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Namibia and Botswana are, by any measure, two of the last true wilderness destinations in Africa. And yet they could not be more different. Namibia is a stark, arid landscape with some of the highest and most majestic sand dunes in the world. Whilst, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a maze of lagoons and islands. Both offer unique experiences and unsurpassed game viewing.
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| Namibia |
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Etosha N.P. and its abundant wildlife |
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The Petrified Forest of Damarland |
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The rock engravings of Twyfelfontein |
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The Skeleton Coast |
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The German architecture of Swakopmund |
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The Marine life of Walvis Bay |
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The massive dunes of Sossusvlei |
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| Botswana |
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The biodiversity of the Okavango Delta |
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Game drives and night drives in open vehicles |
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Water-based game viewing in traditional mokoros |
Day 1
Johannesburg
An early flight from Brisbane to Sydney, where we will connect with our flight to Johannesburg. We will be met on arrival and transferred to a hotel near the airport. The evening is free for us to rest and recover.
Overnight: Airport Grand Hotel (or similar)
*** Note***
Should there be sufficient travellers in the group to warrant an Australian escort, he will meet you at the hotel early tomorrow morning and accompany the group to the airport. Irrespective of the final size of the group, a Namibian guide will meet you on arrival in Windhoek and will remain with you until your departure from Namibia.
Day 2
Arrival Windhoek.
This morning we will be transferred back to the airport to join our International Flight to Windhoek.
Upon arrival we will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel. This afternoon we will be taken on a City Tour of Windhoek, before being returned to our hotel. This evening is free for us to explore this little known, but charming city.
Windhoek is often described as a city with a "continental" atmosphere due to its architecture (historical buildings dating back to the German colonial rule), cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions.
Windhoek portrays the colour, sounds and tempo of a modern African city with its displays of African drums and woodcarvings on the pavements which contrast with the elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones.
Sidewalk cafes offering Namibian style breakfasts (Fruhschoppen) which can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally brewed draught beer. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving snacks,
the city has a wide range of a la carte restaurants offering German, French, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Italian, African and Chinese cuisine.
Accommodation: Windhoek Country Club including Breakfast.
Day 3
Windhoek - Etosha National Park Region
Departing Windhoek this morning you head to the northern region of Namibia. There is a stop at Okahandja, the former tribal centre of the Herero people. Here you can visit the wood carvers market and other attractions, before continuing on to the Anderson Camp, situated close to the Etosha National Park for the next 2 overnights. Surrounded by plains teeming with wildlife and situated close to Etosha (the vast expanse of savannah and saltpan, the largest in Africa, 'discovered' by Sir Francis Galton and Charles Andersson in 1851), the Discoverer atmosphere of Anderson's Camp makes for a much more comfortable modern-day exploration of this landscape. The resurrected farmstead now forms the anchor, fronting onto a thriving waterhole. The 20 tented guest units, all with en-suite bathrooms are set on raised decks for an enhanced view. This model of eco-sensitive lodging provides an authentic, safe and down-to-earth experience.
Accommodation: Anderson Camp including dinner and breakfast.
Day 4
Etosha National Park
The entire day is spent on safari, game viewing in the Etosha National Park. Wildlife in Etosha Park is abundant and you will spend the day game driving between waterholes in search of elephants, lions, rhinos and other animals. Lunch will be taken at one of the rest camps inside Etosha. Late this afternoon, you will return to Anderson's Camp for a superb dinner and another night in the splendid African wilderness.
Accommodation: Anderson Camp including lunch, dinner and breakfast
Day 5
Etosha - Damaraland
Today we enter the heart of Damaraland, visiting the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the little known 'Wondergat' (Wonder hole). The sunset is enjoyed at the camp. Overnight at Doro Nawas Camp. Doro Nawas Camp is situated in the ruggedly beautiful Damaraland area of Namibia, on a small rocky outcrop within the floodplain of a small tributary of the Huab River. This exciting new destination is a joint venture between Namibian investors, the local community and Wilderness Safaris. The camp is located on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River with spectacular views of the Etendeka Mountains to the north and the red sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein (famous for its San rock engravings) to the South.
