NAMIBIA PRIVATE GUIDED CAMPING AMATEUR PHOTO SAFARI TOUR 10 Days / 9 Nights

Namibia a place where undulating deserts fold down to meet a tempestuous coastline, Namibia offers scenic beauty, the splendour of wildlife, unusual geological formations, pristine wilderness and a diverse and friendly nation.

Day 1:
Arrival-Windhoek Arrebusch Lodge (room) Upon arrival a transfer will await you and take you through to Arebush Lodge . Briefing and depending on arrival time a city tour will be offered.

Day 2:

Windhoek Arrebusch Lodge (room) Lunch

Morning spend at Naankuse – photography of 5 different cat species including lunch.


• lions                                                      • leopards                                              • wild dogs




• caracals                                                     • cheetahs

Day 3:

Windhoek-Etosha National Park Namutoni or similar (camping) Lunch, Dinner

After an early Breakfast your tour will commence via Okahandja to the Etosha National Park. At Okahandja we will stop over at the Wooden Craft Centre.

Continue driving via Otjiwarongo towards the Etosha National Park, while you are entering the park your game viewing already starts.

Namutoni Resort - Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Located in the eastern region of the Etosha National Park, the Namutoni Rest Camp was first constructed as a fort by the Germans. The first fort, a six roomed building was erected during 1902. In 1904, however it was totally destroyed by Owambo raiders. In 1906 it was rebuilt and considerably enlarged and the fort never again came under attack. From 1910 onwards it served periodically as a police post but eventually fell into disuse. It was however rebuilt in 1956 according to its original design and opened in 1958 as a tourist camp.

Facilities at the rest camp include a restaurant, shop, post office, swimming pool and filling station.

Day 4 & 5:

Etosha National Park Okaukuejo or similar (camping) Full Board

Two full days can be spend in the Etosha National Park exploring the Etosha. Look out for the mighty Elephant, the Lion king of the bush, the Rhino and many more other antelopes and animals.

Your guide can pre pare Lunch at one of the water hole such as “Olifants Bad” or “Nuamses”.

Today's Etosha National Park was proclaimed as Namibia's first conservation area in 1907 by the then German government and is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Consisting of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression.

For the greater part of the year the pan is a bleak expanse of white, cracked mud which, on most days shimmers with mirages. Seeing vast herds of game against this eerie backdrop, referred to in the local vernacular as the ‘great white place of dry water', makes the Etosha game-viewing a unique experience.

Of the 114 mammal species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as black rhino, cheetah and black-faced impala. Etosha's current population of more than 700 black rhino represents one of the few growing populations of black rhino in the world.

About 340 bird species occur in Etosha, about one third being migratory. For the greater part of the year (the dry season) Etosha's animals and birds are dependent on about 30 springs and waterholes. These provide excellent game viewing and photographic opportunities. During the rainy season, especially the bird life at the main pan and Fischer's Pan is worth viewing.

Okaukuejo is the main administrative camp of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for visitors in 1957. A variety of accommodation is available from self-catering chalet units to twin bedded bungalows.

Facilities at the rest camp include a restaurant, shop, post office, swimming pool and filling station. Okaukuejo is also home to the Ecological Institute, which is responsible for the research and management of the park. The Okaukuejo waterhole is probably one of the most renowned waterholes in the park. The presence of game is seasonal but winter offers game enthusiasts a unique experience as the illuminated waterhole is situated next to the camp. Common sightings include large herds of elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, brown hyena, Burchells and Hartman's Mountain Zebra, Gnu and numerous antelope species.

Okaukuejo Resort – Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Okaukuejo is the main administrative camp of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for visitors in 1957. A variety of accommodation is available from self-catering chalet units to twin bedded bungalows. Facilities at the rest camp include a restaurant, shop, post office, swimming pool and filling station. Okaukuejo is also home to the Ecological Institute, which is responsible for the research and management of the park. The Okaukuejo waterhole is probably one of the most renowned waterholes in the park. The presence of game is seasonal but winter offers game enthusiasts a unique experience as the illuminated waterhole is situated next to the camp. Common sightings include large herds of elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, brown hyena, Burchells and Hartman's Mountain Zebra, Gnu and numerous antelope species.

Day 6

Kaokoland-Damaraland Palmwag Lodge (camping) Full Board

Today early in the morning depart with some game viewing the Etosha National Park and continue driving via Kamanjab towards Palmwag.

Palmwag Lodge - Palmwag Lodge is a paradise on the Uniab River in northwest Damaraland – a vacation opportunity with a difference. Waving palms whispering in the wind, spectacular surroundings which harbour the famous desert elephant, the rare black rhino, giraffe, zebra, gemsbok and many other wild animal species, sunsets to dream of – this is Palmwag Lodge, one of Namibia's oldest and most popular tourist rendezvous.

