10 days Windhoek to Windhoek

OVERVIEW
Combine the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei with the oldest desert in the world and continue your journey through this remarkable country into the north enjoying highlights such as the wildlife kingdom of Etosha National Park safari. Heading deeper into the country where you can enjoy a very scenic area of Damaraland. You have the opportunity to meet and learn about the fascinating culture of the semi nomadic Himba people in the far north as an OPTIONAL activity and ending the safari at Okonjima, the home of Africat Foundation.

PRICE: N$8500 per person (Valid until 31st October 2010) 

Himba Excursion, Rhino Tracking, Damaraland Wildlife Excursion all optional activities offered by Palmwag Lodge and must be pre-booked and pre-paid prior to safari departure.

 
DEPARTS: Every Monday from Windhoek

Vehicle Used: 2x4
Maximum Group Size: 12 + 2 guides
Minimum Group Size: 2

ITINERARY:

Day 1 AGAMA RIVER CAMP – Departure from Thimbi Thimbi Offices at 8:30am. Driving through the town of Rehoboth on our way to the lovely Agama River camp. Arive at camp just in time for lunch. After lunch we have some free time to enjoy the swimming pool or just relax around the camp. This afternoon your guide will take on a short sunset walk or you can join Agama Camp for an optional sundowner drive. We enjoy our dinner prepared by Guide and Camp Assistant. Overnight camping (L,D)

Day 2 AGAMA RIVER CAMP – Pre dawn departure from camp to drive the 65km to Sossusvlei where we watch the sunrise from this spectacular and unique area (dependent on opening time of inner park gate). We head up a dune close to Sossusvlei then walk to Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees scattered around, contrasting with a backdrop of huge orange-red dunes that make for superb photographic opportunities. We enjoy a mid morning brunch after exploring this dramatic and desolate landscape before returning to camp for a swim and this afternoon explore nearby Sesriem Canyon on foot. Enjoy another spectacular sunset surrounded by this colourful desert and sleep under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. Overnight camping and dinner prepared by Guide and Camp Assistant. (B,L,D)

Day 3 VILLA WIESE GUESTHOUSE, SWAKOPMUND – Early morning departure from camp stopping at the one horse town of Solitaire before continuing through the desert with its endless views across the pastel-coloured gravel plains to the port town of Walvis Bay. We visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where we may see the many species of birds including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and the endemic Damara Tern, and also enjoy our lunch in the same time. We continue onto the quaint town of Swakopmund, full of historic buildings and where your guide will assist those wishing to book optional adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad biking, scenic flights, parachuting, dolphin cruises to name but a few, which you have time for this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre. Laundry facilities are available here. This evening’s meal is a group dinner in a restaurant at client’s own expense. (B,L)

 Day 4 SPITZKOPPE – This morning you have free time to visit the museum, explore the town, visit the aquarium or partake in optional activities such as sand boarding and quad biking. After lunch we depart for Spitzkoppe and arrive late afternoon and set up camp. Late afternoon climb to the natural rock arch and enjoy the vistas across the desert or explore the desert floor wandering around and seeing the amazing rock formations created by erosion over thousands of years. Dinner prepared by the Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant. Evening spent under a million stars. Overnight remote bush camp. (B,L,D)

 Day 6 PALMWAG – You have a choice today, either join the optional activities like Himba Excursion - Himbas are remarkable and proud semi nomads living in the formally Kaokoveld. Formally cattle/goat herders still live traditional life style in this harsh environment. Rhino Tracking - is one of the activities were you make the difference, by taking part in this activity you will contribute to saving the Endangered Black Rhino . Damaraland Wildlife Excursion - this is for the animal lover who enjoy every moment. For those staying at camp today you can relax around the swimming pool or just take a short walk on the self guided trails from the camp. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant. (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 7 OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - Early departure as we have to get some fresh supplies in Outjo before going for our first game drive in Etosha National Park. The massive park is a heaven for wildlife and supports one of the most important ecological and wildlife system in the wolrd.We take our lunch at Anderson gate and start game driving after lunch to our camp site at Okaukuejo. We arrive midday at camp. After a good swim we do an afternoon game drive to see all kinds of animals like Elephants, Giraffes, Lion, Zebra, Sprinbok to name a few. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant. Nighttime viewing at flood lit waterhole. (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 8 HALALI, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK – Sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive. Transit across the park visiting various waterholes along the way. We arrive mid morning at our camp. After lunch we enjoy an afternoon game drive around Halali  and also have the chance to see the famous Etosha Pan, a vast depression which can even be seen from space and the white shimmering haze disappearing into the horizon. Dinner prepared by Guide and Camp Assistant. Nighttime viewing at floot lit waterhole. (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 9 OKONJIMA, AFRICAT FOUNDATION - An early morning departure to exit the park at Namutoni gate on our way to Okonjima. A quick stop in Otavi to pick fresh supplies before continuing to our camp at Africat Foundation. We arrive mid afternoon at Okonjima just in time for our activity. We have time to learn how Africat has been involved in rescue and release of Cheetah and Leopard and also in the same time to see this endangered cats. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant. Evening spent around campfire (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.