11 Day Exploring Namibia

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P a g e | 3 11 Day Exploring Namibia Sossusvlei - Southern Namibia - Walvis Bay - Spitzkoppe - Brandberg - Damaraland - Kaokoveld - Ongava Private Game Reserve - Central Namibia 11 Days / 10 Nights 5 Persons Reference: 11 Day Exploring Namibia - Dec 2016 Date of Issue: 13 September 2016

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Overview

Accommodation Destination Nights Basis Room Type

Hoodia Desert Lodge Sossusvlei 2 FB+ 1x Single Room, 1x Double Room, 1x Triple Room

Barchan Dune Retreat Southern Namibia 1 FB+ 1x Single Room, 1x Double Room, 1x Triple Room

Lagoon Lodge Walvis Bay 1 FB 1x Single Room, 1x Double Room, 1x Triple Room

Spitzkoppe Community Rest Spitzkoppe 1 FI Luxury Camping Camp

Sorris Sorris Lodge Brandberg 1 FI 1x Single Room, 1x Double Room, 1x Triple Room

Mowani Mountain Camp Damaraland 1 FB+ 1x Single Room, 1x Double Room, 1x Triple Room

Hobatere Lodge Kaokoveld 1 FB+ 1x Single Room, 1x Double Room, 1x Triple Room

Ongava Lodge Ongava Private Game 1 FB+ 1x Single Room, 1x Double Room, Reserve 1x Triple Room

Erindi Old Traders Lodge Central Namibia 1 FB+ 1x Single Room, 1x Double Room, 1x Triple Room

Key RO: Room only SC: Self Catering HB: Half Board B&B: Bed and breakfast D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily FI: Fully inclusive

Included Guide Vehicle Fuel Accommodation as per Itinerary Meals as per Itinerary Activities as per Itinerary Park Fees Guide Meals & Accommodation Water in Vehicle P a g e | 7

Day 1: Hoodia Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei (Tue, 20 December)

Namibia With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders, touring Namibia is truly a pleasure. Visit the capital of Windhoek and the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. 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 Park; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with local subspecies, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for nearly 1000 km along the magnificent Atlantic coastline. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.

Sossusvlei Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. 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. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei - Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei - other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.

Overnight: Hoodia Desert Lodge We invite you to experience the beauty and tranquility of Hoodia Desert Lodge, surrounded by majestic mountains on the banks of the Tsauchab River. Only a 20 minute drive will bring you to the Sesriem Gate, entrance of the world famous red sand-dunes of Sossusvlei.

You will meet enthusiastic people, keen to share your adventures and the friendliness and personal attention of our staff will make your stay memorable. We love to share our knowledge about the region with its secrets and our guided tours are an ideal entrance to the magical world of the desert.

Activities Sundowner Drive Directions - Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH] to Hoodia Desert Lodge  Head south toward B6 (0.6 km)  Turn right onto B6 (39.7 km)  Turn left onto Jan Jonker (1.9 km)  Slight left toward Robert Mugabe Ave (0.3 km)  Continue onto Robert Mugabe Ave (2.1 km)  At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (0.6 km)  At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Sean McBride (1.9 km)  Turn left onto Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue (0.7 km)  At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Rehobother Rd/B1. Continue to follow B1 (1.8 km)  Make a U-turn (30 m)  Make a U-turn (86.0 km)  Turn right onto C24 (38.6 km)  Continue onto M47 (69.2 km)  Turn right onto D1206 (28.0 km)  Turn left onto C14 (0.9 km)  Turn right onto D854 (19.1 km)  Continue onto D854 (40.0 km)  Turn right (5.6 km)  Sharp left (1.1 km)

Included Full Board and Activities

Day 2: Hoodia Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei (Wed, 21 December)

Activities Sesriem Canyon Dead Vlei Elim Dune Sossusvlei

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.

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 P a g e | 9 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.

