Day 1 (2011) Windhoek to Erongo Mountains - Erongo Wilderness Lodge
This morning you will collected from your respective accommodation establishment or from the Windhoek International Airport (assuming you land before 10h00). You then depart Windhoek in your safari vehicle with your personal guide and drive north via Okahandja to Erongo Wilderness Lodge where you will stay overnight this afternoon you will be treated to a scenic nature drive within the Erongo Conservancy, including a short hike up to the rock paintings found within Paula’s Cave. Return to Erongo Wilderness Lodge with time to freshen up before dinner is served.
ErongoMountain Nature Conservancy: Erongo Wilderness Lodge is nestled amid granite formations on the outskirts of an ancient volcano within the Erongo Mountains – one of Namibia’s most spectacular and unique geological features. Flanked by the Namib Desert to the west and mixed-woodland savannah to the east, the mountains form a rare confluence of ecosystems that give rise to remarkable biodiversity, including a vast array of plant, reptile, mammal and bird species that are endemic to Namibia. The lodge is a founder member of The Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, joining 30 private landowners in a collective effort to conserve and protect this natural treasure of over 200,000 hectares in extent. The Conservancy’s mission includes the preservation of the rich cultural heritage in the form of rock paintings and engravings that are found throughout the area, such as at the Paula’s Cave rock art site at Erongo Wilderness Lodge. (LD)
Day 2 (2011) Erongo Mountains to Twyfelfontein - Mowani Mountain Camp
Option to rise early this morning and partake in a morning guided walk before breakfast, providing you with an excellent insight on the surrounding flora and fauna from your local guide. You will have the choice of two guided walks, a 3 to 4 hour walk starting at sunrise or a shorter 1 ½ to 2 hour walk starting slightly later, before returning to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast.
After freshening up you will depart and drive northwest via the small mining community of Uis and passed Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg which peaks at 2,573 m above sea level, to reach Damaraland and Mowani Mountain Camp. Damaraland is home to breathtaking scenery, Twyfelfontein rock engravings, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes and the elusive desert adapted elephant. The region is typified by displays of colour, magnificent table topped mountains, rock formations and bizarre-looking vegetation. The present day landscape has been formed by the erosion of wind, water and geological forces which have formed rolling hills, dunes, gravel plains and ancient river terraces.
This afternoon your guide will take you to visit the nearby attractions and geological sites of Twyfelfontein rock engravings (recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. You will also explore the ephemeral Aba Huab Riverbed in search of desert adapted game, including desert adapted elephant if they are in the area.
Mowani Mountain Camp: Mowani Mountain Camp is ideally located a short drive from the local attractions in the area. The Camp is nestled amongst giant granite boulders, overlooking the ephemeral Aba Huab riverbed where desert adapted elephants often traverse. The thatch dome-shape structures echo the shape of the rough textured granite boulders amongst which they are built, a theme complemented by African wood carvings and artifacts. Mowani’s main complex consists of a reception area, bar, spacious alfresco dining room, lounge overlooking a waterhole and an inviting fireplace nearby to relax beside in the evenings. A refreshing swimming pool and fantastic sundowner viewpoint with it’s own bar also complement the Camp. Guests are accommodated in luxury East African style en suite safari tents built on raised wooden platforms, each with a private verandah and splendid views over the Aba Huab valley. (BLD)
Day 3 (2011) Twyfelfontein to Palmwag Concession - Mobile Camp
You may like to begin with a gentle walk into the local area before breakfast, or enjoy a more leisurely start to your day if preferred. After breakfast you will depart and take the route less traveled along the Aba Huab riverbed and 4x4 trails to enjoy more Damaraland scenery before you join the main road that takes you north to the Palmwag Concession. You will enter the Palmwag Concession from the south and leave all civilization behind as you meander along scenic trails to reach our first mobile camp within the heart of the Concession. You will ‘free’ camp tonight with only the sounds of the wild around you.
Palmwag Concession: The Palmwag Concession spans 5,500 km² of arid wilderness transected by ephemeral river courses which, along with the occasional natural spring, provide an oasis to the wildlife that have adapted to this harsh environment. The rugged mountains and canyons of the Hoanib River provide a last refuge for some of the continent’s most unique wildlife such as the legendary desert elephant, lion and the last free-roaming black rhino population on earth. In fact seventy-five per cent of Namibia’s endemic species inhabit this last bastion of the wilderness. Experience the wilder side of Africa where only the sporadic roar of lion or cackle of hyena punctuates the silence of the night.
