Tour Overview
|
|
Accommodation |
Destination |
Basis |
Duration |
|
Day 1 |
Kalahari Anib Lodge - Gondwana Collection |
Mariental |
HB |
1 Night |
|
Day 2 |
Canyon Roadhouse - Gondwana Collection |
Fish River Canyon |
HB |
1 Night |
|
Day 3-4 |
Luderitz Nest Hotel |
Luderitz |
B&B |
2 Nights |
|
Day 5-6 |
Dead Valley Lodge or similar |
Sossusvlei |
HB |
1 Night |
FB Full Board | HB Half Board - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast | B&B Bed & Breakfast
Price
01 November 2022 – 30 June 2023
N$ 44 980per person sharing - N$ 16 990 single supplement
1 July 2023 – 30 October 2023
N$ 47 950per person sharing - N$ 18 785 single supplement
Day 1 - Kalahari Anib Lodge - Mariental
Situated in south central Namibia, fringing the Kalahari Desert, the city of Mariental lies along the TransNamib railway and serves as the Hardap Region’s commercial and administrative capital. It provides an important petrol stop before heading west to Sesriem to view the red-orange dunes of Sossusvlei. Mariental is located close to magnificent the Hardap Dam, which is the largest reservoir in Namibia. The Hardap Irrigation Scheme has breathed life into this arid terrain, which is now fertile with farmlands covered in citrus, melons, lucerne, wine and maize, and dotted with private cmmercial farms. The dam is a popular holiday resort which draws city slickers from Windhoek and offers an array of watersports, scenic walks, and abundant wildlife in a 20000-hectare nature reserve set on its western bank; where visitors can spot rhino, ostrich, antelope, springbok and a variety of bird species.
Day Itinerary
Windhoek – Kalahari (D,B&B) (310km) 4hr, Including comfort breaks with late lunch at the lodge.
You will be collected between 08:00 & 08:30.
We start our journey south on the main highway, travelling through the thin strip of Kalahari Desert that protrudes onto the eastern side of Namibia. Stopping at small towns along the way including Rehoboth, traditional home of the Baster people and on to Kalkrand where you bid the main road farewell and head off into the Kalahari. The Kalahari Desert often surprises people when they first see it. It is very different from the Namib. First of all, remember that the Kalahari is not a desert. It receives more rain than a true desert should. The Kalahari is a fossil desert. Don’t expect to find tall Sossusvlei-style dunes devoid of greenery here. The Kalahari’s dunes are very different. They are often equally beautiful, but usually greener and less stark – and with this vegetation comes its ability to support more flora and fauna than a true desert.
Late this afternoon we hop onto an open vehicle for a late afternoon sunset drive.
Activities
Sunset Game Drive
These drives are the perfect way to getting acquainted with the Kalahari Desert. The approx. 3 hour morning or sunset drive with panoramic views across the Kalahari dunes is something to remember forever.
Overnight
Kalahari Anib Lodge - Gondwana Collection
Kalahari Anib Lodge is located 30 km northeast of Mariental on the C 20 (Kalahari). Savour the Kalahari Desert at this easily accessible lodge. 30 standard rooms flank a shady courtyard, with another 21 comfort overlooking Kalahari savannah. Stretch legs on the walks and join the afternoon drive to experience the red Kalahari sands aglow with an inner fire.
Basis
Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2 - Canyon Roadhouse - Fish River Canyon
Carving out an epic rocky wonderland in the south of Namibia, the Fish River has created Africa’s largest and the world’s second largest canyon. Hot, dry and stony, the Fish River Canyon measures a whopping 160 kilometres in length, at times 27 kilometres in width and 550 metres in depth. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of this ancient geological marvel draws visitors from around the globe. For those looking for adventure, the intense 85 kilometre Fish River Hiking Trail through1.5 billion years of geological history will definitely thrill avid adventure enthusiasts, and for visitors looking to relax, head over to the canyon's southern end to enjoy a soak in the mineral waters of the renowned hot springs of Ai-Ais, or take in the spectacularly scenic views from Hobas Restcamp as well as numerous other viewpoints along its rim. Other popular activities include: scenic chartered flights, horse riding, nature drives.