Elim Dune Just five kilometres from the camp at Sesriem, Elim Dune is best viewed at sunset, when the colours deepen, intensifying the contrast between the red dunes and the purple-blue Naukluft Mountains on the opposite horizon. Elim Dune is roughly 100 metres in height and the climb to its zenith takes under an hour.

Included Full Board and Activities Day 3: Barchan Dune Retreat, Southern Namibia (Thu, 22 December)

Southern Namibia Southern Namibia offers a harsh but beautiful environment, from the Orange River up to the Central Namibian highlands and between two deserts Southern Namibia is epitomised by vast, slowly changing landscapes.

Overnight: Barchan Dune Retreat At the Barchan Dune Retreat, with only 6 rooms, personal attention and a congenial atmosphere is guaranteed. Barchan Dune Retreat is situated 210 km from Windhoek and 240 km from Walvis Bay. These distances are just long enough not to tire you and still allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature and a sundowner while the sky explodes into magnificent colors and the sun escapes across the horizon. For recreation, this establishment offers farm drives, hiking trails or you can climb the mountains to experience a magnificent sunrise. Go for a sundowner drive to Spreetshoogte Pass or exclusively for Barchan Dune Retreat guests, a drive on the farm to a secluded area where you can enjoy a sundowner while the sky explodes into magnificent colours and the sun escapes across the horizon.

Directions - Hoodia Desert Lodge to Barchan Dune Retreat  Head northeast (4.9 km)  Continue straight (2.8 km)  Slight right onto C19 (76.3 km)  Turn left onto C14 (0.6 km)  Turn right (6.0 km)  Turn left. Destination will be on the right (36 m)

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Day 4: Lagoon Lodge, Walvis Bay (Fri, 23 December)

Walvis Bay Walvis Bay (‘Whale Bay’) is a thriving town, Namibia’s principal harbour and one of the country’s most popular tourist centres, known for its natural lagoon, striking orange sand dunes and wealth of outdoor activities, including fishing, bird-watching, sailing, sandboarding, swimming, surfing and golf. Located just outside town is Dune 7, one of the largest sand dunes in the world, offering fantastic views from the crest for those with the energy to climb it.

Overnight: Lagoon Lodge Lagoon Loge, "the yellow house on the lagoon" long established landmark in Walvis Bay, offers 8 cozy and elegant individually decorated rooms, all with balcony or veranda and sea views. Walvis Bay is the departure point for many activities such as dolphin cruises, Sandwich Harbour dune driving tour, quad biking, sea kayaking and sand boarding. Guests can also laze around the swimming pool or enjoy a drink on the roof deck facing the lagoon. The lodge offers an original decor, a warm and friendly atmosphere and delicious breakfasts are served. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a memorable stay on the Namibian Coast. Walvis Bay is a paradise for birders, tourists, a prime spot for surfers and kite surfers, and home for many travelers on business trips.

Directions - Barchan Dune Retreat to Lagoon Lodge  Head south toward C14 (6.1 km)  Turn right onto C14 (229 km)  At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto D1986 (3.5 km)  Continue straight onto 5th Rd (1.1 km)  Turn left onto Atlantic Street (0.6 km) Included Full Board P a g e | 13

Day 5: Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp, Spitzkoppe (Sat, 24 December)

Spitzkoppe Although not Namibia's highest mountains these giant granite domes with their amazing rock formations are its most famous.

Overnight: Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp A mountain oasis in the Namib Desert, with unique oversized boulders and secret caves, allows the visitor to camp at Spitzkoppe in complete peace and tranquility. With the majestic Namibian "Matterhorn" as backdrop, and with the next camping site kilometers away, visitors will feel as if they own the mountain.

