Jewels of Africa

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek

Upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport you will pick up your rental vehicle and drive the +-40km to Windhoek. Check in at the guesthouse and the rest of the day is at your own leisure. You have time to explore Windhoek and visit the famous landmarks of Windhoek or shop in the vibrant Independence Avenue.

Windhoek

Namibia’s capital Windhoek is often described as a city with a continental atmosphere. This can be ascribed to its architecture, cuisine, culture, dress codes and educational institutions. Windhoek combines the modern city architectural style with that of the German colonial era. Historic sites to visit in the town centre are the ‘Christuskirche’, ‘Alte Feste’ (Old Ford), ‘Tintenpalast’ (Parliament Buildings), Zoo Park, ‘Reiterdenkmal’, Museum and the Craft Centre.

With 280 000 inhabitants, Windhoek is the biggest city in the country and also the commercial centre of the country.

Overnight: Elegant Guesthouse including breakfast

Day 2: Spreetshoogte Pass and Namib Desert

Departing from Windhoek you will be crossing the spectacular Spreetshoogte Pass on your way to the gates of Sossusvlei where you take accommodation at the homestead and can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the view of the surrounding areas. Quadbiking and hot air ballooning can be organized beforehand if you like (optional extras). Alternatively you can already explore the Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon.

Sossusvlei

The Sossusvlei is a huge clay pan, enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular hills of sand are, at a height of 325 metres, the highest in the world. Only after a heavy rainfall, which is a rare event in this area, does the vlei fill with water. As the clay layers hardly allow any water infiltration, a turquoise lake will remain for quite some time. The Dead Pan is a large ghostly expanse of dried white Clay, punctuated by Skeletons of ancient camelthorn trees, about 600 years old. The dunes of the Namib Desert have developed over a period of many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf. The coastal dunes developed as a result of this and were shifted further and further inland by the wind. Wind continuously reshapes the patterns of the huge dunes of the Namib Desert.

The last 5 km are only negotiable with 4×4 vehicles. Should you not have one, there are 4×4 Shuttles available if you don’t want to hike there.

Overnight: Desert Homestead including dinner, bed and breakfast

Day 3: Namib Naukluft Park and Sossusvlei

Today you can visit the Sossusvlei. On the way you can see the first rays of sunshine paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, provoke your senses, and award you the opportunity to capture this awesome landscape on camera. From here you make your way to the 2×4 parking area, where you can make use of the 4×4 shuttle (not included, cost N$120.00 per person), which will take you the last few kilometres to the Sossusvlei. You can climb some of the breath taking dunes to adore the sea of sand from above.

Overnight: Desert Homestead including dinner, bed and breakfast

Day 4: Swakopmund

Depart after breakfast and drive via Solitaire, Gaub Pass and Walvis Bay to Swakopmund. You will arrive in Swakopmund in the afternoon and check in at the Cornerstone Guesthouse, situated in the heart of Swakopmund. The rest of the day can be spent to explore the town and / or (time permitting) visit the the Moonlandscape, Welwitscha Plains (please note that you need a permit for this, which is available at Namib i in Swakopmund).

Swakopmund

Swakopmund was of major importance as a harbour during the German colonial era even though the water at the coast is actually too shallow and the bay is unprotected. But Lüderitz was too far away and the seaport of Walvis Bay was in British possession in those days. On 4 August 1892 the crew of a gunboat named Hyena erected two beacons on a large dune, probably in the vicinity of the present lighthouse. This is regarded as the founding date of Swakopmund. The first settlers were 120 Shutztruppe with equipment and 40 settlers who offloaded from the Marie Woermann using four landing boats. The settlers had to build caves on the beach to protect themselves against hostile weather. Before a breakwater was built in  1898, which later became known as the Mole, all offloading was done with special boats The 325 metre long wooden jetty was only completed in 1905 and it was in 1914 replaced by a more solid iron construction. Swakopmund became the gate to South-West Africa and the entire supply for the colony was wound up through this little town. The narrow-rail train to Windhoek started operations in 1902 while at the same time, the station was built. It was completely restored some years ago and has become an entertainment centre, a casino and a luxury hotel. It is one of the best preserved examples of German colonial architecture in the world.

