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Itinerary of the KaokoDamara Tour

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Day 1
Arrival at Windhoek International Airport. We will meet you at the airport, advise you on security and exchanging money and take you to your accommodation in a peaceful suburb of the capitol. Here you will find some tine to relax and freshen up. Windhoek, being the capitol of Namibia is by far the biggest city in this country and shows a great mix of culture, development and history. A thorough city tour takes us through all the historical, colonial, modern and other interesting parts of Windhoek. Shopping in Windhoek is great and you will have enough time to fill your bags with arts and crafts. Lunch and dinner are enjoyed in the centre of this multicultural city. Since Windhoek has many good restaurants, mostly with German character, it is really worth our while dining in town.

Exclusive: 1 Night Haus Sonneneck
Standard: 1 Night Haus Sonneneck
Tented Safari: 1 Night Haus Sonneneck
Accommodation and Breakfast (Dinner in town, guided, on own account)

Day 2 and 3
A scenic drive through the central highlands, locally called the “Khomas Highland”, opens up the wide geological variety found in Namibia. Most of southern Namibia is covered by enormous sandstone layers, ripped through by basaltic ridges and decorated by bulbous granite outcrops. As soon as we reach the western escarpment, the desert literally drops out before our eyes.

On our way to the coast we head through the gravel plains of the Namib Desert, visiting the Welwitschia mirabilis and the geologically breathtaking "Moon landscape" until we reach the Atlantic Ocean at Swakopmund. The Welwitschia mirabilis could be considered as the most interesting living fossil around, being one of the oldest plants and probably the missing evolutionary link growing in the oldest desert known to mankind.

With palm lined streets, seaside promenades and colonial history, Swakopmund always has been Namibia’s most popular holiday destination. The museum, crystal gallery, oceanarium, various art galleries, cafes and interesting shops will catch your attention on your tine off.

The next day is action filled starting with a Dolphin cruise on the Walfish Bay lagoon, where a champagne breakfast with oysters is served while watching seals and dolphins playing in the water. Alternatively, if anyone feels more adventurous and would like to come even closer to marine life, an all-age kayak trip could be undertaken. I personally enjoy the kayak trip as one of the most in-your-face encounters with seals one could have.

Exclusive: 2 Nights Hotel Eberwein
Standard: 2 Nights Hotel Pension Rapmund
Tented Safari: 2 Nights Hotel Pension Rapmund
Accommodation and Breakfast (Dinner in town, guided, on own account)
Dolphin cruise or Kayak trip (watch video)

Day 4
Erongo Mountain range. The Namib Desert is all about change, contrast, space and geological variety. On short walks and drives we experience this most impressive granite massive, reminding of gigantic playgrounds of rock - an area of high bird density and ancient rock paintings. The walk to Phillips or Paula’s cave, an overhang covered with well preserved paintings of the Stone Age, spoils us with some endemic bird sightings. Rock hyrax, Mountain Zebra, Kudu, Giraffe and even Leopard are frequently spotted here. Great endemics to look out for are Damara Rockrunner, Hartlaub’s Francolin and White-tailed Shrike.

Exclusive: 1 Night Erongo Wilderness Lodge
Standard: 1 Night Hohenstein Lodge
Tented Safari: 1 Night Tented camp near Erongo Mountains
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Day 5
Namibia boosts its own Monument valley. Although by far not as large the American version, the Ugab terraces definitely do their part in impressing visitors. The rugged surroundings are formed due to continuous erosion by the ephemeral river Ugab. The most impressive leftover of erosion would probably be the gigantic finger of rock, locally called the “Vingerklip”. A short walk through the surrounding Mopane scrub will take us right up the base of this natural monument.

