An example of what can be done in Namibia on an independent, self drive safari.
This adventure safari is available at the current published prices from November 2007 until October 2008. An adventure safari that includes many of the highlights of Namibia, yet keeps off the beaten track, on an independent travel option - self drive, camping! Experience our wide open spaces and unpolluted skies on an adventure of a lifetime. Enjoy the many faces of Namibia on one visit. An adventure truly filled with wildlife viewing in a variety of environments, from the African savanna, the ruggedness of the Damaraland Wilderness area to the Etosha National Park; visits to the Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei and the diamond-era ghost town of Kolmanskop! Compare dunes of the Namib with those of the Kalahari desert.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet the representative of your car hire company at Namibia’s International airport and transfer to your first campsite in on the outskirts of Windhoek to relax from the long flight and acclimatize to Namibia.
Days 2 - 3: Refreshed, breakfasted, and ready to go, travel due south (mostly surfaced road, to set your mind at ease on a first day's travel). Arrive at a Namib desert camping site where you will arrive in time to freshen up and still have time to view the setting sun across the vast open plains.
Day 4: A relatively long haul again today as you set off towards the fairytale town of Lüderitz - one of the "ports" of Africa where Bartholomew Diaz planted a Padrao - a wooden cross - little knowing what a diamond-rush boom town it would become one day.
Day 5: Today you might wish to visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop, offering a view of just how active this area used to be, and how little time the desert needs to encroach on human habitation. Continue towards the official home and research center of the Feral horses of the Namib.
Day 6: After breakfast, move on towards Namibia's majestic Fish River Canyon for a first view of this ancient canyon's "layer cake of the ages" at sunset.
Day 7: For those who wish, a sunrise view over the canyon is possible before departing from the southern regions of Namibia and the Namib desert in the west, and cross over to the Kalahari desert in the east. Your next destination, another ancient site, this time fossil proof of just how long life has been existing on earth, including a "forest" of over 5000 Quiver trees.
Days 8 - 9: As your safari moves further north into the central Kalahari, expect your first encounter with the linear, orange-red sand dunes of this desert. (Many activities on offer here, from a sundowners drive; a visit to the cheetahs; a scenic drive or a guided walk).
Day 10: Once again, cross over to the Namib, but the dune fields and central Namib this time. A night-stop on the Khomas Hochland, will shorten the distance.
Day 11: Breakfast should prepare you for the edge of the escarpment. Pause a while to appreciate the panoramic vistas at your feet. Descend into the Namib to arrive at your Namib campsite near the Sesriem Gorge and the sand dunes of Sossusvlei. An early night's sleep is advisable.
Day 12: Wake up before sunrise to drive out to some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. Arrive in time to climb these dunes and experience the changing colors of the landscape. Return to the campsite for a quick stop to break camp, before continuing towards a Namib desert guest farm for your next stop.
Days 13 - 14: Traverse the endless gravel plains of the central Namib today towards the Atlantic coast of Namibia. If you are seafood lovers - Swakopmund is it! Here you may re-stock; browse the German-colonial architecture; visit shops, stores and coffee bars; laze on the beach (weather permitting), or arrange for any of a number of adrenaline activities on offer by private operators.
Day 15: An early start today, to drive on a salt-surfaced road along the coast to one of the larger Cape Fur Seal colonies along the Skeleton Coast (should you so wish). Return to the Interior via an old, restored mining town - the non-official gateway to the wilderness area of Damaraland. Tonight you will camp in the shadow of the highest mountain peak in Namibia - the Brandberg - a rest camp often frequented by the elusive desert Elephants.
Days 16 - 17: Traveling through Landscapes of the Soul, move deeper into Damaraland where the owners of this camping site again have a wide variety of activities on offer to acquaint yourself with this pristine wilderness.
Days 18 - 19: Depart from Damaraland today - albeit reluctantly - to travel towards the Etosha National Park. Accommodation will be at a rest camp about 8 km from the Park entrance. Daily visits and wildlife viewing drives could be the order of the day. With its sparse vegetation and wide open savannas, Etosha promises some excellent wildlife viewing and photographing opportunities.
Day 20: Unfortunately, even safaris that initially seem somewhat longer than usual, and enjoyed at own pace, must also come to an end. Today you have to return to Windhoek and the camping site where you started off this safari. Make sure to get a final view of our sunset on this, your last night in Namibia, Africa.
Day 21: Subject to flight departure time, you may have all morning for some last minute shopping or simply exploring the central business district of Windhoek. Transfer to Namibia's International airport to arrive in time for your departure flight, will be coordinated with your car rental representative.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Merely an example, but can be booked at the current price, valid until 31 October 2008. Price includes advance reservations and payment at all camping sites, plus fully equipped 4X4 vehicle hire. ("Fully equipped" with camping gear required).
* Prices Excludes:
- Fuel and oil;
- Meals;
- Entrance and permit fees, and any activities.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Namibia
Camping
Wildlife Viewing
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