The Greater Namibia Lodge Journey - 11 Days (code: ESN02)

Namibia is a photographers’ dream, providing one with numerous wonderful photographic opportunities and unforgettable experiences.
This safari encompasses wonderful game-viewing opportunities combined with a special Namibian experience.
A couple of nights are spent in Namibia's popular Namib Naukluft Park and in Etosha National Park. One famous for the highest red dunes in the world and one 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.

Day 01 and 02: (2 Nights) WINDHOEK – SOSSUSVLEI – NAMIB DESERT
Overnight in comfortable Sossusvlei Desert Camp or similar - Full board basis (drinks excluded at the bar)

The red dunes at the 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 at your arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will meet your safari guide and you will drive to the Namib Naukluft Park (approximately 4/5hours drive). You will spend the next two nights in the famous Sossusvlei/ Sesriem area, home to some of the highest sand-dunes in the world.

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.

A very early departure takes us to explore some of the highest sand dunes in the world at the famous Sossusvlei in time for sunrise. Morning spent exploring the area. Back to our Lodge for lunch. Afternoon spent visiting the Sesriem Canyon.

Optional activities balloon flights and scenic flights over Sossusvlei and Namib Desert.

Day 03: (1 Night) SWAKOPMUND
Overnight in chalet at 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 west towards the historic town of Swakopmund. We'll have lunch en route. Afternoon spent at leisure or exploring the town.
Swakopmund is a 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 harbor 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: (1 Night) DAMARALAND
Overnight in comfortable Lodge - Full board basis

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.
Leaving the coast our route takes us east passed Spitzkoppe towards Outjio in the Damaraland.

The name Damaraland is derived from the fact that the Damara people live in this area (they were relocated here as a result of the Odendaal Plan in the 1960's). The name Damaraland is still commonly used in tourism circles, although the entire region has now been renamed; the southern section now lies in the Erongo region while the north forms part of the Kunene region.

Day 05 & 06: (2 Night) WESTERN ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Overnight in Chalets inside the park - Full board basis

Our next two evenings will be spent in the western side of 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 11o’clock, after which you can relax until the late afternoon, when we shall depart once again on a game drive.

Day 07 & 08: (2 Night) EASTERN ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Overnight in comfortable Lodge - Full board basis

Today we leave the western side of the park and we head East. We will spend other two nights in this side of the Park.

Day 09 & 10: (2 Nights) OKANJIMA
Overnight in comfortable Okanjima Lodge - Full board basis

www.okonjima.com
Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation, is a non-profit organisation committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. A visit to Okonjima will give you a chance to witness some of AfriCat’s work. Activities include the “Cheetah Tracking Trail”, or a visit to our Cheetah Project. Leopard viewing from the safety of a hide or our game viewing vehicles. Birding, guided and self-guided trails. Okonjima also offer a BushmanTrail: Experience a day in the life of a Bushman. You get to learn about the art of making traditional artefacts and how the San adapt and survive in an unforgiving wilderness environment.

Day 11:
This morning we depart Okanjima and return to Windhoek in time to connect your international flight.

2011 Departure Dates