Activities Spitzkoppe Hike Catamaran Charters

Catamaran Charters The Catamaran Charters Team invites you aboard the 45ft Royal Cape Sailing Catamaran Silverwind, or the 60ft Simon Sailing Catamaran Silversand, or the 40ft Admiral Motorised Catamaran Silvermoon, to enjoy an adventure packed tour to Pelican Point and Walvis Bay’s beautiful bay area. The chances of encountering dolphins, whales, turtles, seals and Mola Mola (sunfish) make the search for the marine big 5 and adventurous tour by enjoying sparkling wine, fresh oysters and other mouth-watering snacks aboard the spacious and comfortable catamarans.

Directions - Lagoon Lodge to Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp  Head northeast on Atlantic Street (0.6 km)  Turn right toward 5th Rd (0.1 km)  Continue onto 5th Rd (1.7 km)  5th Rd turns left and becomes D1986 (2.7 km)  At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto B2 (1.0 km)  Continue onto B2 (31.5 km)  Turn right onto Sam Nujome Ave (2.3 km)  At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Sam Nujome Ave/B2. Continue to follow B2 (120 km)  Turn left onto D1918 (17.9 km)  Turn right onto D3716 (11.7 km)  Turn left onto D1925 (2.2 km)

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Day 6: Sorris Sorris Lodge, Brandberg (Sun, 25 December)

Brandberg The Brandberg (‘Fire Mountain’) Massif is Namibia’s highest peak, with its zenith, the Königstein (‘King’s Stone’), standing at a whopping 2573 metres above sea level. Named for the vivid shade of orange it sometimes turns at sunset, the Brandberg has been sacred to the San people for centuries, and the Tsisab Ravine at its base is permeated with over 45 000 ancient San rock paintings, including the famous ‘White Lady’.

Day Itinerary Includes all meals, twice daily scheduled activities, beverages, local and selected imported alcoholic drinks, mini bar (replenished once per day) in the rooms and laundry.

Overnight: Sorris Sorris Lodge View iBrochure With natural wonders such as the Brandberg Massif and the Ugab River as a backdrop, Sorris Sorris offers a true opulent base for exploring Damaraland's rugged desert scenery. Here guests can delve into wonderful activities – like nature drives to find desert-adapted elephants or hot air balloon rides over the rugged landscape. Sorris Sorris is one of four new luxury lodges in Namibia with just nine suites, each designed to take in the surrounding landscape but filled with all of the creature comforts you would expect and more. Pale woods, crisp linens and modern architectural design contrast with the rugged mountain terrain and offer a stylish base for your adventures. There is a swimming pool and deck where you can lounge away an afternoon or between your activities, an open-fronted lounge which enjoys the breeze and uninterrupted views of Damaraland and the mountains beyond.

Directions - Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp to Sorris Sorris Lodge  Head east on D1925 toward D3716 (2.2 km)  Turn left onto D3716 (12.0 km)  Turn left onto D1930 (74.5 km)  Turn left onto C36 (5.1 km)  Turn right onto C35/M76 (10.4 km)  Turn left (3.3 km)  Turn left onto D2359 (10.1 km)  Slight right (7.0 km)  Slight right (0.8 km)  Slight right (2.0 km)  Turn left (0.4 km)

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Day 7: Mowani Mountain Camp, Damaraland (Mon, 26 December)

Damaraland Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest.

Overnight: Mowani Mountain Camp Mowani Mountain Camp offers luxury tented accommodation with magnificent desert views. Open air en-suite bathrooms and private decks give you great views of Damaraland and the reliability of nearby Twyfelfontein with its San engravings and paintings is contrasted by the elusive desert adapted elephants. The Twyfelfontein conservancy has been protecting the southern most roaming ground of the black rhino and elusive desert elephant. Sustainable eco-tourism and community upliftment is of the utmost importance at Mowani. Guides from the local tribes compliment day-time game drives to track mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, klipspringer and if you are fortunate enough... the leopard! The adventurer in me took over at Mowani. Days were filled with game drives, hot air balloon trips over the Aba-Huab Valley, champagne breakfasts and al fresco meals amidst the dusky landscape beneath Mopani trees.

Activities Elephant Tracking Twyfelfontein

Twyfelfontein Twyfelfontein is a site of ancient rock engravings in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia.

