: A Sociocultural Journey

January 3 — 20, 2018

Namibia Tentative Itinerary A land of contrast and uncompromising beauty, Namibia is B=Breakfast • L=Lunch • D=Dinner • ^=In Flight regarded as one of the top adventure travel destinations in not only Africa, but also the entire world! With the highest amount of conservancies in the world, Namibia offers superb landscapes, Wednesday, January 3 excellent game viewing, and a safe country to travel around Depart US ^S ensuring it will remain at the top of everyone's "must visit" Meet Dr. Dennee at 5:30 p.m. at Chicago O’Hare Terminal 5 to destinations. It is the ONLY country in the world with increasing depart on first leg of flight to Heathrow International, London. In free roaming lion and black rhino populations. transit Namibian culture is truly unique. Influenced by colonization and now reborn from the shadows of Apartheid in 1990, what has Thursday, January 4 emerged is a true sense of unity in diversity, the coming together of Layover in London ^B, ^S at least 11 major ethnic groups, each celebrating their past while Arrive Heathrow at 10:20 a.m. Optional walking tour of working together toward the future. You will notice this in dress, London to see some of the main tourist attractions. This is an language, art, music, sport, food and religion. We will have direct optional part of the trip and will cost approximately $25 for interaction with at least four of the distinct cultures: San/Bushmen; subway (Tube) tickets, and approximately $20 for lunch in Ovambo; Himba; and Damara. the Crypt of St. Martin in the Fields. We will see Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Cost: $3900 - $4000 Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and other sites in § $500 deposit due April 12, 2017 (will continue to accept deposits the City Centre. The subway ride takes about an hour so we until early September 2017 or until full) will likely have about 3 to 4 hours in London before we § Space is limited to 16 students Included: return to Heathrow for our flight to Johannesburg. Depart § Round-trip flights to/from Chicago O’Hare/ Windhoek, Namibia Heathrow for Johannesburg, South Africa at 6:10 p.m. In § All ground transportation in Namibia transit § English speaking guide and camp assistant § Camps and accommodations as stated on itinerary Friday, January 5 ^B, ^L, S § Entry fees to national parks, museums, and other places of interest as stated on itinerary Arrive Jo-burg Airport § Meals per itinerary Arrival in Windhoek, Namibia § Gratuities for guides and drivers You are scheduled to depart from Johannesburg Airport at noon § All camping equipment except sleeping bag (which can be rented and will arrive in Windhoek approximately two hours later. Upon in-country) arrival and after going through customs, we will gather in the § Carthage travel insurance waiting area of the airport. You are encouraged to use the ATM at Excluded the airport to get Namibian dollars (you may also use South § Travel Medication/Doctor African Rand in Namibia, but you cannot use Namibian Dollars in § Meals en route to Namibia and returning South Africa). We will then meet our driver and depart for the § Ground transport to and from Chicago O’Hare Capital City of Windhoek. Welcome to Namibia dinner at Joe’s § Snacks and drinks including bottled water § US passport fee Beerhouse. Chameleon Guestlodge accommodation § Phone and internet service § Optional activities § Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section

Saturday, January 6 Sunday, January 15 Waterburg Plateau Wildlife Reserve B, L, D Hoada Camp B, L, D After breakfast, our guide will collect you from Chameleon On our way to our evening campsite we visit a Himba Village—the Guesthouse to depart north to Waterburg Plateau Park. We enjoy tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and a roadside lunch prepared by your guide. are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm. is a national park in central Namibia. Upon arrival and after setting Following our visit will travel on to Hoada Community Campsite. camp, our guide will lead us on a hike up the plateau. Camping Camping

