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Nomad Namibia Explorer
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Nomad Namibia Explorer Etosha South - Etosha East - Damaraland - Swakopmund - Sossusvlei - Southern Namibia - Mariental - Greater Windhoek 13 Days / 12 Nights Date of Issue: 09 May 2018
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Introduction
Accommodation Destination Basis Duration
Okaukuejo Resort Etosha South B&B 1 Night
Namutoni Resort Etosha East B&B 1 Night
Khorixas Lodge Damaraland B&B 1 Night
Atlantic Villa Swakopmund B&B 2 Nights
Desert Quiver Camp Sossusvlei B&B 2 Nights
Namseb Game Lodge Southern Namibia B&B 1 Night
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch Mariental B&B 2 Nights
Na'an ku se Lodge Greater Windhoek B&B 2 Nights
Key B&B: Bed and breakfast
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Day 1: Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South
Etosha South Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. Ogava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.
Day Itinerary Welcome to Namibia and its capital, Windhoek. This morning, after meeting your crew, we pack our bags into our vehicle and set off for Etosha National Park. Arriving in the early afternoon, our game viewing experience starts immediately with a game drive to camp. After settling in to our accommodation you will have some time to experience the camp’s waterhole before departing on our night game drive in open 4×4 vehicles with the local guides through the park.
Accommodation Okaukuejo / Halali or similar
Route Windhoek to Etosha National Park
Activity Package 4×4 night game drive in Etosha National Park
Meals Dinner
Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.
Basis - Bed & Breakfast
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Day 2: Namutoni Resort, Etosha East
Etosha East Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.
Day Itinerary Today is all about game driving and going in search of the abundant wildlife in the park. Our day will include a stop at the Etosha Pan and many waterholes. This evening you can relax at the floodlit waterhole as the animals make their way to drink after dark.
Accommodation Halali / Namutoni or similar
Route Etosha National Park
Included Highlight Full day game drive in Nomad vehicle
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Namutoni Resort The lodge centres on an old German Fort overlooking the King Nehale waterhole; an elevated decked walkway provides excellent opportunities for enjoying the surrounding scenery, wildlife and the spectacular sunsets. The Fort has been developed into a hub of activity, offering two restaurants, a relaxation lounge, a bar, crafts boutique, curio shop, jewellers and bookstore. Accommodation is provided in comfortable double rooms or bush chalets. Camping is also available.
Basis - Bed & Breakfast
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Day 3: Khorixas Lodge, Damaraland
Damaraland This vast desert landscape is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Namibia. Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape featuring open plains, ancient valleys and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are the sacred Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the otherworldly Petrified Forest. Visitors can take in the dramatic vistas, catch a glimpse of the rare desert-adapted elephant, and enjoy spectacular stargazing in crystal-clear night skies from one of the many safari camps dotting Damaraland. Other popular activities include: guided drives, nature walks and visiting the local communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the Damaraland's world-famous ancient rock art.
Day Itinerary Our final morning in Etosha ends with an early morning game drive as we make our way to the gate to exit the park. The road today leads us towards the Brandberg / Khorixas area where we will have the opportunity to view the highest mountain in Namibia, Brandberg. Known for it’s glowing colour, sometimes visible at sunset, derived from Afrikaans, Dutch and German means “Fire Mountain”.
Accommodation Brandberg White Lady / Khorixas Lodge or similar
Route Etosha National Park to Brandberg / Khorixas area
Included Highlight Morning game drive in Nomad vehicle
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Khorixas Lodge Khorixas Lodge is the ideal stopover between Etosha and the Kunene region and Skeleton Coast Park. Nestled in the hills of Damaraland, it provides a relaxing environment for travellers, weary after a day's exploration. The area is an explorer's paradise where guests can visit the land of the Welwitschia mirabilis at Burnt Mountain, curious stone formations, the petrified forest, ancient rock engravings and experience other unusual geological phenomena.
Basis - Bed & Breakfast
Day 4: Atlantic Villa, Swakopmund
Swakopmund Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and is surrounded by otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laidback atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.
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Day Itinerary This morning we will enjoy a guided walk at Spitzkoppe with a local guide, for an exploration of these fascinating landforms. These massive granite formations tower 700 meters above the desert plains and the presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. After our walk, we head towards the coastal town of Swakopmund where we will stop en-route at the famous Welwitchia Mirabilis which is over 2,000 years old.
