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
1 NOVEMBER 2007 – 30 OCTOBER 2008
DEPARTURES –
Every second Monday
5/11,
19/11, 3/12,
17/12, 31/12,
14/01, 28/01,
11,02, 25/02,
10/03, 24/03,
07/04, 21/04,
05/05, 19/05,
02/06, 16/06,
30/06, 14/07,
28/07, 11/08,
25/08, 08/09,
22/09, 06/10,
20/10, 03/11,
17/11, 01/12,
15/12,
29/12
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 |