Directions - Sorris Sorris Lodge to Mowani Mountain Camp  Head southeast (0.4 km)  Turn left (6.0 km)  Turn left onto D2319 (26.8 km)  Turn left (8.2 km)  Turn left onto D2612 (53.3 km)  Slight right. Restricted usage road (35 m)  Slight right. Restricted usage road. Destination will be on the right (3.3 km)

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Day 8: Hobatere Lodge, Kaokoveld (Tue, 27 December)

Kaokoveld The Kaokoveld is a dry, mountainous and relatively undeveloped region that takes in the harsh beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the coppery sands of the northern Namib Desert. The area is inhabited by three main ethnic groups – the Damara, Herero and Himba people – each with their unique customs, traditions and rituals.

Overnight: Hobatere Lodge View iBrochure The name Hobatere means “Find me”, and once you do, you will enjoy a warm welcome and personalized service. Hobatere Lodge is located 80 km north of Kamanjab on the western border of the Etosha National park, situated in a concession area of 32 000 ha, which is home to a wide selection of game including Lion, Leopard, Oryx, Eland, Cheetah, Giraffe, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra and Elephant. Our activities centre around day or night game drives, bird watching and guided walks, affording guests ample opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife and endemic species in the area. We also have a hide overlooking a nearby waterhole and a sundeck with panoramic views, which is floodlit for part of the night.

Activities PM Game Drive

Directions - Mowani Mountain Camp to Hobatere Lodge  Head northeast toward D2612. Restricted usage road (3.4 km)  Slight right onto D2612 (18.2 km)  Turn right onto C39 (81.8 km)  Turn left onto C35 (169 km)  Turn left (14.7 km)  Turn left. Destination will be on the left (0.2 km)

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Day 9: Ongava Lodge, Ongava Private Game Reserve (Wed, 28 December)

Ongava Private Game Reserve Ongava is one of the largest and most exclusive games reserves in the southern part of Etosha National Park. It offers an authentic and comprehensive safari experience, including nature walks and game drives, as well as luxurious accommodation. The reserve is home to – among others – lion, eland, black-faced impala, Hartmann's mountain zebra and a variety of other antelope species. It is also one of the few private reserves in South Africa where both black and white rhino can be observed. Birdlife is plentiful at the reserve, with over 340 species recorded in the area.

Overnight: Ongava Lodge View iBrochure The well-established Ongava Lodge is situated in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park. Placed close to the top of a hill in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana range, the vantage point is beautiful and overlooks a well-frequented waterhole and the plains beyond.

Ongava Lodge offers luxury accommodation in 14 rock-and-thatch en-suite chalets. There are impressive views over the camp’s waterhole from the main lounge and dining areas and there is also an inviting pool to cool off in the heat of the day. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch or on the dining deck under the stars.

Activities include game drives into Etosha, spending time in the camp hide, and nature drives and walks on the reserve. Ongava has resident white and black rhino, giving guests staying at Ongava the opportunity to see both species.

Directions - Hobatere Lodge to Ongava Lodge  Head west (0.2 km)  Turn right (14.7 km)  Turn right onto C35 (2.9 km)  Turn left (8.0 km)  Turn right onto D2763 (35.4 km)  Turn left onto D2695 (19.9 km)  Turn left onto D2696 (40.0 km)  Continue onto D2697 (10.5 km)  Turn left onto D2695 (47.4 km)  Turn left (3.9 km)  Turn left (5.5 km)  Slight left (12.2 km)  Turn right. Destination will be on the right (0.9 km)

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Day 10: Erindi Old Traders Lodge, Central Namibia (Thu, 29 December)

Central Namibia The central Namibian highlands are much cooler and less harsh than the arid lowlands that make up the majority of the country. This is great cattle ranching country and most tourism facilities have their origins in cattle and more recently game ranching.