Accommodation Atlantic Villa’s or similar
Route Brandberg / Khorixas area to Swakopmund (via Spitzkoppe)
Included Highlight Spitzkoppe guided walk / Viewing of the Welwitchia Mirabilis
Overnight: Atlantic Villa Situated within sight and sound of the mesmerizing Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic Villa offers accommodation within walking distance from the beach, a few minutes drive from Swakopmund town centre and a quiet relaxed atmosphere complimented by its location. The elegantly and luxurious decorated rooms offers spacious and comfortable accommodation. Friendly staff will make you feel pampered from the minute you enter the Atlantic Villa Boutique Guesthouse. Relax with a cup of freshly ground coffee in your room or unwind in any of the comfy lounges where you are welcome to play on the grand piano, or just settle down with a cold drink on the terrace. Accommodation at Atlantic Villa consists of 5 main facets, namely the luxury suites, standard rooms, deluxe rooms, luxury rooms and self catering Units. Atlantic Villa has the facilities to accommodate a variety of travellers. The main house consists of 5 rooms of which 2 are luxury rooms. In addition, 4 family apartments are available and suitable for self catering. Rooms are equipped with DSTV and internet while some rooms have a private balcony with views of the surrounding desert and ocean.
Basis - Bed & Breakfast
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Day 5: Atlantic Villa, Swakopmund
Day Itinerary Today is all about exploring Swakopmund or participating in the many activities on offer in this coastal town. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of treats. Accommodation Atlantic Villa’s or similar
Route Swakopmund
Meals Breakfast
Day 6: Desert Quiver Camp, Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.
Day Itinerary It is an early start today as we leave Swakopmund and head towards the famous Namib Naukluft National Park. No visit to Namibia would be complete without a stop at the famous bakery in Solitaire, known for its apple pie – not to be missed. We will enjoy our apple pie and a wonder around this one-horse town before heading to our accommodation for the next 2 nights.
Accommodation Desert Quiver Camp or similar
Route Swakopmund to Namib Naukluft National Park
Included Highlight Apple pie in Solitaire
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Desert Quiver Camp View iBrochure Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style. Conveniently located a mere 5km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei, the inspiring scenery characterised by granite outcrops, spectacular views and roaming wildlife will captivate your senses. The 24 uniquely designed self-catering accommodation units have spacious bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, shaded patio areas and private parking. Each twin-bedded bedroom features a fold-out sleeper couch to accommodate 2 small children (under 12) free of charge when sharing with 2 full paying adults. The patio is equipped with a barbeque facility, a fitted kitchenette with under counter fridge and 2 plate hob and a wooden bench for seating. Utility boxes with most utensils needed are available
P a g e | 9 at reception and fresh food supplies can be ordered daily. Leisure facilities within Desert Quiver Camp include a bar with a big screen television, a sparkling swimming pool overlooking the grasslands and Elim Dune, 2 communal bomas which are perfect to cater for groups travelling together, and a reception area that has WI-FI connectivity. Meals can be enjoyed at the nearby Sossusvlei Lodge restaurant and their Adventure Centre offers a range of exciting desert activities to explore the area. A fully stocked shop, fuel and an Internet café is available at the Sossus Oasis Service Station.
Basis - Bed & Breakfast
Day 7: Desert Quiver Camp, Sossusvlei
Day Itinerary It is a busy day today as we venture deeper into the Namib desert, starting off with a transfer into Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. After walking around and discovering this area, we will make a stop at Dune 45, the highest dune in Namibia. The brave amongst us can climb to the top – the views will not disappoint the efforts. As we leave, we will make a short stop at Sesriem Canyon before returning to our accommodation for the night.
Accommodation Desert Quiver Camp or similar
Route Namib Naukluft National Park
Included Highlight Sossusvlei / Deadvlei / Dune 45 / Sesriem Canyon
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 8: Namseb Game Lodge, Southern Namibia
Southern Namibia Southern Namibia offers a harsh but beautiful environment stretching from the Orange River up to the Central Namibian highlands, Southern Namibia is epitomised by vast, slowly changing landscapes. The breathtakingly beautiful landscape features the Naukluft mountains, Namib desert dunes, and the Fish River Canyon. Southern Namibia is dotted with quiver trees, covered in golden grasslands, and crowned with burnt red dunes fringed by blue sky-lines. A spectacular array of wildlife roams freely including klipspringer, oryx and kudu. Visitors can soak up the breathtaking views of the Fish River Canyon, discover the wild desert horses near Aus, and explore the famous ghost town of Kolmanskop. Don't miss the ancient ochre dunes of Sossusvlei.
Day Itinerary We leave the wonderful Namib Desert behind us and will make our way towards Maltahohe. Today we will meet the Nama community. For thousands of years, the Khoisan peoples of South Africa and southern Namibia maintained a nomadic life, the Khoikhoi as pastoralists and the San people as hunter-gatherers. The Nama are a Khoikhoi group. This afternoon we have join a sundowner nature drive to enjoy a true Namibia sunset.
