Self-Drive Holiday “3-4*, Camping, Responsible Travel, Wildlife, Active” Style

Namibia Responsible Tourism Highlights

  All prices are per person sharing

Seasonal Prices:From: 01-11-2012 Until: 30-06-2013 Price: aprx. NAD18371

 From: 01-07-2013 Until: 31-10-2013 Price: aprx. NAD21991

Routing:Windhoek to Windhoek

Highlights:Windhoek Township Tour, Etosha National Park, Ondangwa, Ruacana Falls, Opuwo, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains

Details:Self-drive camping and accommodated tour taking in the highlights of Namibian natural and cultural heritage as well as supporting local community owned campsites and lodges. 4x4 zero excess double cab vehicle hire, mobile phone hire, route map & 24 hour support.

• [?]Day 1: Rivendell Guest House, Windhoek
  

  Land at Windhoek International Airport today where you will be met by a transfer driver holding a sign in the arrivals hall who will escort you to the city centre.  A representative of ATI will meet you here to hand over your vouchers, road map and itinerary and to answer any last minute questions you may have. 

  Rivendell Guest House is located in a quiet suburb close to the city centre and has just ten guest rooms.  Relax around the swimming pool or lounge area, and maybe take the afternoon to explore the shops and restaurants of the city.  Facilities include satellite TV lounge, swimming pool, self-catering kitchen, small bar, internet & guest phone and safe parking.

  This afternoon you will be collected by one of the local companies for your half day city & township tour.  You will have the opportunity to learn something of the history of Windhoek and Katutura Township, you will also visit the vibrant marketplace and have a chance to taste some of the Namibian delicacies before having a look around a local woman’s craft co-operative.  Your hire vehicle and camping equipment will be delivered this afternoon.  Breakfast + Township Tour included.

  Lodge: Rivendell Guest House

  Activities:
• [?]Day 2: Okaukuejo, Etosha
  

  Make your way north via Otjiwarongo, entering Etosha via the Anderson Gate and on to Okaukuejo. 

  Spend the evening relaxing with a drink at one of the seats overlooking the floodlit waterhole. Watch the theatre unfold as predators and prey alike take their place in the shadows for the chance to get a refreshing drink.

  Etosha in general offers excellent game viewing opportunities by either day while simply driving or by night from floodlit waterholes.  The Park is dominated by the vast Etosha salt pan, and many water holes exist, joined by a network of well maintained gravel roads to enable visitors the best chances of seeing the many inhabitants of Namibia’s premier wildlife reserve.  Species present in the Park include lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, rhino, giraffe & zebra in addition to many antelope and bird species.  You will need to pay park entry fees of approximately N$80 per person per day and N$10 per vehicle.  These unfortunately cannot be paid in advance.  Care should be taken to be back in the rest camp before sunset when the Park gates close.

  Namibia Wildlife Resorts is now offering guided day & night drives from the three rest camps. 

  The Okaukuejo waterhole is often voted as the best of all the rest camp waterholes and enjoys an amazing array of wildlife.

  During the dry season, you're bound to see something of interest by just sitting here for a few hours in the evening.  Among the regulars are elephants and jackals, while lion and black rhino often visit in the dry season.  Camping only.

  Lodge: Okaukuejo

  Activities: Game/ Nature driving Birding
• [?]Day 3: Halali, Etosha
  

  Spend today making your way slowly across the park to the central rest camp of Halali.  Halali, the newest camp in the Etosha National Park, is strategically situated halfway between Namutoni and Okaukuejo and is surrounded by some of the most popular waterholes in the park.  The camp's name, of German origin, is derived from the bugle call made to announce the end of a hunt.  Of interest is the Tsumasa Trail in the southern section of the camp which winds its way through shady mopane trees up a small dolomite hill from where visitors have a clear view of the Moringa waterhole.  Breakfast included, accommodation in a double room.

  Lodge: Halali

  Activities: Game/ Nature driving Birding
• [?]Day 4: Ondangwa
  

  Drive northwards out of the Andoni gate of Etosha today, and towards the town of Ondangwa.

  Situated a stone's throw from Ondangwa, north of the world famous Etosha National Park, Ongula Village Homestead Lodge offers an experience like no other.  Here you are taken on a cultural journey, exploring traditional Namibian practices, rest next to Makalani palm trees and visit traditional homes.

