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Home , Etosha National Park, Khaudum National Park, Ugab River

ITINERARY 22 Day SAFARI 30 JUNE – 21 JULY 2021

DAY 1. Wednesday 30 June International flight – Kasane Arrive in Kasane, via a transfer from Johannesburg (There is a flight every day in the morning) and stay in the Luxury Chobe Safari lodge where you can rest from the jetlag and enjoy the Chobe River with its hippos, crocodiles and its abundant birdlife. Overnight in the luxurious Chobe safari lodge. Lodge dinner at own expense

DAY 2. Thursday 1 July CHOBE NP – NUNDA Lodge breakfast included. The Kavango – Zambezi region (formerly called the ) is a narrow strip of land in the far North Eastern region of Namibia. Approximately 400 km long, it borders , Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The region is also incorporated into the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. It falls within the tropical climate zone and receives the highest rainfall figures in Namibia, mainly between December and March. Four major rivers traverse the region such as the Okavango, Zambezi, Kwando and Chobe rivers, all originating from the catchment areas in Angola and Zambia. We drive today along the Caprivi strip to Nunda Lodge situated on the banks of the Nunda river. Explore the hidden treasures of an untamed land. Capture the spirit of the African bush while sipping sundowners from the lodge’s beautiful overhead deck and experience the thrill of the hauntingly beautiful call of the African fish . * Overnight in our tents on the campground of the lodge. En-route lunch included and Lodge Dinner at own expense.

DAY 3. Friday 2 July NUNDA Lodge breakfast included. Those who desire, are free to enjoy a boat ride on the river at own expense. Otherwise, view passing wildlife from comfortable seating along the banks of the river. * Overnight our tents on the campground of the lodge. Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

DAY 4. Saturday 3 July NUNDA – KHAUDUM NP Lodge breakfast included. Today we drive off road into one of the least visited and most remote National Parks of Namibia. Khaudum Campsite was privatized and completely renovated in 2015 and offers 6 campsite under shady trees. * Campsite in northern Khaudum. Camp lunch and dinner included.

DAY 5. Sunday 4 July KHAUDUM NP is an isolated Nature Reserve situated in the at the West of the Caprivi Strip in Northeast Namibia. It is a very remote and inaccessible reserve but is home to some magnificent animals such as the and the hyena. * Campsite in Southern Khaudum. Camp Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

DAY 6. Monday 5 July KHAUDUM NP - GROOTFONTEIN Camp breakfast included. We negotiate the rough tracks until we reach the tar road leading to Grootfontein. Grootfontein's Herero name is 'Otjiwanda Tjongue' which means ’s crest – naturally, the area had a high density of these agile cats. It seems a pity that when formally naming the town it was decided to translate the Bushman’s name of Gei-/ous, into Afrikaans as Grootfontein (meaning large spring). Perhaps the name was influenced by the fact that there is a large spring within the town boundaries where occasionally, were spotted! Grootfontein is the centre for a large cattle farming community, and copper mining is also prevalent. The section of Namibia around , Otavi & Grootfontein is often referred to as the 'Otavi Triangle'. The area receives considerably higher rainfall than parts of Namibia situated further west and south and contains much of the country's best commercial farmland. During spring the Jacaranda trees flower, bathing the town in a swathe of purple. Situated in a prominent position atop a hill is the 'Old Fort Museum'. Originally a Schutztruppe fortress built in 1896 - today the museum houses a replica of a complete smithy, which as it was traditionally used in the production of ox-wagons. Probably the town is best known for being situated 20km's from the Hoba Meteorite, the world's largest meteorite. It is 3M long, 1M wide and weighs around 50 tons and was discovered by Jacobus Hermanus Brits in the 1920s. * Overnight in Stonehouse lodge Grootfontein. Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

DAY 7. Tuesday 6 July GROOTFONTEIN (Mariabronn Mission) Lodge Breakfast included. Today we visit the Hoba meteorite and Mariabronn Mission. At the mission some of us may donate any clothes and toys brought along. The mission is run by Catholic nuns and comprises around 300 children, most of which are orphans. The mission was originally built around two springs, to provide good drinking water. German missionaries built the mission in 1930, but after Namibia became independent German support dwindled. The sisters are all Benedictines of the Oshikuku Namibian order, and struggle to be self-supporting. * Overnight in Stonehouse lodge Grootfontein. Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