Monday, January 16 Sunday & Monday January 7 & 8 Damaraland & Aba Huab Camp B, L, D Tsinsibis—Treesleeper Camp B, L, D We head into the barren landscape of Damaraland our destination We will experience Bushman singing and dancing, and learn about being a community campsite near the Aba Huab River. While here traditional hunting and gathering techniques as well as craft making. You we will visit the Damara Living Museum and Twyfelfontein, a will have a chance to purchase original crafts made by the Bushman at World Heritage listed site with ancient rock etchings. Camping the village. Camping Tuesday & Wednesday, January 17 & 18 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday Seal Colony & Swakupmond B, L*, D Another leisurely drive to the coast where we will spend the next 2 January 9, 10, 11, & 12 nights, en-route we will stop to visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony Ondangwa—Oonte Orphan Centre B, L, D before continuing to Swakopmund where you can take part in Owamboland, is our next destination in the north of Namibia. We optional activities such as a sand boarding, quad biking, kayaking will be based for 3 nights at Oonte, where the group will interact and plenty more activities are available – there is something for with the children at the orphan center. In addition, we will everyone. Overnight in comfortable rooms with en-suite bathroom complete a service-learning project by building a Hope Garden at located close to the town centre (*15 January=BLD; 16 the homestead of one of the children receiving services from Oonte, January=BD—lunch on your own). Dunedin Star Guestlodge visit a local elementary school, and a museum to learn about the Accommodation colonization of this area by Finnish missionaries. Camping Wednesday, January 19 Saturday & Sunday January 13 & 14 Depart Walvis Bay B, ^L Etosha Wildlife Reserve B, L, D Breakfast at guest lodge, then you will be transferred to the airport Today we enter the magnificent on arrival at in time for your flight to Johannesburg. In transit the West Gate we game drive to Okaukuejo, where we will be based for two nighst. On day two in Etosha, we will game drive Friday, January 20 before breakfast, and in the midday. After your evening meal, there Arrival Dulles — Chicago O’Hare ^B, ^L are still more chances to see Etosha's big game at the waterhole, We arrive in Chicago at 2:35. Be sure to arrange for someone to situated on the boundary of our camp and easily reachable on foot. Camping pick you up from the airport! Own bed

For more information, contact Dr. Peter Dennee at [email protected] Itinerary details are subject to change

NOTE: This safari experience is designed for the adventurous student, one who enjoys pitching in to help, conversing with nature, and does not mind the challenges of bush camping. Participation involves setting up and taking down your tent, chopping of veggies and assisting with other meal prep, washing dishes, assisting our guide and driver in loading and unloading of equipment, and completing a day-long service learning project building a Hope Garden for the household of one of the children receiving services from the Oonte Center for Orphans and Vulnerable Children.

IMPORTANT - Whilst visiting villages and local communities we cannot guarantee activities on offer, it often depends on how they feel on the day, however, it will give you the opportunity to meet and experience life in Namibia in today’s society

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection

It is recommended that you consult your physician or a travel center prior to your safari departure, as there are a few health matters that require attention. Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. You can also check out the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/namibia.htm). General recommendations for Namibia include Hepatitis A & B – Vaccines give good protection; initially two weeks from first dose and then second dose within 6-12months gives long term protection Typhoid - Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Southern Africa, especially if staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water. Tetanus – Within 10years Malaria - Protection against malaria is highly recommended as malaria occurs in Namibia particularly in the north and east. Please check with your doctor the most appropriate malaria prophylaxis.

LUGGAGE LIMITS: For safari departure the luggage limit is 20kg (45lbs) for most trips but we recommend you travelling a little lighter with approximately 12-15kg per person (25 – 33 lbs) and we recommend to carry soft bags to minimize luggage damage. Chameleon Safaris can normally organize storage of excess luggage. Please ensure that when you are packing your luggage for any flight that you do not put items of value into the main hold of the aircraft and that all valuables should be as carry-on luggage, as always anything sharp/dangerous must go into the hold luggage. Carry cameras, binoculars in hand luggage.

