13 Nights, 14 Days From NAD 37300 pp

Itinerary

Day 1. Windhoek - Waterberg Plateau Park    (325 Km)

After touchdown at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, your safari commences in a typical manner - with the beauty of our country leaving you breathless. We head north towards the Waterberg Plateau Park for a rest at the foot of this beautiful cliff.

(L)

 

Day 2. Waterberg - Okaukuejo (Etosha National Park)    (290 Km)

We travel through the modest towns of Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Outjo to reach the Etosha National Park. The day draws to a close at Okakuejo camp, the representative icon of Etosha National Park.  As is the norm in Africa, wildlife at the floodlit watering hole will be your entertainers for the night.

(B,L)

 

Day 3. Okaukuejo - Kavita Lion Lodge, via Otjivasandu    (138 Km)

After a hearty breakfast made on an open fire, we head west towards Otjovasando.  One quickly comes to comprehend why Etosha is such a celebrated park - springbok, zebra, blue gnu, oryx, giraffe, kudu and possibly even lion might cross our lines of vision.  Kavita is home of the Afrileo Foundation and pride themselves on their informal ambiance.

Meals are served outdoors under a thatched Lapa and the evening is greeted with a well-deserved sundowner, around an enchanting fire.

(B,L)

  

Day 4.  Hobatere - Opuwa - Epupa Falls    (390 Km)

With the arrival of a new day, we travel in a north-westerly direction from Hobatere until we reach Opuwa, the capital of the Himba-pastoralists. After a brief stop to stretch the limbs, we continue with our journey towards Kaoka Otavi. After visiting this culturally rich locality, we turn our sights onto the Kunene River, the first of the five northern rivers visited during this epic safari. Camp is made on the river's edge not far from the highest waterfall in Namibia, the Epupa Falls.  The magic lull of the Kunene will be swift to act on a tired body, demanding deep sleep and pleasant dreams.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 5.  Epupa and area    (100 Km)

Today is used to explore the edges of the Kunene River including some of the Himba villages further inland.  With some extra time at our disposal, relaxation time includes exploration of the riverine vegetation and uncovering some of the smaller versions of African life.  For the more adventurous, why not test your fishing skills? Or take a camera in hand and capture the moments that will last a lifetime.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 6.  Epupa - Ruacana - Hippo Pools' Campsite    (143 Km)

Today, we follow the rough road along the southern bank of the Kunene River to Ruacana. At Swartbooisdrif, one of the few places where the Kunene can be crossed on foot, we stop for drinks and throw in a quick history lesson regarding the Dorslandtrekkers monument for good measure. Once at Ruacana, we visit Namibia's only hydro-electric power scheme. With an amazing waterfall to boot, this is a site well worth visiting. The night is spent at the Hippo Pool Campsite, a short distance downriver from the Ruacana water falls.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 7.  Ruacana - Onguma Bush Camp    (470 Km)

The stretch from Ruacana to Onguma takes us through the most populated area in Namibia, Ovamboland. Here, we bear witness to several "shonas" (seasonal floodplains), white sands, shebeens and Makalani Palms - the recognized trade mark of the northern expanses. Onguma is a private game reserve bordering the Etosha National Park. 

(B,L)

 

Day 8. Onguma - Hakusembe River Lodge    (417 Km)

After a farmer's breakfast, we head north towards the mighty Okavango River. The journey will be painted with the local cultural brush of villages, crafts and food stalls next to the road. Our destination is Hakusembe River Lodge on the banks of the mighty Okavango.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 9.  Hakusembe - Ngepi    (220 Km)

Our destination for the day is the famous "Popa Falls" on the Okavango River. Not nearly as big and daunting as the Epupa Falls, the Popa Falls, nestled under a canopy of evergreen trees and dense shrub, still has its own unique attractions and atmosphere.  After lunch, we head to our camp known as Ngepi. This marks the only place in the world (to our knowledge) where you can experience crocodile and hippo cage diving.  This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is sure to leave one mute, as words will not even begin to describe the adrenaline rush and surge of fear experienced. 

(B,L,)

 

Day 10.  Ngepi - Mahango Game Reserve    (100  Km)

Today is a slow and easy day. After a late breakfast, we drive to the nearby Mahango Game Reserve.  The game drive will start on the banks of the Kavango River and work its way further inland. Elephant, Hippo, Crocodiles, Roan and many other species can and will be observed during this drive. A nice lunch pack will be had under the shade of a jackal berry tree on the banks of the Kavango River. The afternoon you will have to yourself to do as you please - cage swimming in the river, reading a book, or just resting in the shade while looking out over the Kavango River.

(B,L)

 

Day 11.  Ngepi - Khaudum Camp     (150 Km)

Today we leave Ngepi, and the Kavango River. We travel to the Khaudum Game Reserve, a true wilderness,  in order to view some of the "dry rivers" of Namibia. In these parts of the world they are known as "Omarambas". This is 4x4 country, as the sand is very heavy and loose.

Add to this the possibility of more game viewing, and this area will fascinate you so much more. The dry riverbeds have a story of their own, and as you drive along them their secrets will unfold before your eyes.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 12.  Khaudum Camp - Sikereti    (100 Km)

Our journey continues soutwards through the wilderness. We camp in the Nhoma Omaramba, in a camp known as Sikereti.  A very basic campsite, but once again, after a good dinner, with a million stars to look at, you will feel the peace of Africa envelope you.

(B,L,D)

 

Day 13.  Sikereti - Roy's Camp    (340 Km)

An early morning start for you today. On our way to Tsumkwe we visit the Giant Baobab tree, and continue to Tsumkwe.  The town of Tsumkwe is the heart of Bushmen land. Here, it will be possible to buy memorabilia all handmade by Bushmen/San craftsmen.

We travel due West and camp at Roy's Camp again.  A nice evening bush stroll will stretch your legs after the long drive, and also work up an appetite.

(B,L)

 

Day 14.  Roy's Camp - Windhoek -Hosea Kutako Airport    ( 552 Km)

Driving back to Windhoek, realizing this is the last day of the safari, you will reflect on all the things you have heard, seen, felt and smelled thus far: your African dream, finally realized in the middle of a secret country called Namibia.

(B,L)