Day Itinerary
Kalahari – Fish River Canyon (B,B&D) (380km) 9 hr. Including Quiver tree forest day visit, lunch break, comfort stops and photo opportunity stops.
An early morning departure to the town of Mariental and south to Keetmanshoop. Just outside the town you have the opportunity of visiting the Quiver tree forest and dolorite rock formation site.
We travel via the town of Keetmanshoop for overnight lodging on the Fish River area. Here you have the opportunity of seeing the Quivertree. Quiver trees are not in fact trees, they are a type of aloe, (Aloe Dichotoma), so called because the branches fork “dictomously”. These weird looking plants dot the landscape in this part of the world and are locally common, however they are one of the world’s rarest flora species.
Activities
Quivertree forest & Dolorite Rock formation Park
Visitors can explore the surrounding area on hikes that will take them past many a quiver tree and dolorite valley.
Overnight
Canyon Roadhouse - Gondwana Collection
Canyon Roadhouse is located 20 km east of the Fish River Canyon on the C 37. Fill up with smiles at this innovative lodge that celebrates the good old days of the automobile. It offers peaceful slumber in 24 spacious rooms and boasts a pool, a campsite, a fuel station, an inviting terrace and the most extraordinary restaurant in southern Namibia.
Basis
Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 3 - Luderitz Nest Hotel - Luderitz
Sandwiched between the rugged and stark Atlantic Coast and the arid Namib Desert, the town of Luderitz is set in an incredibly unique geographical setting. This seaside town is something of an anomaly frozen in time – a piece of 19th-century Bavaria bordering the pinkish sand dunes of the Namib Desert. Lutheran churches, German bakeries, and colonial buildings boasting German art nouveau architecture are dotted about the settlement, while its windswept beaches are home to flamingos, ostriches, seals and penguins. The nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, which has been taken over by the desert dunes, is one of the most fascinating area attractions, located approximately 10 kilometres from Luderitz central. Visitors can also take a trip to discover the wild desert-adapted horses located near the small town of Aus.
Day Itinerary
Fish River area – Luderitz (B&B) (470km) 9hr. Including lunch break, comfort stops and the Wild horses at Garub.
The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is (allegedly) the 2nd largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. The immensity of this magnificent landscape is truly breath taking. The towering rock faces and deep ravines were formed by water erosion and the collapse of the valley due to movements in the earth's crust over 500 million years ago.
Today the canyon measures 160km long up to 27km wide and almost 550m at its deepest. It is fair to say that when you arrive at the canyon though, its exact location is a bit of a mystery as the 500m vertical drop from the flat dry plateau is completely out of view.
Early morning we head to the main view point where we can see how impressive this canyon actually is. This is an ideal opportunity for photos and to spend some time experiencing this amazing sight. Viewing from the top we can see the river sparkling in the sunlight far below us, and can barely imagine how many millennia it took for the forces of erosion to carve such a magnificent vista.
Time to pack up camp and move on to our next destination, the coastal town of Lüderitz where its colonial-style buildings cling to the rocks overlooking the bay, on some days a deep iridescent blue, on others grey and stormy, the crisp fresh climate, fishing boats bobbing up and down on the Atlantic horizon, penguins and seals diving beneath the waves, give the town a curious other-worldly allure.
We aim to arrive at our hotel during the late afternoon. Dinner will be at client’s own expense tonight.
Activities
Fish River Canyon
Carving out an epic rocky wonderland in the south of Namibia, the Fish River has created Africa’s largest and the world’s second largest canyon. Hot, dry and stony, the Fish River Canyon measures a whopping 160 kilometres in length, at times 27 kilometres in width and 550 metres in depth. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of this ancient geological marvel draws visitors from around the globe. For those looking for adventure, the intense 85 kilometre Fish River Hiking Trail through1.5 billion years of geological history will definitely thrill avid adventure enthusiasts, and for visitors looking to relax, head over to the canyon's southern end to enjoy a soak in the mineral waters of the renowned hot springs of Ai-Ais, or take in the spectacularly scenic views from Hobas Restcamp as well as numerous other viewpoints along its rim. Other popular activities include: scenic chartered flights, horse riding, nature drives.
