular turquoise lake covered in white water lilies. Another highlight of your Sossusvlei excursion is the view from atop the dunes! The Big Daddy dune is one of the world s tallest dunes which can be climbed for incredible views of Dead Vlei and the entire Sossusvlei area for miles below. Aside from the spectacular scenery and geological fascinations at Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, the area is ideal for observing some of the dune life for which the Namib is so well known. Geologists believe that this magnificent desert, that covers most of the Namib Naukluft National Park, is the oldest desert in the world. The older the dune the brighter the special orange colour caused by slow iron oxidisation. These dunes refract spectacular colours with the changing light and turn from burnt orange through to deep reds as the shadows move over this majestic location. In the afternoon you can also visit the Sesriem Canyon. The Tsauchab is a river in Namibia, which stems from the southern Naukluft Mountains. It is approximately 100 km (60 miles) long, and is well known especially for the portion in which it flows through Sesriem Canyon. During rainy seasons, the Tsauchab becomes a strong and rapid-running river, all within a matter of hours. As a result of the this occasional rains, it has over the past two million years carved the spectacular Sesriem Canyon which is beautiful, narrow gorge of sedimentary rock which stretch over 1 kilometre in length (approximately 0.6 mile) and is up to 30-meter (100-foot) deep. Overnight: Sossusvlei Desert Camp www.desertcamp.com *subject to availability Room Category: Standard room* *subject to availability Meals included: Dinner & Breakfast Activity: Sossusvlei & Deadvlei sightseeing excursion; Sesriem Canyon sightseeing excursion Self Drive Swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Wi-Fi and cell phone reception
Day 4: Swakopmund In the morning you will depart for your next destination Swakopmund Considered by most Namibians to be the country s top holiday resort, this old German town spreads from the mouth of the Swakop River out into the surrounding desert plains. Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort because of its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Swakopmund exudes romance and history which makes it a rich cultural melting pot of old and new. The town is an eclectic mixture of Bohemian and Bavaria which make it home to artists, hippies, strait-laced descendants of German settlers, stately Herero women in Victorian dresses, and hardworking miners, game rangers, safari operators and fishermen. This electic mixture gives Swakopmund a unique atmosphere, and make it a pleasant oasis in which to spend a few days. Check in at CORNERSTONE GUEST HOUSE 4* Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small, private and peaceful bed and breakfast which is an easy walk to the sea and the town centre of Swakopmund. Cornerstone Guesthouse is situated in a quiet corner of Swakopmund s old town, which is located near the marine museum and the old brewery. This guesthouse offers the charm and intimacy of a family-run B&B combined with the modern amenities of a luxury hotel. Within a few minutes walk from the guest house there are beaches, cafés, restaurants, lively pubs, and a variety of interesting shops and markets in the town. The rooms each have a private entrance and patio with table and chairs. Inside, the rooms are light, spacious and neat with tile and wood floors, beach house colours and choice of double or twin beds. The breakfast room at the Cornerstone Guest house is large, light and air, which also offers a veranda for the guests to dine at on warm, sunny days. Swakopmund exudes romance and history as it is a rich cultural melting pot of old and new. Among the shops you ll find a fascinating museum of crystals and Africa s best source of African artefacts and antique books. Be sure to visit the Kristal Gallery and dig around in the scratch patch for semi-precious stones and wander through the crystal cave which is a replica of the original Otjua Tourmaline mine,with its crystal and tourmaline studded walls. Watch jewellers at work and browse through the shop. Snake and amphibian enthusiasts can visit the Swakopmund Snake Park, which is housed in an unlikely looking shop, but has a wide variety of snakes and amphibians indigenous to Namibia. Entrance fees on own account. The Swakopmund Museum offers an excellent insight to a variety of subjects such as the contrasting life in the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean; Namib flora; archaeological and entomological collections; mineral and mining displays; pioneer transport and a wonderful collection on the cultures of Namibia s indigenous peoples. Entrance fees on own account. Be sure to wander through the quaint streets of Swakopmund, which boast German colonial architecture, as well as a large variety of African curios shops and markets. Driving time to destination: 5 hours Driving distance to destination: 370km Overnight: Cornerstone Guesthouse www.cornerstoneguesthouse.com *subject to availability Room category: Luxury room* *subject to availability Meals included: Breakfast only Wi-Fi & internet; Cell phone reception
