Nomtsas Tailor-made Tours

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Itinerary of the Variety Namibia 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 time 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 south opens the wide geological variety found in Namibia. Most of Namibia’s South is covered by enormous sandstone layers, ripped through by basaltic ridges, decorated by bulbous granite outcrops. Nomtsas, an old family farm of the Voigts family, German descendents in their fifth generation, reflects a typical Namibian cattle and game farm. You will find yourself being treated and entertained with true Namibian hospitality. Nomtsas boosts a private game area of over 20 000 ha. Idealism and a great love to Nature drove Heino Voigts to give back to nature what his forefathers took – space. We will do various game drives on the lookout for giraffe, various antelope, warthog and a great variety of semi-desert birdlife. Red sediment runs through vast stretches of barren land, sown together by linear oasis, ephemeral rivers, which provide food and shelter for game one would never expect to find here.

Exclusive: 2 Nights Nomtsas Guest farm
Standard: 2 Nights Nomtsas Guest farm
Tented Safari: 2 Nights Nomtsas Guest farm
Full board
Game drives included

Days 4, 5 and 6
A geological fault zone runs through the centre of Namibia, creating the Damara orogenic belt. The Naukluft Mountains, consisting of high folded and shifted dolomite, granite and various Tufa formations, are on our agenda today. We explore this interesting range on foot. While giving the impression of a harsh, dry and unfriendly environment, the Naukluft hides many idyllic spots to be discovered. The area is laden with birdlife and interesting plants.

Late afternoon: To find a vineyard in this dry land seems absolutely surreal, but at Neuras we are about to discover much more than good wine and warm hospitality. After a guided tour through this small but very special estate, we set out on a short hike to experience the remote untouched wilderness, along with some rare birds and plants found here. (We do not visit this farm on the camping safari).

After a very early rise we head for Sossusvlei, cradle of the highest dunes worldwide, a true must see for every traveller. As the sun appears from behind, the breathtaking beauty of red Dunes unfold before our eyes. The conglomerate of geology appears like a giant carving in sand, soil and rock, decorated by monstrous trees and desert adapted plant life. The Sossusvlei, being a pan, or depression at the dead end of the Tsauchab River, is considered a floral paradise surrounded by up to 300m high dunes. A walk through the numerous Vleis will give us a good idea of interesting adaptations all these organisms have developed to survive the dry circumstances of the Namib Desert. The spectacular view from above the dunes definitely makes the tiresome walk worthwhile. Not far of we hike through the deep and narrow Sesriem canyon, imagining years and years of continuous deposition and erosion. The area is a true eye-opener and most people long to see it again and capture maybe one more perfect shot of this desert so beautiful.

Note: Since we stay inside the Park in the Exclusive and Tented Safari Version, we are allowed to drive into the dunes about an hour before sunrise. This option is absolutely fantastic for photographers.

Exclusive: 1 Night Vineyard in the pro-Namib and 2 Nights Sossus Dunes Lodge
Standard: 2 Nights Vineyard in the pro-Namib and 1 Night Rostock Ritz Lodge
Tented Safari: 1 Night tented Camp in Naukluft National Park and 2 Nights in Namib National Park
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Days 7 and 8
On our way to the coast we head through deep canyons, the Kuiseb- and Gaub, walled by mica schist formations, cross 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 time 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 9
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 10 and 11
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.

On our agenda today: 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.

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.

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

Day 12 and 13
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 14, 15 and 16
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.

Note on accommodation: Although Okaukuejo / Halali have become extremely expensive and remain quite crowded; it still remains to be the most rewarding waterhole-experience in Namibia. In drier times of the year, great numbers of hook-lipped rhino frequent these waterholes.

Exclusive: 1 Night Etoscha National Park (Okaukuejo or Halali) – Double room with en suite bathroom
Accommodation and Breakfast (a la carte Dinner at Restaurant nearby, on own account) and
2 Nights Mushara Lodge
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast
Standard: 1 Night Etoscha National Park (Okaukuejo or Halali) – Double room with en suite Bathroom,
Accommodation and Breakfast (a la carte Dinner at Restaurant nearby, on own account) and
2 Nights Onguma Bushcamp
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast
Tented Safari: 1 Night Etoscha National park – Double room with en suite Bathroom
Accommodation and Breakfast (a la carte Dinner at Restaurant nearby, on own account) and
2 Nights Tented Camp at Onguma
Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast

Day 17
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.

Exclusive: The Africat foundation has done excellent work in protecting and doing research on African cats. In Okonjima guests are not only informed about African cats, but also get the chance to see them in their natural environment. Leopard sightings in the wild and a visit to the cheetah rehabilitation program are on the menu. Often the long wait at the night hide, with porcupine skidding around and the usual honey badger appearing on the scene, can be very rewarding.

Standard: The Waterberg Plateau Park, while being one of the smallest Parks in Namibia, is one of the most important conservation areas in this country. It was developed to protect endangered species, such as Roan, Sable and Tsessebe, African buffalo and both species of rhino. Since this area hosts five different habitat zones, it offers great hiking and birding opportunities. Although large game is rarely seen, the birding is excellent, this also being the only place within Namibia I have seen Meyers’ and Rüppell’s Parrot occurring next to each other.

Exclusive: 1 Night Okonjima Lodge
Full board with Activities
Standard: 1 Night Waterberg National park - Double room with en suite Bathroom
Accommodation and Breakfast (a la carte Dinner at Restaurant nearby, on own account)
Tented Safari: 1 Night Tented Camp am Waterberg National Park
Meals at Camp

Day 18
On our way we stop over at the large woodcarvers market in Okahandja and the African craft centre in Windhoek.

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. Time 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