Exclusive: 1 Night Vingerklip Lodge
Standard: 1 Night Bambatsi Guest farm
Tented Safari: 1 Night Bambatsi Guest farm
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Day 6, 7 and 8
The following days will be spent in an area of probably the greatest geological Variety found in Africa, the Damaraland. The main attraction at Twyfelfontein (doubtful spring) is its large gallery of rock art, the most extensive collection of rock-engravings found in Africa. Some engravings are said to be over 6000 years of age. The Petrified Forest reminds us of great central African floods, transporting very large trees over hundreds of miles and depositing them in thick layers of mud... Millions of years, void of any oxygen and under tons of pressure led to a perfect petrification of these historical trees. The scattered trunks of rock are an amazing sight of geological history. We also find the burnt mountain and a small gorge with some basaltic organ pipes in this area.

Namibia boosts the strongest population of hook-lipped rhino on the planet. The Damaraland being the only area, where these animals roam outside a National Park. We put on our hiking boots and set out into the rocky hillside of Damaraland. Our local guide will try and bring us close to one of these very special rhinos, either by foot or off-road vehicle. There is no guarantee to find rhino, but many other animals will be seen here as well to make our day and trip worth our while – not to mention the pristine and wild environment we know to appreciate.

Exclusive: 2 Nights Grootberg Lodge
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast
1x Gamedrive
1 Night Camp Etendeka
Full board with Activities
Standard: 2 Nights Grootberg Lodge
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast
1x Gamedrive
1 Night Camp Etendeka
Full board with Activities
Tented Safari: 1 Night Grootberg Lodge
2 Nights Tented Camp in Damaraland
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Day 9 and 10
Hobatere, considered one of the last most unspoilt wilderness areas in Namibia, offers game drives with a difference. The endemic Hartman's mountain zebra, a Namibian special, is a guaranteed sighting, along with many other different kinds of antelope. Often even lion, leopard, cheetah and elephant are found in the area. The night drives are mostly very successful, concentrating only on the nocturnal species, like Polecat, Genet, African Wild Cat, Aardvark, Aardwolf, Porcupine etc. The local guides are birding experts, creating an excellent experience for seasoned birders – Hobatere is a birders paradise, since birds like Bare-cheeked Babbler join us at the breakfast table already. Guided Night drives, with lesser nocturnal species being the centre of attention, deliver much unexpected sightings; Springhare, Genets, Nightjars, Cape and Bat eared Foxes and even the elusive Aardvark are frequently seen here.

Exclusive: 2 Nights Hobatere Lodge
Standard: 2 Nights Hobatere Lodge
Tented Safari: 2 Nights Hobatere Lodge
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast
1x Game drive
1x Night drive
1x Game walk

Day 11 and 12
Due West, we are entering a restricted area to reach the Ombonde river and Khowarib gorge. Our off-road vehicle comes in very handy as we navigate through thick sand and rough terrain. The open plains of the Ombonde are locally referred to as the “small Serengeti”. The winding road takes us even deeper into the Damaraland; it often comes as a great surprise to find elephant tracks on the road. A variety of succulents, large Acacias and Faiherbias provide enough fodder for Namibia’s infamous desert dwelling elephant population. Since desert elephants only occur in small numbers and travel extremely far, we can’t guarantee a sighting, but we do frequently come across some bulls or even a small family herd – and besides, we have two days to look for them. Desert Elephants are much sought after animals to photograph, since they live in one of the most picturesque landscapes imaginable.

We will work our way through wide dry riverbeds of the ephemeral rivers Hoanib, Hoarusib, Khumib and Ganumub – this is Damaraland and Kaokoland at its best, pure Wilderness, Desert dwelling Elephants, endemic birds, fascinating scenery and interesting people. The rough and rocky road takes us to a place called “nothing” - Opuwo. Opuwo is the capitol of Kaokoland, home of the Ovahimba. The Himba people could be described as cattle and goat breeders with a nomadic way of life. To visit the different settlements of the various tribes is extremely interesting, since the Himba, Tjimba and Themba people still dress and live as they did many years ago. Tines are changing though, and so are the Himba, the Kaokoland nonetheless deserves a visit.