Mobile Camp: Our mobile camps are non-participatory and are serviced and equipped to ensure that you are extremely comfortable while out in ‘Wilderness Areas'. This allows you to relax and revel in the feeling of space and solitude that makes Namibia so special. We consider good food to be an important part of your overall experience so our catering in camp is of a very high standard - even in dry, desolate areas where this can be hard to maintain. Delicious, wholesome 3 course meals with local delicacies are prepared each evening using fresh produce where possible. All our camp chefs have their own unique specialities. We use 3m x 3m x 2m igloo tents with built in groundsheet and mosquito screens on all doors and windows. Each tent is equipped with robust camp beds, a bed roll containing mattress, duvet, pillow, sheet and towel. The camps also have field loos and showers with water heated over the camp fire. (BLD)
Day 4 (2011) Palmwag Concession - Mobile Camp
You will start with an early breakfast in camp before you set off with your guide to drive north through the vast flat basalt plains of the Palmwag Concession, interspersed with natural springs, river terraces and flat topped mountains, to reach the ephemeral Mudorop/Hoanib River where you will camp for the night.
In addition to awe-inspiring scenery, you will have a chance of seeing a variety of desert adapted game such as black rhino, oryx, Hartmanns mountain zebra, springbok, ostrich and much more, particularly around the natural springs and within the ephemeral river valleys.(BLD)
Day 5 (2011) Northern Palmwag Concession - Hoanib River Camp
This morning you will continue game driving north and then west along the Hoanib River valley to arrive at Hoanib River Camp at around midday. Later this afternoon you can take advantage of the cooler temperatures as you acquaint yourself with this rugged and remote area on a nature drive and, or walk with your guide.
Hoanib River Camp: Situated close to the Hoanib River within one of the remotest areas of Namibia, the private Palmwag Concession, Hoanib River Camp is a relaxed haven from which to explore this wild land on foot or from the comfort of your safari vehicle. The camp is powered by solar-powered inverter systems and there are no generators or pumps running whilst guests are in camp. There are 5 guest walk-in Meru-style tents with en suite and flush toilet and hot shower bathrooms in a separate portion of the tent. Each tent is furnished with necessary comforts and styled with burnt orange interiors, wood and brass, effectively recreating a sense of the early explorers. The camp is serviced by a chef and kitchen staff who prepare tasty hearty meals, as well as house-keeping staff who tend to the tents and communal areas. (BLD)
Day 6 (2011) Northern Palmwag Concession - Hoanib River Camp
Full day of scenic nature drives and walks with your Ultimate Safari guide at your leisure to explore this remarkable wilderness area and to search for desert adapted wildlife. This seemingly parched and desolate terrain is one of Namibia’s richest desert wildlife areas inhabited by a myriad of fascinating flora and free roaming fauna, large and small. The isolated location, inaccessibility of the area and exclusive use of Hoanib River Camp affords you the rare luxury of enjoying your own piece of private desert paradise. (BLD)
Day 7 (2011) Northern Palmwag Concession to Purros - Mobile Camp
Continue off the beaten track and head further north through the wilds of Kaokoland to arrive at the unexpected settlement of Purros. Here you will camp for the next two nights on the banks of the ephemeral Hoarusib River just north of Purros village, under the welcoming shade of towering camel thorn and ana trees. You may come across inhabited or abandoned Himba settlements along the way, as the nomadic Himba tribes people often traverse this region with their livestock.
Based from your shady mobile camp your guide will take you on nature drives and walks along the Hoarusib River and surrounds. This relatively lush river valley is dotted with makalani palm groves and permanent natural springs which attract a plethora of wildlife including chacma baboon, desert adapted elephant, oryx, giraffe, springbok, ostrich and predators such as lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah. Birdlife is also in abundance creating a melodious cacophony of grey go-away birds, red-billed francolins, crimson-breasted shrikes, Monteiro’s hornbill (a near endemic), black-breasted snake eagles and much more.
In stark contrast to this meandering oasis of vegetation and springs, the surrounding landscape offers breathtaking vistas of expansive gravel plains, majestic mountain ranges and shifting beige sand dunes. Your guide will share their favourite sundowner vantage points with you where you can relax at the end of an action packed day and absorb the beauty and tranquility of the area. (BLD)
Day 8 (2011) Purros - Mobile Camp
Full day in and around the Hoarusib River valley on excursions with your guide and return to your mobile camp for a second night. The natural springs and village of Purros also make this a popular area for the Himba tribes people to temporarily settle, giving you a very good opportunity to visit a traditional Himba settlement and gain a brief insight into the traditions and culture of these semi-nomadic people. (BLD)
Day 9 (2011) Purros to Khowarib Schlucht - Mobile Camp
Another exciting drive today takes you east through diverse arid landscapes to Sesfontein, shortly after which you will leave the main road again to continue into the scenic Khowarib Schlucht for a final night under canvas in our mobile camp. (BLD)
Day 10 (2011) Khowarib Schlucht to Hobatere Concession
You will farewell your camp crew this morning and head further east through the Khowarib Gorge and along the Ombonde riverbed to enter into the Hobatere Concession and continue on to Hobatere Lodge. During your two night stay here you will be able to explore the Concession on guided game and night drives in specially modified open 4x4 game viewing vehicles, starting with an afternoon game drive followed by a night drive after dinner this evening. The night drive is highly recommended as it offers a good chance of seeing nocturnal animals such as spring hares, aardvark, Cape and bat-eared foxes, aardwolf and genets. (BLD)
Hobatere Concession: Hobatere Concession is effectively a private game reserve, spanning 32,000 hectares along the western border of the Etosha National Park. The concession is home to a wide variety of game including lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, eland, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, gemsbok (oryx), kudu, steenbok and much more. The scenery is attractive with large open plains blending into Mopane tree woodlands and granite outcrops.