Day 5: Activities in and around Swakopmund In the morning you will departure to the harbour town of Walvis Bay for a Catamaran Cruise. The Catamaran takes guests on a scenic and informative trip through the harbour and across to Pelican Point. Along the way schools of dolphins usually escort and play alongside the catamaran. The catamaran will stop at the large seal colony off Pelican Point where one usually witness some large male seals jumping on board the boat for some entertainment. This coastline is home to some 100,000 Cape Fur Seals, and the colony at Pelican point has been known to reach a population of up to 20,000 seals. To round off the trip, fresh Walvis Bay oysters, snacks and cold sparkling wine are served on board the catamaran. Beer and soft drinks are also included. Return to Swakopmund after the excursion. The afternoon is spend at own leisure where you have the option to participate the following activities of your choice: OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE QUAD BIKING Experience the sheer thrill of riding a quad bike through Namibia's boundless expanse of shifting sand dunes. After the engines are revved up, an experienced guide will lead you through the Swakopmund river mouth into the dune belt. Feel the freedom of riding through one of nature's greatest deserts. As the towering dunes approach, you weave your way through the smaller ones towards the "Amphitheater". Thereafter you will depart and spend one, two or three hours (time duration determined by the tour option you choose) in the Namib Desert visiting various vantage points where you will be guided along the slopes of the dunes. You have the option of joining a slower guide who concentrates on the desert fauna and flora, or alternatively a group with a more adventurous approach. TOWNSHIP TOUR The Cultural Tour takes you off the beaten track and into the lives of the real Namibians. The tour begins with a brief history of Mondesa Township. On foot you have the opportunity to get a fascinating glimpse into a typical Namibian township with plenty of opportunity to stop and chat to local residents and view township homes and schools. You will also stop off at a small home craft market. Included are visits to as many cultures as possible and if open, a visit to a local kindergarten (crèche). You will also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional cuisine, or even meet a traditional healer. Overnight: Cornerstone Guesthouse www.cornerstoneguesthouse.com *subject to availability Room category: Luxury room* *subject to availability Meals included: Breakfast only Activity: Catamaran Cruise in the morning Wi-Fi & internet; Cell phone reception
DAY 6 Damaraland From here you will continue onwards to Damaraland. Damaraland is a vast, beautiful wilderness in North-West Namibia. Much of the landscape was formed by ancient lava flows, therefore Damaraland has many unusual rock formations and rare flora. The barren soil encourages only a few drought-resistant plant species. African savannah of shrubs and acacias, sandy dry riverbeds and massive granite mountain tops are characteristic of the wildly romantic scenery of Damaraland. It is also home to the country s famous desert-adapted elephants and black rhino, and well as few small traditional communities who are benefit from tourism. Check in at TWYFELFONTEIN LODGE 3* Twyfelfontein Lodge is situated in the Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy, approximately five kilometres from the renowned historical site with some of the best specimens of rock engravings and paintings in Southern Africa. Twyfelfontein Lodge boasts 57 en-suite double rooms, a restaurant, bar and sparkling swimming pool built within rock formations. With the construction of the lodge, utmost care was taken to reduce the visual impact on the environment and to blend into the mountainside with the use of thatch roofs, natural stone and paint colours toning in with the surrounding rock formations. The guest rooms are semi-detached, and nestle into the foot of the sandstone rock. This afternoon you can drive out and explore Damaraland. At Twyfelfontein the San Bushmen created the largest and most important rock art concentration to be found in Africa. The area has over 200 sandstone blocks that contain over 2500 petro glyphs of different styles. The beautiful organ pipes are a fascinating geological formation located near Twyfelfontein. Strikingly rich, rusty colours are portrayed in long columns resembling those of a church organ pipes - some rising up to 5m high. Just a short walk from the Organ Pipes is a small inselberg named Burnt Mountain which was proclaimed a national monument on the 15th of September 1956. The reason for its name is best evident in the early mornings and late evenings when the rays of the sun seem to set and the mountain looks like it is coming ablaze. Rich red colours mixed with shades of black and purple are quite strikingly caused by Manganese coated clay molecules. At the Petrified Forest travellers can see a large collection of fossilized tree trunks dating back approximately 280 million years. Please note: Entrance fees payable at your own account. Driving time to destination: 4 hours Driving distance to destination: 320km Overnight: Camp Kipwe* www.kipwe.com *subject to availability Room category: Bungalow* *subject to availability Meals included: Dinner & Breakfast Activities: Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings excursion & Petrified Forest excursions (entrance fees payable) Swimming pool; Air conditioning (one room only has a fan), Cell phone reception