  With the aim of discovering the beauty, simplicity and dignity of traditional village life, you are invited to look beyond the familiar Namibia of dunes, wildlife and vast landscapes.  Here you will discover the Owambo, a people with a rich cultural history.

  You will have a chance to participate in the traditional daily activities of the homestead and its community.  Watch the simplicity and sometimes harsh reality of tradition finding its place within modern society and offering the best of both worlds.  Here you don't simply watch, you will be encouraged to join in and learn the art of basket-weaving, cooking on an open fire, cattle herding and clay-pot making. You can even create your own gift to take home with you.

  With only 8 chalets, Ongula Village Homestead Lodge provides authentic Owambo experience in a relaxing, comfortable village life whilst offering all the comforts of home with a touch of luxury and attention to detail. Dinner & breakfast included.

  Lodge: Ongula Village Homestead Lodge

  Activities: Game/ Nature driving Birding Cultural Tours
• [?]Day 5 to 6: Kunene River Lodge
  

  Make your way further north to the Namibian border and the beautiful Ruacana Falls. The Lodge is situated between Epupa and Ruacana, making it the perfect stop over point to visit any number of attractions in the area. These campsites offer shared ablutions facilities, electrical points and BBQ facilities. On the way you may like to visit the Tsandi Royal Homestead & craft centre between Okahao & Outapi, since Tsandi is a Royal Homestead, you will learn about the traditions of the Kingdom and might even have the chance to meet the King himself. From this campsite local guides will offer optional tours of the Falls or visits to local Himba villages. Camping only.

  Lodge: Kunene River Lodge

  Activities: Hiking & Walking Canoeing & Mokoro trips Fishing Boat Cruises Game/ Nature driving Birding
• [?]Day 7: Mopane Camp, Opuwo
  

  Make your way southwards to the heartland of the Himba people, Opuwo. Stay overnight at the Mopane Lodge located overlooking a scenic dry riverbed on the outskirts of town.

  The camp is built on the high, steep banks of a dry river, one of the tributaries of the Hoarusib River.  Accommodation is provided in permanent tents which are nestled in the shade of large Mopane trees. 

  The camp consists of fifteen luxury tents, each with a beautiful sleeper wood double bed, innovative space for hanging clothes, en-suite bathroom and a veranda with chairs, the ideal spot from which to watch the sunset.  Please note that there is no electricity at Mopane Camp.  Dinner is served in the open air boma where there is also a cosy campfire and a fully stocked bar.  The camp is situated in a beautiful, peaceful and quiet area where there are a large variety of birds in and around the camp.  Permanent residents of the camp are small spotted genets which are shy but curious visitors to the boma and tents.  During day time guests will see Tree Squirrels in the area of the boma and at night you may go to sleep with the sound of a variety of owls hooting and the calling of jackals. 

  The ancient Himba people still live a very traditional existence in this area, the camp is located on their communal ground and a daily community fee is payable by each guest.  This contribution goes towards local projects including water and education provisions.  Visits to the Himba home villages are offered from the camp and can offer a unique insight into their way of life.  In addition, there are short unguided walks that can be taken to explore the interesting rock formations and river bed nearby.  Dinner & breakfast included.

  Lodge: Mopane Camp, Opuwo

  Activities: Birding
• [?]Day 8 to 9: Grootberg Lodge
  

  Drive southwards today and perhaps stop at the Community project of Ongongo Springs, a great place for a picnic lunch and a quick swim.

  Perched on the lip of the Grootberg Plateau, with an infinite view down the Klip River Valley, lies the newly developed Grootberg Lodge.  This benchmark project in mainstream tourism draws the local #Khoadi// Hoas community into the many benefits of the tourism industry.  The community owns the lodge which was built using EU funding, and the management and staff training has been subcontracted out to a private lodge management company while the community becomes self-sustainable.  The lodge consists of 11 thatched en suite chalets, with hardwood verandas that project one into the impossible view. 

  The 12 000 hectare exclusive use area that the lodge encompasses boasts a myriad of Damaraland flora and fauna, with Desert elephant, Black rhino and even lion occasionally ghosting an appearance.  For travelers making their way between Swakopmund and Etosha, the lodge provides the ideal midway stopover, whilst allowing guests to experience the true wilderness that is Damaraland.  Optional tours from the lodge include rhino or desert elephant tracking.  Dinner & breakfast included.

