DUNES AND DELTA 4x4 ADVENTURE - 12 DAYS

A safari of contrast - from the dry desert landscapes of the Namib and the huge red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the wildlife kingdom of Etosha NP and tracking with a bushman, to the tranquility of the Okavango Delta finishing at Livingstone close to the mighty Victoria Falls, this trip offers it all.

Day 1:   SESRIEM

This safari departs from Chameleon Guesthouse and Backpackers at 08h30.  Driving through the rugged Khomas Hochland mountain range we then descend to the desert floor via the Gamsberg Pass, an imposing flat topped mountain and one of the highest points in Namibia, which provides a dramatic back drop for our roadside lunch.   After a short stop at Solitaire, we arrive at camp mid afternoon and set up your tents underneath the ancient camel thorn trees then enjoy a late afternoon walk across the desert to Elim’s Dune on the edge of the famous sand dune sea with views across to the nearby mountains.  We return to camp just after sunset to enjoy our dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant. Overnight camping (LD) OPTION TO UPGRAGE ACCOMMODATION

Day 2:   SESRIEM

A pre-dawn departure from our campsite to drive to Sossusvlei, a 65kms drive in the darkness witnessing first light and shadows on the sand dunes before arriving at the heart of the famous sand dune sea of Namibia.  We watch the sunrise from this spectacular and unique area (dependent on opening time of inner park gate).   We head up a dune close to Sossusvlei then walk to Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees scattered around, contrasting with a backdrop of huge orange-red dunes that make for superb photographic opportunities.  We enjoy a mid morning brunch after exploring this dramatic and desolate landscape before returning to camp for a swim and this afternoon explore nearby Sesriem Canyon on foot.  Enjoy another spectacular sunset surrounded by this colourful desert and sleep under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. Overnight camping and dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant  (BLD) OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION

Day 3:  DUNEDIN STAR GUESTHOUSE, SWAKOPMUND

Early morning departure from camp stopping at the one horse town of Solitaire before continuing through the desert with its endless views across the pastel-coloured gravel plains to the port town of Walvis Bay.  We visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where we may see the many species of birds including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers, the endemic Damara Tern as well as a visit to the nearby salt farm.   We continue onto the quaint town of Swakopmund, full of historic buildings and where your guide will assist those wishing to book optional adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad biking, scenic flights, parachuting, dolphin cruises to name but a few, which you have time for this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre.  Laundry facilities are available here.  This evening’s meal is a group dinner in a restaurant at client’s own expense  (BL)

Day 4: WINDHOEK

After breakfast you have the morning at leisure to enjoy the town and have a coffee and cake in one of the many cafes or participate in one of the many optional activities such as sand boarding or a dolphin cruise.  After lunch at your accommodation your vehicle will return to Windhoek via the Okahandja craft market.  Overnight accommodation included on a twin share basis at Chameleon Guesthouse (subject to availability).  Evening meal at own expense  (BL)

Day 5: OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

We depart from Chameleon Guesthouse, Windhoek 8h00am.  After stopping briefly at Otjiwarongo for fresh supplies we have lunch at the entrance to Etosha National Park, one of the best game reserves in Africa.   We game drive to camp and if time permits game drive before sunset. Overnight camping. Dinner prepared by the Guide and Apprentice Guide and evening is spent around the campfire or at the floodlit waterhole by the camp, which is often frequented by the endangered black rhino. (BLD) OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION

Day 6: ONGUMA CAMP

Early morning and late afternoon game drives seeking the many species of animals found in this huge park including elephant, lion, leopard, the endangered cheetah, black and white rhino, giraffe as well as many species of antelope and over 340 species of bird, a wildlife enthusiasts dream.  We spend the hottest part of the day at camp either by the waterhole or the swimming pool before heading to Etosha Pan, one of the translations meaning “Great, White Place” to marvel at the shimmering mirages and distant horizons.  Overnight camping.  Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant and evening spent around the campfire. (BLD)  OPTION TO UPGRADE ACCOMMODATION

Day 7: BUSHMANLAND

After breakfast we travel via Lake Otjikoto to Tsumeb for fresh supplies.  A short lunch is taken at Hoba Meteorite – the largest meteorite in the world then we continue through to Grootfontein to refuel before entering the Kalahari.  We arrive at our camp mid afternoon and walk with a San tracker to collect bush foods and learn how the traditional Bushmen collect and gather food – generally a fascinating experience for westerners where we are able to ask questions of how they survive in today’s modern world.  This evening we join the local community around the campfire for singing and dancing. Overnight camping. Dinner prepared by guide and camp assistant (BLD)

Day 8: GUMA LAGOON CAMP, BOTSWANA

An early morning departure from camp takes us into the Kalahari basin via Tsumkwe and into our neighbouring country, Botswana. The sandy track takes us through the heart of the Kalahari to the panhandle section of the Okavango Delta. The last 13kms are 4x4 only and some pushing maybe required, but the jewel of the river edge awaits us at the end of the day and this wetland lies like an oasis in an otherwise harsh environment.  Overnight camping and evening meal prepared by the guide and camp assistant (BLD)

Day 9: OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

We take only what we need – each of our guests can take only 1 small day pack and depart early morning initially in a motor boat and then in a mokoro (dug out canoe), we relax while our polers push us through this beautiful and unique area enjoying the tranquility of the delta until we reach an island camp, our destination for the night.  We’ll have the opportunity to game walk and learn about this fragile and unique ecosystem.  Overnight bush camping under a million stars with no facilities and evening meal prepared by the guide and camp assistant (BLD)

Day 10: GUMA LAGOON CAMP, BOTSWANA

We enjoy more game walks and mokoro rides before we return to the luxury of our camp early afternoon for hot showers and toilets.  Overnight camping close to the river, and evening meal prepared by the guide and camp assistant (BLD)

 Day 11: SUSUWE NATIONAL PARK
An early morning start to cross the border back into Namibia and on to Mahango Game Reserve.  This little jewel of a game reserve is home to many unusual species such as roan and sable antelope, buffalo, large herds of elephant, hippo and many aquatic birds not found in many areas of Namibia.  We leave the park and have lunch overlooking Popa Falls before continuing through the Caprivi Strip to Susuwe National Park.  This is a wild park where we camp without fences and spend an exhilarating night listening to the night sounds of the animals and maybe get the chance to enjoy “close up” encounters, please note that there are no fences and that wild animals such as hyaena may wander through camp.   Overnight camping and evening meal prepared by the guide and camp assistant (BLD)

Day 12: LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA

Breakfast and short game drive before heading through to Katima Mulilo.  This busy and bustling town is the last frontier of Namibia and we glimpse our first sight of the mighty Zambezi River.  We cross the border into Zambia and have lunch at a scenic location along the roadside.  We arrive at Livingstone mid afternoon and we drop you at your accommodation.   (B,L) This should be pre-booked through Chameleon Safaris to enable you to obtain a visa waiver from your accommodation establishment to avoid paying the Zambian visa fee. We recommend Jolly Boys Backpackers, please note that this service CANNOT be guaranteed

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 cannot be held liable and if you do not have the appropriate visas you may not be able to enter the country

Please note – the itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change – for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above.  IMPORTANT - Whilst visiting villages and local communities we cannot guarantee activities on offer, it often depends on how they feel on the day, however, it will give you the opportunity to meet and experience life in Namibia in today’s society

Approx total distance 3200kms

PRICES FROM 1 NOVEMBER 2007 – OCTOBER 2008  N$7150/PERSON + N$1320 local payment in cash (South African Rand or Namibia Dollars ONLY payable on morning of safari departure)

+ US$240/person/cash for Delta package

Enquire On This Tour Now