Overnight: Erindi Old Traders Lodge Erindi Game Reserve is a jewel in the heart of the wild Namibian landscape. The reserve of 70 000ha is situated 40km east of the town of Omaruru. Old Traders Lodge provides the accommodation at Erindi Private Game Reserve. This impressive lodge comprises the main dining room and viewing deck as well as 35 well appointed suites that all have views of a water hole. The spacious suites include; comfortable double or twin single beds with crisp linen and warm blankets, air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, in-room safe, satellite TV, hairdryers, fridges and kettles. Erindi falls within the Nama Karoo biome and is arid to semi-arid characterized by scattered low dwarf shrubs interspersed with grasslands. Erindi consists of an amazing array of diverse landscapes including mountains, riverine thickets, inselbergs ("island mountains") and grassland savannahs for as far as the eye can see.

Directions - Ongava Lodge to Erindi Old Traders Lodge  Head east (2.4 km)  Slight right (6.8 km)  Turn right onto C38 (94.9 km)  Turn right onto M63 (77.4 km)  Turn right onto C33 (14.0 km)  Turn left onto C33/D2414 (1.6 km)  Turn right to stay on C33/D2414. Continue to follow D2414 (77.7 km)  Turn right (9.0 km)  Slight left (5.2 km)  Turn left. Destination will be on the left (4.1 km) Included Full Board and Activities P a g e | 25

Day 11: Departure (Fri, 30 December)

Day Room: Villa Vista Guesthouse Villa Vista is an upmarket family owned and managed guesthouse situated in a quiet neigbourhood close to the Windhoek city centre. Being well situated makes it a true home hidden in the big city life.All the rooms are individually decorated in a unique style, using wood, glass, candles and natural elements.

Looking out over the garden, swimming pool, town, western mountains and afternoon sunsets, the open terrace offers a romantic and peacefull experience.

Directions - Erindi Old Traders Lodge to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]  Head southwest (0.2 km)  Turn left at the 1st cross street (6.2 km)  Turn left (3.9 km)  Turn right (8.0 km)  Turn left onto D2110 (69.8 km)  Sharp right onto B1 (1.2 km)  Turn left to stay on B1 (69.0 km)  Take the exit toward B1 (0.8 km)  Turn left onto B1 (0.5 km)  Slight left (0.2 km)  Sharp right at Hosea Kutako Drive (0.2 km)  Turn left (0.1 km)  At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (1.8 km)  Turn left onto Nelson Mandela Ave (3.1 km)  Keep left to continue toward Sam Nujoma Dr (64 m)  Slight left onto Sam Nujoma Dr (1.7 km)  Turn left onto B6 (38.7 km)  Turn left. Destination will be on the right (0.6 km) Transport

Car Rentals Date Pick Up Length Company Category Vehicle Drop Off

09 Dec 1 Day Namvic Tours & Safaris

Urgent Contact Numbers Company Name Telephone Email Address Contact Person

Namvic Tours and Safaris 00264 81 3324524 [email protected] Michelle

Contact Details & Reference Numbers Service Provider Ref. Number Telephone Address

Barchan Dune Retreat 264 62 682031 Namibia

Catamaran Charters +264 64 20 0798

Erindi Old Traders Lodge +264 (0)81-145 0000 Erindi Private Game Reserve, Omaruru area, Central Namibia, north of Windhoek

Hobatere Lodge +264 81 260 0830. C49 road next Galton Gate

Hoodia Desert Lodge +264 61 237 294 Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Namibia

Lagoon Lodge +264 64 20 0850 88 Kovambo Nujoma Drive WALVIS BAY

Mowani Mountain Camp +264 67 697 008 P.O.Box 40788, Windhoek, Namibia

Ongava Lodge +264 83 330 3920 102A Nelson Mandela Avenue Klein Windhoek Windhoek Namibia

Sorris Sorris Lodge +264 61 22 7519 Damaraland, Brandberg Area Namibia

Spitzkoppe Community Rest +264 64 46 4144 Camp