Itinerary

Your Abenteuer safari guide will collect you (meet & greet) from Windhoek International Airport. After the necessary formalities you depart around 10h00 via the wonderful wide-open Namibian landscape. Always travelling the lesser known routes, en route we pass the quaint Olive Farm which is set in serene surroundings of prime cattle country and on the edge Hereroland, making our way to Okonjima Lodge (Bush Camp) home of the AfriCat Foundation, arriving in time for lunch and a well earned afternoon rest. At 16h00 we meet for tea & cake and relax into our surroundings.  That evening at the Lodge we enjoy sundowners and dinner. An evening nocturnal game outing is an optional excursion after dinner. This family runs lodge is known for its peace and tranquil atmosphere

Background Information: The Namibian landscape is stark, fascinating yet complex, vividly coloured and remarkably varied. The country stretches from the cold desolate coastal belt covered by vast "Dune seas" bordering on endless gravel plains stretching through to rugged, rocky mountainous regions known as the "Hochland." Contrasting softly with these forbidding lands, moist woodlands, tropical flood plains and thorn-tree savannahs of the north and central parts of the country make Namibia uniquely distinctive and memorable.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals, activities.

Activities:  Visit to the Olive Farm and afternoon of relaxation.

Evening activity (optional) nocturnal hide outing.

Accommodation type: The lodge is situated in dense African Bush and has a rich diversity of animals and bird life. The lodge offers luxury double bed chalets, with telephone, mini-bar and open lounge over looking a small waterhole frequented by a variety of birds and on occasion resident antelope (Kudu). The Lodge also has a swimming pool, terrace styled restaurant and bar area. The cuisine is a blend of traditional Namibian ingredients with international overtones. A good selection of South African wines and Namibian Beer are available.

Travel Distance:  ±360 km

Road Quality: Good: Asphalt, with varying quality gravel roads.

Stopovers:  Olive Farm and Okonjima Lodge (Bush Camp)

Possible animal sightings: Leopard, Kudu, Springbok, Giraffe, Caracal. Cheetah, Lion, Oryx, Warthog, Baboon, Hartebeest, Porcupine, Badger, Dik Dik, Jackal, Duiker.

Possible Bird Sightings: Lourie, Weavers, Bustard, Koorhaan, Guineafowl, Hornbill, Eagle, Owl,  Shrike, Rollers,  Sunbird, Bee-eater,  Chat, Mousebird, Starlings,.

Today we spend a full day exploring the fascinating and interesting “cat welfare” programs in place at Okonjima Lodge and the AfriCat foundation, beginning with early morning Bushman Trails on foot or Cheetah Tracking on foot (activity is subject to availability on the day). After our morning activity, we return to the Lodge for a sumptuous African styled Brunch, the rest of the morning is at your leisure.

We meet again for lunch around 12h30. After lunch we take in a siesta and meet for afternoon cake and tea. Thereafter we embark on a Cheetah excursion, wildlife Game Drive and visiting the AfriCat Foundation, returning to the Lodge for sundowners and dinner. Rest of the evening is at leisure; an evening nocturnal game outing is an optional excursion after dinner.

Background Information: The AfriCat Foundation is a non-profit organisation that seeks to find a solution between the carnivores and the farming community in Namibia. AfriCat tries to achieve this by means of farmer assistance, youth education and animal welfare projects. The main objective of AfriCat is promote tolerance of large carnivores by farmers on farmland, this by education, teaching alternative farming techniques and providing farmer assistance when needed in dealing and or removing carnivores.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals, and activities.

Activities: Morning - Cheetah tracking on foot or bushman excursion. Afternoon – Cheetah game drive and AfriCat Foundation visit, optional nocturnal activity.

Accommodation type: The lodge is situated in dense African Bush and has a rich diversity of animals and bird life. The lodge offers luxury double bed chalets, with telephone, mini-bar and open lounge over looking a small waterhole frequented by a variety of birds and on occasion resident antelope (Kudu). The Lodge also has a swimming pool, terrace styled restaurant and bar area. The cuisine is a blend of traditional Namibian ingredients with international overtones. A good selection of South African wines and Namibian Beer are available.

