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22 Day African Odyssey Scheduled Camping Safari 2012 - Bronze Level |
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This itinerary details the route as travelling north first, however you may
well travel to the south first, covering exactly the same ground but in reverse order to the text here. The Okavango Delta section is always the final section of the safari. This safari has departure nearly every Friday of the year. There is a minimum of 4 people and no single supplements. The price is virtually fully
inclusive, the style is limited participation, assisted camping. Included in the price of the trip there are three accommodated nights, (day 7, day 13 & day 14). Collection time, from anywhere within the Windhoek city limits is between 08:30 & 09:00 for the first northern section, (to Okonjima), of the trip, between 07:30 & 08:00 for the second southern section, (to the Quiver Tree Forrest), and between 07:30 & 08:00 for the final section of the trip, (to Botswana). |
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Day 1 Sesriem - 1 night camping
You will be collected at your Windhoek accommodation between 07:30 & 08:00. We travel out over the Eros Mountains and along scenic roads on our way south-west to the desert. We also pass over part of the Naukluft Mountains, which are of particular interest for the ancient geological history of this part of the country. Heading down from Namibia’s central plateau by way of the beautiful Remhoogte Pass, we reach open plains and the tiny settlement of Solitaire. We will stop here at the ‘N/a’an ku se Conservation Centre, a 500 hectare Conservation Centre which hosts an educational centre and wildlife tracking within the purpose built enclosures and receive information on the carnivore surveillance in the greater Namib area. We cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain gives way to the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib. We aim to arrive at our camp during the late afternoon and watch the colours glow and change on distant mountains to the east. (LD)
Day 2 Sesriem - 1 night camping
A pre-dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert. After passing through Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes, we head into the heart of the dune field, reaching Sossusvlei on foot, trekking the last 5 km through the dunes. Landscape photo opportunities abound in the cool of the morning, with dawn's soft light first illuminating the dunes from crest down the back slope, then blazing orange everywhere, creating a powerful contrasting vista across the whole desert. Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or ostrich makes it essential to remember your camera! We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting dune 45. As the day wears on we return to Sesriem for lunch, escaping the heat of the afternoon. As the day cools off in the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon. (BLD) |
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Day 3 Luderitz - 1 night camping
Turning south we travel through the Namib Rand Nature Reserve down to Betta and on to the village of Helmeringhausen. Traversing this sparse, yet beautiful landscape, the terrain begins to change from the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib, we cross some open grass savannah and farmlands. The scenery is harsh, but forever changing. The process of erosion in these areas is well advanced and we pass time rounded “koppies” arid terrain and outcrops of tortured rock. From Aus we continue on to the coastal town of Lüderitz where its colonial-style buildings cling to the rocks overlooking the bay, on some days a deep iridescent blue, on others grey and stormy, the crisp fresh climate, fishing boats bobbing up and down on the Atlantic horizon, penguins and seals diving beneath the waves, give the town a curious other-worldly allure. We aim to arrive at our guest house during the late afternoon. Dinner will be at clients own expense tonight. (BL)
Day 4 Kolmanskop - 1 night camping
We arrive at Kolmanskop, a desert ghost town about 20 km out of Luderitz. It was built in the 1920's during the diamond rush and was abandoned when bigger and better diamonds were found further along the coast. The area is still abandoned and the desert has encroached over the entire town, giving an eerie feeling and real meaning to the word “ghost”. We return to Aus through the “forbidden Zone” so named because in years gone by, the alluvial diamonds found in Namibia were simply scattered across the desert. On route we keep a sharp look out for the unique Namib wild horses. These horses are the only feral horses in Namibia and have, very unusually, become adapted to an existence with very limited water. Where they originated is unclear. Many believe they are the descendants of the horses used by the German cavalry during the First World War. Another theory is that they originally came from a stud farm that used to be run by a German Barron, (von Wolff), in the very early colonial days. From Aus we leave to the Fish River Canyon. We are heading to the main view point where we can see how impressive this canyon actually is. This is an ideal opportunity for photos and to spend some time experiencing this amazing sight. Viewing from the top we can see the river sparkling in the sunlight far below us, and can barely imagine how many millennia it took for the forces of erosion to carve such a magnificent vista. (BLD) |
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Day 5 Fish River Canyon - 1 night camping
Leaving the Fish River Canyon behind us we travel to Keetmanshoop, founded in 1860 by the Rhenish Mission Society, the town retains vestiges of its original German buildings as well as several dating back to the arrival of the first Europeans, who trekked across the Orange River to trade, hunt and explore the land. The first of these expeditions was in 1791. We visit the Mesosaurus Fossil Site and Quiver tree Dolerite Parksituated a short distance out of town. The Fossil Site is probably one of the most convincing examples to prove the drifting of continents. The same genus in the same rock formations is to be found in both southern Africa and South America. The Quivertree on the other hand is a living fossil with some 5000 specimens packed into this area. Quiver trees are not in fact trees; they are a type of aloe, (Aloe Dichotoma), so called because the branches fork “dictomously”. These weird looking plants dot the landscape in this part of the world and are locally common; however they are one of the world’s rarest flora species. (BLD)
