Chameleon Holidays & Travel for Safaris & Vacations in Africa | Southern Africa | Namibia | 11 Day Namibia Kaleidoscope Accommodated Safari

11 Day Namibia Kaleidoscope Safari - Silver Level

Explore the stark yet stunningly beautiful desert sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the seaside and activity town of Swakopmund, the dramatic landscapes of Damaraland and the nomadic Himba people in the north as well as one of the most famous and prolific game parks of Southern Africa – Etosha National Park.  This safari also includes a visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund so a real must for animal lovers while enjoying the luxury of accommodation throughout the tour.

Day 1      Vondelhof Guesthouse, Windhoek
Upon arrival at the airport you will be collected and transferred to a Guesthouse in Windhoek.  We will ensure that it is based within easy distance of the centre of the city.  Depending on the time of arrival you may have the chance to wander the shops or city sights.  Overnight in twin bedded rooms with en-suite facilities.  Dinner, optional activities and additional transfers at own expense at own expense

Day 2       Desert Camp, Sesriem
You will be collected from your accommodation by your guide and depart from Windhoek at around 08h30am.  Driving through the rugged Khomas Hochland mountain range we descend to the desert floor.   After a short stop at Solitaire, we arrive at camp mid afternoon and you can relax on the verandah outside your permanent tent or by the swimming pool before we visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon, one of the few places in the region with a permanent water source or perhaps take a walk for sundown.  We return to camp to enjoy dinner prepared by your guide. Overnight twin bed adobe style tent chalet with en suite facilities and views across the desert. (LD)

Day 3        Desert Camp, Sesriem
Dawn departure from Desert Camp and drive to the Sesriem gate then onto Sossusvlei, a 65kms drives witnessing first light and shadows on the sand dunes before arriving at the heart of the famous sand dune sea of Namibia.  We watch the colours change on the sand dunes from this spectacular and unique area (dependent on opening time of inner park gate).   We can climb 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 we take 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. Enjoy another spectacular sunset surrounded by this colourful desert and sleep under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. Overnight twin bed adobe style tent chalet and dinner prepared by guide. (BLD)

Day 4       Cornerstone Guest House, Swakopmund
Early morning departure from camp stopping at the quaint 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 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. Overnight is based in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre.  Laundry facilities are available here.  This evening’s meal is in a restaurant at client’s own expense. (BL)

Day 5       Cornerstone Guest House, Swakopmund
A chance for you to relax today or you may wish to enjoy optional activities such as dolphin cruising, or perhaps a highly recommended day trip to Sandwich Harbour.  Alternatively you can walk along the beach or visit the museum and aquarium, enjoy coffee and cake at one or the many cafes or wander along the beach listening to the roar of the waves of the mighty Atlantic Ocean - the choice is yours.  Overnight is in twin room with en-suite facilities.  Lunch and dinner own expense (B)  
 
Day 6       Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Damaraland
We leave after breakfast and head north along the Skeleton Coast seeing the gravel plains and desert opening up around us with the ocean crashing down onto the shore.  We visit Cape Cross, home of thousands of Cape Fur Seals, during the breeding season over 100,000 are crammed onto the beach fighting for space.  We turn inland and drive past Brandberg, the highest point in Namibia and a huge massif rising up over the plains to Twyfelfontein.  We visit the rock etchings with a local guide who will explain the history and importance of these etchings.  Dinner in the restaurant. (BLD) 

Day 7       Gelbingen Lodge, Damaraland
This morning we depart from Brandberg in southern Damaraland and drive north to Gelbingen Lodge situated outside of Kamanjab. Five years ago part of a Himba clan settled on the Farm Gelbingen. These friendly people are closely related to the Herero and speak the same language. They are herdsmen, breeding mainly cattle and goats while leading a semi-nomadic life. For the Himba, clothes, hair and jewellery hold a special meaning and form an important part of their tradition and culture. Even newborn babies are adorned with pearl necklaces while older children are given bracelets crafted from copper and decorated with shells, whilst here you can enjoy a visit to the Himba village situated on the farm, which is included in the cost. Overnight based in a twin share en-suite rooms on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and a Himba visit included with a roadside lunch served. (BLD)

Days 8&9     Okaukuejo or Halali, Etosha National Park
Our destination today is Etosha National Park and we will enter via Anderssons Gate in the south. After a game drive to the lodge we will have time to relax by the swimming pool or the waterhole.  This afternoon your guide will take you out on a game drive to visit some of the nearby waterholes.  The following day we enjoy game drives early morning and late afternoon and in the evening take the opportunity to sit by the floodlit waterhole.  The active waterhole attracts various species of game such as black rhino, elephant and leopard.  We will overnight in twin bedded standard room with en-suite facilities.  After dinner you can sit by the floodlit waterhole watching the game come to quench their thirst.  This park is recognised as one of the best game parks in Southern Africa for the numbers and various species of game as well as the interesting geology. (BLD)

Day 10   Frans Indongo Lodge, nr Otjiwarongo
An early departure from our rest camp to take advantage of searching for the animals that is generally more active around first light.  We game drive out the park.  From here drive to the Cheetah Conservation Fund and their educational centre, maybe if we are lucky we will also see the cheetah feeding.  This international and highly recognised conservation programme promotes the protection of these great predators to ensure their ongoing survival.  Namibia has the largest wild population of cheetah as many live on farmlands where there is conflict between them and humans.  This project helps to educate the people to the benefits of not killing the cheetah and trains dogs to protect the livestock from predator attack. From here we continue to our lodge. Overnight in twin room with en-suite facilities with dinner in the restaurant. (BLD)

Day 11      End of safari - Windhoek  
We return to Windhoek today after stopping at the craft markets in Okahandja where you can watch the various crafts being carved in wood.  You will be dropped in Windhoek at your accommodation or at the airport for you ongoing flight. (BL)

Departures on request

2012 Rates
[valid until 31 October 2012]
Based on 2 people sharing   N$33, 250 per person
Based on 4 people sharing   N$23, 950 per person
Based on 6 people sharing   N$19, 700 per person

Price includes: Services of an English speaking guide;  4x4 safari vehicle; accommodation and meals as stated in itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner);  entry fees to Namib Naukluft Park, Cape Cross, Twyfelfontein and Etosha National Park; Himba village visit at Gelbingen Lodge; educational visit only at CCF; fuel; airport transfers (arriving/departing together);

Price excludes: Personal travel insurance - this is compulsory; flights; visas; meals not stated; snacks and drinks including bottled water; optional activities and entry fees not stated; additional accommodation before and after safari; items of a personal nature; curios; laundry; phone calls and internet services; tips/gratuities/porter fees; etc