Special
Biome of Namibia & Botswana - 14 Days (code: ESN01)
This
Safari encompasses two unique Countries in the same itinerary.
The Highlights of both Namibia and Botswana are visited
on this exciting Safari. Varied scenery and super Game Viewing
opportunities in the region is what makes this trip a spectacular
combination.
We visit the Famous Red Sand Dunes from the Namib Desert
dwarfing all in the vicinity, continuing North via Swakopmund
on the Skeleton Coast, onto Namibia's popular Etosha National
Park, famous for its unusual white Salt Pans which dominate
the centre of the park.
Hailed as one of Africa’s largest game parks, being
almost the size of Switzerland, this area is Namibia’s
premier game-viewing destination, covering thousands of
kilometers of dense bush and open plains where an incredible
diversity of game roam free, including lion, eland, elephant,
giraffe, rhino and ostrich.
Here one can enjoy many a relaxing sundowner, whilst observing
the large concentrations of game coming down to the floodlit
waterholes to quench their thirst.
Our safari now takes us Eastward through the Caprivi strip,
with our last night in Namibia spent on the banks of the
Kavango River in the vicinity of Rundu.
Leaving Namibia behind us, we will cross the border into
northern Botswana where we will enjoy the relaxing tranquility
and beauty of Shakawe, situated within the panhandle of
the Okavango Delta. This is a paradise for nature and bird-lovers
alike and will provide one with plenty of time for rest
and relaxation.
We incorporate a 3-night stay in Botswana’s Moremi
Wildlife Reserve, situated within one of the richest, most
diverse natural wildlife areas – namely the Okavango
Delta – the largest inland river delta in the world
– and Botswana’s prime game-viewing location.
Here
you will enjoy a true African bush experience, whilst camping
in pristine private campsites, surrounded by the sights
and sounds of the magical African bush.
Day 01 & 02: (2 Nights) WINDHOEK - SOSSUSVLEI
Overnight in Fixed Tented Accommodation - Full board basis
(drinks excluded at the bar)
(If
the group requires more than 4x paraplegic room we set-up
our en-suite Mobile Camp completely accessible)
The red dunes at Sossusvlei are some of the most impressive
natural treasures of Namibia. With a relative height of
about 375m above the Tsauchab River and a height difference
of about 225m to the neighbouring valleys these dunes are
amongst the highest in the world.
Below the present dune field lie the 30 million year-old
Tsondab Sandstones, which represent petrified dunes of an
ancient Namib. Thus at Sossusvlei a picture of a desert
is created, which lies on the petrified evidence of an even
older desert. Both deserts however are separated by a long
period of a more humid climate.
Upon your arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you
will be met by your safari guide from where we will commence
to the Namib Naukluft Park (approximately 4/5hours drive)
briefly passing through Namibia’s Capital Windhoek.
You
will spend the next two nights in the famous Sossusvlei/
Sesriem area, home to some of the highest sand-dunes in
the world.
An
early start on this second day will reveal the beauty of
this area as the light unfolds offering magnificent photographic
opportunities.
Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, is named after a 30m
deep canyon carved through layers of conglomerate by the
Tsauchab River. The name is translated as “six thongs”
– a reference to the fact that pioneer farmers had
to use six ox thongs to lower buckets to the pools in the
narrow canyon.
Optional
activities include balloon flights and scenic flights over
Sossusvlei and Namib Desert.
Day 03: (1 Nights) SWAKOPMUND
Overnight in a Local Guest House - Full board basis (drinks
excluded for dinner)
The coast with its desert hinterland offers many options,
both for adventure and for relaxation.
We leave the Namib Desert and travel Northwest towards the
historic town of Swakopmund. We'll have lunch en route.
Afternoon spent at leisure or exploring the town.
Swakopmund is popular amongst visitors because of its old-world
charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during the
period of German colonial rule, it served as the territory’s
main harbour for many years. Today this quaint desert town,
hedged by desert and sea, is enhanced by lush green lawns,
palm trees and carefully tended public gardens.
Day
04, 05 & 06: (3 Nights) ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Overnight in chalets - Full board basis
(If
the group requires more than 4x paraplegic room we set-up
our en-suite Mobile Camp completely accessible)
After having had a restful evening and a relaxing breakfast
at our guest house, we depart swakopmund, heading in a northerly
direction towards Etosha National Park.
Our next three evenings will be spent in Etosha National
Park. Our very basic routine will be to spend as much time
as is possible game viewing in this world-famous park. We
shall spend all morning out on a game-drive, returning for
brunch around 11am, after which you can relax until the
late afternoon, when we shall depart once again on a game
drive.
These camps have very special waterholes, which are lit
up at night so one can sit up as late as one wishes, viewing
the game coming down to quench their thirst. A very special
sighting is the Black Rhino, which often frequents these
water-holes. Etosha has a great variety of game, including
most of the larger predators. In these three days, we shall
explore this park in detail. We will overnight at 2 different
rest camps situated inside the Etosha National Park, maximising
game viewing opportunities.
Day 07: (1 Nights) CAPRIVI STRIP
Overnight in Fixed Tented Accommodation - Full board basis
(If
the group requires more than 4x paraplegic room we set-up
our en-suite Mobile Camp completely accessible)
Departing Etosha, we head once again Northwards, heading
into the famous Caprivi Strip, where we will spend one night.
Our drive on this day takes us through very scenic natural
bush areas, with the possibility of seeing game, as well
as some local inhabitants traditional homes.
We overnight on the banks of the Kavango river at a local
camp.
On
the second day we will embark in a full day trip Mahango
National Park.
The
Mahango Game Park borders on the perennial Okavango River.
Characterised by riverine forests, a broad flood plain,
magnificent baobabs and large herds of elephant and red
lechwe, the Mahango is one of Namibia's most diverse and
interesting conservation areas.
Day 08 & 09: (2 Nights) CAPRIVI STRIP
Overnight in Fixed Tented Accommodation - Full board basis
(If
the group requires more than 4x paraplegic room we set-up
our en-suite Mobile Camp completely accessible)
Today we can arrange a boat trips on the river, fishing
trips, birding trips, as well as short walks along the river.
Hippo and crocodiles are plentiful in this area, and a special
sighting would be the elusive Sitatunga Antelope. The majority
of our time here is spent relaxing in this paradise.
Day 10: (1 Night) MAUN
Overnight at Mobile en-suite safari tents - Full board basis
(If
the group requires more than 4x paraplegic room we set-up
our en-suite Mobile Camp completely accessible)
Today we return to Maun for one night in order to prepare
for the Okavango sector of our safari.
Optional activities include excursion to a nearby crocodile
farm and scenic flights over the Okavango Delta.
Day 11, 12 & 13: (3 Nights) OKAVANGO DELTA -
MOREMI AREA
Overnight in Mobile en-suite safari tents - Full board basis
After an early breakfast, we depart Maun for the well-known
Moremi Area, situated in the eastern part of the Okavango
Delta. This game reserve is ideally situated for a wildlife
sanctuary. It has no fences, which allows unobstructed seasonal
movement of game, hence making this a largely natural area.
This reserve is a paradise for birds, game and predators
alike. Moremi’s scenery alone is sufficient reason
to want to visit this Park. The varied vegetation found
here makes this area unique.
We will spend 3 nights in this incredible Game Reserve.
Our days consist of early morning and late afternoon game
drives, with a leisure period in camp during the heat of
the day. We will explore this side of the Moremi Reserve
in great detail, which is sure to provide many unforgettable
experiences.
Day 14:
This morning we depart Moremi and return to Maun. Picnic
lunch will be served en route. Upon arrival in Maun, you
will be transferred to the airport to connect with your
outbound flight to Johannesburg.
2011
Departure Dates