The unique lodge design allows for an unspoilt panoramic view of this diverse and dramatic landscape, which varies from tabletop outcrops, small canyons, dry riverbeds to savannah and grassland vistas. The magnificent terrain holds all the possibility for a sighting of the rare desert-adapted elephant while enjoying a nature drive or relaxing, viewing the stars from the rooftop of the main area or from your private unit veranda.
Accommodation: Doro Nawas including Dinner and Breakfast.
Day 6
Damaraland - Swakopmund
After a leisurely breakfast we make our way towards the coast past the highest mountain in Namibia, the Brandberg. We then visit the largest Cape Fur Seal colony in Namibia and some of the largest Lichen fields in the world, arriving at your hotel during the mid afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to participate in a variety of optional sightseeing tours, or sample the culinary delights of this town that is known for its fine restaurants and varied cuisine.
Accommodation: Swakopmund including breakfast
Day 7
Swakopmund - Sossusvlei
Today is another "special" day. At 09h00 we board a catamaran for a 3-hour boat trip. During this time we will see and have the opportunity to observe the many seabird species. Seals and dolphins soon become a topic of conversation as they accompany the boat on its journey. We will idle within arm's reach of enormous seal colonies, whilst enjoying fresh Atlantic oysters, open bread rolls, and some fine South African champagne (or, light drinks).
From Walvis Bay we continue via the Desert plains to the Desert Homestead for the next 2 overnights.
The Homestead offers 20 simple, but stylish thatched, en-suite chalets, all luxuriously decorated in pale linens and dark wood riempie furniture. Each unit has its own veranda under a latte canopy with northern views extending to the Rotterkaum Mountains. Inside the chalets it is relative luxury, with large single or double beds and en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet. The lights and fans in the guest accommodation are solar powered. A special feature of the lodge is that all the guest amenities (soaps, shampoo, body lotion etc.) are environmentally friendly.
The Homestead is situated approximately 32 kilometres from Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei and offers respite from the extreme temperatures of the Namib Desert. Set in tranquil surroundings, alfresco dining, delectably fresh farm cuisine, refreshing dips in the pool, stunning sunsets and sunrises are the basic pleasures of the lodge.
Accommodation: Desert Homestead including Dinner and Breakfast
Day 8
Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon
An early start from the Lodge to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best. Our own specially trained guide will share all his knowledge of the area, the animals, the plant life and much more with us. Regular stops are made on the ±60 kilometre drive down to the Vlei to gain information or take in the vistas. At Dune 45, the more energetic of us will have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of the world's most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2,6 kilometre round-trip walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the fitter of us. We will spend time in Sossusvlei before returning to the Lodge approximately 5½ hours later, but in time for lunch.
Accommodation: Desert Homestead - Full Board
Optional Activities at The Desert Homestead - Not included.
Activities
Horse back activities: The Desert Homestead has excellent riding horses, all docile and easy to handle. You can choose between several outrides options. Most popular are our sunrise and sunset rides.
The Sunrise Ride: Guests meet for tea, coffee and biscuits at sunrise and then drive across to the stables. Once the horses and riders are ready and comfortable, the ride begins. The scenery varies quite dramatically, from dry river beds to massive camel thorn trees, to mountain paths and wide open grassy plains. After about two hours of riding, guests discover a breakfast table under a camel thorn tree, with a delicious spread of cheeses, cold meats, fresh bread and muffins, yoghurt, muesli and fruit platters. Fresh orange juice and percolated coffee, of course. After a leisurely breakfast, guests mount up and ride for another hour back to the stables.
The Sunset Ride: Afternoon tea and coffee are enjoyed on the lodge veranda, after which guests are driven across to the stables. Once horses and riders are ready and comfortable, the adventure begins. Riders wind their way across the grassy plains and through ancient water courses and eventually up a steep mountain track, where a friendly barman with a selection of cocktails awaits them. Once the gin and tonics and snacks have been enjoyed with yet another magical desert sunset, guests once again mount up, and slowly make their way back to the stables.
The Desert Homestead also offers a Sundowner Drive in the evenings which includes a leisurely nature drive, slowly winding up a mountain, and culminating in gin and tonics and snacks, before venturing home again.
Alternatively, you may choose to take a Hot Air Balloon flight over the Namib Desert
Day 9
Return to Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast we depart for Windhoek, where the afternoon is at leisure, before we meet again for our Farewell Dinner at Joe's Beerhouse.
Accommodation: Windhoek Country Club including breakfast and dinner at Joe's Beerhouse
Day 10
Windhoek - Johannesburg - Flight
Those of us who are not extending our safari to include the Okavango Delta will be transferred to the Windhoek International Airport to join our flight to Johannesburg, where we will connect with our return flight to Brisbane.
Or
Extend your time in Africa to include extra time in Namibia, a visit to one of Botswana's famous private game reserves, or more time in South Africa - the choice is yours (subject to availability and additional cost)
Day 11
Arrive Australia
An early evening arrival back into Brisbane.
BOTSWANA EXTENSION
Day 9
Windhoek
There are very few flights between Windhoek and Maun and none operate today. However, this allows you to catch your breath, relax and enjoy this interesting city.
Accommodation: Windhoek Country Club including breakfast
Day 10
Windhoek - Maun - Okavango Delta
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Maun, where you will transfer to a light aircraft for your flight to either Kwara Camp or Pom Pom Camp - both superbly located in the world famous Okavango Delta.
Accommodation: Kwara Camp or Pom Pom Camp - both including full board and activities
Day 11
Okavango Delta
No trip to Botswana is complete without a visit to the Delta, the shimmering and unique watery jewel in the middle of the Kalahari desert. The Okavango Delta is considered to be one of the world's premiere game viewing locations and today you will see why. Whilst the activities may vary slightly between Pom Pom and Kwara, both camps are renowned for their outstanding game viewing experiences. Your day can be as active or relaxed as you like. Should you choose to, there will be opportunities to accompany your knowledgeable ranger on a game drive or walking safari.
Accommodation: Kwara Camp or Pom Pom Camp - both including full board and activities
Day 12
Okavango Delta
Whilst the Okavango Delta is renowned for its abundant birdlife, there is also an enormous variety of game present in the Delta. In fact, there is a good chance that, during the course of your stay, you will see all the major predators, as well as a variety of big game and plains game. All this whilst being pampered by attentive staff, as you enjoy your luxurious tented accommodation. But, for most visitors to the Delta, it is the night game drives that they will never forget. This a truly unique experience that can only be found in Africa.
Accommodation: Kwara Camp or Pom Pom Camp - both including full board and activities.
Day 13
Okavango Delta - Maun - Johannesburg
A chance for one final game drive, before being transferred to the airstrip to catch your flight back to Maun, where you will connect with your Air Botswana flight to Johannesburg. On arrival into Johannesburg this afternoon, you will transfer to your hotel, conveniently located close to the airport.
Accommodation: The Airport Grand Hotel, including breakfast
Day 14
Johannesburg - Sydney
A morning at leisure to rest, shop or take one of the many morning sightseeing tours that are available in Johannesburg. Mid-afternoon, you will transfer to the airport to commence your journey home. (Breakfast)
In flight
Day 15
Sydney - Brisbane
Arriving into Sydney this afternoon, you will clear Customs and Immigration formalities, before transferring to the Domestic Airport for the final leg of your journey back to Brisbane and the end of your African adventure.
Please contact us to learn more about this tour, or to reserve your place.
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