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. 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.

PRICE: N$5500/PERSON + N$1050 Local payment in cash

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY                  
Himba -     N$650/PERSON
OPTIONAL HIMBA EXCURSION MUST BE PAID FOR PRIOR TO SAFARI DEPARTURE

DEPARTS: Every Monday from Windhoek

Vehicle Used: 4x4
Maximum Group Size: 8 + 2 guides
Single Supplement: None
Prices (Valid until 31st OCT 2008)

ITINERARY
Day 1  SESRIEM – Departure from Thimbi Thimbi Offices at 8:30am. Driving through the rugged Khomas Hochland mountain range we descend to the desert floor via the Gamsberg Pass, an imposing flat topped mountain and one of the highest points in Namibia, which provides a dramatic back drop for our roadside lunch. After a short stop at Solitaire, we arrive at camp mid afternoon and enjoy a late afternoon walk across the desert to Elim’s Dune on the edge of the famous sand dune sea with views across to the nearby mountains. We return to camp just after sunset to enjoy our dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant. Overnight camping (L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

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 lunch and 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 with assistance from 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 before a short stop at the salt farm. 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 and aquarium, explore the town, or partake in optional activities such as sand boarding and quad biking. We depart after lunch, driving along a section of the Skeleton Coast before turning inland for Spitzkoppe, a huge inselberg towering above the dry desert plains and arriving late afternoon to set up camp. We have the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the wonderful rock formations that have been created by erosion over thousands of years. Dinner prepared by the guide and camp assistant. Evening spent under a million stars. Overnight based at community run bush camp with no toilet/shower facilities (BLD).

Day 5 HOBATERE, DAMARALAND – This morning we enjoy a walk to Bushman’s Paradise, viewing the ancient bushman paintings and vistas of the vast surrounding desert or you may simply wander around the desert floor. From here our drive takes us through some beautiful and dramatic landscapes arriving at camp late afternoon. Hobatere borders western Etosha and the camp is set amongst boulders and trees offering seclusion, however, game, including lion may wander around freely and there are no fences to separate the camp from concession land. Overnight wild camping, dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 6 HOBATERE, DAMARALAND – Today you can relax at the camp, enjoy a walk in the surrounding land or watch the game from the nearby hide come to drink at the waterhole, alternatively join an OPTIONAL day trip through to Opuwo and visit the local himba tribes. These remarkable and proud people live in the Kunene region. Formally cattle/goat herders some still live a traditional life style in this harsh environment. You will be accompanied by a local guide who will translate all your questions giving you a chance to find how they survive in today’s modern world learn about their fascinating culture. We return to camp late afternoon and you can sit at the waterhole watching the game come to quench their thirst. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant (BLD) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 7 OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - We depart for Etosha entering through the western gate and game driving through to Okaukuejo. This massive park is a haven for wildlife and supports one of the most important ecological and wildlife systems on the continent. After setting up our tents we take a late afternoon game drive visiting the surrounding waterholes looking for species such as elephant, lion, rhino, kudu, giraffe as well as the large herds of springbok, zebra and wildebeest that survive in this region. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. Evening viewing at flood lit waterhole (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 8 ONGUMA CAMP - sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive. Transit across the park visiting various waterholes along the way and look out for the many species of animals. We spend the hottest part of the day at Halali camp where we have lunch and enjoy a swim or an afternoon snooze. Late afternoon game drive to Namutoni via 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 with assistance from Camp Assistant. (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 9 WATERBERG PLATEAU - sunrise game drive and return to camp for breakfast. We have a short stop at Lake Otjikoto and Hoba Meteorite – the largest in the world there is also a short stop at Tsumeb to obtain fresh supplies. Late afternoon arrival at Thimbi Thimbi's bush camp at the eastern end of Waterberg Plateau. Witness the fabulous colours of the lichen growing on the rock face of the plateau at sunset from the top of the plateau directly above our camp and enjoy the views across the Kalahari. There are plenty of animals wandering freely in this area such as eland, ostrich, springbok, kudu and impala. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant. (B,L,D)