The lodge offers 30 beds in 2-3-bed thatched bungalows, and 10 beds in luxury en-suite tents, 8-bed family unit (child friendly), a fully licensed restaurant, swimming pool under shady palms, and a very cozy “pool bar” and lapa. Morning and afternoon game drives are offered daily. The well laid-out hiking trails let you enjoy and discover the neighbouring nature. With early booking, we offer guided full day excursions as well as overnight safaris through the breathtaking landscapes of the Damaraland. Palmwag Lodge is an ideal destination for onward travel to the Kaokoland, Etosha, Epupa Falls, etc.

To cater for the needs of campers and day visitors, the thatched pool bar under the palm trees at the swimming pool, where light meals and most drinks are available, is opened daily from mid morning until approximately 22h00.

Please take note that entry into the surrounding private concession area is by valid permit only, which should be obtained at the Palmwag Lodge reception before entry into the area. (incl. the Hoanib River).

Day 7

Damaraland North Palmwag Lodge (Camping) Half Board & Activities

Early in the morning do a full day Damaraland Wildlife Excursion - Leave Palmwag early after breakfast. Enjoy a tour in open 4 x 4 game-viewing vehicles into the concession area of the lodge. Spectacular close-up viewing of Namibia's only free-ranging game e.g. zebra, kudu, oryx, springbuck, ostrich, jackal, brown and spotted hyena, and with a bit of luck the endangered black rhino and desert elephant. All in the most spectacular landscape far off the normal tourist tracks and routes. Wash off the heat of the day in one of the many natural pools in the area. Picnic lunch en-route. Return to the lodge late afternoon for a unique sundowner. + 8 hour excursion

Day 8

Damaraland South-Skeleton Coast Amanpuri (room) Breakfast, Lunch

Very early morning departure from Palmwag Lodge and drive via Twyfelfontein to visit the Rock Engravings, Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. Continue driving towards Cape Cross for a short stop over to visit 100 of Cape Fur Seals.
Depart and drive along the coast towards the south to the little German Town named Swakopmund.

The Twyfelfontein area, being a very vulnerable and delicateeco system, is renowned for some of the best examples of Bushman paintings and rock engravings in southern Africa and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Interesting rock formations and the remainder of prehistoric volcanic action can be seen among the most prominent geographic features including the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, Doros Crater and the Petrified Forest. The fauna and flora of Damaraland is typical of the Pro-Namib region and plant species include the magnificent Welwitschia, and a variety of the Commiphora species. The Desert adapted Elephant, Giraffe, Springbok, Zebra, Oryx, and Ostrich include some of the wildlife which can be found living in total harmony with the community.

The Lodge is situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy and boast 56 en-suite twin rooms, reception, lounge, curio shop, open dining room, bar and swimming pool. In construction utmost care was taken to reduce the visual impact on the environment and to blend into the mountainside with the use of thatch roofs, natural stone and paint colours toning in with the surrounding rock formations.

Twyfelfontein to see the rock engravings – amongst African rock-art sites, Twyfelfontein is unusual in having both engravings and paintings. Many are of animals and their spoor, or geometric motifs – which have been suggested as maps to water sources. Why they were made, nobody knows. Perhaps they were part of the people's spiritual ceremonies, perhaps it was an ancient nursery to teach their children, or perhaps they were simply doodling....

Organ Pipes - Returning on the road 3254 site of Organ Pipes can be reached in about 3 kilometres on. This mass of perpendicular dolerite pillars are located down the river bed. Formed by the intrusion of volcanic rock dolerite about 120 million years ago.

Burnt Mountain - The Burnt Mountain is located another couple kilometres from the site of Organ Pipes and visible from the road. The Karoo limestones which formed the mountain were deposited around 200 million years ago. About 120 million years ago, the same period when Organ Pipes were formed, volcanic lava intruded limestones and caused metamorphism giving the mountain its distinctive colour.

Swakopmund- considered by most Namibians to be the country's only real holiday resorts, this old German town spreads from the mouth of the Swakop River out into the surrounding desert plain. Climatically more temperate than the interior, the palm-lined streets, immaculate old buildings and well-kept gardens give Swakop a unique atmosphere, and make it a pleasant oasis in which to spend a few days.




Day 9

Skeleton Coast Amanpuri (room) Breakfast

Early morning depart to Walvis Bay where you go on a Marine Boat Cruise. Enjoy the cruise with their seals, Pelicans and many more marine life. Enjoy a snack and some beers or champagne on board of the cruise.

Marine Dune Day - T he ultimate combination of the popular Mola Mola Morning Marine Cruise and our Sandwich Harbour 4x4 Excursion. Enjoy your morning amongst seals and dolphins in the Walvis Bay area on one of the boats or a catamaran motor boats, before you get dropped off at Pelican Point to meet your Sandwich Harbour Guide.

From Pelican Point we depart to the Sandwich Harbour area. Your lunch will be served on the beach or in the dunes. Your guide will tell you about our specialised desert flora and fauna while taking you to extraordinary viewpoints – a photograper's paradise! This tour gives you the best of both worlds. Return in the afternoon to where you left your vehicle and depart back to Swakopmund. Highlights: Pelican Point, Oyster farms, Russian Trawlers, Bird Island, Lighthouse, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Saltpans, Kuiseb River Delta, Mudflats of Sandwich Harbour, historical and archaeological sites, dune-riding incl. 60m high Roaring Dune. Common Sightings: Bottlenose and Heavyside Dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, Flamingos, Pelicans, Mola Molas, Penguins, Whales (August-November), Springboks, Jackals, bird sightings include a large variety of pelagic birds and waders.

After the cruise you can do more activities: Living Desert Tour, Sandwich Harbour and many more can be done in. In the afternoon you can do a Scenic Flight over the Desert or along the Skeleton coast. All these activities can be pre-booked and paid well in advance . (Not included in the price) (None of the activities are included if you need prices you can contact us.)

The Living Desert Tour - is a unique 4x4 adventure which specializes in bringing the desert to life while sharing the awesome beauty of the Namib Desert with travellers from all over the world. The coastal dune belt may seem barren and lifeless to many people, but in fact it is alive with a fascinating variety of little desert adapted animals, which are able to survive on the life-giving fog which consistently rolls in from the cold Atlantic Ocean.

Come see the Dancing White Lady Spider (Carparachne aureoflava) cartwheel 44 turns per second down a dune to escape the enemy. Admire the transparent Namib Dune Gecko (Pachydactylus rangei) with webbed feet that are equivalent to snow shoes. Learn about the different beetles and insects and how they survive in the dune desert. Follow in the tracks of a legless Lizard ( Fitsimmon's Burrowing Skink ), observe Sand Diving Lizards ( Meroles Anchieta) dancing on the hot sand, Sidewinder Snakes ( Perinquey's Adder ), Desert Chameleons and many more fascinating creatures. Learn about the geology, structure and formation of the desert, and admire the vast and beautiful landscapes while enjoying a scenic dune drive combined with fun and adrenalin.

Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the desert alive and close up.

Day 10

Skeleton Coast-Windhoek Depart Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Swakopmund and drive via Usakos, Karibib towards Windhoek.
Lunch en-route. Continue driving towards the H osea Kutako Airport well in advance for your flight back home. (Remember a very late flight from Windhoek to your next destination)

The quote will change if we should have to use al ternative accommodation

Based on above routing

RACK PRICE PER PERSON – QUOTED IN NAMIBIAN DOLLAR (N$)

Included in:
•  Accommodation and meals as indicated in the routing / itinerary.
•  Professional English speaking guide for 10 days
•  Professional photographer for 10 days
•  Guide + photographer accommodation, meals & entrance fees
•  10 Day tour in a 14 Seater Dyna Truck included super cover and fuel
•  Full Camping equipment with camp assistance
•  All entrance fees and National Parks Sightseeing Attractions en-route
•  Activities and Excursions as indicated in the routing
•  Palmwag Lodge – Full Day Damaraland Wildlife tour
•  VAT + Tourism Levy

Exclusive of:
•  All beverages and alcoholic drinks
•  Additional meals not indicated in routing
•  Optional Excursions and Activities
•  Porterages and Gratuities
•  International Flights and Airport Taxes
•  Travel Insurance
•  Visas
•  All expenses of a personal nature.

This proposal is:
Subject to the standard Terms & Conditions of Trip Tours.
Subject to availability of accommodation at time of booking.
Is valid until end of November 2011

Prices quoted are subject to the availability of the services offered and subject to unforeseeable increases in supplier tariffs.

Note:
Suggested month to travel: May, June, July, September, October, November


• 14 seater Dyna Truck, with slide down windows and pop up roof                • tented camp

Itinerary prepared by:
PO Box 100, Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: +264 61 – 2855724
Fax: +264 61 – 225430
Mobile:+ 264 81 242 1502
Email: Isolde@trip.com.na
        Piet@trip.com.na
Contact Person: Isolde or Piet

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