Day 6 Kalahari Bagatelle Game Reserve - 1 night camping
Leaving the south we begin our journey north-east travelling through the thin strip of Kalahari Desert that protrudes onto the eastern side of Namibia. This area is very dry and is covered by hundreds of ancient longitudinal sand dunes, separated by flat grass covered plains, commonly referred to as roadways. Another characteristic is the striking red color of the dune sand. Tonight we will camp at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch. Bagatelle in association with the Cheetah Conservation Fund is the custodians of cheetahs kept in an enclosure. The facility was built exceeding the requirements laid down by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and under the guidance of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. These captive cheetahs are not able to be released into the wild, and have to remain in captivity for the rest of their lives. Their aim is to ensure that this happens in a way that ensures the best quality of life for these speedsters of the African Savanna. (BLD) |
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Day 7 Windhoek - 1 night accommodation
Participate in an early morning ‘Nature drive’ which will enable you not only to view the diversified animal and bird life, but also the unique dune topography and vegetation. We return to Windhoek via Rehoboth, traditional home of the Baster people, we aim to arrive in Windhoek after lunch. You will be dropped at your accommodation in Windhoek. (BL)
Day 8 Okonjima/AfriCat - 1 night camping
You will be collected between 08:30 & 09:00. We will travel north, stopping at small towns along the way including Okahandja, where we have time to visit Namibia’s largest wood carving market. The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs. Continuing north, passing through farmland, we aim to arrive at Okonjima during the middle afternoon, giving us time to set up our camp and to relax in the shade for a while before heading out on to the property to take part in the afternoon’s activities. Okonjima is the home of the Africat Foundation, a specialist conservation concern that centres its operations on the African Big Cats, particularly cheetah. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour during which you will be able to meet, close-up-and-personal, some of the cheetah that are going through the Africat rehabilitation programme. Most of the animals currently living at Okonjima have been rescued from various desperate situations, being orphaned or caught in a trap, and the aim of the rehabilitation process is to attempt to re-introduce them into the wild. After our educational tour we will return to our camp and prepare for dinner under the African stars. (LD) |
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Day 9 Namutoni, Etosha National Park - 1 night camping
An early start and continuing north we pass through some small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel. Continuing on to our East Etosha, Namutoni region camp we again aim to arrive in time for lunch, giving us time to relax before heading into the park during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive. (BLD)
Day 10 Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park - 1 night camping
A full day's game driving. We again leave early to enjoy the cool morning air as we game drive our way through Etosha to Halali camp, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way we visit several waterholes and are afforded splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan. The game viewing is usually excellent and we have the chance to tick off a few new species that are not normally seen on the Namutoni side of the park. We stop at Halali for a rest and a leisurely lunch. There is time to visit the Halali waterhole and to make use of the swimming pool and bar facilities before continuing on our way and game driving down to Okaukuejo, Etosha's main rest camp and resort where we will check in and set up camp. Originally the site of a German fort built in 1901, Okaukuejo now houses the Etosha Ecological Institute, founded in 1974; the round watchtower is a remnant of the fort. After your evening meal there are still more chances to see Etosha's big game at a floodlit waterhole, situated on the boundary of our camp and easily reachable within a minute or two on foot. The waterhole has been described as one of the "best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa" and the ideal venue to witness peculiar animal politics. Black rhino, Africa's tallest elephants, lion and numerous species of antelope are regular visitors during the cool, dry season. (BLD) |
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Day 11 Kamanjab - 1 night camping
Leaving Etosha we begin our journey south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab for a short stop before continuing on to Kavita Lion Lodge and Africat North. A local Otjiwarongo business has chosen to fund a project at AfriCat North - the Communal Carnivore Conservation Project. This team works with farming communities and those surrounding the Etosha National Park, assisting in carnivore management (mainly lion) and advising communal and commercial farmers on how best to protect livestock. This is the first unit of its kind in Namibia. During the afternoon we visit the project and education centre. (BLD)
Day 12 Twyfelfontein - 1 night camping
After an early morning start we visit a Himba Village - the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm, the exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location. We will learn about marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the 'Holy Fire' religion. Today we head into one of the most beautiful desert regions in Namibia, Damaraland. We drive south to the capital of this region, the small town of Khorixas, and then take a detour to the west to visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. At this location we will have a local guide to conduct us on a short tour before we set up camp for the night. (BLD)