Overnight
Luderitz Nest Hotel
The Lüderitz Nest Hotel enjoys a superb on the rocks and sea location, with far reaching uninterrupted views. The hotel’s private tidal beach with walk-on jetty, unique in Namibia, allows the guest to get close-up to the sea. All rooms and suites have direct sea views. The outdoor sparkling residents' pool with sun-loungers and parasols is surrounded by verdant gardens. Facilities include free Wi-Fi throughout, complementary full-buffet breakfasts, free sauna and free secure parking. The hotel delivers a friendly service in a relaxed environment.
Since 1998, management and staff have hosted guests from around the world and very much look forward to welcoming you. Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) Excellence Awards 2016 winner.
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
Day 4 - Luderitz Nest Hotel, Luderitz
Day Itinerary
Luderitz (B&B) Optional activities and short excursions. (100km)
There is time to join an optional extra excursion, a marine trip, take a cruise around Luderitz bay and, weather permitting, to Halifax Island to see the Jackass Penguins. N.B: The boat cruise is subject to availability and, if undertaken, will be for the clients own risk and expense.
Time to explore Luderitz Town with its traditional German architecture and later we will take a drive out to Diaz Point to see the bird life, hopefully a few seals and the stone cross replica, originally erected by the Portuguese mariner Bartholomew Diaz.
Straight after the marine trip we drive out to Kolmanskop, a desert ghost town about 20 km out of Luderitz. It was built in the 1920’s during the diamond rush and was abandoned when bigger and better diamonds were found further along the coast. The area is still abandoned and the desert has encroached over the entire town, giving an eerie feeling and real meaning to the word “ghost”.
Optional Activities
Scenic Air Lüderitz Kolmanskop
Scenic Air Lüderitz Kolmanskop is a lovely scenic flight which takes visitors to Lüderitz, passing over Sossusvlei. After a city tour, visitors also have the opportunity to visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop where lunch can be enjoyed. The returning flight takes visitors along the Skeleton Coast over shipwrecks and Sandwich Bay.
Overnight
Luderitz Nest Hotel
The Lüderitz Nest Hotel enjoys a superb on the rocks and sea location, with far reaching uninterrupted views. The hotel’s private tidal beach with walk-on jetty, unique in Namibia, allows the guest to get close-up to the sea. All rooms and suites have direct sea views. The outdoor sparkling residents' pool with sun-loungers and parasols is surrounded by verdant gardens. Facilities include free Wi-Fi throughout, complementary full-buffet breakfasts, free sauna and free secure parking. The hotel delivers a friendly service in a relaxed environment.
Since 1998, management and staff have hosted guests from around the world and very much look forward to welcoming you. Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) Excellence Awards 2016 winner.
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
Day 5 - Dead Valley Lodge, Sossusvlei
As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. 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.)
Day Itinerary
Luderitz – Sossusvlei area ( D,B&B) (470km) 8/9 hr. 45 min. Depending on road conditions, including lunch break and comfort stops.
Turning north, we once again head deep into the ancient southern Namib, travelling on small gravel roads and passing some tiny rural communities along the way. The scenery is harsh, and sometimes forbidding. The process of erosion in these areas is well advanced and we pass time rounded “koppies” arid terrain and outcrops of tortured rock.
Traversing this bleak yet beautiful landscape, the terrain begins to change and we cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain begins to give way to the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib. We aim to arrive at our lodge during the late afternoon in time for an afternoon sundowner nature drive.
Activities
Kolmanskop
Amongst the sands of the Namib, the crumbling buildings of a small, once-luxurious town emerge from the drifting dunes. This ghost town is Kolmanskop, a reminder of the wealth of a time when diamonds could be picked by hand from the desert, and a remarkable photographic opportunity with few equals anywhere on earth.
Sundowner nature Drive
Depart from Dead Valley Lodge in the late afternoon on a leisurely drive in the National park. Relax with a sundowner drink and experience the most spectacular sunsets in the Namib!.