DAY 7 Etosha South In the morning you will depart for Etosha National Park Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa s finest and most important game reserves. Etosha Game park was declared a national park in 1907, and covers an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one fish species. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, which was formed around 1,000 million years ago. The Etosha Pan covers around 25% of the national park. This temporary water in the Etosha Pan attracts thousands of wading birds, including impressive flocks of flamingos. The perennial springs along the edges of the Etosha Pan draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds. Check in at TOSHARI LODGE 3* With more than just a little touch of wholesome goodness, Toshari Lodge is the kind of place that can add arrive a stranger, leave a friend to their brochure. A short drive south of Etosha National Park s Andersson Gate, the lodge is an excellent base for tours into Etosha National Park. The 16 en suite bungalows are spacious, clean and comfortable, and shaded by mopane and white seringa trees. The grounds are well tended to and the central open-air courtyard is the focal point as this is where the swimming pool, bar and restaurant is located. Hammocks, and locally produced benches and recliners, are dotted around the pool to ensure that you get a good dose of relaxation. way to watch animals in Etosha is often just to sit in your vehicle by a waterhole and wait. From desert to savannah to woodlands, Etosha s landscape is varied and jam-packed with wildlife. It s defining and, at 5000 square kilometres, its largest feature is the Etosha Pan which for most of the year is a bleak expanse of white; shimmering with mirages and the distant shapes of animals seeking the vital water found on the fringes of the pan. The many natural springs scattered throughout Etosha attract a cross section of African wildlife from the diminutive Damara Dik Dik to the magnificent elephant. Please note: Entrance fees on own account Driving time to destination: 3 hours Driving distance to destination: 270km Driving distance from accommodation to Etosha National Park: 25 km (30 minute drive) Overnight: Toshari Lodge www.etoshagateway-toshari.com/ *subject to availability Room Category: Standard room *subject to availability Meals included: Dinner & Breakfast Activity: Self-drive Etosha Game Drive in the afternoon Swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Cell phone reception Depart on the afternoon game drive. Etosha is so special because of the concentration of waterholes that occur around the southern edges of the pan. As the dry season progresses, these increasingly draw the game. In fact, the best
DAY 8 Etosha East Today you will have the whole day to explore the Etosha National Park, as you travel through the park towards your next destination. Today you might spot elephants taking a bath with their young, a group of zebras filing past on their way to the watering hole, herds of springbok in the savannah and a pair of lions lazing under a bush. In Etosha you will experience animals in the wild at their best. Etosha National Park is Namibia s prime wildlife destination and wildlife activities provide good game viewing year round. Guests can visit a number of springs and pans in search of lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, red hartebeest, the endemic black-faced impala and black rhino, as well as plains game such as wildebeest, zebra and springbok. The elephants in Etosha National Park are the largest in Africa with the tallest elephants measuring up to 4 meters. Driving time to destination: 5 hours Driving time to destination: 5 hours Driving distance to destination: 173km Overnight: Onguma Bush Camp www.onguma.com *subject to availability Room category: Standard rooms * subject to availability Meals included: Dinner & Breakfast Activity: Self-drive Etosha Game Drive Full day Swimming pool; Air-conditioning, Cell phone reception Drive through the park and check in at ONGUMA BUSH CAMP 3* Bordering Fischer s Pan, the Onguma Game Reserve stretches across 34,000 hectares of protected land. Plains game such as kudu, giraffe, eland, oryx, hartebeest, zebra, and impala roam freely, and predators including lion, cheetah, and leopard are frequently sighted. Onguma The Fort is Afro-Arabic in look and feel, with substantial walls, stone cladding and a tower that gazes across Fischer s Pan toward Etosha. Some would even claim the tower offers the most dramatic sunset views in the whole of Namibia. Onguma Bush Lodge, is full of character and ooze a lot of charm. The lodge is situated in its own conservancy close to the eastern gate of the Etosha National Park. Onguma Bush Lodge has only 6 chalets which are built of stone and thatch, and placed within a private, yet reassuring distance from each other. Each room is appointed with subtle style and obvious comfort. The living area, which features a swimming pool, open-sided thatchroofed dining area and a lounge, is surrounded by a lush lawn and looks out over the private reserve towards the setting sun. Distance to the Namutoni Gate: +/- 30 minutes