Day 11 (2011) Hobatere Concession
Today you can enjoy guided activities within the Hobatere Concession and meals at Hobatere Lodge, with time to also relax and soak in your peaceful bush surroundings and watch game come and go from the nearby waterhole hide.
Activities begin with an informative guided nature walk before breakfast during which a local guide will show you the smaller inhabitants of the Concession and explain medicinal uses of plants and other fascinating traditions. You then return to the lodge for breakfast and later in the morning you may like to spend an hour or two at the waterhole hide when it is at its busiest. You will then have time to relax after lunch, before you head out on an afternoon game drive, followed by dinner and a night drive (BLD)
Day 12 &13 (2011) Hobatere Concession to Etosha National Park - Okaukuejo Resort
The route today involves game driving for much of the day as you drive out of the Hobatere Concession and then enter into Western Etosha at Galton Gate. Your guide will have a special permit which allows you access through Western Etosha, an expansive section of the Park that is closed to general tourist traffic for research and rehabilitation of game. Our permit gives you the opportunity to experience the different landscapes, vegetation and game species that inhabit the western side of the Park, including game such as Hartmann’s mountain zebra which cannot be found elsewhere in Etosha. (BLD)
You will stop off halfway for a picnic lunch and then proceed to arrive at Okaukuejo Resort in the afternoon with plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the sunset over the resorts excellent waterhole which will be floodlit throughout the night so you can relax in comfort whilst watching game come and go. Buffet dinner will be served in the Resort restaurant.
Etosha National Park: Etosha National Park covers 22,270 km², of which approximately 5,000 km² is made up of saline depressions or ‘pans’. The largest of these pans, the Etosha Pan, can be classified as a saline desert in its own right. The Etosha Pan lies in the Owambo Basin, on the north-western edge of the Namibian Kalahari Desert. Until three million years ago it formed part of huge, shallow lake that was reduced to a complex of salt pans when the major river that fed it, the Kunene, changed course and began to flow to the Atlantic instead. If the lake existed today, it would be the third largest in the world. Etosha is the largest of the pans at 4,760 km² in extent. It is nowadays filled with water only when sufficient rain falls to the north in Angola to induce floods to flow southward along the Cuvelai drainage system.
The Park consists of grassland, woodland and savannah. Game-viewing centers around the numerous springs and waterholes where several different species can often be seen at one time. The Park boasts some 114 mammal and over 340 bird species. Wildlife that one might see includes elephant, lion, giraffe, wildebeest, eland, kudu, gemsbok (oryx), zebra, rhino, cheetah, leopard, hyena, honey badger and warthog, as well as the endemic black faced impala.
Day 14 (2011) Etosha National Park to Windhoek
Option of a short game drive at sunrise before returning to Okaukuejo Resort for breakfast. You will then exit Etosha National Park at Anderssons Gate and drive back to Windhoek via the towns of Outjo, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja, to arrive back into Windhoek at roughly 15h00. Upon your arrival into Windhoek you will be transferred to your accommodation establishment of choice, or to Windhoek International Airport to check-in for your ongoing flight (departure flights must be no earlier than 17h00 or a final night in Windhoek can be arranged at additional cost if required). (BL)
Departures Dates - no set departure dates - upon request
2011 Rates
(MINIMUM 4 PARTICIPANTS)
FOR GROUPS OF 4 GUESTS NAD/ZAR47,590PER PERSON SHARING -
FOR GROUPS OF 6 GUESTS NAD/ZAR43,666655 PER PERSON SHARING -
FOR GROUPS OF 8 GUESTS NAD/ZAR39,740PER PERSON SHARING – *Please note there are 7 window seats so with 8 guests not everyone will have a window seat at one time.
NAD/ZAR 2,620 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
[valid until 31 October 2011]
Price includes: Accommodation and camping as stated in itinerary; transport in a luxury 4x4 safari vehicle; services of a proffessional English speaking guide; meals as stated in itinerary; entrance fees and excursions as described in itinerary; return airport transfers from Windhoek International; mineral water on board safari vehicle;
Price excludes: Personal travel insurance - this is compulsory; international flights to Namibia and airport taxes; any entrance fees and excursions not included in the itinerary; drinks/snacks; laundry (laundry service available at lodges at extra cost); tips/gratuities; items of personal nature; VISA FEES; BANK CHARGES
This safari is run by a local tour operator
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