THE TRIBES OF NORTHERN NAMIBIA
Booking Code: SWAS 7 E

Day 1:
In the morning departure from Windhoek to the north. At Okahandja – the former tribal center of the Herero people and old mission station – visit some Herero graves, the cemetery of the German Schutztruppe and the Kavango woodcarver's market. Via Otjiwarongo and Otavi drive to Tsumeb. The “Cultural village”, being an Open Air Museum , invites tourists to get an insight into the rural life of Namibian tribes. It displays the life of the majority of Namibians and tells about their history and culture, shows their work and skills in arts and crafts. A visit to the Mine museum is also planned.

Lunch en route.

Dinner/bed/breakfast Makalani Hotel

Day 2:
After breakfast depart to Treesleeper Camp near Tsintsabis. It is home to the Hei//omn Bushmen, the former habitants of Etosha and its surroundings, and the !Kung Bushmen. Until recently the Bushmen practiced a lifestyle of hunting and gathering. They will show you their traditional way of life in a “Historic living Village”. After a light lunch proceed to Farm Hedwigslust, the home of the Ombili foundation. Attempts are made to teach Bushmen (350 are living on the farm) to get used to sow, maintain and harvest – become “farmers” and no longer hunters because their base of living, game, is extinct. As the Ombili foundation is financing this project through donations, a gratitude of app.

N$ 50.00 is very welcome.

Dinner/bed/breakfast Mokuti Lodge

Day 3:
Drive north to Ovamboland, the most densely populated region of Namibia (app. 600 000 people). The Ovambo are divided into 8 sub-tribes. First stop will be the Nakambale Museum at Olukondo, that represents the present and the past of the role of the Finnish Mission, the church and the local cultures. Visit the Ngonga homestead, observe a demonstration of wheat-crushing, basket-weaving, hair-plaiting, traditional dancing and music etc. A traditional lunch will be served. Afterwards proceed to Oshakati via Ondangwa.

Dinner/bed/breakfast Oshakati Country Lodge

Day 4:
Travel through the western Ovamboland. The landscape is characterized by flat, sandy plains dotted with Makalani palms, savannah grasslands and Mopane woodlands. Different attractions will be visited

Continue to Opuwo via Ruacana. Lunch packs en route.

Dinner/bed/breakfast Opuwo Country Lodge

Day 5:
Today a typical Himba settlement will be visited. The Himba, a sub-tribe of the Herero – are nomads who are still living their old tradition and culture. Their cattle are their wealth and so they are roving around the area to feed them. That's why there are several deserted settlements to be seen along the way.

A local guide, accompanying the group, will negotiate a visit to a “Kraal” with the headman of the tribe and will explain the lifestyle and the culture of the Himba. Afterwards return to Opuwo und proceed in southern direction to Hobatere Lodge at the western border of the Etosha Nationalpark. In the afternoon a game drive will take place. Lunch packs en route.

Dinner/bed/breakfast Hobatere Lodge

Day 6:
Travel through the western part of Etosha Nationalpark. The Oryx and many other antelopes prefer this region. West of Okaukuejo is the well known “Sprokieswoud”, Phantom or Fairy Forest , the only location where the African Moringa tree grows in a flat area. Lunch packs en route. Game viewing continues. At the floodlit waterhole wildlife can be viewed throughout the day as well as at night.

Dinner/overnight/ breakfast Okaukuejo Restcamp

Day 7:
Short game drive in the morning before leaving the Etosha Nationalpark. Return to Windhoek via Outjo, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja. Lunch en route. Arrival in Windhoek in the afternoon.

Service included: Overland trip, accommodation in Hotels/Lodges/Rest Camp in Etosha, all rooms with private facilities, Full board throughout the tour, all sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary, English speaking tour guide (OTHER LANGUAGES CAN BE SPOKEN ON TOUR)

Price per person sharing: N$ 12.300,00 Single Supplement: N$ 1.400,00

Departure Dates:
19/11/2007 - 03/03/2008 - 31/03/2008 - 28/04/2008 - 02/06/2008 - 30/06/2008
28/07/2008 - 25/08/2008 - 22/09/2008