Overnight
Dead Valle Lodge, Sesriem
The Dead Valley lodge Is situated inside the Namib - Naukluft park, in-between Sessriem and the Elim Dune. The lodge offers twenty (20) free standing climate controlled luxury tented tented challets each with panoramic view of the Namib Desert with towering red sand dunes , rugged mountain ranges, and arid desert savannahs.
Basis
Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 6 - Dead Valley Lodge, Sesriem
Day Itinerary
Sossusvlei (D ,B&B) (130 km) Half Day excursion with pre dawn start into the National Park combition with late after excursion.
A pre-dawn start is essential this morning as we drive to the park entrance gate and passing through Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes, we head into the heart of the dune field, reaching Sossusvlei, driving the last 5 km by 4x4 through the dunes. Landscape photo opportunities abound in the cool of the morning. Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or ostrich makes it essential to remember your camera!
We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting dune 45 and the Deadvlei. As the day wears on we return to the lodge for lunch, escaping the heat of the afternoon. As the day cools off in the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon.
Activities
Dune 45
Named for its location 45 kilometres past the town of Sesriem, Dune 45 is renowned for its elegant shape, which – along with its position close to the road – have earned it the distinction of ‘most photographed dune in the world’. If you’re not keen for the strenuous hike to the top of Big Daddy, Dune 45 is a more forgiving alternative, standing at only 80 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient.
Deadvlei
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 desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer's dream.
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.
Overnight
Dead Valley Lodge, Sesriem
The Dead Valley lodge is situated next to the main entrance gate inside of the Namib Naukluft National Park, The Dead Valley Lodge is nestled in the desert between the Sesriem campsite and Elim Dune on the way to the world famousSossusvlei and the Dead Vlei ('' Dead Valley"). Guest can enjoy an oasis offering panoramic vistas of the Namib Desert with its towering red sand dunes and rugged mountain ranges.
Basis
Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 7 - End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
Sossusvlei– Windhoek (B&B) (350km) 7 hr. 45 min. Including lunch break and comfort stops.
After breakfast we begin our journey, over the mountains and along scenic roads, back to Windhoek. We will travel over the Naukluft Mountains and the Khomas Hochland Range, through beautiful mountain passes on our way back to civilization.
We are due back into the city late afternoon and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return.
Namibia
Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders.
Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations.
In order to properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast.
Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
Practical Information
Please note that all accommodation places stated on the itinerary strictly depend on availability at the time of booking. Thus if there should be no availability in a particular accommodation, a similar place will be choosen after consultation with all parties involved. So the earlier you book, the better.
Included
- Standard Information package
- Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary
- Activities as per itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking guide
Excluded
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks & bottled water
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Tour guide tips and gratuities
- Visa’s
- Flights
- Items of personal nature
It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive personal travel insurance before you embark on your safari. Travel insurance is for your own protection and we consider it to be an essential part of modern international travel. Your tour guide will do all the shopping, day-to-day organization of the safari. Unless otherwise specified, all safaris will be conducted in English.
When selecting your clothing please be aware that Namibian summer temperatures (December - March) can reach 45°C and winter temperatures (June - September) can be as low as -5°C. The rainy season is between December and April.
All evening meals will be provided at the lodge restaurant unless specified differently. We cater for vegetarians, but please notify us prior to departure.
Namibia is a low risk malarial destination, but we recommend seeking professional medical advice, enabling you to make informed decisions on personal malaria protection.
All tap water in Namibia has been purified or comes directly from boreholes and is safe to drink. In some areas the water can be brackish, your guide will advise you daily on this and where to purchase bottled mineral water.
Electrical plugs are 220 V and are 3 pin (round pin as opposed to square pin, the same as in South Africa). Adaptors can be purchased in Windhoek. It is possible to re-charge batteries at some campsites.
The Namibian Dollar (N$ or NAD) has a fixed 1-1 exchange rate to the South African Rand (ZAR). ZAR notes and coins are legal tender in Namibia.
Airport transfers and pre-and-post safari accommodation can be arranged on request.
It is customary in Namibia to tip 10% at restaurants. Your guide and assistant can be tipped at your own discretion, but we ask that the guide be tipped separately from your assistant.
