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7 day Northern Adventure - Scheduled Camping Safari 2017-18

Okonjima Nature Reserve - Etosha National Park - Damaraland - Swakopmund

7 Days / 6 Nights

Reference: 7 day Northern Adventure - Scheduled Camping Safari 2017-18

Click here to view your Virtual Itinerary http://wetu.com/Itinerary/VI/8FD2CDE4-4BCA-1807-C0E4-6A6ECB4058B7

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Overview The Northern Adventure is your chance to view exquisite feline carnivores, the wild animals of Etosha in their

personal Eden, unique mountainous vistas and the elaborate carvings of Africa's eldest human inhabitants. Friday

departure and there is no single supplement, the price is virtually fully inclusive of everything you will need whilst

travelling with us. The style is limited participation, assisted camping and there is one accommodated night included

in the itinerary, (day 6). Collection time is between 08:30 & 09:00 from anywhere within the Windhoek city limits.

Highlights: Africat Foundation, Etosha National Park & Game Drives, Himba tribe, Twyfelfontein, Swakopmund,

This safari can also be combined with a 7 day Southern Swing itinerary to make an unforgettable 14 Day Namibian

Experience. To make a comprehensive 10 day adventure, combine this 7 day Northern Adventure with 3 days

Sossusvlei Link. Two of the world’s natural wonders, the Okavango Delta and the mighty Victoria Falls can also be

included by combining this trip with the 10 day Delta and Falls Safari.

The Northern Adventure is run as a camping tour however, for a supplement an upgrade can be made to turn this

into an accommodated option. Enquire upon booking as this is subject to availability.

Meals on upgraded portions will be as follows:

- Lunches and dinners are taken with the group at their respective campsite apart from at Okonjima,

Grootberg Lodge and Twyfelfontein where dinner will be taken at the lodge.

Transport is in a minibus or other suitable safari vehicle

The style of safari is limited participation, you will be asked to assist put up and take down your own tent, and

however there will be a camp assistant to complete all the other campsite chores. Your tour guide will do all the

shopping, cooking and day-to-day organization of the safari. Unless otherwise specified, all safaris will be conducted

in English

The tents are canvas dome type, which are easy to assemble and your mattresses are approximately 5 cm thick with

your own mattress cover, and everyone has a camp chair with a backrest. Clients are limited to one soft, barrel type

bag per person with maximum weight of 15kg, one medium sized hand luggage bag, one medium sized camera bag

and a sleeping bag. We suggest a sleeping bag range of “3–4 season” during winter months. Sleeping bags can be

hired by prior arrangement for a cost of N$70.00 per 7day trip.

All evening meals on camping safaris, (unless stipulated), are cooked on an open fire by your guide. Salads and fresh

vegetables will be served where possible, but please note in some areas this is not necessarily every day. Fresh fruit

will also be supplied when possible. Vegetarians can be catered for but please notify us prior to safari departure.

Destination Accommodation Nights

Okonjima Nature

Reserve

Omboroko Campsite 1

Etosha National Park Namutoni Campsite 1

Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Campsite 1

Damaraland Hoada Campsite 1

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Key services for meals

B – Breakfast; L- Lunch; D - Dinner

Price 2017-18 Rates (valid from1 April 2017 - 31 March 2018)

Camping price per person: N$14,450

Supplement for Accommodated Safari additional per person sharing (01/04/17- 30/06/17):

N$8,290

Single room supplement: N$2,190

Supplement for Accommodated Safari additional per person sharing (01/07/17-31/10/17):

N$8,980

Single room supplement: N$2,540

This safari is run by a local operator

Departure: Every other Friday

Min: 1 person Max: 14 people

2017 Departure Dates

1, 15 &29 Jan; 12 & 26 Feb; 11 & 25 March; 8 & 22 April; 6 & 20 May; 3 & 17 June;

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 July; 5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug; 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Sep; 7, 14, 21 & 28 Oct;

11 & 25 Nov; 9 & 23 Dec

2018 Departure Dates

6 & 20 Jan; 3 & 17 Feb; 3, 17 & 31 Mar

Included Safari vehicle; services of an English speaking guide and camp assistant; accommodation and camping as indicated;

meals as indicated; entry fees to parks (as per itinerary); pick up and drop off from accommodation in Windhoek;

tea/coffee in camp

Excluded Pre and post safari accommodation; airport transfers; flights; visas; travel insurance; items of a personal nature;

additional meals; snacks and drinks including bottled water; telephone calls and internet services; tips and gratuities;

lost luggage; activities; sleeping bags (can be hired).

Damaraland Madisa Campsite 1

Swakopmund Historic Swakopmund 1

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Day 1: Omboroko Campsite, Okonjima Nature Reserve

Notes

You will be collected between 08:30 & 09:00, we will travel north, stopping at small towns along the way including

Okahandja, where you have time to visit Namibia’s largest wood carving market. The market is operated on a local

co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs. Continuing north, passing

through farmland, and aim to arrive at Okonjima during the middle afternoon, giving you time to set up your camp

and to relax in the shade for a while before heading out on to the property to take part in the afternoon’s optional

activity. Okonjima is the home of the Africat Foundation, a specialist conservation concern that centres its

operations on the African Big Cats, particularly cheetah. On the optional activity you will be taken on a tour during

which you will be able to meet, close-up-and-personal, some of the cheetah that are going through the Africat

rehabilitation programme. Most of the animals currently living at Okonjima have been rescued from various

desperate situations, being orphaned or caught in a trap, and the aim of the rehabilitation process is to attempt to

re-introduce them into the wild, after your educational tour you will return to your camp and prepare for dinner

under the African stars. Approx 300km (LD)

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Halfway between Windhoek and Etosha lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 ha Nature

Reserve is surrounded by 96 km of fence and was finally completed in 2010. Okonjima is home to AFRICAT, a

Carnivore Conservation, which gives the captive carnivores a second chance to be released back into the wild and to

take the time it needs, to become a completely independent hunter - in a protected area right in the middle of

commercial farmland! Also in the Reserve is a 2000 ha 'safe' zone around Plains Camp, Bush Camp, Bush Suite, the

Omboroko Campsite as well as the PAWS Environmental Education Centre.

Overnight: Omboroko Campsite View iBrochure

Nestled among the Omboroko Mountains lies Okonjima, which means 'Place of the Baboons' in the native Herero

tongue. The Omboroko Campsite has 4 private campsites, all sharing one secluded swimming-pool, 2 open-air

showers with hot water, 2 flush toilets, washing-up area, sundowner view point, fire wood and electricity.

Activities offered on Okonjima range from Tracking Leopards from a game-view vehicle; Tracking rehabilitated

Cheetah on foot; Tracking rehabilitated Spotted Hyena on foot; Tracking rehabilitated Wild Dog on foot , Guided

walking / Bushman trail as well as a visit to Africat’s Carnivore Care and Information Centre. Not only is Okonjima a

luxury lodge, but it is also home to The Africat Foundation, a non-profit organisation, committed to long-term

conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, especially cheetahs, leopards and lions. A visit to Okonjima will give you

an opportunity to witness some of Africat's work.

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Included

Lunch/Dinner

Day 2: Namutoni Campsite, Etosha National Park

Day Notes

An early start and continuing north we pass through some small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and

fuel. Continuing on to Namutoni, situated in east Etosha, we aim to arrive in time for lunch, giving us time to relax

before heading into the park during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive. Approx: 300km (BLD)

Etosha National Park

The Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier game viewing experience, situated in the north of Namibia and in the

heart of the park is Etosha Pan - a chalky, white depression covering an area of 5000sq kilometres. Vegetation ranges

from dense bush to open plains attracting a diversity of wildlife including one of the largest growing populations of

black rhino in the world. Look out for endangered species including cheetah and lesser-known black-faced impala,

along with herds of elephants, lion, hyena and leopard. Antelope species range from kudu, oryx, wildebeest and

springbok - in fact there's 114 species of mammals, along with around 340 species of birds. Dry season guarantees

sightings at waterholes and the main rest camps have floodlit waterholes to ensure endless viewing. Within the park

are several public rest camps catering for budget to mid-range level of accommodation. There are several smaller

establishments on the outskirts of the park on private land offering a more intimate and comprehensive experience.

All of these establishments offer excellent value for money.

Overnight: Namutoni Campsite

Built into an old German Fort Namutoni Campsite has a unique atmosphere. Within the fort you will find ample

facilities. From the walls of the fort you can enjoy an elevated view of the King Nehale Waterhole allowing for great

game viewing without leaving the camp. The walls of the fort are also and excellent spot for sundowners. There is

hardly a better way to end a day in the bush and Namibia than to marvel at the colours of the setting sun.

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The Camp is situated in the eastern part of Etosha National Park and is accessible via the Von Lindequist Gate. Its

close proximity to Fisher’s Pan makes Namutoni a hotspot for birders. Two restaurants, a craft shop, a pool and a

viewing deck overlooking King Nehale Waterhole make the fort a great place to relax at lunchtime or after evening

game drives. The African Fusion restaurant will introduce you to local flavours, while The Steakhouse offers popular

western dishes. A small shop, curio shop and petrol station allow you to stock up on everything that is necessary and

nice. The camping area has generously spaced sites with plug point and communal ablution facilities on either side of

the campsite.

Included

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 3: Okaukuejo Campsite, Etosha National Park

Day Notes

Today is a full day's game drive, again we leave early to enjoy the cool morning air as we game drive our way

through Etosha to Halali, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way we visit several waterholes and are

afforded splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan, the game viewing is usually excellent and we have the chance to

tick off a few new species that are not normally seen on the Namutoni side of the park. We stop at Halali for a rest

and a leisurely lunch, there is also time to visit the waterhole and to make use of the swimming pool and bar

facilities before continuing on our way and game driving down to Okaukuejo, Etosha's main rest camp and resort

where we will check in and set up camp. Originally the site of a German fort built in 1901, Okaukuejo now houses the

Etosha Ecological Institute, founded in 1974; the round watchtower is a remnant of the fort. After your evening meal

there are still more chances to see Etosha's big game at a floodlit waterhole, situated on the boundary of our camp

and easily reachable within a minute or two on foot, the waterhole has been described as one of the "best game

viewing opportunities in Southern Africa" and the ideal venue to witness peculiar animal politics. Black rhino, Africa's

tallest elephants, lion and numerous species of antelope are regular visitors during the cool, dry season. (BLD)

Overnight: Okaukuejo Campsite

Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, Anderson Gate. Okaukuejo is the oldest tourist

camp in Etosha and it also functions as the administrative centre of the park. Okaukuejo is also home to the Etosha

Ecological Institute. It is situated at the western end of the Etosha Pan. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop,

swimming pool, kiosk and camp sites.

The main attraction of this camp is that it overlooks a permanent waterhole which is floodlit at night. Here a wide

diversity of wildlife congregate and interact from lion to rhino to elephant and antelope. The spectacle starts at

dawn, with animals coming in large numbers to quench their thirst. The activity continues throughout the day until

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late at night. In the early evenings, it is not uncommon to have black rhino, elephant and lion all drinking at the same

time.

Included

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4: Hoada Campsite, Damaraland

Notes

Leaving Etosha we begin our journey south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab, the Hoada

Community Campsite is located among beautiful granite hills and mopane trees. To add an eco-friendly touch, the

hot water system works in combination with the barbecue area, therefore whilst our meal is being prepared, and

shower water warmed up.

Within this area we have the opportunity of visiting a Himba Village - the only traditionally functioning Himba

community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and

customs intact, and are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm, the exact location of the site

varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location. We will learn about marriage customs, traditional food and

the mysteries of the “Holy Fire” religion. Approx. 310km (BLD)

Damaraland

Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and

spectacular rock formations. Some regard the highlight of the region as Twyfelfontein - Namibia's first World

Heritage Site and one of the largest collections of rock etchings in Africa. Brandberg, the Erongo Mountains and

Spitzkoppe all offer incredible rock formations as well as rock paintings. Engage with local communities around the

area including the Damara people and perhaps visit Damara Living Museum located close to Twyfelfontein

Ultimately, this area is also home to free-roaming desert elephant, black rhino and desert-adapted lion (along with a

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number of other species including giraffe, mountain zebra etc), and some lodges offer superb activities enabling

visitors to track these incredible animals

Overnight: Hoada Campsite

Included

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 5: Madisa Campsite, Damaraland

Day Notes

Today we head into one of the most beautiful desert regions in Namibia, Damaraland, we drive south to the capital

of this region, the small town of Khorixas, and then take a detour to the west to visit the ancient Bushman rock

engravings at Twyfelfontein. At this location we will have a local guide to conduct us on a short tour before we set

up camp for the night. Distance: Approx. 190km. (BLD)

Damaraland

Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and

spectacular rock formations.

Some regard the highlight of the region as Twyfelfontein - Namibia's first World Heritage Site and one of the largest

collections of rock etchings in Africa.

Brandberg, the Erongo Mountains and Spitzkoppe all offer incredible rock formations as well as rock paintings.

Engage with local communities around the area including the Damara people and perhaps visit Damara Living

Museum located close to Twyfelfontein

Ultimately, this area is also home to free-roaming desert elephant, black rhino and desert-adapted lion (along with a

number of other species including giraffe, mountain zebra etc), and some lodges offer superb activities enabling

visitors to track these incredible animals

Overnight: Madisa Campsite

Madisa is centrally located close to Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest and Brandberg, between the Ugab and Huab

Rivers. The campsite offers exclusive camping facilities, for individuals, groups and consist 10 private shaded sites

each with running water, wash up facility and braai area along with a view of the river bed and rock formations.

Ablutions are set on stilts and include donkey powered hot water system. There is also a swimming pool, bar and

from this base you can explore Twyfelfontein

Included

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

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Day 6: Historic Swakopmund, Swakopmund

Notes

From here we head deeper into the desert and pass Namibia’s highest mountain; The Brandberg (2573 m) and more

of Damaraland beautiful scenery. We make a stop at the small town of Uis, an old mining town, and one of the best

places to buy semi-precious stones, for which Namibia is famous, here, rough Amethyst, Tourmaline etc. can be

found at bargain prices. From here we turn directly west and cross the gravel plains on our way to the Atlantic Ocean

and the Skeleton Coast, meeting the ocean at Henties Bay, we first head north along the coast to visit the seal colony

at Cape Cross, at certain times of the year as many as 100,000 Cape Fur seals congregate. The next destination is

Swakopmund, following the Skeleton Coast into Namibia's premier seaside town; we aim to arrive in the late

afternoon giving us time to explore the town on foot before sunset. Tonight we take the chance to sample one of

the excellent restaurants - the seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organise a group meal in a

local restaurant for this evening, participation is recommended but by no means required. Dinner is for the client’s

own account. Approx 420km (BL)

Swakopmund & Coastal Strip

Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more

German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has

plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool

sea breeze make it very popular and has a wide range of accommodation establishments, banks, restaurants/cafes

and shops. Along this stretch of coastline (Walvis Bay and Swakopmund) you can take part in a selection of activities

sating the thirst of those seeking adrenaline adventures - sky diving, quad biking and sand boarding or for the more

leisurely a range of marine activities including kayaking and cruises. The coastal desert can also be explored with

trips to Sandwich Harbour, or informative desert tours... There is a long list so just ask us! Walvis Bay is Namibia's

major harbour town and the lagoon has prolific bird life including flamingos, pelicans as well as the breeding area for

the endemic Damara tern - any bird enthusiast should make a stop here. Further north along this coastline - part of

the Skeleton Coast, you'll find shipwrecks and the famous Cape Cross seal colony - one of the largest fur seal colonies

in the area.

Overnight: Historic Swakopmund

In the late nineteenth century, a small group of hardy settlers arrived on the Atlantic shore of the Namib Desert.

They brought a piece of Germany with them. Today, this facet of history survives in the town's colonial architecture,

while details of its social and natural history are captured in exhibits at the Swakopmund Museum.

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Included

Breakfast/Lunch

Day 7: Departure

Day Notes

The drive back to Windhoek today will take about 4 and half hours, we will only depart around lunch time, giving us

time to spend the morning relaxing in Swakopmund. It has many superb shops, a good stretch of beach (although

the Atlantic here is quite cold) and an open-air curio market, there is also a very good museum and the Namibian

National Marine Aquarium is located here. Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be arranged,

these include aeroplane and micro light flights over the desert, scenic drives, fishing trips (both from the beach or in

a boat), four-wheel motorcycle (quad bike) trips into the desert and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sand

boarding trips (also in the dunes), skydiving, surfing, bird-watching and many other activities are available. Your tour

guide will discuss all the possible options with you before you reach Swakopmund and will offer to make bookings in

advance of your arrival. (NB: All extra activities and excursions in Swakopmund are subject to availability and are

made at the client’s own risk and expense). This is the last day of our trip and after lunch we will transfer back to the

capital city where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Approx 350km (BL)

Additional information

Travel: Namibia is an incredible country to visit but please remember that we are in Africa and that not all standards

are the same as you would get in Europe or other first world countries. To the majority of our clients, that is part of

the appeal of travelling to destinations such as ours. If you are not comfortable with new challenges then you may

wish to consider other companies or destinations. Please also note that due to the location of destinations, long days

are inevitable and you will travel on gravel roads and dust tends to get everywhere so it’s worth ensuring you

protect your equipment

Visas: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for clients prior to departure. Please ensure that your

passport is valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date country of travel. If this is not the case,

there is a danger of being turned away by the Immigration Service on arrival at the airport – assuming your airline

has agreed to bring you and risk a fine in the first place. The Company cannot be held liable for any necessary visas

or other travel documents not held by the clients. Please also note that if your passport requires a visa for the

countries you visit and multiple entries if necessary, you will need to carry your passport with you during the trip

