Travel Idea Including

Itinerary:

The Pure Namibia Fully upgraded safari is a small group semi-participation Camping and Lodge Safari from Windhoek to Windhoek through Namibia.

The Namibian region is sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert on the western coastline, said to be the oldest in the world and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior. Northern Namibia features the great Etosha National Park, with the country's largest concentration of safari game. In the south the majestic Fish River Canyon plunges 550 m and extends for 160 km. Between these four highlights lies over 820 000 km2 of contrasting Namibian scenery. The world's highest dunes are found amidst the hauntingly beautiful scenery of Namibia. 'Namibia' means 'open plains' in the ancient Hottentots language. It is a sought after safari destination defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography. Pre-historic rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient rocky mountain ranges.

Pure Namibia Fully Upgraded Safari Highlights: Windhoek, Waterberg Plateau, Etosha National Park, Ruacana, Epupa Falls & Himba Experience, Opuwo, Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei and Sesriem.

Group Size: maximum 10 people

Type of Namibian Safari: Semi-participation Fully Upgraded Safari

Accommodation: During 14 nights of your safari, you will stay in mid-range Lodges, Chalets and Tented Lodges. Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. Most accommodation options have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, whilst others have shared ablutions available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.

Price: Per Person Rate

Safari/Tour Rate 2011*

USD 2690 / EUR 1920
Single supplement: USD 265 / EUR 190
Local payment ZAR 1500

*Tour/Safari rate to be paid in currency applicable to country of origin.

Included in the price: Meals as per itinerary, coffee/tea with the meals, transport on the tour, 12 nights in basic lodges, activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.

Not included in the price: Travel insurance, flights, pre and post tour accommodation, optional activities, all drinks, tips and curios, all personal expenses.

Day 1: Windhoek
After your arrival at Windhoek Airport you'll be picked up and transferred to your Lodge. The rest of the day is free for leisure. You'll meet your guide and the rest of the group at the lodge. This afternoon we go on an orientation city tour around Windhoek.

Day 2: Windhoek to Waterberg Plateau
Early in the morning, we leave Windhoek and drive north to our destination, the Waterberg Plateau. The Waterberg Plateau towers 400 meters above the surrounding plains, and 1878 meters above sea level dominating the landscape for miles around. The oldest rock stratum is 850 million years old and dinosaurs left their tracks here 200 million years ago. After arrival and setting up our camp we are taken on an open vehicle game drive through the National Park. If time allows you have the option to go on guided walks through the park. [BLD]

Day 3-4: Drive to Etosha National Park, Namibia
We leave the Waterberg behind us and travel towards Namibia's well-known Highlight of the North - Etosha National Park. After arrival we go on our first game drive through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907, it is home to approximately 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. On Day 4 we'll spend as much time as possible driving through the 'Great White Place' (translation for Etosha) trying to get closer to some of the Big 5. [BLD, BLD]

Day 5: Etosha to Ruacana National Park, Namibia
We leave the wilderness and wildlife of Etosha National Park behind us and enter the rural areas of northern Namibia. We travel through many small rural villages before arriving in Ruacana and set up our Camp at Hippo Pools. Ruacana lies on the border of Angola and Namibia and you will experience a totally different lifestyle to ours. [BLD]

Day 6-7: Ruacana Falls and Epupa
We will get up early and go on a hike to Ruacana Falls (1 hour). The dramatic Ruacana Falls are 120m and 700m wide in full flood and are sometimes referred to one of the most spectacular sights on the continent. After our hike to the falls we start our expedition deeper into the Kunene Region, exploring the real life of the Himba Tribe. Already on our drive to Epupa, we will see here and there Himbas passing us. When we arrive in Epupa we set up our camp and will be able to explore the beauty and remoteness of this area, bordering Angola.
On Day 7 we will take part in a Himba Experience and visit one of their local villages to explore their culture and traditions. Epupa means 'falling water' in the Herero and Himba languages. Epupa is Namibia's largest system of waterfalls and cataracts, and it lies on the Kunene River in northern Kaokoland. You'll be spoilt with beautiful scenery and have the option to take a walk to the Epupa Falls or try some other hikes in the valley. [BLD, BLD]

Day 8: Palmwag, Namibia
We have a long day ahead! We leave the Northern part of Namibia and drive through the Joubert Pass to Palmwag. Palmwag and surroundings is home of the desert elephants and after reaching our destination for today we will try and find these majestic animals. We are going on a walk after asking the locals in which direction they have seen the desert elephants last, trying to spot them and get closer to them. Back in our camp our guide will prepare dinner for the group and we will enjoy another beautiful African Sunset. [BLD]

Day 9: Spitzkoppe, Namibia
Our destination today is Spitzkoppe, known as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. Rising to an altitude of about 1 800 meters, the Spitzkoppe is by no means Namibia's highest mountain, however, due to its striking outlines it is regarded as the most well-known mountain in the country. Situated in an endless dry plain, the island of mountains can be seen from far away. We will leave Palmwag early so that there are enough hours to sill enjoy a hike at Spitzkoppe. Afterwards we head to Farm Vergenoegd, which is close by. [BLD]

Day 10 & 11: Swakopmund, Namibia
Today we only have a short drive to Swakopmund, but if you want to you can take part in a few of the many optional activities that are offered in Swakopmund like Quad biking, Sand boarding or Sky Diving. But of course you can also just go and enjoy the little German coastal town and explore its beauty, beaches and charm. This evening you can enjoy a typical Namibian meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense). [BL, B]

Day 12-13: Sossusvlei, Namibia
An early morning start takes us from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on our way to Sesriem in the apparently oldest desert - Namib Desert. We visit the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. There is an option of taking the shuttle into the dunes. (Own expense) At sunrise these red sand dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). [BLD, BLD]

Day 14: Drive to Windhoek, Namibia
We leave the Desert behind us and travel back to Windhoek. This will be a long day but driving through beautiful country site and short stops in-between will reimburse us for that. In the evening we'll arrive back in civilization in Windhoek and enjoy if you want a hearty meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense) and celebrate our last evening of the tour. [BL]

Day 15: Windhoek, end of tour
After we meet a last time to enjoy our breakfast together, you will still have time to explore the town of Windhoek on your own depending on when your flight leaves back home or to your next destination. You will be transferred to the airport to check-in for your flight and we hope to welcome you again sometime on one of our adventures. [B]

See a map of this itinerary.

Package Departures

Please call us to inquire about departure dates

Visas:

At the time of booking we will advise you of any visas or other documentation that will be required prior to your arrival.

Costs relating to the issue of visas or related documentation are the responsibility of the traveler.

As visa requirements change it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation and visas are obtained before traveling. Failure to do so may result in your not being able to join the trip.

 

Travel Insurance:

It is a condition of booking that all clients have comprehensive travel insurance. AI can offer Travel Insurance for your trip. Please request a quote when booking.

Disclaimer:

Prices based on per person, twin/double share, unless otherwise noted, and pre-set group minimum numbers. Prices & itineraries are correct at the time of printing. Itineraries & prices may change due to currency fluctuations, local conditions or events outside the control of A.I and her local operators. Please see our booking terms & conditions for full details.