Travel Distance:  Restricted to lodge

Road Quality: two spoor sand and gravel tracks

Possible animal sightings: Leopard, Kudu, Springbok, Giraffe, Caracal. Cheetah, Lion, Oryx, Warthog, Baboon, Hartebeest, Porcupine, Badger, Dik Dik, Jackal, Duiker.

Possible Bird Sightings: Lourie, Weavers, Bustard, Koorhaan, Guineafowl, Hornbill, Eagle, Owl,  Shrike, Rollers,  Sunbird, Bee-eater,  Chat, Mousebird, Starlings,. Vulture, Bateleur, Kite, Goshawk, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, Falcon, Babbler, Flycatcher, Finch, Swallows, Sand grouse

Departing Okonjima after breakfast at 08h30 and head for Mushara Lodge situated 8 km from the von Lindquist Gate (Etosha National Park). On arrival at Mushara, we check in and enjoy a light lunch in the picturesque settings of Mushara’s, Mopane and Acacia woodlands. Directly after lunch we depart for your Etosha afternoon game drive concentrating our efforts around the northeastern fringes of the park covering the waterholes in and around Fisher’s Pan and Andoni plains. We return to the lodge shortly after sunset and enjoy a well-earned sundowner. We meet for dinner at 20h00, rest of the evening at your leisure.

Background Information: Etosha National Park is one of the great animal sanctuaries of Africa. The park has some 114 mammals, around 110 reptiles and more than 340 bird species have been so far identified. Central to the park is the ephemeral saline Pan it’s self, a massive naturally formed depression covering some 5000 km² which becomes a vast water expanse during good rain seasons. The word Etosha, most accurately interpreted means the “Great white place” and is derived from the Herero word  “Otjitoza”. The most descriptive name is the “Place of dry water”

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals.

Activities: Afternoon games drive with own vehicle and Abenteuer guide in Etosha National Park.

Accommodation type: Mushara Lodge is set just off the eastern section of the Etosha National Park, approximately 8 km. form von Lindquist Gate.  The Lodge boast African Charm with intentional standards of luxury. The thatched accommodation units blend themselves into the dense African bush veld, with luxury twin beds, telephone, air-conditioning, mosquito nets, and mini-bars.

Travel Distance: ±350 km

Road Quality: Mainly asphalt in transit, with good to poor gravel roads in the park.

Stopovers:  Otjiwarongo.

Possible animal sightings:  White & Black Rhino, Kudu, Springbok, Giraffe, Impala Antelope, Springbok, Zebra, Lion, Leopard, African Wildcat, Damara Dikdik, Eland, Wildebeest, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Hartebeest, Duiker, Hyena, Elephant, Leopard, Caracal. Cheetah, Hartebeest

Possible Bird Sightings: Lourie, Weavers, Bustard, Koorhaan, Guineafowl, Hornbill, Eagle, Owl, Shrike, Rollers, Sunbird, Bee-eater, Chat, Mousebird, Starlings, Vulture, Bateleur, Kite, Goshawk, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, Falcon, Babbler, Flycatcher, Finch,

Swallows, Sand grouse, Falcon, Shrike, Courser, Sand Grouse

Early morning wake up call, breakfast and depart for a full day Etosha excursion.

We depart shortly before sunrise in order to maximise our day’s game viewing. At around 12h30 we stop off for lunch and a well-earned break at Namutoni Rest Camp. After lunch we have some time to relax before we set off again for more spectacular game viewing in the late afternoon, returning to Mushara after sunset.

We meet again at 20h0 for dinner and after dinner spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Background Information: Etosha was originally unimaginatively proclaimed “Game Reserve No. “2” by then Governor von Lindquist in 1907. With this the reserve extended into Kirkland and parts of Damaraland covering some 115,000 Km². Over the years the park has been reduced in size catering for commercial farmland and tribal land, this by the controversial “Odendall Plan” which led to the implementation of the separate development act “Apartheid”. Although the park has been reduced considerably since 1907, it still is in today’s terms one of Africa’s largest covering some 22,500 Km² or 2,27 million hectares. For most of the year game viewing is focused mainly at fresh water holes on the edge of the pan.

 Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals, activities.

Activities:  Full day game viewing with safari vehicle and Abenteuer guide.

Accommodation type: Mushara Lodge is set just off the eastern section of the Etosha National Park, approximately 8 km form von Lindquist Gate.  The Lodge boast African Charm with intentional standards of luxury. The thatched accommodation units blend themselves into the dense African bushveld, with luxury twin bed rooms, telephone, air-conditioning, mosquito nets and mini-bars

Travel Distance: ± 250 km

Road Quality: Good asphalt roads, good to very poor gravel roads in park

Stopovers:  Namutoni and water holes in and around the area.

Possible animal sightings:  White & Black Rhino, Kudu, Springbok, Giraffe, Roan Antelope, Sable, Zebra, Lion, Leopard, African Wildcat, Damara Dikdik, Eland, Wildebeest, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Hartebeest, Black faced Impala, Hyena, Elephant, Leopard, Caracal. Cheetah.

Possible Bird Sightings: Lourie, Weavers, Bustard, Koorhaan, Guineafowl, Hornbill, Eagle, Owl, Shrike, Rollers, Sunbird, Bee-eater, Chat, Mousebird, Starlings, Vulture, Bateleur, Kite, Goshawk, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, Falcon, Babbler, Flycatcher, Finch, Swallows, Sand grouse.

Once again, early morning wake up, after a hearty breakfast we depart for Ongava Lodge travelling through the Etosha National Park from east to west, visiting waterholes en route to Okaukuejo Rest Camp. In the morning we travel through the park stopping for lunch at Okaukuejo. After lunch we continue game viewing on the western part of Etosha and exit the park at around 16h00 for Ongava. After check-in formalities, we enjoy sundowners over looking the picturesque Ongava waterhole. We meet again for dinner at 19h30, the rest of the evening at leisure.

Background Information: The rest camps of Etosha are situated in completely different areas of the park, giving each a character of it’s own. Namutoni “ the high place” or the place you can see from far, was built as a fortified German border post in 1902, it was subsequently destroyed by a raiding Owambo tribe and later re-built. Okaukuejo Camp the possibly meaning“ to draw water from a well” this dependant on how the name is pronounced and has many other meanings, was originally used by the German army as post to combat foot and mouth disease, illegal hunting and gun running. Halali Camp, the name stemming from the “Halali Horn, which is blown to signify the quarry has been brought down and the hunt is over”. The camp was developed in the interest of tourism and opened its doors in 1967.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals, and activities

Activities:  Full day game viewing in Etosha National Park.

Accommodation type: Ongava Lodge is situated on a private 30,000ha game reserve bordering onto the Etosha National Park. The Lodge is nestled on top of a dolomite hill incorporating a main lodge area over looking a water hole, with self-styled chalets on elevated decks; each chalet has air-conditioning, twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. Mosquito nets are available. 

Travel Distance: ± 300 km

Road Quality: Good to poor gravel roads.

Stopovers: Okaukuejo, Halali and water holes en-route.

Possible animal sightings:  White & Black Rhino, Kudu, Springbok, Giraffe, Roan Antelope, Sable, Zebra, Lion, Leopard, African Wildcat, Damara Dikdik, Eland, Wildebeest, Steenbok, Klipspringer, Hartebeest, Black faced Impala, Hyena, Elephant, Leopard, Caracal. Cheetah.

Possible Bird Sightings: Lourie, Weavers, Bustard, Koorhaan, Guineafowl, Hornbill, Eagle, Owl, Shrike, Rollers, Sunbird, Bee-eater, Chat, Mousebird, Starlings, Vulture, Bateleur, Kite, Goshawk, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, Falcon, Babbler, Flycatcher, Finch.