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Day 13 Swakopmund - 1 night accommodation
From here we head deeper into the desert and pass Namibia’s highest mountain, The Brandberg,
(2573 m) and more beautiful Damaraland scenery. We make a stop in the small town of Uis, an old mining town, and one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones, for which Namibia is famous. Here, rough Amethyst, Tourmaline etc can be found at bargain prices. From here we turn directly west and cross the gravel plains on our way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. Meeting the ocean at Henties Bay, we first head north along the coast to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross. At certain times of the year as many as 100,000 Cape Fur seals congregate. The next destination is Swakopmund, following the Skeleton Coast into Namibia's premier seaside town. We aim to arrive in the late afternoon giving us time to explore the town on foot before sunset. Tonight we take the chance to sample one of the excellent restaurants. The seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organise a group meal in a local restaurant for this evening. Participation is recommended but by no means required. Dinner is for the client’s own account. (BL)
Day 14 Windhoek - 1 night accommodation
The drive back to Windhoek today will take about 4 and a half hour. We will only depart after lunch, giving us time to spend the morning relaxing in Swakopmund. It has many superb shops, a good stretch of beach (although the Atlantic here is quite cold) and an open-air curio market. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund. Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be arranged. These include aeroplane and microlight flights over the desert, scenic drives, fishing trips (both from the beach or in a boat), four-wheel motorcycle (quad bike) trips into the desert and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sand boarding trips (also in the dunes), skydiving, surfing, bird-watching and many other activities are available. Your tour guide will discuss all the possible options with you before you reach Swakopmund and will offer to make bookings in advance of your arrival.
(N.B. All extra activities and excursions in Swakopmund are subject to availability and are made at the client’s own risk and expense). This is the last day of our trip and after lunch we will transfer back to the capital city where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. (BL)
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Day 15 Buitepos - 1 night camping
You will be collected between 07:30 & 08:00. We drive to our wilderness bush camp, which is based on a local farm in the Kalahari, near Buitepos Border, via the eastern village of Witvlei. On arrival we first meet our host family before going to our camp site, meet our guides and pitch the tents. You are welcome to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, wait for the sun to set and enjoy a fire cooked dinner and the tranquillity of an evening in a remote wilderness environment. (BLD)
Day 16 Ghanzi, Kalahari - 1 night camping
We start the day with a morning bush walk where we learn more about the Bushman hunting techniques such as tracking and stalking. The women and men will teach us about many edible plants, where to look for them and how they are used, e.g. contraceptives and healing. Go on a walk through the veld with a small clan of Bushmen local guides/family as they show you how they gather food, start fire with sticks, wind direction and get water from underground roots. The game tends to concentrate on the farm and our chances of spotting different species or spoors are enhanced by the sharp eyes of the Bushmen local guides. After lunch we leave, making use of the Trans Kalahari Highway, a relatively new road that provides an invaluable communication link between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. After completing the immigration formalities we continue, through rural Botswana to the town of Ghanzi, located in the centre of cattle farming Botswana. Ghanzi is located almost in the middle of the Kalahari Desert and was almost unknown before the Trans Kalahari Highway. (BLD)
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Day 17 Guma Lagoon - 1 night camping
An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute supplies before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way. A change in vegetation heralds our arrival on the very western edge of one of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. Here we turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels west as we enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the crystal waters through the lush vegetation and we make our camp on the banks of a pristine African lagoon. (BLD)
Day 18 Okavango Delta - 1 night camping
We are in the territory of the River People, so this morning we leave our vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion, first by motor-boat and then by traditional Mokoro (dugout canoe), deep into the Delta. Mokoro’s will be our main form of transport. These amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed for the narrow waterways of the Okavango and allow us to travel further into the Delta than if we were using more modern forms of transport. Mokoro’s carry three people, two seated passengers and one driver. The driver stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real feat of balance), and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer the Mokoro through the twisting channels. It really is the only way to travel in this area. Back to camp in the late afternoon for another night by the Okavango waters. (BLD)
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Day 19 Caprivi, Namibia - 1 night camping
Back on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities completed we go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small but excellent park right on the edge of the Okavango River. We game drive our way through Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely seen Namibian species such as roan antelope the majestic sable antelope. Our camp for tonight is just outside the Game Reserve, and we are again beside the Okavango River, but this time the main river, on its journey from the Angolan highlands, through the pan handle to waters end, the delta. (BLD)
Day 20 Chobe River, Chobe National Park - 1 night camping
We continue our drive along The Caprivi Strip, Namibia. This strip of land is a long narrow stretch of territory running along Botswana’s northern border. It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many small communities dotted along our route. We near the end of our long transit of the Caprivi region, arriving in Namibia’s easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A short break here before crossing back across the border into Botswana. The road takes us directly into the world famous Chobe National Park. Chobe has the world’s largest population of African Elephants and the chances of seeing some big game are very good as we transit through the park to the small town of Kasane. We make camp in the grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the Chobe River. (BLD) |
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Day 21 Chobe National Park - 1 night camping
An early hot drink before we head off on a leisurely game drive, exploring the wonders of the Chobe National Park by road. Game drives within the park offer the opportunity to view abundant elephant and other big game species up close, and there is also the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators. Time to relax over lunch at our camp before joining a river boat cruise, back into the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see a huge amount of wild game, both on the river banks and in the waters swirling around us. Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding Chobe River and on the land side there is often a kaleidoscope of different antelope and species such as elephant, buffalo and even the Big Cats come to the river banks for their sundowner drink. The Chobe River provides a very broad habitat for bird life and it is possible to see many beautiful species of our feathered friends. (BLD)
Day 22 Livingstone - 1 night camping
Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula ferry depot and complete our Botswana exit formalities. We cross the Chobe on the local ferry boat, enter Zambia and from here it is a short drive to the town of Livingstone. Named after the famous British missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the town is a bustling African centre. We make our camp on the banks of the Zambezi River and have time to explore the town and to visit the mighty Victoria Falls. The views of the waterfall from the Zambian bank are fantastic; there are many small paths and lookout points to explore. This afternoon your guide will help you organise the many optional activities available in Livingstone. These include white water rafting, bungi jumping, other excursions on the river and scenic flights to mention but a few. Dinner will be in a local restaurant at your own expense. NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done at the clients own risk and expense. (BL)
Day 23 Livingstone - 1 night camping
This is a free day for you to explore the area or to take part in optional activities. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax a bit after your trip. For some of you, this will be your final night and what a fantastic place to enjoy your last evening with your group. Lunch and dinner today, are not included in the price of the trip. (We recommend staying with the trip for this day and if you are departing from Livingstone, that you fly tomorrow). (B)
Day 24 Rundu – 1 night camping
We say farewell to all the travellers flying out today. For those people returning to Windhoek, Namibia it is an early start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will not be stopping to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse the Caprivi Strip and will spend the night near the small town of Rundu in northern Namibia. We camp in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the Okavango River, looking into Angola on the far river bank. Dinner tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included in the price of your transfer. (BLD)
Day 25 Windhoek – End of tour
Another early start and another long drive. We head south through Kavango Province, down through the towns of Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja before reaching our final destination, Windhoek. There will be stops at some of the local woodcarving stalls as well as the market at Okahandja before arriving in the city. You will be dropped off at your accommodation. (BL)
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2012 Departures
13&27 Jan; 10&24 Feb; 9&23 Mar; 6 & 20 April;4 & 18 May;
1, 15, 22& 29 June;6, 13, 20&27 July;
3, 10, 17, 24&31August;7, 14, 21&28 September;
5, 12, 19&26 October; 2, 9, 16, 23&30 November; 7, 14&28 Dec;
2012 Rate
N$ 29 900 per person sharing
N$ 1 100 for a 2 day return to Windhoek
Price includes: accommodation and camping as per itinerary; transport in safari vehicle; meals as per itinerary (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner); services of a professional English speaking guide; game drives and activities as per itinerary;
Price excludes: Personal travel insurance - this is compulsory; flights; visas; optional activities; snacks/drinks; items of a personal nature;
NOTE: This safari is designed for the adventure traveller, one who enjoys pitching in to help, conversing with nature and does not mind the discomfort of bush camping without shower and toilet facilities.
Please ensure that you have the necessary entry visas for Namibia, Botswana and Zambia – CHAMELEON HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL cannot be held liable and if you do not have the appropriate visas you may not be able to enter the country
This safari is run by a local tour operator |
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