Join your guides, Glen and Natalie Holland for a stunning tour of the beautiful Namibia. Glen and Nat have worked in conservation, in particular with endangered species, in four countries – South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and their favourite country, Namibia where they worked on cheetah conservation.
Conservationists led safari of Namibia.
Now based in Australia where Glen heads up a native species sanctuary, they are ready to share their annual pilgrimage to Namibia. They describe it as a country that takes your breath away as you drop from the sky to a tiny airport amongst the thorn trees, meet the people and experience the landscapes and wildlife that quickly steal your heart. The air is crisp, the sky an incredible blue and the stars touch the horizon all around you at night.
Ancient geography, fascinating history of people, abundant wildlife and one of the safest countries in Africa – in essence if ever you have wanted to visit Africa, this is the country and what better than sharing it with two passionate people with great local knowledge.
Small group Namibia safari itinerary.
Day 1 Windhoek.
Arrive at Windhoek Airport by 4pm and meet at a Guest House. We will have an evening meal at the largest Beerhouse in the Southern Hemisphere! We will get to meet all the other guests on tour.
Day 2 Namib Desert.
Namib Desert – where we will stay in a lodge surrounded by petrified desert dunes. During the afternoon we will walk amongst Camel Thorn trees which will produce a host of birds such as sociable weavers, redheaded finches, yellow canaries and pygmy falcons just to mention a few! Dinner at the lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 3 Namib Desert.
An early start and are off into the Namib Desert where we will visit an ancient dried pan (Sossusvlei). This will be a guided 4×4 tour with a local Guide. While we have refreshments under a thorn tree we will be joined by a host of desert birds including Cape sparrows and scaly-feathered finches who survive in the desert with no need for water. This is followed by the group (those up to it) to climb the majestic and famous Dune 45 (red sand dune). Time for wonderful photography and views. We will see animals in this dry landscape such as herds of springbok, Oryx, ostrich and this is amongst one the most scenic back drops in the world. A Buffet Lunch will be held at a local Lodge where we will be joined by many of the local species including pale-winged starlings, striped field mice and ground squirrels as they dash amongst the surrounding scrub.
Day 4 Swakopmund.
We depart the Namib for the coastal town of Swakopmund where we stay in stunning accommodation situated over the estuary. This is home to many wading birds. The group will enjoy dinner a famous German Pub in the town. Time to try all that beer and good food!
Day 5 Swakopmund.
As the new day dawns we will visit a number of estuaries in the area to look for flocks of flamingo, pelicans and other species. We then head back to town for lunch followed by a free afternoon to stroll through the cobbled walkways and enjoy the unique German architecture and some shopping. Sundowners and dinner over the estuary.
Day 6 Xaragu Camp.
After breakfast, we head for the coastal seal colony which is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and the ever patrolling and hungry jackals. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the road and then drive a few hours to Damaraland to Xaragu Camp – home to the elusive Desert Elephants. On arrival at Xaragu Camp late afternoon we will enjoy a warm welcome and hospitality like only African people can offer. After dinner by candle light at the open air restaurant, we will retire in our tented safari camp and you can sit and appreciate the clear desert skies and stars that touch the horizon around you.
Day 7 Xaragu Camp.
After a good hearty breakfast, it will be time to jump into two 4×4 safari vehicles for a guided trip to track the elusive desert elephants – our guides are experts at finding them. Once located we spend some time in the company of these beautiful animals . Having had our full of eles and enough photos taken, we have to get our priorities right and we settle under a tree on a dry river bed to enjoy a healthy outdoor lunch. Following the leisurely lunch, we are back on the 4×4 vehicles and head through amazing landscapes to twyfelfontein famed for its Bushmen/San etchings on the rocks. Here we join guides who explain the reason and meaning behind these wonderful artworks. Back to enjoy some of your own time in the relaxing surrounds of the semi-dessert landscape.
Day 8 Etosha National Park.
After breakfast we head for the famous Etosha National Park – stopping on the way to visit the petrified forests and some of the oldest living plants known to man (Welwitschia). We reach our destination lodge (Tented Safari Camp) mid afternoon where again you are welcome to walk or just relax with a cold beer and enjoy the vistas of the savanna rolling in the distance and hopefully a beautiful African sunset. The evening meal at the open air restaurant will be accompanied by some singing by local staff.
Day 9 Etosha National Park.
This will be an early start (6am) as we head for a full day in 4×4 safari vehicles with a local guide, with all meals and even champagne catered in the park. This is home of the big cats, elephants, rhino, giraffe, zebra, herds of antelope, a wide variety of bird species including the world’s heaviest flying bird – the Kori Bustard. We will spend parts of the day at the waterholes where the animals gather to drink; much like watching the drama in a soap opera as each animal defends its space.
Day 10 Etosha National Park.
Another early start for our second day in the big game country but we will exit Etosha Park mid afternoon to look at the world’s largest meteorite and then head for our new lodge which is situated on a Game Farm.
Day 11 Okavango River.
Our next day takes us to the tropical far north where the Okavango river enters Namibia before spilling into the Okavango Swamp. Early evening we unpack in tree houses situated on the Okavango river home to numerous hippo, crocodiles and a host of birdlife including fish eagle, various herons etc. This camp will tickle your fancy with unique accommodation, toilets and tongue-in-cheek humour.
Day 12 Okavango River.
After breakfast on the river edge (restaurant) – with a bit of luck we will catch sight of the otters – we climb into Mokoros (dug-out canoes) with a local poler from which we view the wildlife at eye level. We are surrounded by pads of water lilies that are host to the beautiful African jacanas who walk effortlessly across the water while using the lily pads as their floatation devices. Back to camp for lunch again overlooking the river a siesta before we embark on a boat trip to a local village to meet locals and learn about their way of life in a typical African village.
Day 13 Buffalo Game Reserve.
After breakfast we head for the Buffalo Game Reserve famous for its buffalo and elephant herds and a wide variety of other game species. We will have a picnic lunch in the reserve and return for an afternoon siesta or swim in the crocodile-free cage/swimming pool, or simply sit at the bar.
Day 14 Otavi.
On our way back to Windhoek and with a stop at Khorab lodge in Otavi.
Day 15 Departure.
We aim to have you at Windhoek Airport by 4pm.
Prices: The tour costs AU$4,990 +-(£3,288) p/p and includes absolutely everything – accommodation, meals, snacks, local guides, entry fees, tips and transport.
*Airfares, alcohol and personal items are excluded.
Tour dates: 20 MAY – 3 JUNE 2012.
Tour duration: 15 days.
Maximum party size: 14 people.
you can contact your hosts for this small group safari, Glen and Natalie Holland, by:
- email: glen-nat5 @ bigpond. com
- phone/fax: 0061 3 59626164
Or fill in the form below:
