Arrive at Mokuti Lodge Airstrip. (OR WINDHOEK). Drive to the Ongava Lodge (OR SIMILAR!!) for a relaxing afternoon. Ongava Lodge is situated on the 30 000
hectare Ongava Private Game Reserve and shares a common border
with Etosha National Park on its southern boundary. The lodge
offers the full Etosha experience but at the same time offers
great A level of luxury found in first class hotels compliments the friendly, sociable atmosphere at Ongava. The chalets, lodge and public areas are all decorated to the highest standards using indigenous furniture, materials and colours. Interiors combine a feeling of spaciousness, tranquility and exclusivity with a native African feel. However, genuine luxury has not been achieved at the expense of the environment. The hilltop site has been specially built around the eye-catching rock formations and trees, giving it a quite unique character. Nestling on the hillside the Lodge and Chalets enjoy panoramic views. Accommodation offered is in 10 chalets
attractively built out of rock and thatch. All your comforts are
taken care of. Each chalet has en-suite bathroom Lodge facilities include air conditioning. mini bar, private sun deck as well as a luxury swimming pool. Exclusive dining, lounge and bar area. Overnight at Ongava Lodge, enjoy fine dining, an introduction to the escarpment and a night drive on the private game reserve.
An early start after breakfast. Embark on a journey through Etosha National Park, entering at Anderson’s Gate and exiting at West Gate. This entire route is in itself a game drive - allowing an opportunity to spot some of the many animals the Park boasts. The entire western region of Etosha is for the enjoyment of selected tour operators only. A picnic lunch will be prepared and enjoyed in the Park. On exiting Etosha, we take a challenging drive through the wilderness towards the Kaokoland Region and the town of Sesfontein. Two nights at Fort
Sesfontein. (OR SIMILAR!!) In 1896 the government of the former German
South-West Africa built the Fort of Sesfontein as a control point
for keeping cattle disease, arms smuggling and illegal hunting of
big animals in check. Use of building materials characteristic of the region, such as clay walls, stone floors and reed linings convey a very special and original atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the modern facilities prevalent in the bathrooms, warm water from solar cells, mosquito net on the four-poster beds and fitted ceiling fans. The former officers mess has been refurbished as a restaurant with integrated lounge and bar including a swimming pool. After the adventures of the day and the culinary delights of the evening, the guest will enjoy a relaxing night below the Southern Cross and a star-studded sky.
Depart after breakfast for further exploration of the area.Sesfontein is the southern gateway to Kaokoland, an area of some 5OOOO km2 between Hoanib and Kunene. Untouched landscape structures, such as sandy desert and interesting rock formations, vegetation and wild animals - elephant, giraffe, zebra, Oryx, ostrich, kudu, springbok and occasional lion - can be discovered in their natural habitat beyond the reaches of civilisation.
A guided 4x4 trip through thick sand in search of the desert elephant is nearly always rewarding (bring plenty of film), as is the opportunity to see the Overhimba in their natural environment. The Himba are a nomadic tribe with a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. They can be seen wandering with their herds of goats and cattle from watering hole to watering hole. Clad only with a loincloth the Himbas paint their body with an ochre-red pigment, which protects them from the sun and enhances their beauty.
Not far from the lodge is Warmquelle, and the Ongongo Springs where sparkling clear water rushes out of the burnt rocky ground, and you can swim under a waterfall, in a cave with terrapins! A picnic lunch will be prepared and enjoyed
en route.
Between the Ugab and Huab Rivers in Damaraland lies a vast and unspoilt wilderness. This area boasts magnificent desert scenery, fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It's also the roaming ground for the only unsupported population of black rhino in the world. It is here that we find the Twyfelfontein
Conservancy and rock-engraving site. We visit this truly unique
and prolific concentration of ancient San/bushman work in the
scree boulders overlooking a trio of waterholes.
Even in the heart of this desert, no efforts were spared to ensure luxury, adventure and relaxation for the visitor... There are plenty of ways to relax at Mowani. Discover the pool deck, lodged between the boulders where you can soak up the sun whilst enjoying a refreshing drink, admiring the breathtaking views from you pool lounge. The Boma of Mowani is the ideal setting to reminisce over the day’s excursions, and plan the next day’s exciting events, whilst sitting around the warmth of the fire. Your room at Mowani will be another great source of relaxation. All the rooms are extremely private, while still offering an open view of the wonderful landscape. Overnight in the luxury of this Lodge with an opportunity to enjoy a typical Namibian sunset.
We depart the luxury of Mowani Mountain Lodge for a busy day of
the tour with much to see. Occasionally the remains of modern man’s
futile yet brave efforts to survive here can be seen. The region is graced with some of the most
stunning landscapes imaginable, harsh and vast, with fascinating
geological features like the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. Visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve situated
north of Henties Bay. One of the world’s largest seal breeding
colonies, Cape Cross provides a spectacle of writhing, basking,
playing, swimming mammalian life on an impressive scale. Here the
Cape Fur seals flourish in the cold waters of the Benguela
Current. Along the coast are numerous islets and isolated parts of
the shore that they use as nurseries for their young.