Weather: Please note that in winter evenings and nights in particular can be very cold we recommend layered

clothing – day time temps can be 25°C so t-shirts and shorts is great for then but thermals are very useful for

evenings/night. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C but also bring our rainy season so a lightweight rain jacket is

handy, as with most places layering is the most recommended way of clothing – please ensure you pack your clothes

in plastic bags and ensure cameras/electrical equipment is suitably protected

Climate: The African sun is very strong. Please use a factor 30 sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3

litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. It can also get very cold during winter months on this route

Money: The Namibian dollar is tied permanently against the South African rand on a 1/1 basis so you are able to

check the current exchange rate against your local currency but please note that Namibian dollars are not regarded

as an international currency and cannot be purchased outside of the country, therefore if bringing money into the

country then you’ll receive SA rand. Both Namibian dollars and South African rand are legal currencies in Namibia.

Generally, credit card facilities are accepted in the lodges and ATM’s are available in towns, however, we

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recommend you carry some cash with you in case a machine is out of order. Travellers’ cheques can only be

exchanged in major towns and it is often a time consuming and costly process so we do not recommend carrying

them with you. We recommend you bring South African rand with you or exchange at the airports prior to landing in

Windhoek to avoid any unnecessary delays upon arrival or needing to carry large sums of money and passports

around the city. It is customary to tip in Namibia, usually, around 10% at restaurants. Your guide can be tipped at

your discretion if you feel he/she has done a superb job – we recommend N$40-50/person/day

Safety: As with every destination safety tips needs to be adhered to; we strongly recommend you use a safe in a

hotel/lodge or lock up your valuables when you are not in the room; when in a vehicle do not leave valuables on

display but tucked away and out of sight. It is also better to have copies of passports, money; cards etc split

between travellers so if anything unexpected happens and a bag is lost or stolen then other funds/cards are

available, you may also wish to consider using a money belt/neck wallet. We suggest you leave valuable jewellery at

home – you won’t need it while travelling. A padlock for your luggage is also recommended

Insurance: It is essential that you purchase comprehensive personal travel insurance before you embark on your holiday, medical insurance is insufficient. Travel insurance is for your own protection and should include evacuation; we also recommend full cover for baggage loss etc and consider it to be an essential part of modern international travel. We recommend www.worldnomads.com as an insurance option.

If you have credit card insurance – please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. If you are uncertain whether this is enough please contact us when you book to ensure you have adequate cover.

Health: Namibia is a low risk malarial destination but we recommend that seek professional medical advice to enable you to make decisions on personal malaria protection. Note that Etosha is considered a malaria region (low risk) particularly during rainy season. No vaccinations are required by law for the countries being visited on this tour though we recommend you are current with TB, tetanus, polio etc.

Water: All tap water in Namibia has been purified or comes directly from boreholes and is safe to drink. Tap water is generally safe to drink but bottled mineral water is easily available at shops and rest camps should you prefer to drink this, and is also provided at lodges.

Electrical: Plugs are 220V and are 3 pin (round pin as opposed to square pin). Adaptors can be purchased in

Windhoek; they are the same as South Africa if you are shopping in your home country or at airport. It is possible to

re-charge batteries at lodges but clients must be responsible for security of their possessions and Chameleon cannot

be held responsible for clients’ personal possessions. Wi-Fi is available at most lodges though they may charge and

only be in central areas, or be slow! It may not be available at campsites

Booking & payment: When you have decided on a trip a booking form will need to be completed, signed and

returned to us and we will enquire regarding availability and advise you. Once we have taken deposit, a confirmation

is sent to you, advising you of the services agreed and booked. Payment is due approximately 6 weeks (sometimes 8

weeks depending on the supplier) prior to departure. Exchange 4 free, bank transfers and MasterCard/Visa are all

accepted forms of payment but please ensure there are sufficient funds and your bank is aware of the transaction

about to take place (if you are paying via credit card), in this day and age many banks will withhold money as a

safeguard against fraud and this delay can be critical particularly if you are booking at short notice. Please also allow

for payment to process and if paying via bank transfer to include all bank fees, note we are unable to confirm

bookings/trip until funds have cleared into our account, any delay may see a cancellation in your trip and booking

released.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation: If you require accommodation before or after your tour we can arrange this for you

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Once you have booked your safari pre-departure information and a safari confirmation will be sent to you. The pre-

departure information will assist you with what to bring, weather conditions and most other common questions we

get asked.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tel: ++ 264 61 309387 Fax: ++ 264 61 220885

Email – info@chameleonholidays.com Web - www.chameleonholidays.com

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