The Capital City of Windhoek - in Namibia, Africa - had long been regarded as the cleanest City in Africa. Residents represent almost the entire cross section of Namibian cultures and languages. Architecture, although no super high-rise buildings exist, represent very modern styles, interspersed with German-colonial buildings. Much of the history of Namibia is preserved, whether ancient or old, or relatively young. The City is situated within a conical valley, surrounded by the Auas Mountains in the south, the Eros Mountains to the north and the entire Khomas Hochland (central highlands) to the west. One does not have to travel far out of the City to reach the countryside - it's all around! That is what this tour is all about, exploring the heart of Namibia. With relatively short distances to travel (by Namibian standards), the scenery changes several times. From true African bush and savanna, to the Namib desert, the Kalahari desert, southern Damaraland and the Atlantic coastline (with part of the Skeleton Coast included). The tour will include a night in the City itself - the last night before departure.
Your Itinerary:
Days 1 - 2: Meet your host at Namibia's International airport and transfer to your first Kalahari desert venue. No specific activities arranged, in order for you to relax from the long flight and acclimatize to Namibia. However, should you feel up to it, the owners are willing to take you on a farm drive before dinner. Fill your second day with a guided mountain hike and a Kalahari nature drive - the order of which will best be decided by the owners.
Days 3 - 4: A relatively short drive today as you move further south in the Kalahari to a most remarkable venue. During this two-night stay, you will enjoy a Kalahari sundowners drive through the orange-red, linear sand dunes; join a guided hike and a Cheetah tour. In between, there is a hide from where the wildlife of the Kalahari can be viewed at a waterhole.
Day 5: As you cross over from the Kalahari desert in the east, to the Namib desert in the west, shorten the distance by stopping over at a guest farm near the edge of the escarpment formed by the Khomas Hochland (our central highlands).
Days 6 - 7: A wholesome breakfast, then travel towards the edge of the escarpment, to enter an entirely different landscape today. Pause a while to appreciate the endless vistas of the Namib desert at your feet. Descend into the Namib for a quick "pit-stop" to re-fuel at a small settlement before continuing to your Namib venue for the next 2 nights, where you will experience how absolute silence can ring in your ears! View the unfolding panorama which is the Namib; visit ancient sites, unique flora and magnificent sunsets. Join a scenic drive, or experience a short camel trail and/or guided walks, or join a 4X4 drive to view ancient cave paintings. Not to mention ten different, un-guided nature walking trails.
Days 8 - 9: Traverse the endless gravel plains of the central Namib towards the Namibian Atlantic coast and Namibia's premier holiday Riviera. If you are seafood lovers, Swakopmund is it! During your stay here you will experience the utter desolation of the Moon Landscape and stand in respect next to the oldest living plant specimens on earth - the Welwitschia mirabilis. You will be at own leisure to browse the German-colonial architecture; visit the many coffee bars and shops, or view the largest mineral crystal cluster ever unearthed to date. For the more energetic, you may decide to partake of a number of optional adrenalin activities on offer by private operators, but Not included in the safari price.
Days 10 - 11: After a leisurely breakfast, travel on a salt-surfaced road towards one of the larger Cape Fur Seal colonies along the Skeleton Coast. Enjoy lunch in a most peaceful setting, overlooking a small bay, before returning to the Interior via an old, restored mining town. Your lodging will be in comfortable, permanent tents with private open-air, en-suite facilities tonight - in the shadow of the highest mountain peak in Namibia, the Brandberg in Damaraland. A nature drive, or a guided walk at this venue, could prove extremely rewarding. Being on the banks of the Ugab River here, you are also on one of the known "highways" of the elusive Namibian desert Elephants. It is not uncommon for them to pass right through camp.
Day 12: Move further into the Interior on your return route to Windhoek. En-route to your next destination, visit a strange phenomenon for such an arid country as Namibia - a vineyard and winery. Join a vineyard and winery tour, ending in wine-tasting before a light lunch is served. Continue on the last, short drive of the day to arrive early enough for a little siesta after the wine tasting. End your day with a rewarding wildlife viewing drive.
Day 13: Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and you have to return to Windhoek today. But, instead of immediately transferring to the airport, you have the entire afternoon and evening at own leisure to get acquainted with our Capital city. Accommodation in a comfortable 3-star Hotel.
Day 14: Subject to flight departure time, you may have a leisurely and late breakfast, and most of the morning - or day - to browse the central business district and street markets of Windhoek. Transfer to Namibia's International airport to arrive in time for your departure flight.
Please Note: If a minimum number of guests are stated, we can unfortunately Not Respond to an inquiry for less than the required minimum.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices are only valid until 31 October 2008.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Namibia
Wildlife Viewing
Photography and Videography
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