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Beyond lie the dry
valleys of the Huab, Huanib and the Hoarusib. This is the heart of
Kaokoland, among the most outstanding scenery in Namibia, haunt of the
rare desert elephant. These elephant are specially adapted to this harsh
but beautiful environment. The game viewing is exceptional, with
springbok, oryx, giraffe and elephant in an unforgettable setting.
North in
the remote parts of Himbaland in a lunar landscape live the Himba, the
most traditional of Southern Africa's people. Nomadic cattle keepers, they
eschew the modern world, living as their forebears have for hundreds of
years. Wild life includes kudu, mountain zebra and ostrich.
A visit to
western Etosha, closed to the general public, and to Okonjima, home of the
big cats, ends the tour in style.
Typical safari itinerary
- Day
1. Overnight flight to southern Africa and connect to Windhoek in
Namibia.
- Day
2. Morning arrival at Windhoek and meet your safari guide. Drive
through the Khomas Hochland and down into the Kuiseb Valley through
stunning scenery and across the Namib Desert to Swakopmund. Overnight
at the Schweizerhaus Hotel.
- Day
3. A morning in the Swakop River studying the flora and fauna,
including the Welwitschia plains. Optional afternoon private flight
across the Namib Desert. Overnight at the Schweizerhaus Hotel.
- Day
4. Along the Skeleton Coast to the seal colony at Cape Cross
before turning inland into Damaraland. This is scenically a dramatic
part of Namibia where animals roam freely. Springbok, oryx and kudu
are commonly seen, and there are some rare plants here. Overnight in
our own camp in Damaraland.
- Day
5. Cross over to the Etendeka Plateau, a landscape of flat topped
mesas and deep valleys. Amid this fantastic scenery are ancient
paintings and engravings left by prehistoric peoples. Overnight camped
in the Etendeka.
- Day
6. In the Etendeka Mountains tracking the Damaraland elephant and
other game in this wild part of Namibia. Black rhino are seen as well
as giraffe etc. Rare bird life includes Ruppell's korhaan.
- Day
7. Travel north into the Kaokoland. Enter the Huanib and its
catchment of rugged mountains, home to the rarest animals and plants
in Africa, including the Desert Elephant. Also found here are the
Mountain Zebra, Oryx, Desert Giraffe, and springbok and ostrich in
considerable numbers. The experience of solitude in the Huanib is
exceptional
- Day
8. A full day game viewing in the Huanib.
- Day
9. Full day crossing from the Huanib to the Hoarusib. The scenery
is spectacular. Overnight camped in the Hoarusib Valley.
- Day
10. Travel into Himbaland to Orupembe at the entrance of the
Hartmann Valley. Again very remote, this area is home to the nomadic
Himba, one of the least influenced tribes of Africa. Overnight camped
in Himbaland.
- Day
11. Gradually re-entering civilisation, continue on to Kamanjab
and the western portion of Etosha to stay at Kaross. Afternoon game
drive and overnight at Kaross Lodge.
- Day
12. A full day in the western portion of Etosha not open to the
general public. Elephant, mountain and plains zebra, giraffe, and
other animals congregate at the water holes. There is an abundance of
bird life. Overnight Kaross Lodge.
- Day
13. Drive to Okonjima, famous for its Africat programme. Afternoon
and morning game activities, including leopard and cheetah watching.
Overnight at Okonjima Guest Farm.
- Day
14. Drive to Windhoek for the homeward flight.
- Day
15. Arrival in home airport
Weather conditions on safari...
- February
- April are late summer months. The weather is warm to hot at mid-day
but with no humidity. The coast is cool. Some rain may be expected,
but days are normally very dry.
- May,
June and July are the middle of the winter, which is the dry time of
the year. Days will be dry, warm and sunny, but the evenings may be
quite cool and even cold, with temperatures dropping considerably in
the middle of the night and you should have something warm to wear.
- August
to November are similar to the early part of the year, but very dry.
Accommodation and Vehicles on safari...
- The
Schweizerhaus Hotel is a well appointed hotel overlooking the beach
front. All rooms have private facilities.
- Kaross
Lodge is a farm Lodge with twin rooms and private facilities.
- Okonjima
Guest Farm has rooms set around a lawned garden with open plan dining
area.
- For the
most part the itinerary includes camping, which allows the maximum
flexibility and the very best experience of the Kaokoland. The camping
is comfortable, with large 3m x 3m tents with beds and duvets. There
is a dining table and chairs, table cloth and full service, glassware,
hot showers and pit loos. Chilled white wine and beer are always
available, as are soft drinks.
- Depending
on numbers, vehicles used are Toyota Hilux twin cab 4 x 4's each
holding three guests and a driver, or Toyota Land Cruiser 4 x 4
holding six guests.
Notes
- See General Information
for Namibia for health and visa requirements.
- All
safaris are led by our expert game rangers.
- The
maximum number on these safaris is eight per departure (minimum two
per departure) .
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Fixed
date safaris