  Lodge: Grootberg Lodge

  Activities: Hiking & Walking Game/ Nature driving Birding
• [?]Day 10: Twyfelfontein
  

  Continue your journey this morning, driving towards southern Damaraland via Outjo & Khorixas.  Aabadi Mountain Camp is located in the heart of Damaraland, about 490 kilometres northwest of Windhoek, 150 kilometres from the Skeleton coast and 325 kilometer south west of Etosha National Park.

  The campsite is spacious and lies at the riverbed.  There are enough trees, so there is always shadow and privacy.  There is a bush shower with only ‘cold’ water (heated by the sun) and flush toilet.  

  The restaurant is within walking distance; here you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a drink.  Each campsite has its own fire place/BBQ, so it is also possible to prepare your own meal.  

  Maybe make an excursion to the Twyfelfontein rock etchings and paintings today, a local guide will escort you around the ancient hillsides which are open for guests between 08:00 and 17:00.  This area is covered in numerous fascinating examples of San rock art and is well worth a visit where a local guide will explain the area to you.  The ‘Burnt Mountain’, an interesting area of volcanic rock, is also close by as are the dolomite ‘organ pipes’ and the interactive Damara Living Museum, well worth a visit! Camping only.

  Lodge: Aabadi Mountain Camp

  Activities: Game/ Nature driving Birding Cultural Tours
• [?]Day 11 to 12: Swakopmund
  

  Drive onwards to the coast this morning.  The scenery changes from the mountains of Damaraland to endless, gravel plains towards the coast.  If time allows, you may like to make a detour to Cape Cross fur seal colony where as many as 100,000 individuals may be seen during breeding season. 

  Swakopmund itself is a fascinating and intriguing resort town, complete with German half wooden architecture, monuments, historic buildings, well maintained gardens and palm lined avenues, coffee bars and great seafood restaurants. 

  In addition, there are many adventure activities such as sand boarding, tandem parachuting, fishing & quad biking which can be arranged prior to arrival.  Please ask us for advice on restaurants, the more popular ones should be booked in advance and we are happy to do this for you.

  Cornerstone is located on the corner of Rhode Allee and Hendrik Witbooi, at number 40 Hendrik Witbooi.  Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small, private and peaceful bed and breakfast an easy walk away from the sea and the town centre of Swakopmund on Namibia's fascinating Skeleton Coast.  

  Occupying a quiet corner of Swakopmund’s old town near the marine museum and the old brewery, Cornerstone Guesthouse offers the charm and intimacy of a family-run B&B combined with the modern amenities of a luxury hotel.  Within a few minutes from the guest house you can walk to beaches, cafés, restaurants, lively pubs, Swakopmund tourist attractions and a variety of interesting shops and markets.  All rooms have en suite bathrooms with large solar-assisted showers and modern fittings.  Breakfast included.

  Lodge: Cornerstone Guest House

  Activities: Fishing Scenic Flights/ Hot Air Ballooning Adventure Sports Boat Cruises Birding Cultural Tours
• [?]Day 13 to 14: Erongo Mountains
  

  Ai-Aiba Lodge is set afoot massive granite rock boulders, overlooking the magically beautiful Erongo mountain range. Ai Aiba is an active member of the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, an association of farmers dedicated to the protection and preservation of the unique fauna and flora, as well as the magnificent granite landscape of the Erongo.

  Behind the lodge starts an unguided, marked hiking trail, which takes about 45 minutes to complete. There are also a number of other hiking options and nature walks available on the premises.Ai-Aiba also offers various guided excursions, where you discover the impressive geology of Ai Aiba and you can discover the flora and fauna of the region.

  From the open 4x4 vehicles you can view the impressive rock formations and sites of rock paintings, of which some are up to 2000 years old. Dinner & Breakfast inluded.

  Lodge: Ai-Aiba Lodge

  Activities: Hiking & Walking
• [?]Day 15: Fly out of Windhoek
  

  Make your way back to Windhoek today in time to deliver your hire car and connect with your return flight.

  Lodge: Windhoek Airport

  Activities: