Escape to a world of diverse landscapes,
living deserts and endless horizons. Highlighs
include : Waterberg and Etosha National Parks, Epupa falls,
Kunene River, Kaokoland, Swakopmund and the famous sand dunes
of Sossusvlei. This safari
starts and ends in Windhoek
Your Itinerary
Day
1 PENDUKA meet group at Windhoek International
Airport or at a guesthouse in Windhoek and we commence
our safari to drive north to Okahandja. We will
continue further until we will reach the Waterberg
Plateau Park just 60km east of Otjiwarongo. The
Plateau rises some 200 m above its surrounding area
of African bush and savannah. The vegetation changes
dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of
the plateau to lush-green sub-tropical dry woodland
with tall trees and grassy plains at the top. Ten
fern species have been recorded here, one being
endemic to Namibia and Angola. The Resort has a
well-equipped camping site and there is also a restaurant,
kiosk, museum and a swimming pool.
Camping at Waterberg Plateau Park.
Day 2
Our route continues north through Otjiwarongo, Otavi
and Tsumeb to arrive at the eastern gate into Etosha
National Park. We reach our campsite at Namutoni
with its historic fort, and catch the first glimpse
of the vast Etosha Pan stretching out to the horizon.
The Etosha National Park owes its unique landscape
to the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of
approximately 5 000 km square. Of the 114 mammal
species found in the park, several are rare and
endangered, such as black rhino and black-faced
impala. The elephant in this park is reputed to
be of the largest in Africa, the tallest ones measuring
up to 4 m at the shoulder. Their tusks, on the other
hand, are relatively small, due to genetic defects
and mineral deficiencies in their diet. Enjoy sundowners
before dinner.
Camping at Namutoni Campsite.
Day
3 & 4
Leaving Namutoni after an early breakfast, we take
a day-long game drive to observe spectacular wildlife
activity around waterholes, where game concentrates
during the dry season. Lunch stop en-route. We travel
along the edge of the Etosha Pan and along famous
and varied game routes, before reaching Okaukuejo
campsite. The waterhole at Okaukuejo is floodlit
at night and spectacular sightings are almost guaranteed.
Lions, elephants and black rhino come to quench
their thirst almost every night. Overnight
Okaukuejo Rest Camp.
Day
5
We leave the Etosha National Park along densely
populated game routes to reach the exit gate at
Otjavasondu in the extreme west of the park. Camp
in the wilderness at the confluence of the Otjavasondu
and Ombonde Rivers in the wild. A game walks to
look for springbok, gemsbok, kudu, giraffe and elephants,
and we can climb a hill in this area to watch the
sun set over Koakoland. Camping
at Ombonde in the wild.
Day
6 & 7
An early breakfast and we depart on a day’s
drive north through Koakoland. Our route takes us
far north via Opuwo to the breathtaking Epupa Falls
on the Kunene River. Set up camp for two nights
at the falls. We visit Himba villages to observe
the lifestyle of this friendly, once nomad people.
The falls are a series of cascades where the Kunene
River drops a total of 60 m over a distance of about
1.5 km. The area with its richly-coloured rock walls,
wild fig, baobabs and multitude of birds promises
to be an rewarding experience. Camping
at Epupa Falls campsite for two nights.
Day 8
We leave the falls and we travel south through the
heart of Koakoland. There may be a chance to swim
at the Ongongo Falls. The Fort at Sesfontein has
been a ruin for many years has only been reconstructed
almost a 100 years after it was first built. It
also at some stage posed as a police station
for the Schutztruppe.
Camp near Sesfontein.
Day 9
An early start in search of desert elephants, which
are occasionally seen in this region. Back to camp
for brunch, before our journey takes us further
south via Palmwag into the changing landscape of
Damaraland to reach the Aba-Huab River. Find a good
place to set up our wilderness camp.
Camp in the Aba-Huab River.
Day 10
Spend the morning exploring one of the largest collections
of rock engravings discovered as yet, at Twyfelfontein
and visit Burnt Mountain as well as other places
of interest in the area. In the afternoon a drive
along the Aba-Huab River bed in search of desert
elephant and rhino. Return to camp to relax in our
wilderness campsite. Camp
in the Aba-Huab River.
Day
11
Leave the Twyfelfontein area to continue our journey
through the vast Pro Namib to reach the Ugab River
near Brandberg West, an area where we hope to see
the desert elephant, and where we can photograph
the oldest of desert plant life, the Welwitchia
Mirabili.
Overnight Ugab Camp.
Day
12
After an early breakfast we pack and leave Ugab
camp to continue our journey towards the coast.
We visit the historical site of Cape Cross, home
to some 80,000 seals and drive south viewing some
of the largest lichenfields worldwide. Reach the
quaint and historic town of Swakopmund. Swakopmund
is known as Namibia’s seaside resort on the
West Coast and is a place of singular charm and
resembles a small Bavarian village nestled between
the desert and the sea. It has a relaxing atmosphere
with promenades, palm trees and beautiful tended
public gardens. Swakopmund
Bungalows (Bed and Breakfast)
Day 13
An early start to this day, to make the most of
the various options available in the coastal towns
of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. We drive to Walvis
Bay to see the bird life, flamingos and pelicans
in the harbour. An optional boat cruise into Walvis
Bay Harbour gives you a chance to see the Cape fur
seals and Bottle nose or Heavy side dolphins. In
the afternoon you can visit the Museum, rug making
industry and other places of interest in Swakopmund
or we can drive up the spectacular Swakop River.
Swakopmund Bungalows
(Bed and Breakfast)
Day
14
Leave the coast to drive through the Namib Naukluft
Park and observe the rich diversity of desert adapted
fauna and flora, including the welwitchia plant.
Stop for lunch en route. Passing through Solitaire
we reach Sesriem campsite situated on the edge of
the Namib Naukluft Park. Time to relax, rest and
shower. Campfire dinner. Campsite
at Sesriem.
Day 15
Early morning visit Sossusvlei. This is the top
destination in the Southern Region, with its towering
dunes, the highest of which has been measured from
its base as being 325 m. The dunes have been formed
through natural forces. Visit the Sesriem canyon
in the afternoon. Farewell dinner.
Camping at Sesriem Campsite.
Day
16
Depart as early as possible for Windhoek and ascend
the Spreetshoogte Pass leaving the low-lying Namibian
plains behind. We reach Windhoek International Airport
in time for late afternoon outbound flights. (Alternatively
overnight in Windhoek guesthouse to connect with
outbound flight the following day).