Accommodation Namseb Lodge or similar
Route Namib Naukluft National Park to Maltahohe
Included Highlight Nama community visit
Activity Package Sunset nature drive
Meals Breakfast
Overnight: Namseb Game Lodge Situated at the top of the Namseb Plateau and nestled among the golden grass of the African savannah, Namseb Lodge offers guests a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is perfect for nature lovers looking for a rural and undisturbed getaway. Guests can choose between bed and breakfast, and self-catering accommodation. The 16 en-suite guest rooms and the guest cottage are built completely of rock while the neutral colours and earth tones in the design add to the rustic charm of the lodge. A delicious buffet breakfast is served daily and the variety of dishes will cater to every palate. A light lunch and a three-course dinner is provided at an additional cost. Traditional braais and potjies are available on request and can be enjoyed on the grassy plains while appreciating the beautiful African sunset. Guests can spend lazy afternoons relaxing beside the swimming pool while enjoying nature. Sundowner game drives provide exclusive game-viewing opportunities, while hiking trails are ideal for a chance encounter with a kudu or a giraffe. The lodge is the perfect base to explore the area from with Fish River Canyon, the Sossusvlei and the Kalahari just a drive away.
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Day 9: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Mariental
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 ostrich 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 We make our way towards the Kalahari, one of the most beautiful parts of Namibia and a must see. Enjoy the beauty of the deep red dunes colours. You might spot several types of antelope’s like the Oryx. Maybe you can even spot a meerkat.
Accommodation Bagatelle or similar Route Maltahohe to the Kalahari region
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch View iBrochure The lodge lies on the edge of the Southern Kalahari in the mixed tree and shrub Savannah. The ranch is characterized by huge red sands dunes running parallel, and in a northern-westerly to south-easterly direction. This ‘Spirit of Africa’ atmosphere, coupled with service, delivered with graciousness and charm, in an unashamedly luxurious setting, will be the hallmarks of this establishment, providing excellent value and unforgettable memories for the discerning traveller.
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Day 10: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Mariental
Day Itinerary Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Kalahari today as you participate in the various optional activities on offer. Today is for you to enjoy the area. One of the many highlights of the Kalahari is the star gazing and tonight you get the opportunity to view the stars, planets, clusters and depending on the time of month, the moon.
Accommodation Bagatelle or similar
Route Kalahari
Included Highlight Stargazing at the Bagatelle Observatory
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Na'an ku se Lodge, Greater Windhoek
Greater Windhoek Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is encircled by magnificent mountains, expansive valleys, fertile farmlands, lodges and luxury guest farms. The landscape of the Greater Windhoek area surrounding this bustling city is characterised by vast valleys, thick scrub, rocky hills, and covered in golden savannah. Visitors can explore the dry river beds and mountainous scrublands, as well as enjoy birding, leopard-spotting and view large quantities of wildlife in the north; visit the more arid eastern part with its olive, potato and date plantations; explore the rolling hills of the Khomas Hochland Mountains in the west of the Greater Windhoek area and soak up the epic views along a number of scenic passes leading off the high plateau including: Bosua Pass, Gamsberg Pass and Spreetshoogte Pass.
Day Itinerary After breakfast we bid farewell to the red sand of the Kalahari and make our way back to Windhoek, where we will stay just outside the city. Tonight presents itself with a final opportunity to soak in the Namibian sunset on an evening sunset drive with sundowners.
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Accommodation N/a’an ku sê or similar
Route Kalahari region to Windhoek
Activity Package Sunset drive
Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Na'an ku se Lodge View iBrochure Join us for a luxury break amid the stunning African Savannah. Located just thirty minutes from Windhoek International Airport and nestled in the stunning African bush fields, our Lodge is perfectly situated to start or finish your trip to Namibia. With a range of enjoyable activities available, including Carnivore Feeding Tours and Cheetahs Up Close you are sure to enjoy an unforgettable African holiday with us. The only charity lodge in Namibia, N/a’an ku sê Lodge is crafted from ecologically clean material including solid logs and glass to complement N/a’an ku sê’s beautiful wilderness setting. Guests will find six luxurious, individual chalets and a tranquil dining area with stunning views, bar and swimming pool. There are also five beautifully appointed and fully equipped holiday houses available for hire. The Lodge also provides a breathtaking backdrop for weddings and conferences. Our Lodge is a not for profit eco-tourism destination, where all profits are directed straight back into supporting our charitable projects.
Day 12: Na'an ku se Lodge, Greater Windhoek
Day Itinerary Today our tour comes to an end after breakfast. Take the day to book a city tour of Windhoek or relax at the lodge until your departure flight.
Meals Breakfast
Day 13: End of Itinerary
On
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Transport
Transfers Date Company Pick Up Drop Off Time Vehicle
Nomad Hosea Kutako International Okaukuejo Resort Transfer Airport [WDH]
Okaukuejo Resort Namutoni Resort Transfer
Namutoni Resort Khorixas Lodge Transfer
Khorixas Lodge Atlantic Villa Transfer
Atlantic Villa Desert Quiver Camp Transfer
Desert Quiver Camp Namseb Game Lodge Transfer
Namseb Game Lodge Bagatelle Kalahari Game Transfer Ranch
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Na'an ku se Lodge Transfer Ranch
Na'an ku se Lodge Hosea Kutako International Transfer Airport [WDH]