Today you head for Etendeka Mountain Camp (Damaraland), this rustic tented camp is situated high in the mountains of Etendeka, between the Ugab and Huab Rivers. Your journey will take you via Twyfelfontein, which is home to a wealth of current and pre-historic rock art (petroglyphs) and fascinating geological sites. On arrival at Twyfelfontein we take a leisurely stroll amongst the boulders and comprehend the rock art. Afterwards you enjoy lunch at the nearby aesthetically pleasing Twyfelfontein Lodge, stunningly situated amongst ancient Sandstone Mountains.

After a relaxing lunch we stop off briefly at two very unusual and interesting geological sites in the area the Organ pipes and Burnt Mountain and then continue through to the picturesque Damaraland with it’s intriguing and stunning landscapes, arriving at Etendeka Mountain Camp in time for Sundowners. Dinner at 20h00 rest of the evening is spent at leisure around a campfire.

Background Information: Twyfelfontein, so named by the white settlers around 1947, meaning "Doubtful Fountain" was once home to the Bergdama people, who were attracted to the valley by the game and source of fresh water. The Dama named the naturally spring "Uri-Ais" which means Jumping Fountain. The area around Twyfelfontein has some 2,500 rock art and engravings which have been categorised into six categories dating from present time to 4000BC mostly depicting the animals seen in the valley and at the water holes.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals, and activities

Activities: Twyfelfontein rock art, Organ pipes, Burnt Mountain.

Accommodation type: Rustic yet pleasing twin bed tented camp, set in the ancient Etendeka mountains which presents endless vistas across plains, mountains and valleys, a true wilderness experience, with the Desert adapted Elephant passing through the camp on a regular basis, this is what makes this camp an exciting stop over.

Travel Distance: ± 500 km

Road Quality: Asphalt roads, good, bad to poor quality gravel roads and two track spoor.

Stopovers: Outjo, Twyfelfontein.

Possible animal sightings: Desert adapted Elephant, endangered Black Rhino, Hartmann’s (mountain) Zebra, Kudu, Steenbok, Oryx, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah and Leopard.

Possible Bird Sightings: Numerous larks, Chats, Bokmakierie, Starlings, Vulture, Eagle, Bunting, Barbet, Finch, Koran, Bustard, Sand grouse, finch like larks.

Waking to the sounds of the nature, we spend the day exploring the beauty and tranquillity of Etendeka Mountains. Your day starts enjoying a hearty mountain breakfast as you look over the endless hills and valleys.

 After breakfast we set off with an eco-trail (on foot), where we seek out the fascinating desert adapted flora and fauna. After lunch we relax, and take a late afternoon game drive to find the elusive endangered Black Rhino and desert adapted Elephant, returning to the camp in time for sundowners and dinner. Rest of the evening at leisure

Background Information: Etendeka sometimes described, as “the last true wilderness” is an ancient series of lava flows dating back some 130 million years to the separation of Africa and South America. The extent of the lava flow is massive, stretching from Cape Fria near the Angola border to Cape Cross. Around the Palmwag area the present depth of the lava is some 900m.The area was first described by Charles Anderson in 1858 and he described it as the “finest and most peculiar hill scenery I have ever seen”. The hills and valleys of this region are home to some of the most incredible flora and fauna known to man.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals, activities, and drinks as specified in the pre-departure information.

Activities: Eco-trail on foot, afternoon Desert adapted elephant, Rhino tracking.

Accommodation type: Rustic yet pleasing twin bed tented camp, set in the ancient Etendeka Mountains, which presents endless vistas across plains and valleys. The Desert adapted Elephant pass through the camp on a regular basis, this is what makes this camp an exciting stop over.

Travel Distance: ± 100 km

Road Quality:  rough to poor quality gravel roads and two track spoor.

Stopovers: Palmwag.

Walking Difficulty: Slight.

Possible animal sightings: Desert adapted Elephant, endangered Black Rhino, Hartmann’s (mountain) Zebra, Kudu, Steenbok, Oryx, Giraffe, Lion and Cheetah.

Possible Bird Sightings: Numerous larks, Chats, Bokmakerie, Starlings, Vulture, Eagle, Bunting, Barbet, Finch, Korhaan, Bustard, Sand grouse.