DAY 9 Okonjima Today you will continue your travels towards Okonjima which is home to The AfriCat Foundation. The AfriCat Foundation is a non-profit organisation that has long been committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia s large carnivores, notably cheetahs and leopards. Visitors will be able to observe this programme at work and learn more about these amazing and beautiful animals. The chance to track some of Namibia s big cats and carnivores, either in a vehicle or on foot, is the main attraction here. Since 1993 AfriCat has rescued over 1 000 cheetahs and leopards on Namibian farmland. Over 85% of these animals have been returned to the wild. Check in at OKONJIMA PLAINS CAMP 4* Okonjima Plains Camp is situated halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park. The main building has a nearby lapa The Gathering Place, a curio-shop, secluded swimming-pool and reception area. Okonjima was awarded Namibia s Leading Safari in the prestigious World Travel Awards, a title voted for by tourism industry professionals which is considered to be the Oscars of the travel world. The honour was in recognition for the successful combination of a world class safari lodge, with a world famous conservation program. Activities at Okonjima Main Camp are varied. A visit to the Cheetah Project offers visitors a valuable insight into the welfare work of The AfriCat Foundation. Cheetahs Visit the Africat Project area where you can meet some of the cheetahs, and accompany the Okonjima guides as they monitor the progress of the cheetahs in the Tusk Rehabilitation camp. Okonjima is home to over 40 cheetahs, many of whom were separated from their mothers before they learnt how to survive on their own. The Rehabilitation Camp will give these cheetahs an opportunity to learn survival skills, such as hunting, in a closely monitored environment. Successful cheetahs will be relocated to parks and game farms. Cheetah Tracking on Foot Cheetahs within the rehabilitation program are radio tracked on foot, but sightings of the cats are not always guaranteed. Wild leopards are fed every night and guests can observe these secretive predators from the safety of a hide. Okonjima is also the site of a leopard monitoring project where the resident leopards are collared and tracked to determine the number of leopard in the area as well as their movements and activities. This information will be used to better understand the behavior of leopards found on Namibian farmland, and thereby reduce the conflict between leopards and farmers. Bushman Trail Catch a glimpse of a day in the life of the San Bushmen. Learn how this ancient tribe make rope, fire and traps, and live in harmony with nature. Walks and Trails A variety of walking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, are available. The sundowner walk is usually done in the evening after the cheetah activity and is a favourite with many of our guests. Night Hide Ever wondered what those noises are at night? Guests can choose, after dinner, to visit a hide and observe nocturnal animals such as honey badger and porcupine as they go about their business. Driving time to destination: 3.5 hours Driving distance to destination: 258km Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp www.okonjima.com/content/the_main_camp *subject to availability Room Category: Standard room* *subject to availability Meals included: Dinner & Breakfast + Activity: One activity of your choice from the above mentioned activities Swimming pool; Mosquito Nets; Coffee & Tea Station
DAY 10 Windhoek Area In the morning you will travel towards Windhoek city. On route you can stop over in the town of Otjiwarongo where you can visit the crocodile farm. Here you can observe and photograph crocodiles at close range and learn about the breeding habits of these reptiles. The park is open Monday to Friday from 9a.m. to 5p.m. at River Crossing Lodge consist of 20 double rooms (5 rooms have double beds and 15 rooms have twin beds). A choice of 3 location settings are available for the rooms - rim-perched, Windhoek facing or an Auas Mountain view. You can also visit Okahandja which is the cultural centre of the Herero community of Namibia. The woodcarver s market has a variety of interesting handmade objects to offer. The carvers mainly use the indigenous wood. Continue to River Crossing Lodge. Check in at RIVER CROSSING LODGE 3* River Crossing Lodge is situated east of Namibia s capital city Windhoek. Nestled amongst the foothills of the Auas Mountains, the lodge offers a relaxed country location only a few minutes drive from the Windhoek city center. This location makes it an ideal first or final destination if your onward journey departs from the main international airport, Hosea Kutako Airport. The German architecture at River Crossing Lodge resembles a farm style of yesteryear, complete with corrugated roofs, wide balconies decorated with impressive pots of geraniums which has been built on an unspoiled game estate. Meals are served in the restaurant, but dinner needs to be pre-booked. Most of the vegetables have been grown in the lodge s own gardens. Accommodation Driving time to destination: 3.5 hours Driving distance to destination: 270km Overnight: River Crossing Lodge www.rivercrossing.com.na *subject to availability Room Category: Standard room* *subject to availability Meals included: Dinner & Breakfast Swimming pool; Air-conditioning; Cell phone reception
DAY 14 Departure Depending on the time of your return flight you can enjoy the last day in Namibia before you depart for the airport. Here you return your rental car and check-in for your flight back home. Driving time and distance to Windhoek: 170 km 1, 5 hours The end of an unforgettable journey! TOUR PRICING BASED ON 2 PEOPLE TRAVELING RATE PER PESON SHARING: N$ 18 668-00 BASED ON 4 PEOPLE TRAVELING RATE PER PESON SHARING: N$ 14 710-00 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: N$ 3 661-00 INCLUDED: Accommodation, Activities and Meals as per itinerary above Tourism Levy Meet & Greet upon arrival Road book & Map Coach: 4x4 Double cab or Similar EXCLUDED: Entrance Fees Tour Guide International flights or domestic flights Optional activities Personal expenses, such as telephone calls, laundry, tips Excess Baggage Visa (if needed) Travel insurance available on request