Money Matters: The Namibian dollar is tied permanently against the South African rand on a 1/1 basis so you are able to check the current exchange rate against your local currency. Both Namibian dollars and South African rand are legal currencies in Namibia. Cash is readily available at ATM machines using credit card and pin number and is the easiest way to obtain money while on your safari as only major towns have Foreign Exchange Depts. Be sure to contact the banks related to any credit or debit cards you plan to use and tell them that the dates of your travel and that you will be in England, South Africa, and Namibia. Otherwise, your cards may be put on hold when you start using them in foreign countries.

Traveller’s checks are time consuming to change in most destinations these days and can only be changed during bank hours in major towns/cities, therefore we suggest you look at alternative methods. We advise against you carrying too much cash in one place (split your money around your luggage/person)

WEATHER/CLIMATE: Namibia averages 300 days on sunshine each year. Winter: May to September. Daytime 25°C (77ºF), Night time 0°C (32ºF) or below. Whilst the days are shorter and cooler the air is very dry. Winter days are mild, but the early mornings can reach below freezing – being a desert climate – temperature can be extreme with day temperatures quite high at these times. Warm clothes for the morning and afternoon game drives, a lined windbreaker and long pants are recommended as wind chill takes effective temperatures below freezing. During the day, temperatures rise quickly and short pants and short-sleeved shirts can be worn. Layering is recommended. IT IS COLDER THAN YOU THINK in winter.

PACKING CHECKLIST: Valid passport (passport must be valid for at least six months beyond January 4, 2017 and have at least one available page for stamping); Backpack/daypack; Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, etc); Prescription meds; Over the counter meds for allergies, headaches, etc; Insect repellent; Reusable water bottle; Contact lens solution; Lip balm; Small bath/travel towel; Sunscreen; flashlight/headlamp; 4 short sleeve shirts; 1-2 long sleeve shirts; 3-4 pairs shorts; 1-2 pants/dresses; Swimsuit; 1 pair socks/underwear per day; Sleeping clothes; Comfortable walking shoes; Sandals preferably with straps and toe cover (Keens); Lightweight waterproof jacket; Lightweight fleece; Sunhat or hat with visor; Sunglasses; Camera (preferably with zoom, extra memory card, batteries/charger); Ziplocs; Journal; Binoculars (totally optional); Money belt or Neck pouch; Watch/travel alarm; Sleeping bag (or rent one); Chargers and batteries for any electronics.

ELECTRICITY AND RECHARGING: Electricity is available at some of the rest camps/camp sites but certainly not all. Please ensure that you bring your own chargers with you. We will do our best for recharging through the vehicle but this cannot always be guaranteed. Electrical plug points are 3 point and round – same as South Africa and Botswana, suitable adaptors are normally available at international airports, alternatively, you can generally buy from electrical outlets and some supermarkets in Namibia.

COMMUNICATION: It is recommended that you avoid using your cell phone to communicate with friends and family at home. This will greatly reduce your ability to experience this short-term study abroad tour to the fullest. You will have the opportunity to purchase access to the WIFI at Chameleon Guestlodge when we arrive. This would be a good time to let everyone know you’ve arrived safely and are ready to begin your safari. Internet is not always available so there will likely be intermittent updates rather than daily.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those with food allergies or other dietary requirements we need to be notified well in advance with all information regarding food you can eat and cannot eat. Some foodstuffs are not readily available here so we do recommend that those guests who are gluten allergic should bring wheat alternatives from their home country. Diabetics should also carry snacks for between meals.

ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation arrangements are normally on a twin share basis within your party, if there is a single person there is occasionally a request for a single supplement though normally included in the price initially given. If you are camping we provide large 2person dome tents with full mosquito netting, 6cm thick mattress, small pillow, chairs, table, lighting, all cooking and eating utensils. Most camping sites have showers and toilets but your itinerary will state if you are bush camping and there are no facilities, please check with us if you are unsure and need additional information. As mentioned above you will still need to bring your own sleeping bag (or hire one) and a towel.