Possible Bird Sightings: Gulls, Pelican, Cormorant, Sandpipers, Plover, Terns, Eagles, Goshawk, Chats, Finch, Weavers, Larks.

You depart Swakopmund this morning at 08h00 for Walvis Bay, where you will embark on a morning Seal and Dolphin boat excursion.

The trip will take you in and around Walvis Bay Harbour and into the Bay it’s self. Here you have the opportunity to view the marine life from close up, possible encounters, with Dolphin, Seal, Whale and a host of marine, estuarine and fresh water birds. Fresh oysters, sparkling wine, snacks and lunch is served on board.

After the boat trip you can spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Swakopmund. Dinner will at a local Swakopmund seafood restaurant.

Background Information: With the continually ongoing tribal wars between the Nama in the south and the Herero’s in the central to northern highlands made the life Rhenish missionaries simply impossible and led them to ask the Cape Governor for assistance and protection. This proposal was originally supported by German Chancellor Bismarck; at this point the English where not to keen to extend their troubled domain. It was the initiative of adventurer and explorer Plagrave that led to the British annexation of Walvis Bay a coastal corridor of some 969 km² in 1878. German involvement in what was to become as Deutsch Süd West Afrika, started in Luderitz in 1884 when Bismarck sent a telegram to the Cape Governor informing him of Germany’s title to the land around what was to be called Luderitz Bay, the German colonial period had begun.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals, and activities

Activities: Morning dolphin and seal boat cruise, afternoon retail therapy.

Accommodation type: The Swakopmund Station Hotel, uniquely styled Bavarian architecture, centrally situated, offers twin bed rooms, with TV, mini-bar and air conditioning.

Travel Distance: ± 100 km

Road Quality: Asphalt.

Stopovers: Walvis Bay

Possible animal sightings: Dolphins, Cape fur seal, Humpbacked Whale, Leather backed Turtle.

Possible Bird Sightings: Numerous fresh water, marine and estuarine birds including, Cormorants, Plover, Sandpipers, Knots, Flamingos, Pelican, Terns, Wimbrel, Godwits.

A full day of relaxation.  Your guide will assist you with your plans for today as the vibrant village of Swakopmund is full of fun, exciting and informative possibilities. Your day could also be spent observing local village life amongst the coffee shops.

Optional Exursion (not included)

Depart on one of the area’s highlights, a 4x4 Sandwich Harbour excursion taking in the Flamingos on Walvis Bay Lagoon. Discover the intriguing desert adapted flora and fauna, as well as the hardships suffered by the first Europeans who settled around Sandwich Harbour in the 1850’s.

Today Sandwich Harbour with it’s fresh water Lagoon serves as a bird sanctuary and forms one of Southern Africa’s most important birds refuges and offers food and shelter to thousands of migrating birds, as well as offering you some of the spectacular scenery you will encounter any where in the world. After visiting Sandwich Harbour Lagoon in the morning, you return to the vehicle, where a wonderful beach/dune lunch awaits you.

 After a relaxing meal, we head off into the Sand Dune belt for a 4x4 sand dune excursion, returning to Swakopmund around 17h00. Dinner will be a local restaurant.

Background Information: Sandwich Harbour was first officially recorded and claimed by the Dutch together with Walvis Bay and all the off shore Islands in 1670, but was already known by to many seafarers, whalers and pirates as far back as the 1500’s. In the early 1850’s a Cape firm De Pass & Spence established a fishing factory in and around the area of Sandwich Harbour and later in 1881 they further built and established the first beef-canning factory in the Africa.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals, activities

Activities: Sight seeing on route to Sandwich Harbour, 4x4 dune driving, beach lunch

Accommodation type: The Swakopmund Station Hotel, uniquely styled Bavarian architecture, centrally situated, offers twin bed rooms, with TV, mini-bar and air conditioning.

Travel Distance: ± 450 km

Road Quality: Asphalt and good to poor sand roads. 4x4 sand dune driving

Stopovers: None

Possible animal sightings: Kudu, Oryx, Black Backed Jackal, Springbok, Common Ostrich, Cape fur Seal, Brown Hyena. 