The Hansa Hotel
- nestling in the very centre of the charming little town of
Swakopmund, wrapped in the shape of a timelessly classical
building dating from 1905, an integral part of Swakopmund
architectural heritage, offers you a feeling of being enveloped in
a luxurious and sophisticated hospitality with a satisfying blend
of both classic atmosphere and truly elegant interior, matched
with friendly and personalized service. Steeped in history this
luxury establishment offers every modern amenity the discerning
traveller could wish for. Being centrally situated, the Hotel becomes a gateway to all tourist amenities, which Swakopmund has to offer. A five-minute stroll away from the beach, it is also within easy reach of sporting facilities like golf, tennis, horse and camel riding as well as the natural attractions of its dramatic desert environment. Surrounded by curio shops, first class jewelers, local tour operators and aviation safari offices, the new look Hansa Hotel is unbeatable. Dinner and overnight at the Hansa Hotel - and an introduction to the architectural richness of Swakopmund. NOTE: Whilst in Swakopmund, remember to buy any camera film or toiletries that you may need for the remainder of your trip.
Your morning will start with the group option of one of the
following:
From here we head to the renowned Namib Rand Nature Reserve region. Exploring these areas : The Namib-Rand Nature Reserve is not only the
largest nature conservation area in Namibia, but it is rated as
the fourth largest in the world, as well as being the most
unusual. Landscapes range from an impressive mountain massif to
desert plains and high dunes, from deep gorges to an estuarine
lagoon. The Naukluft area includes the mountainous
escarpment as well as the edge of the Namib Desert. It is a
sanctuary for mountain zebra and other species of game.
Overnight at the Wolvedans Dunes Lodge (OR
SIMILAR!!) for two nights. Nestled amidst the dunes in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve, and set against a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, Wolwedans provides the perfect base from which to explore vast stretches of awe-inspiring nature. Across this diverse canvas of contrasting landscapes traverse an exciting variety of large and small desert creatures - as wild and ancient as their habitat. It is here, in this land of stretching blue skies, endless plains and countless creatures enacting nature's savagely exciting passion play, that you will find beauty feeding your soul, tranquility to clear your mind and space for your imagination to fly. Visit once, and you will long to return - that is a promise. The NamibRand Nature Reserve originated as a dream of extending the desert frontiers by integrating a large number of former sheep farms and developing a sanctuary free of fences, so that once again the wildlife could roam their habitat unhindered. Inviting nature lovers from all over the world to share in this dream has always been one of our objectives, and today NamibRand is synonymous with some of Namibia's - if not Africa's - most breathtaking locations. The golden colors of the Namib dunes contrast starkly with the-blue skies and the dunes rise majestically from the grasslands of Western Namibia. The sheer size of this area boasts a vast diversity of landforms, ranging from dune seas to open plains, gorges and high cliffs. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will be introduced to the many facets of this unique desert habitat with its manifold fauna and flora. Options are walking along trails, or a flight in a hot air balloon, game drives and climbing sand dunes.
Accompanied by experienced guides, you will
be introduced to the many facets of the NamibRand Nature Reserve's
desert habitat with its diverse fauna and flora. The interpretive
scenic drives in open Landrovers and / or walks with resident
field-guides will reveal the wonders of the desert.
Awake before dawn to watch the sun rise above the sand dunes, followed by an early departure and a quick drive through to Windhoek airport. Assistance with luggage as you prepare for your international flight home. There may be variations in activities and accommodation due to availability and weather conditions. OPTIONAL
ADD-ON EXCURSIONS: TOUR
PROFILE: INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
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Roger
Jorgensen:
accommodation and service, as well as the opportunity to do night
drives and nature walks on the reserve which are not allowed
within Etosha National Park.
with a bath and shower. The main lounge, pub and dining area are
under thatch and situated close to the top of a hill with
wonderful views across the plains below. There is a pool as well.
Depart
Fort Sesfontein heading south towards Damaraland. Covering a
distance of no more than 200km, this short transfer will take you
through some of the toughest terrain imaginable. Blistering heat,
baking red boulders, sharp splintered rocks and little or no
vegetation will intensify the experience.
Head
towards Mowani Mountain Camp (OR SIMILAR!!) where we will
overnight.
The
luxury-tented accommodation is built unobtrusively, so as to
ensure minimum impact on the natural environment. The stilt-like
supports of the tents ensure that very little excavation was
needed in order to create this special oasis. Much care has been
taken with the design of the public areas, creating the impression
of an African Village, with dome-like thatched structures that
blend in with the imposing boulders that are scattered around the
outcrops.
We drive along the
Skeleton Coast - a strange landscape of fog-bound coast, gravel
plains and mirages. Its singular, eerie atmosphere is compounded
by shipwrecks and abandoned mines. Its relentlessly stark beauty
is highlighted by unexpected waterholes where a surprising number
and variety of hardy desert animals gather. Gigantic Atlantic
swells roll in and pound the barren dunes in a continuous dramatic
natural confrontation.
A full day to explore
the area with the specialist Wolvedans guides.
Namibian
Itinerary