DAY 8. Wednesday 7 July GROOTFONTEIN – ETOSHA NP (Halali Camp) Lodge Breakfast included. is unique in . The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there remains abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. At the same time Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Namibia and . It is a site that offers visitors a complete contrast of wide open grasslands, a massive pan that covers 4731km² and large camel thorn trees mixed with Mopani trees. This diverse vegetation accounts for the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the park. The park is malaria free. At night we shall enjoy sitting at a floodlit waterhole to view the wide variety of animals that come to drink. * 2 nights in Halali lodge. Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

DAY 9. Thursday 8 July ETOSHA NP (Halali) Lodge Breakfast included. The abundance of game in Etosha National Park is somewhat unexpected, showcasing some of the most common and rarest wildlife species. The areas with thicker vegetation are home to (some of the largest in Africa due to the vitamins and nutrients found in the ground), the endangered black rhino and even leopard. are well camouflaged in the pale- golden grasslands, while rise- high above most of the dry vegetation. Morning game drive in an open 4wheel drive from the lodge. Night drive also available as an optional extra. * 2nd night in Halali lodge. Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

DAY 10. Friday 9 July ETOSHA NP (HALALI – camp) Lodge Breakfast included. We move further west to Okaukuejo Lodge which is famous for its floodlit waterhole that has become particularly popular with black rhinos. But a diversity of game including lion and elephant also visit the waterhole. The campsite has a number of amenities including a petrol station, shop, swimming pool, restaurant and bar. * 1st night at Okaukuejo where we camp in our tents. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 11. Saturday 10 July ETOSHA NP (Okaukuejo camp) Camp breakfast included. Another day of game drives and wildlife encounters is topped off by an excellent dinner in the lodge * 2nd night at Okaukuejo where we camp in our tents. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 12. Sunday 11 July ETOSHA NP (Okaukuejo Camp) – OPUWO Camp breakfast included. Today we drive via Otsjondeka to Opuwo where ancient traditions and modern times meet, as Opuwo is the centre of the Himba culture. The Himba are independent people and are the last nomads of Namibia. They are also the forefathers of the modern Herero and entered Northern Namibia during the 15th /16th century from Angola. The is also associated with the so-called (or ). The Kaokoveld is a huge, dry region (50,000 km²) in the North-East of Namibia where no agricultural activities take place, however, there is an abundance of wildlife. The town of Opuwo is the only greater town to be found in the Kunene region. * First of two nights at the OHAKANE Guest house. Lunch and Dinner at own expense.

DAY 13. Monday 12 July OPUWO Lodge breakfast included. A local guide takes us on a guided tour to a Himba village. Craft, local hair styles and clothing will fascinate. * Second of two nights at the OHAKANE Guest house. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 14. Tuesday 13 July OPUWO – SESFONTEIN Lodge breakfast included. We drive along gravel roads to Sesfontein which derives its name from the six fountains which have their source in the vicinity. The government of former German built the Fort Sesfontein in 1896. It served as a control base for poaching, smuggling of weapons and the cattle plague. From the ruins of the Fort, a tourist lodge was later developed. *First of two nights in the Fort Lodge. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 15. Wednesday 14 July SESFONTEIN Lodge breakfast included. We visit the local school and donate some gifts. Later we have a guided safari excursion in an open 4 wheel drive vehicle along the dry riverbed, in search of desert and other game. *Second of two nights in the Fort Lodge. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 16. Thursday 15 July SESFONTEIN – UGAB WHITE LADY CAMP Lodge breakfast included. This rustic and remote camp is situated along the bank of the impressive Ugab river, within site of the , Namibia’s highest mountain. The campsite has communal ablutions * Overnight at Ugab White Lady Camp. Camp Lunch and dinner included.

DAY 17. Friday 16 July UGAB White Lady CAMP – SWAKOPMUND Camp breakfast included. We travel along the . From the air, the bleak shoreline of the Skeleton Coast looks wonderful -- a deep green sea, fringed with surf, breaks over a shore receding into infinite sand dunes. From land, it's a different story. The Benguela Current rushes in, urgent and strong, hurtling the chilling Atlantic into the fierce heat of the . Whale and seal skeletons from the former whaling industry still litter the coastline and are the source of the region's frightening name. Humans have suffered, too -- the remains of ships wrecked on the hidden rocks offshore rust and crumble beside the animal bones. Survivors didn't last long in this harsh environment. * First of two nights in a Swakopmund guesthouse. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 18. Saturday 17 July SWAKOPMUND Lodge breakfast included. Swakopmund’s German architecture is a delight, as are the sand dunes, endless beaches and the mild weather. We will make an excursion to popular Walvis Bay and if time allows to Sandwich Bay. * Second of two nights in a Swakopmund guesthouse. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 19. Sunday 18 July SWAKOPMUND – SESRIEM () Lodge breakfast included. On-route to Sossusvlei, our coffee stop at Solitaire includes a lone house which houses a grocery shop, bar, and a café. The café includes an office which runs the camping ground and the camping ground includes tired old hand pumps to supply petrol and diesel. Sesriem is a small Namibian settlement located in the Namib Desert, close to the southern end of the Naukluft Mountains. It is especially known because the "Sesriem gate" is the main access point where visitors and photographers enter the park to visit to the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the nearby popular tourist attraction of the Sossusvlei sand dunes. * First of two nights camping. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 20. Monday 19 July SOSSUSVLEI Restaurant breakfast included. Sesriem is also known as Sesriem Canyon, is about 4 km outside Sesriem. It is a natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River into the local sedimentary rock. It is about a kilometre (0.6 mile) long and up to 30 meters (100 feet) deep. The Afrikaans name Sesriem means "six belts" and was given by settlers on the who had to attach together six belts (made of hides) in order to lower buckets down into canyon to scoop up water. Sesriem Canyon is only two metres (6.5 feet) wide in some places, and has a portion that permanently contains water, which is accessed by many animals. * Second of two nights camping. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 21. Tuesday 20 July SOSSUSVLEI – WINDHOEK Restaurant breakfast included. Today we leave early for a drive to the capital of Namibia. We will traverse mountainous roads with some beautiful scenery. In Windhoek we visit the Christ Church, a landmark built in the early 1900s. We also visit the old fortress with its national museum * Overnight hotel Aloe Travel lodge. Lunch and dinner at own expense.

DAY 22. Wednesday 21 July WINDHOEK – Fly Home Hotel breakfast included. Today we say our fond farewells after we transfer you to the Windhoek airport. You fly to Johannesburg and then take your connecting international flight home.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE SAFARI NATURE OF THE TRIP As guides and drivers, we look forward to sharing an enjoyable and adventurous trip with you. Namibia is an intensive exploration of nature and wildlife. The many wonderful contacts with locals put an emphasis on cultural exchange, friendship, Good will, and will provide an enjoyable ethnic experience. The other emphasis on this adventurous trip is viewing the wildlife that still roams in many areas of this predominately desert like country of pristine nature. Therefore facilities, food and accommodation can on occasions, be enjoyably basic. Unexpected encounters with wildlife during camping, walking safaris and boat trips make certain precautionary rules necessary. We ask participants to trust and follow the advice of guides and locals, and to respect the environment and wildlife. This ensures not only your own safety, but the safety of all concerned.

YOUR GUIDES Dirk and Marie will be your tour guide/drivers.

MEALS All breakfasts are included. Camp Lunches are included as per itinerary. Camp dinners are included as per itinerary.

CHARITY You are encouraged to bring (or buy locally) food, clothing, children’s soft toys, shoes or anything you think may benefit the locals. Each tour group member is free to offer their gifts as they feel moved.

INSURANCES Comprehensive travel insurance is a compulsory requirement, to guard against accidents, sickness, emergency return trip expenses, cancellation and for lost or damaged luggage and personal effects.

DOCUMENTS An international passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. New Zealanders and most western countries don’t need a visa for Botswana and Namibia. New Zealanders currently DO need a visa for . (May change please check)Vaccinations are not required for South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. However if you have had recent vaccinations, bring copies of certificates. Also carry photocopies of your visa and passport.

PRICE: NZ$ NZ$5,950 Deposit to be paid: NZ$3,950 end of March 2019. (Used to secure your reservations and deposits to be paid for lodges, activities and vehicles). Balance of NZ$2,000 to be paid end of March 2020.

PRICE INCLUDES: Transport by two 4 wheel drive vehicles. All camping gear, pillows are included and sleeping bags are available. If you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag or pillow, please let us know so we can cancel. (Important to minimize stowage) All camping accommodation (9 nights); all government taxes All entrance fees into National parks & reserves All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary All breakfasts and Camp meals as per itinerary Lodge/Guesthouse/hotel accommodations (12 nights)

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE All return airfares and transfers from home country to Kasane and from Windhoek to home country. All departure taxes, entry visas. Meals (Dinners and lunches) not listed in the itinerary Drinks, water bottles, snacks, coffee stops. Travel and medical insurance, personal expenses, personal tips or gifts Personal medication (Basic first aid kit will be carried).