Possible Bird Sightings: Numerous fresh water, marine and estuarine birds including, Cormorants, Plover, Sandpipers, Knots, Flamingos, Pelican, Terns, Wimbrel, Godwits, as well as Eagle, Goshawk, Weaver, Chat, Shrike, Lark

Early morning departure takes you into the heart of the Namib Desert via the Kuiseb and Guab Canyons, with a short stop off at Solitaire. After a brief break we continue to Sossusvlei Mountain lodge arriving in time for lunch.

The lodge is situated in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, 180,000 ha of pristine desert wilderness. The NamibRand is known for it, striking and diverse landscapes, which change from gravel plains to undulating sand dune seas, bordered by rugged mountain ranges. After lunch you have some time to relax in your air-conditioned desert villa, until we meet for tea and cake at 15h30.

There after you meet with your lodge ranger for an ATV dune adventure. Dinner 20h00 rest of evening at leisure or you can visit the resident astronomer for some star gazing in the observatory.

Background Information: Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge, part of the 13 farm private Namib Rand Nature Reserve. For two nights you can enjoy the awe inspiring vistas from your air-conditioned desert villa or from the terraced bar or you can experience the area’s diverse range of desert landscapes by means of ATV’s and or open safari vehicles, alternative take a guided nature walk with one of the in-house rangers. After dinner you can also discover the magnificence of the desert skies from the lodges sophisticated observatory.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals

Activities: Sight seeing on route to Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge, ATV dune excursion or game drive.

Accommodation type: Desert luxury at it’s best, with wonderfully decorated en suite twin bed air-conditioned villa’s, including telephone, mini bar and other amenities.

Travel Distance: ± 450 km

Road Quality: Good to poor gravel roads.

Stopovers: Solitaire and Kuiseb Canyon

Possible animal sightings: Kudu, Oryx, Black Backed Jackal, Springbok, Common Ostrich. 

Possible Bird Sightings: Eagles, Goshawk, Bustard, Korhaan, Weaver, Chat, Shrike, Lark

Early Morning wake up, meet for coffee and light snacks and then you make your way to Sossusvlei arriving at the main entrance of Sesriem shortly before sunrise. Once the gates open at sunrise you head straight for Sossusvlei, en route take up this unique opportunity for some photography, the journey will take about an hour.

On arrival at Sossusvlei, you will have an opportunity take an early morning walk in the dunes and return to the campsite around 10h00 to enjoy a wonderful morning picnic in the majestic surrounds of the gigantic red dunes. After brunch we make our way back to Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure; we meet for dinner at 20h00. Should you wish to partake in additional afternoon activities, arrangements can be made.

Background Information: Sossusvlei " The Place of Gathering Water" a small depression surrounded by massive red sand dunes, presently home to the highest dunes in the world. Once the Tsauchab River flowed into the sea, over millions of years the slow march of the sand dune Belt northward cut off this passage as with many of the Namib’s ephemeral rivers, today when the Tsuachab runs, water collects in this shallow depression. The place of gathering water, during the rain season the water attracts, ducks and even sometimes flamingo's.

Inclusive of: Accommodation, meals

Activities: Sossusvlei

Accommodation type: Desert luxury at it’s best, with wonderfully decorated en suite twin bed air-conditioned villa’s, including telephone, mini bar and other amenities

Travel Distance: ± 220 km

Road Quality: Good to poor gravel roads

Stopovers: Sossusvlei

Possible animal sightings: Kudu, Oryx, Black Backed Jackal, Springbok, Common Ostrich. 

Possible Bird Sightings: Eagles, Goshawk, Kestrels weavers, Bustards, Korhaan

Depart Mountain Lodge at 07h00.for Windhoek via Spreetshoogte Pass, arriving at the Heinitzburg Hotel for lunch at 13h00.

RATES

$4,521.00 per person double occupancy – Mar – subject to change

$4,121.00 per person double occupancy – Jun – subject to change

$4,832.00 per person double occupancy – Sept – subject to change