Exclusive: 1 Night Okahirongo Elephant Lodge (Puros) and 1 Night Opuwo Country Hotel
Standard: 1 Night Okahirongo Elephant Lodge (Puros) and 1 Night Opuwo Country Hotel
Tented Safari: 2 Nights Tented Camp in Kaokoland
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Day 13 and 14
The Kunene River finds it s way through one of the harshest and most rugged geology imaginable, lining the north-western Namibian border to Angola. After quite a bumpy drive through arid and dusty Kaokoland, the beauty and sudden richness of life brought upon by water immediately catches our attention. The Epupa falls, finally. Before thundering down the oldest Namibian rock formations, the Kunene River feeds thousands of indigenous Makalani palms and Phragmites reeds, creating an atmosphere as close to paradise as known to mankind. Exploring the riverbank is fun and pleasant. Keep an eye open for rufous-tailed Palm-thrush, a local endemic. We also hope to encounter the distinctive and beautiful cunenensis race of the Red-necked Francolin, Olive Bee - eater, Grey Kestrel, Mourning Dove and Cinderella Waxbill.

Exclusive: 2 Nights Epupa Camp
Full board Standard: 1 Night Omarunga Campand 1 Night Kunene River Lodge
Tented Safari: 2 Nights tented Safari at Kunene River
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Day 15
Today we cross Ovamboland. Being the most densely populated area in Namibia, this is ethnic Africa at its best. To get a bit of insight on their traditions, how these people survive and what they live on, we pay a visit to a traditional Ovambo village.

Exclusive: 1 Night Oshakati Country Hotel
Standard: 1 Night Oshakati Country Hotel
Tented Safari: 1 Night Oshakati Country Hotel
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Day 16 and 17
Early start to Etosha National Park, "the great white place". 22 000 square km National Park offers excellent opportunities to photograph and observe Springbok, Zebra, brindled Gnu, Giraffe, Hartebeest, Steenbok, Damara Dik - Dik, black faced Impala and with some luck, Elephant, Lion and even Leopard and Cheetah cross your way. Remember, this is Africa, although we are very experienced in how to find various sightings for you, it still remains a matter of luck and patience. The birdlife in Etosha is good, very good… and yes, we do stop for birds. The main advantage of Etosha probably goes to a variety of habitat. Endless plains, wide grasslands, thickets of Mopane, dry forests and Acacia-savannah frame this great dry lake of loam and salt.

Exclusive: 2 Nights Mushara Lodge
Standard: 2 Nights Onguma Bushcamp
Tented Safari: 2 Nights tented Camp at Onguma
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Day 18
We enjoy an early breakfast and drive back to Windhoek. On our way south we stop at Lake Otjikoto, a sinkhole with unimaginable depth, at the small but fascinating mineral museum in Tsumeb and at Hoba, being the largest meteorite worldwide. The large woodcarvers market in Okahandja and the African craft centre in Windhoek deserve a short shopping stop.

Exclusive: 1 Night Haus Sonneneck
Standard: 1 Night Haus Sonneneck
Tented Safari: 1 Night Haus Sonneneck
Accommodation and Breakfast (Dinner in town, guided, on own account)

Day 19
Transfer to Windhoek International Airport. Tine to say Good bye.

Please note:
Due to logistical booking problems that might occur, we reserve the right to change the itinerary with short notice.

Inclusive:
• Transfer and Transport as stated in itinerary
• Accommodation as stated in itinerary
• Meals as stated in itinerary
• Entrance fees as stated in itinerary
• Fully trained and certified English, German and Afrikaans speaking guide.

Exclusive:
• Personal expenses
• Drinks and Tips
• International and National Flights
• Visas

2008 - Price per Person (15% VAT included) with an occupancy of:

Please take Note: the first pre-payment is only due 45 days before departure. Payments can all be deposited into a secure account in Germany.
Please find a forex calculator here