GROUP The touring group will consist of 6 people, plus 2 driver-guides (4 persons total, in each vehicle).

ACCOMMODATION 12 nights Lodge/ guest house accommodation, two people sharing. 9 nights tenting, at campsites, some at basic camps. At times water must be conserved for cooking, drinking and an evening mini-wash. (Bring wet wipes) For your safety, if required, we will use safe purifying tablets for the drinking water, which may also require pre-boiling. Tents will be the popular rooftop tents (one double tent per vehicle). Ground dome tents for the remainder. All accommodation based on twin share.

TRANSPORT Two 4 wheel drive vehicles (air-conditioned). The group will operate a rotation over the two vehicles, which will guarantee everyone has a varied seat to observe the wildlife etc. One vehicle will have two share drivers. Marie and one pre-designated male from the group. They will remain permanently in the front seats. Because space is restricted, luggage is restricted to 1 luggage bag and 1 small backpack per person.

CLIMATE: Namibia has mostly a desert climate. June, July and August have a day temperature of 20 ºC to 25 ºC and up to 30ºC in certain parts of the country. It is hot and dry, but the nights are cool, and in the desert and the pans it may cool down overnight to just above zero. We will expect no rain during our journey.

HEALTH This is your responsibility. It is advisable to see your Traveler’s Medical/Vaccination Centre or your Doctor. Normally there are no malaria infested areas in Namibia during the winter period and risk is very minimal. Lodges will provide sleeping mosquito nets in areas where there may be a problem. Tents will be mosquito proof. As a precaution, cover up during dusk and dawn. Mosquitos do not come out during the day. We advise you to bring or buy locally, mosquito/insect repellent. We can recommend ‘SAFE’ a highly effective and completely natural insect repellent made by hebebotanicals.co.nz Phone +64 6 364 6690 Otaki. NZ.

BUDGET / MONEY It may be impossible to pre-exchange Namibian Currency (N$) at your bank, and so you are strongly advised to bring $US cash or Euros. There is every chance to cash up through ATMs in Katima Mullilo, Grootfontein (Travelers cheques can be very difficult to cash on route). Owing to cues and delays in towns and cities, we advise exchanging all your needed money in Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, Katima Mullilo. Most lodges and hotels accept visa card. Namibian dollar or SA rand cash will be required for souvenir shopping, village shopping and meals, drinks, personal matters. US$ is accepted by larger outlets. Your daily needs while staying in lodges will be approx. NZ$30, totaling in all, approx. NZ$600

WHAT TO BRING Lots of smiles….you will need them all. ➢ Easy loose summer clothing for the day (shorts and T-shirt). One thin cotton, long sleeve shirt and long cotton trousers for sun protection. A warm sweater and/or jacket for the mornings and evenings. Light closed in sports shoes with socks for walking. Quick dry clothing helps if you plan to do your own washing. Bring a small bar of soap for hand washing clothes, about 2-3 metres of strong string and some pegs. Clothes dry super quick! Lodges do provide very reasonably priced washing services. ➢ Swimming costume, peaked sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. ➢ Binoculars ➢ Sleeping bag or small pillow if you prefer your own. ➢ A good torch with new batteries is absolutely necessary. (head torches leave hands free and are excellent in the tent and while cooking… (although it takes some practice, learning not to shine in the eyes of your companions). ➢ A small day backpack and an attachable hands-free water bottle for walking safaris and other occasions, such as canoe trip, boating trips etc… ➢ Your personal medication and first aid requirements. Bathroom kit: Lip salve, body cream. Sealable packet of wet wipes. (not always readily available). A few small items for gifting or trading souvenirs, such as small solar powered items, pocket knives which are loved by carvers, wrist watch, pens, clothing items etc..

PHOTO and FILM EQUIPMENT It is best to bring all requirements with you. Everything in this respect will be more expensive and only available at either the bigger malls or lodges. It will be the policy of the tour not to pay for photos (except commercial shows) and to respect those few, not wishing to be photographed.

ELECTRICITY Electricity and Wifi can occasionally have outages and require a switch to generators. Be sure to bring extra batteries for your equipment. Electricity is 240 volt, 50 hertz. The plug in sockets for rechargers accept a three poled round plug, the same as South Africa. It is best to bring an international adapter set.

FURTHER QUESTIONS? … Don’t hesitate to contact us. (i.e. special dietary requests.)

NB: We reserve the right to change the itinerary if circumstances or safety demand. Prior to final payment, a maximum 5% surcharge may be added in case of price inflation for vehicles and lodges.