Chameleon Holidays & Travel for Safaris & Vacations in Africa | Discovering Namibia And South Africa Kalahari Self Drive (14 days)

Discovering  South Namibia And South Africa Kalahari 
14 Days -  Accommodated Self Drive 

  
Day 1 Windhoek
Upon arrival at the airport you will collect your vehicle and drive to Windhoek. Depending on the time your flight arrives you may have time to explore the capital city and see the sights. Tonight you will be based in a bed and breakfast style guesthouse near the centre of the city. Overnight in a twin bedded room with en-suite facilities. Bed and breakfast only, all additional meals are at own expense.

Day 2&3 Bagatelle Game Ranch, near Mariental
Depart this morning from Windhoek and journey into the Kalahari Basin. This fossil desert, with its undulating red sand dunes and inter-dune valleys covered in grass, shrubs and trees home a surprising amount of game. Later this afternoon you may join a sunset game drive or visit the cheetah enclosure, part of the Cheetah Conservation Fund project, one of the premier conservation programmes in Namibia.  There are plenty of optional activities to enjoy or spend your time enchanted and entertained by the group of meerkats living on the ranch. Overnight accommodation at Bagatelle on a bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 4-8Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
After crossing the border into the South Africa you will spend the next 4 nights in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This was Africa’s first official Transfrontier park combining Kalahari-Gemsbok National Park with South Africa and Botswana Gemsbok Park, the new name refers to the ancient San name for the area and the local communities are actively involved on the land, acting as trackers for lion monitoring programs, managing sections of it for dune rehabilitation and alien plant eradication, selling crafts etc. The park coves an area of over 38,000 sq kms and whilst crossed country borders there are no fences allowing for animal migration necessary in this harsh desert environment. The park has the familiar red sand dunes, huge saltpans but also two main river systems which support the large numbers of birds, reptiles and mammals including the famous dark maned Kalahari lions and wild dog – a species on the decline and as such, the region provides superb game viewing, this park rarely disappoints. You will be based at different locations during your stay. Overnight based on accommodation only. 

Day 8 Augrabies Falls
Drive to Augrabies Falls, one of South Africa’s most dramatic natural spectacles. They are easily visited as part of a day trip and a complete contrast to the recent desert landscapes. The water plunges through a narrow channel into a granite gorge – we recommend you visit the falls near to sunset to appreciate it at its best. The remainder of the park is dry and harsh, full of quiver trees and strange rock formations. Overnight accommodation only.

Day 9 Fish River Canyon
Returning to Namibia you drive close to Fish River Canyon, reputed to be the second largest canyon in the world. The lodge is situated just outside the National Park and you can enjoy walks or horse riding on the land. You may also choose to drive into the park to visit the viewpoints and stare in wonder at the scale of the canyon before returning to the lodge prior to the sunset. Overnight accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 10 Klein Aus
Onward to one of the best kept secrets of Namibia. Klein Aus is a truly beautiful spot, situated on the edge of the desert with endless views of the open plains and mountains. You’ll be based here tonight. You may choose to relax, enjoy a self-guided hike in the Aus Mountains, or perhaps visit the wild horses of Namib, one of the only 2 or 3 wild herd of horses and be amazed at how they survive in this harsh environment. Overnight bed and breakfast only.

Day 11&12 Desert Camp
Enjoy stunning scenery on the drive to Sesriem, the entry to the famous and dunes of Sossusvlei. Upon arrival, you can relax by the pool, head to the nearby Elim’s Dune for sunset, and the following day rise early to venture into the dune fields. If you have a 4x4 you can drive all the way into Sossusvlei, if not you need to walk the last section or take a private shuttle service. Once here, you can spend several hours wandering around and climbing the dunes, or resting under the shade of the trees appreciating the scale and beauty of the area. Ensure you visit nearby Dead Vlei, where ancient and skeletal camel thorn trees stand on the white pan with the backdrop of orange sand dunes and blue sky, a photographers delight. Return to camp and later this afternoon you may wish to visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon. Overnight based at Desert Camp, on accommodation only, in adobe style permanent tents with en suite facilities, private balcony and self-catering facilities, there is a pool and bar, and you can either prepare your own meals or enjoy them at a nearby lodge.

Day 13 Amani Lodge
At the top of the Khomas Hochland Mountain range sits Amani Lodge with commanding views across the surrounding desert. This is where you will spend you last night. Amani also works with various conservations authorities and has created a refuge and rehabilitation center for African felines. Here, at close range you will be able to see cheetah, leopard, lion, and caracal and learn what is being done to protect these animals. Once you return to the lodge you can relax with a glass of champagne for sunset. After dinner you may also enjoy some star gazing as they have a telescope to watch the incredible night skies. A perfect way to end your self-drive safari. Overnight in a twin bedded room with en-suite facilities. Dinner, bed and breakfast and ‘big cat experience’ included.

Day 14 Windhoek – Flight
Return to Windhoek and proceed to the International airport where you will drop off your vehicle in time for your onward flight.

2011 Rate
Price to Chameleon based on 2 people/sharing
With Budget Car Rental - single cab Per person from N$17,210

or

With Namibia Car Rental - 4x4 Diahatsu Terios Per person from N$17,830

(Price valid until 31st October 2011)

Price Includes: camping, accommodation and activities as stated; meals as stated; 4x4 single cab (0 excess); VAT; tourism levy;

Price Excludes: fuel; entry fees to national parks and places of interest; meals not included as per itinerary; visas; personal travel insurance; items of a personal nature; tips/gratuities; telephone calls and internet facilities; laundry; curios;

Vehicle hire – Budget Car Rental

Includes: Unlimited kms, Super CDW, Super theft loss waiver, personal accident insurance PAI inc Europ Assist; Stamp duty, VAT; airport surcharge; map, inbound guide;

Excludes: Refundable deposit; contract fee N$45; additional driver N$190/rental; young driver surcharge (18-20) N$135/rental;  fine handling fee per occurrence N$195;  claim admin fee N$480; baby/booster seats N$230/rental;  cooler box N$150; jerry can N$30 (N$110/deposit); second spare wheel (N$1000 deposit) N$40/day; one way fees;  windscreen and tyre waiver N$100/day; water, sand and undercarriage; valet for excessive dirt; lost keys call out fee N$350; towing if not mechanical; after hours call out (weekdays prior to 8am and after 18h00 and weekends prior to N$80 and after 13h00 – not applicable at airport) N$70;

or alternative car rental company

Please note that this quote is based on the availability of both accommodation/vehicle and on the understanding that no accommodation/trip has been booked.  Should we need to use alternative accommodation/trip the price and itinerary is subject to change.

This is just a suggestion please contact us for more information on this or other itineraries

Please note this is only a guideline, and price is subject to availability - contact us for detailed itinerary