The appearance of the town, with its 35 000 inhabitants, is characterised by numerous colonial buildings with the Woermann House from 1905 as its landmark. The former trading house in Bismarck Street with its 25 metre high Tower and its courtyard bordered by arcades today houses the city library and an art gallery. Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort with a slightly nostalgic atmosphere, many tourist attractions and a pleasant climate in summer.

Overnight: Cornerstone Guesthouse including breakfast

Day 5: Swakopmund and surrounding area

Today you have the opportunity to explore Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and the surrounding area. We suggest that you take part in one of the many alternative activities (at own cost) such as:

• Tandem Sky diving
• Quad Biking
• Sand Boarding
• Ballooning
• Paragliding
• Seal & Dolphin Boat Cruise in Walvis
• Sandwich Harbour Half-day Tour
• Scenic flights

Overnight: Cornerstone Guesthouse including breakfast

Day 6: Twyfelfontein

Today you drive along the coastline via Henties Bay and Uis to the vast regions of the Damaraland. You pass Namibia’s highest Mountain the Brandberg, before checking in at your lodge in the heart of the Damaraland. This is most probably the most pristine area in Africa, with home to the Desert Elephant and Black Rhino. The evening is spent at leisure and could be used to either relax at the lodge or maybe take part on an optional activity (at own expense).

Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge including dinner, bed and breakfast

Day 7: Etosha National Park

Dive via Outjo to the Etosha National Park. The rest of the day can be spent at own leisure. You can either take part in one of the activities offered by the lodge or explore the animal kingdom of the Etosha Park on your own. Your accommodation for tonight will be inside the park, which gives you the opportunity to experience Etosha’s nightlife at the floodlit waterhole.

Etosha National Park

Etosha was declared a game reserve by the German colonial administration back in 1907 and covers an area of more than 22,000 km². At a stage it covered a vast area of 93,240 km² and was the largest game reserve in the world. For various political reasons, the park was progressively diminished in size until by 1975 it had been reduced to its current size.  In its centre lies a vast saltpan surrounded by grass and thorn savannah, Mopane bushland in the west and dry forest in the north-east.

About two million years ago, this area was an enormous lake, fed by the Kunene River. However the lake slowly dried up because over time, the river changed its course. Today the pan is a shallow depression and has an approximate size of 5,000 km².

Of the 114 mammals species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as the black Rhino and cheetah. Etosha’s current population of +- 600 Black Rhinos represents one of the few growing populations in the world.

The National Park has three Rest camps Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni. These all have restaurants, stores and swimming pools. The main entrance to the park is called the Andersson Gate at Okaukuejo in the south and the Von Lindequist Gate in the east near Namutoni.

Overnight: Okaukuejo Camp including breakfast

Day 8: Etosha National Park

Today you will make your way to the eastern side of the park. Here the dense stands of Mopane forests support a large variety of antelopes and predators such as leopards, while it offers a variety of migratory as well as non-migratory bird species safe cover and nesting sites. With a bit of luck you will also be able to spot some lions. In the late afternoon you will exit the park through the eastern gate. A few kilometres outside the gate you will find the Onguma Bush Camp.

Overnight: Onguma Bush Camp including breakfast

Day 9: Etosha National Park

The entire day can be used to explore the park. Covering over 8,000 square miles, the park encompasses a vast salt pan. These conditions make the game viewing in Etosha so special and exclusive. You can visit various waterholes where you can relax and watch the animals as they drink and play. Etosha is famous for excellent game viewing and game, such as giraffe, impala, springbok, zebra and wildebeest can be seen in vast numbers.

Overnight: Onguma Bush Camp including breakfast

Day 10: Rundu surrounds

Today you leave the Etosha National Park and travel to the western part of Rundu to arrive at the Hakusembe River Lodge. Late in the afternoon you can join a sundowner cruise (at own expense) or just relax on the banks of the river.

