15 day camping self drive

Self Drive TourNamibia

ITINERARY

Day 01Arrival: Hosea Kutako International AirportProtea Hotel FürstenhofBreakfast includedUpon arrival at the International Airport, you will be assisted with the collection of your rental vehicle,and travel to your overnight hotel in the city.

An African capital with a difference; dubbed as the 'Cleanest City in Africa', Windhoek is the CapitalCity of the Republic of Namibia, a country described as one of Africa's most vibrant and successfulsovereign states.

Situated in the country’s central Khomas Region, Windhoek is nestled in a basin surrounded by scenicmountains in the central highlands of Namibia; Windhoek can be better described as a 'Working City'.It is a thriving active, administrative, commercial and industrial centre, serving as the melting pot andhub of most economic and technological developments and activities in the country.

Whether enjoying the continental flair of Independence Avenue; browsing through the numerousshops; exploring the historical buildings or searching the markets for that special Namibian memento


ITINERARY






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– we know that you will enjoy the harmonious blend of African and European cultures and traditionsthat make our capital city.

History:Around 1840, Windhoek became the headquarters of the Nama-Oorlam Group under Jonker Afrikanerin central Namibia. The name Windhoek dates back to 1844, when it was used in a letter written byJonker Afrikaner, it is thought that in a moment of nostalgia, he named the place Winterhoek afterthe farm in the Cape where he was born. German colonial administration was established in 1890when Major Curt von Francois established a military post in Windhoek. During this administration thetown was known as Windhuk, which later became Windhoek.

Day 02KalahariKalahari Anib CampsiteCampsite OnlyTravelling south through the small town of Rehoboth to the Kalahari.

Spending the night under the southern night sky, out at the back of beyond in the African tree andshrub savannah of the Kalahari – this experience is offered by the Kalahari Anib Campsite. There areseveral dozen metres between the three sites, and each of them will be allocated to only one party(max. 4 persons) at a time. Each of the sites is equipped with toilet, shower, basin and barbecue areaas well as a shade roof and power point. Camping guests are welcome to use the swimming pool atKalahari Anib Lodge (a 5 minutes' walk) and to visit the restaurant and bar.

Day 03 & 04Fish River CanyonCanyon Roadhouse CampsiteUnder tall shady trees on the bank of a dry riverbed nature lovers find attractive and well-shieldedcamping sites (distance to the Fish River Canyon: about 24 km). Toilets and bathroom facilities arebuilt from the area's natural stones. The flat hillock behind the camping site affords grand vistas ofthe scenery and lends itself as just the spot for sundowners. Camping guests are welcome to use theswimming pool at Cañon Roadhouse (a 2 minutes' walk) as well as the restaurant and bar. There you














won't only enjoy the break from your campsite cooking but you will also find yourself carried back tothe good old time of the automobile: you dine amidst lovingly arranged bodywork and other exhibitsof yesteryear's transportation.

The Fish River Canyon is situated in the far south of Namibia, almost on the border with South Africaand is part of the Ai-Ais conservation area. Ai-Ais is the name of the lower rest camp, near some hotsprings at the bottom of the canyon and means "very hot" in the local Nama language.

The Fish River Canyon is 160 km long, 500 m deep in places and 27 km across at its widest, it is thelargest canyon system in Africa and the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon inColorado – and is certainly one of Africa’s least-visited wonders.

Although the canyon extends for 160 km, the most spectacular section is 56 km long, starting a fewkilometres upstream of the northernmost viewpoint and ending at the southernmost lookout point.

Day 05 & 06AusKlein Aus Vita (Desert Horse Campsite)Campsite OnlyLarge old camel thorn trees greet camping guests at the Desert Horse Campsite in a small valley ofthe Aus mountains. Each of the ten sites is equipped with a tap, table, grill and windbreak. Neatshower and toilet facilities are within easy reach of each site. Barbecue packs are available at thereception of Desert Horse Inn (1.5 km); those who like to skip cooking for a change are more thanwelcome at the Inn's restaurant (subject to space available, please enquire upon arrival). Severalhiking trails run through the valley; the Sundowner Trail leads to a lookout point where you canwatch the sun disappear behind the distant horizon at the far end of vast desert plains. The DesertHorse Campsite is just 20 km away from the habitat of the Wild Horses.














After the Germans surrendered to the South African forces at Otavi on 9 July 1915, the tidy, tranquilvillage of Aus became one of two internment camps for German military personnel. Military police andofficers were sent to a camp in the north and the non-commissioned officers went to Aus. After thetreaty of Versailles, the camp was dismantled and by May 1919 it was closed. Virtually nothingremains of the original camp, but several WWI graves remain immediately north of the village.

Feral Desert Horses

On the desert plains west of Aus live some of the world’s only wild desert-dwelling horses. Among theseveral theories about the origins of these eccentric equines is the one that suggests they’redescended from German Schutztruppe cavalry horses abandoned during the South African invasion in1915. Others claim they were brought in by Nama raiders moving north from beyond the OrangeRiver. Another of shipwrecked horses en route from Europe to Australia. Still, others maintain they’redescended from the stud stock of Baron Captain Castle, who set off for Germany in search of morehorses but was killed in battle in France and never returned to Namibia.

At present, the population fluctuates between 150 and 160, but there have never been more than280 individuals. Their only source of water is Garub Pan, which is fed by an artificial bore hole.



Feral Desert Horses





Feral Desert Horses




Day 07 & 08Namib Desert – SossusvleiAgama River CampCampsite OnlyThe name ‘Agama’ is derived from the colourful family of lizards that frequent the drier and opensavannah regions of Africa, this was also the first creature to make it visible when we entered the oldfarm gate, it seemed fitting to indulge this inquisitive reptile in the name sake.

We are situated on the C19, 30 kms south of Solitaire and 50 kms north of Sesriem, approximatelyforty five minutes from the main gate way to Sossusvlei.

Agama River Camp SitesThe camp sites are scattered along the lower 'Dieprivier' river course, each campsite is built underlarge acacia trees and surrounded partially by a wooden pole barrier acting as a wind shield andoffering some privacy, they are terraced and leveled with clean river sand.

Each site contains; a free standing tap, wash up facility, a braai area with grid, a twelve volt energysaving light (that can be attached to your car battery) and is easy walking distance to your sharedablution facility.

Our communal ablution facility is like no other with open skies and large roomy, individuallydecorated chambers, hot water is provided by wood boilers every afternoon at around five o'clock.The ablutions are spacious, clean and imaginatively designed, each gender facility has six showers,six wash basins, and three toilets, four mirrors and one bath, and they are only partially covered tooffer open sky views. The lighting is on throughout the night.

SOSSUSVLEI:Sossusvlei has monumentally high dunes; their sinuous crests and warm colours changing as the daywaxes and wanes.

These gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand are formed by strong multi-directional winds, they areat their highest and most spectacular where the west-flowing Tsauchab River empties itself into theVlei.

The warm tints of the sand, ranging from apricot to orange, red and maroon, contrast vividly with thedazzling white surfaces of the large deflationary clay pans at their bases. When it has rainedsufficiently in the interior for the Tsauchab River to come down and fill the main pan, flamingos andother aquatic birds are drawn to the area.

SESRIEM CANYON:At the park entrance to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised anarrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30 to 40 m, are






















pools that become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when earlypioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from the pools.

Logistical Information:

The sand-dunes at Sossusvlei are some 60km from the Sesriem gate (the entrance to the park) andthe drive takes about an hour. The gate into Sesriem only opens at sunrise, so those staying outsideof the park (which includes all the lodges in the area with the exception of Sossus Dune Lodge) willhave to wait until sunrise to begin their journey to the dunes.

The road from Sesriem to the 2x4 car park (4 kilometres from the vlei) is tarred but is in poorcondition and is pot-holed. Because the dunes close in and the road becomes a sandy track near thevlei itself, if you do not have your own 4x4 you will have to walk the final stretch from the 2X4parking area to the vlei - many people do - or use the 4x4 transfer service.

Day 09 & 10SwakopmundSeabreeze GuesthouseRoom OnlyWelcome to Sea Breeze Guesthouse - The breathtaking Atlantic Ocean... Endless beaches borderingthe oldest desert in the world, the Namib... and the historical atmosphere of picturesqueSwakopmund.

All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms with showers and equipped with digital safes, hairdryers andwall mounted heaters.

In 1884, South West Africa – the future Namibia – was declared a German Protectorate. By 1907Swakopmund had the largest European population of any German colony in Africa, the town pulsatedwith life – a quaint town had emerged out of the desert!

Today this curious desert town, nestled between the dunes and the ocean is perfectly situated tospend a few days relaxing in the cool climate, browsing through the galleries, bookshops, craftmarkets and jewellers. Take part in adrenaline sports; view the dunes from balloon, aircraft or




















parachute; get close up to our marine life – on foot, by boat or kayak. Explore the desert with expertguides; wander through the town to admire the beautiful architecture or relax and soak up theambience of the quaint desert town.

Day 11DamaralandHoada CampsiteHidden among large grey granite boulders and mopani trees, Hoada (pronounce Waada) Campsiteoffers travellers a serene home in the wilderness.

The area, which is home to a variety of animals, offers spectacular views and a number of hikingtrails and 4×4 tracks to explore. This sensational landscape is home to Namibia””s uniquely adapteddesert elephant, with its longer legs and smaller tusks, which are frequent visitors to the area. Theseand a number of larger plains game, reptiles and invertebrates are abundant on the GrootbergPlateau and river valleys that carve deep furrows into the landscape, waiting to be discovered bythose passing through.

Each campsite boasts its own kitchen facilities, ablution facilities, with running water and braaifacilities with abundant space for setting up camp. As part of the mission of the conservancy, carefulthought and emphasis have been placed on minimising the impact to the environment. Ablutionfacilities, with flush toilets, are cleverly hidden amongst the rocks and the braai area doubles as a“donkey” system, that warms water for showers while the braai fires are burning.

This mountainous area of Namibia is situated between the extreme desert aridity of the skeletoncoast and the central plateau. Damaraland offers spectacular scenery and a variety of attractionsranging from fascinating geological formations to unique vegetation and the largest collection ofancient rock art in Southern Africa.














Damaraland was an area occupied primarily by the Damara people, but it soon became the home ofother tribes such as the Herero people and the displaced Riemvasmakers of South Africa. Today,many residents of Damaraland are thus of mixed heritage, but most consider themselves Damara.The Damara name is derived from the Nama word "Dama", meaning "who walked here". This isbecause the Damara were known to the Nama people by the footprints they left around waterholes.From their vantage point in the mountains, the Damara were quick to spot resources such as water oranimals, on the plains below, and they were therefore able to be the first groups to reach theseessential resources.

KHORIXAS –Khorixas is the capital of Damaraland, formerly known as Welwitschia. The name Khorixas was takenfrom a Khoekhoen name for a tree with edible berries.

TWYFELFONTEIN –Twyfelfontein is the largest known concentration of Stone Age petroglyphics in Namibia. Although thearea was declared a national monument in 1952 some engravings were damaged and even removed.There are approximately 2 500 engravings around Twyfelfontein. The age of engravings has not beenprecisely determined but there is evidence that area was occupied as early as 6,000 years ago.

The name Twyfelfontein means ''Doubtful fountain'' as was given by local farmer due to theunreliable water supply.

Recommended time for a visit is early morning or late afternoon on account of high temperatures andthe fact that engravings are not easy visible under direct sunlight.

Location / DirectionsC39 from Khorixas, turn left on the road D3254 and right on 3214. There are signs along the route.

ORGAN PIPES –This geological site is situated close to Twyfelfontein; the name derives from the rock columns thatresemble the pipes on a large church organ. These were thought to have formed about 120 millionyears ago when volcanic dolerite shrank as it cooled, forming these marvellous vertical columns thathave cracked into symmetrical shapes.

DirectionsRetracing your tracks from Twyfelfontein, take the left fork on to the D3254. After about 3km there'sa small gorge to your left, and above it a flat area used for parking. Leave your vehicle and take oneof the paths down to the dry river bed.

BURNT MOUNTAIN –The Burnt Mountain is located few kilometres from the site of Organ Pipes and visible from the road.The Karoo limestone which formed the mountain was deposited around 200 million years ago. About120 million years ago, the same period when Organ Pipes were formed, volcanic lava intruded thelimestone and caused metamorphism giving the mountain its distinctive colour.






















PETRIFIED FOREST –The site was declared a national monument in 1950. The Petrified Forest is the final resting place fora collection of huge, fossilised tree trunks. These trees were once part of an ancient forest and arethought to have been washed down from higher ground by floods. Around fifty trees can be seen andare thought to be around 200 million years old. Most are members of the gymnosperm family. Localguides escort visitors around an organised circuit and share their knowledge of this unique landscapefeature.

Note: It is strictly prohibited to remove or damage even small pieces of petrified wood

DirectionsThe turn off to the site of Petrified Forest is signposted 42 kilometres

Day 12 & 13EtoshaEtosha Safari Camp (outside park)Set up under Mopane trees with loving care, this campsite offers guests many shady spots coveredwith lawn. Apart from showers, toilets and sink units there are several power points all over the siteas well as mobile grills. Camping guests are welcome to use the swimming pool of neighbouringEtosha Safari Camp (a two minutes' walk). And those who want to treat themselves to dinner after anexciting day are most welcome at the camp's Okambashu restaurant. The Oshebeena bar next-door,decorated in typical township style, is just the place for a little get-together in the midst of Africanjoie de vivre. Only 9 km away from Andersson gate, the camping site is the ideal basis for safariexcursions into Etosha National Park.

