ITINERARY
Day 1 VILLA WIESE GUESTHOUSE, SWAKOPMUND – Departure from Thimbi Thimbi Offices at 8.30am to Swakopmund. After collecting fresh supplies for lunch we drive to the port town of Walvis Bay where we visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site. We may see the many species of bird including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and the endemic Damara Tern before a short visit to the nearby salt farm. We return to Swakopmund 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. (L)

Day 2 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 3 HOBATERE – this morning we explore the rock art of the Spitzkoppe at different sites.  We then proceed to the dry Huab river where we have lunch and you have the opportunity to meet the local Herero woman who sell their beautiful dolls.  We then continue north and stop at Kamanjab for fresh supplies before arriving at camp late afternoon.  Our camp is unfenced and has a viewing hide overlooking a waterhole near by.  During the dry season there is the chance that desert elephant, lion or other game will wander close to or through camp. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant.  (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 4 HOBATERE – You have a choice today, either join the optional Himba Excursion or relax around camp and enjoy sitting at the viewing hide. The half day excursion to visit the nomadic Himba people of Kaokoland near Opuwo. We collect Queen Elizabeth, our local himba guide, and visit her family village for an experience of a lifetime. Photography is unlimted and ensure you bring some small change to barter for some distinctive Himba jewellery from the villagers or Queen Elizabeth at the end of your visit. For those staying at camp today you can relax at the viewing hide or around camp, please note that this is an open game area and large game can wander through camp. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant. (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 5 OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - early departure as we cross directly through the Western Gate of Etosha for a full days game drive to Okaukeujo. Lunch is taken en-route through the park and enjoy the many waterholes whilst looking for species such as elephant, lion, rhino, kudu, giraffe, springbok, zebra and many more. We arrive at camp late afternoon and set up tents, then you can relax by the waterhole for a fabulous African sunset. 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 6 ONGUMA CAMP – sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive. Transit across the park visiting various waterholes along the way. We spend the hottest part of the day at Halali camp where we have lunch and enjoy a swim, sit by the waterhole at camp or enjoy an afternoon snooze. Mid afternoon game drive to Namutoni via the famous Etosha Pan and marvel at the shimmering mirages and distant horizons. Dinner prepared by Guide and Camp Assistant. (B,L,D) Option for upgrade accommodation. Depends on availability.

Day 7 WATERBERG PLATEAU - sunrise game drive and return to camp for breakfast. We have short stops at Lake Otjikoto and Tsumeb to pick up fresh supplies. Lunch is taken at Hoba Meteorite – the worlds largest meteorite, before continuing onto 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. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Camp Assistant. Evening spent around campfire (B,L,D)

Day 8 WINDHOEK - your guide will lead you on a short hike through the ravine at the base of the plateau. After brunch we return to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Markets for those last minute gifts. We arrive at Thimbi Thimbi Offices where you can enjoy an after safari drink and share your memories of your safari. (B,L)

PLEASE NOTE – the itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change – for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above.