TRAVELING AROUND: Namibia is a huge country and therefore to visit some of the “highlights” of the country some long driving days are involved. Be prepared for a few long days driving in our safari vehicle. Once you are off the main highways the roads become gravel – these can vary in condition from being very well maintained (C roads) to less well maintained roads that have corrugations, more dips etc. In the winter the roads become dusty and there is little we can do about that. Please ensure you protect your camera and don’t leave it on the car seat (where the sun will also make it unbearably hot). DRINKS: You must purchase drinks during your safari including mineral water. The water in Namibia is generally safe to drink everywhere, so a 1-2 litre water bottle should be brought by you on safari. Your guide will advise where water is not safe to drink or unpleasant tasting. For those with sensitive stomachs, we recommend that you purchase water during the safari for consumption or bring a bottle that filters your water. On most days you will be able to purchase your drinks for that day or the following day, please follow the advice from your guide. Tea/coffee/hot chocolate is provided at camp and in lodges most will have facilities available. VISITOR IMPACT: Whilst much of Southern and Eastern Africa are used to tourists travelling through please bear in mind some of the following points - Do not litter the countryside! Elementary precautions if away from proper toilet facilities should be that you dispose of toilet paper in a responsible way - It may be tempting to take souvenirs but please ensure that you obtain these from a reliable source and that anything related to ivory, rhino horn etc is illegal in many countries. Bartering on the street for wooden items and other curios is the norm but also purchasing from recognized shops that support local charities and self-help groups is also beneficial. Do not take anything out of National Parks On a cultural level if you are visiting the local tribes your behavior also has an impact. Many areas are now used to tourists and getting off the beaten track much harder than 20years ago – it’s also a little unrealistic to ask your guide/agent that you wish to visit a non-commercialized area or to see a tribe where no other tourists have been before – quite simply only very remote areas will have not been visited and whilst you, as the tourist may not want to see tribes that have been impacted, every time another visitor goes through so another small change is made – your visit will do that. That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit but be realistic about the impact you have. Here are a few guidelines to follow - Please do not give sweets or presents to the kids as it only encourages begging and who is going to pay for dental care? It is better to try to visit a school or orphanage and make a donation whether that be pens, postcards, note books for writing etc. - Please ask before taking any photos. If you are visiting a Himba village it is normal to be introduced to the Headman first by your local guide and go through the formalities (this often includes taking food to the village as part of payment, or sometimes paying in cash – depending on circumstances), at this point please do not wander off or start taking photos. If you are on a guided excursion your guide will advise when it is appropriate to mingle and take photos – if you are not sure then simply ask. Just think, if you visit a village you are going into someone’s home – how would you feel if a stranger knocked on your door, barged in and started wandering around and taking photos without your consent? A respect for the locals and then interaction by asking questions about their lifestyle, play with the kids goes a long way to building a friendship and having a more enjoyable time for everyone involved. If someone prefers you not to take a photo then please don’t - Please respect local customs and beliefs - Trying to speak a few words of a local language always helps and often creates a giggle! Particularly with some of the languages where you click with your tongue - Do not be unrealistic in your expectations, like us all some days people do not want to be overly social, respect that, also, despite some of the extreme locations that these people live in you may find western influences such as a Manchester United or Liverpool t-shirt being worn – these may have been given by a passing tourist or bartered over with another local – they can be prized possessions and some of the western clothing is no doubt more practical and warmer than their traditional dress - Just remember that everyone has the right to progression – as westerners we may feel it is better for these people to keep to their traditional ways but everyone has the right to a better way of living - Please do not give cash out unless you are actually purchasing something from them – it’s called begging otherwise! - Your guide will be a wealth of knowledge – and is more than happy for you to ask questions One final thing – please bring your sense of humour! Whilst we do our best to run our safaris as booked but occasionally weather or road conditions may have other idea, or perhaps rules and regulations to what has been given above may change. Please note that we will do our best to adhere to the above itinerary but there may be occasions when due to unforeseeable circumstances, we will have to make changes. Naturally, we will endeavour to replace a listed accommodation with an equal value establishment and to keep as close as to the original itinerary as possible.