Etosha National Park is one of the world's pre-eminent wildlife areas.

Etosha was proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907. With subsequent additions itbecame the largest game reserve in the world, covering a vast area of 93,240 km². For politicalconsiderations its size was progressively diminished, until by 1975 it had been reduced to its presentsurface area of 22,270 km². It is still one of the largest game reserves in Africa!

A vast area on Namibia's central plateau, the park's focal point is the Etosha Pan - a flat saline desert,130 km long by 50km at its widest in the eastern sector of the park.

The Pan itself is believed to have originated over 12 million years ago as a shallow lake fed by theKunene River. Subsequent climatic and tectonic changes have since lowered the water level so thatthe pan only holds water for a brief period each year - it teems with flamingos and pelicans in thesummer. The saline and mineral residues together with moisture from perennial springs attract animmense number and variety of game and birds from mid March into November just before the newwet season starts.




















Of the 114 mammals species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as blackrhino, cheetah and black-faced impala. The latter is endemic to north-western Namibia and south-western Angola. Etosha’s current population of more than 600 black rhino represents one of the fewgrowing populations of black rhino in the world.

Other large mammals in the park include giraffe, blue wildebeest, mountain and plains zebra, hyenaand lion. Cheetah and leopard complete the trio of ‘big cats’. Antelope species range from kudu,gemsbok and the large and stately eland, to the diminutive Damara dik-dik. Smaller mammals includejackal, bat-eared fox, honey badger, warthog and the ubiquitous ground squirrel.

Around 340 bird species occur in Etosha, about one third being migratory, including the Europeanbee-eater and several species of waders. Larger birds include ostrich, kori bustard and greater andlesser flamingo, millions of which congregate on the pan to breed during a good rainy season. Ten ofEtosha’s 35 raptor species are migratory. Those most commonly seen are lappet faced, white-backedand hooded vultures, while sightings of the Cape, Egyptian and Palmnut vultures have been recorded.There are eight species of owl, including pearlspotted and whitefaced, and four species of nightjar.

Day 14WindhoekProtea Hotel FürstenhofToday you return on the B1 through the small towns of Otjiwarongo and Okahandja back toWindhoek.

Day 15Departure: Hosea Kutako International AirportThe drive to the airport takes about 40minutes, and you’ll need to be at the airport 2hours prior toyour departure flight.

Please continue reading below for tour summary…
















TOUR SUMMARY

DATE SERVICE BASIS

Day 01 Protea Hotel Fürstenhof Bed & Breakfast

Day 02 Kalahari Anib Lodge Campsite Only

Day 03 Canon Roadhouse Campsite Campsite Only


Day 05 Klein As Vista (Desert Horse Campsite) Campsite Only


Day 07 Agama River Camp Campsite Only


Day 09 Seabreeze Guesthouse Room Only


Day 11 Hoada Campsite Campsite Only

Day 12 Etosha Safari Camp Campsite Only



Day 15 Departure

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES – BOOK NOW & SAVE!!!

Currency: Namibian Dollar N$1.00 = ZAR1.00 South African Rand. R or ZAR is South African Rand you can look at theexchange rates on the following website as a GUIDELINE only: www.xe.com

This proposal is:

Is based on a minimum of 2 people traveling Subject to the standard Terms & Conditions Subject to availability of accommodation at time of booking Prices quoted are subject to the availability of the services offered and subject to unforeseeable

increases in supplier tariffs and exchange rates All itineraries are subject to change

Inclusive of:

Accommodation, Meals and Activities as per Itinerary VAT Fully Equipped Camping vehicle (4x4 DBL Cab) Rental Vehicle, unlimited miles

Exclusive of:

Flights Personal insurance Visa Fees Tips & Gratuities Porterages


TOUR SUMMARY

DATE SERVICE BASIS















Day 15 Departure



This proposal is:



Inclusive of:


Exclusive of:



TOUR SUMMARY

DATE SERVICE BASIS















Day 15 Departure



This proposal is:



Inclusive of:


Exclusive of:



National Park Entrance fees (Approximately N$90.00 per person per day + N$10.00 for thevehicle)

Guide Fuel (depending on vehicle size, roads, direction, distances, etc. the average is around N$600.00

per day) All expenses of a personal nature All optional excursions and activities