Overnight: Hakusembe River Lodge including breakfast

Day 11: Bwabwata, Mudumu National Park

Set off this morning travelling onto the Mudumu National Park via the Bwabwata National Park. On your way there, you might encounter Elephant herds and various other animals with a bit of luck. The Kwando River is known for it vast birdlife, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your camp.

Overnight: Camp Kwando including breakfast

Day 12: Mudumu National Park

Today is open to explore the Mudumu or Mamili National Park or take part in the optional activities (at own expense) offered at the lodge. You also have the opportunity to join a cultural tour at the Living Museum, fishing tour or take part on a game drive on open 4×4 vehicles. (All activities are optional and at own expense.)

Overnight: Camp Kwando including breakfast

Day 13: Zovu Elephant Lodge

After breakfast you will continue to the Kasane Immigration border. From here you will be transferred via boat to the Zovu Elephant Lodge. Upon arrival the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Zovu Elephant Lodge including all meals and activities

Day 14: Victoria Falls Day Trip

Today you will join a day trip to the Victoria Falls. The day trip will begin with the ‘Big Tree’ where we may stop and take photos. You will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified Wild Horizons guide, who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. You are then taken to the market, where you have the opportunity to shop in the open air curio market and shops for souvenirs and gifts.

The visit to the market ends at around 12h30 and you are then taken to enjoy lunch at a hotel. After lunch, the clients will have the afternoon free. You will have an opportunity to book additional activities during their day in Vic Falls (Extra charges for your own account). Popular additional activities include the Heli Flip over the falls, Gorge Swing and Zip Line.

Please note: Minimum PAX: 4. Should only 2 people take part this price will double, which will increase the overall tour price.

Overnight: Zovu Elephant Lodge including all meals and activities

Day 15: Zovu Elephant Lodge

Another day at the lodge, which could be used to take part on offered activities, such as:

• Game boat cruises up the Chobe river
• Bird watching (420 species recorded) by boat or on foot
• Sundowner cruises
• Tribal village visits

Overnight: Zovu Elephant Lodge including all meals and activities

Days 16 & 17: Camp Moremi

Transfer to the Kasane immigration where you pick up your rental vehicle and drive to Camp Moremi and the Moremi Game Reserve. The game reserve, although not one of the largest parks, presents insights and views even for the most experienced of travellers. It is home to nearly 500 species of bird (from water birds to forest dwellers), and a vast array of other species of wildlife, including buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, impala, and red lechwe. Here you will spend two nights which will give you the opportunity to do game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles and to explore the Xakanaxa Lagoon and surrounding Okavango channels by motorboat, which affords excellent bird watching opportunities.

Overnight: Camp Moremi including all meals, activities & local drinks

Day 18: Thamalakane Lodge

After a short flight back to the Maun Airport you will be transferred to your establishment situated outside of Maun. Upon arrival at the lodge you can either relax or take part on one of the following offered activities (at own expense):

• Sunset Boat Cruise
• Mokoro Tour
• Scenic flight over the Moremi (1 hour)

Overnight: Thamalakane Lodge including breakfast

Day 19: Depart

Today you will be picked up at your establishment and transferred to the Maun airport, in time for your International flight.

• Windhoek
• Spreetshoogte Pass
• Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon
• Swakopmund and surrounds
• Twyfelfontein
• Etosha National Park
• Rundu surrounds
• Bwata Bwata National Park
• Mudumu National Park
• Chobe National Park
• Victoria Falls
• Moremi National Park
• Windhoek

Price available on request.

Prices are nett and include VAT.

Prices include:

• 13 x overnight on a Bed & Breakfast basis
• 03 x overnight on Full board basis including activities.
• 02 x overnight on Full board basis including activities and drinks.
• Flights between Maun airport and Camp Moremi
• Complete Information package, including maps, route description and vouchers.
• Preprogramed GPS

Entrance fees included:

N/A

Prices exclude:

• Optional activities and excursions
• Drinks and meals (unless otherwise stated)
• Personal expenses (Telephone call, souvenirs etc)
• Car Hire (Please see vehicle rates)
• International flights
• Travel insurance