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15 DAY NAMIBIA’S HIGHLIGHTS
Windhoek
On arrival at the Windhoek Airport proceed through customs and passport control, once in the arrivals
hall you will be met by a representative of Wadadee African Safaris! We then proceed to the Car
Rental company for the collection of your hired vehicle and you are ready to depart on your journey south. The Kalahari – an ancient living desert… A harsh land, a land of relentless sun and searing wind – a land of great thirst and mystery. After the first rains, a land transformed into exquisite beauty with the dunes erupting in a blaze of colour! The Kalahari conjures up different images in the minds of different people. Some see it as a scorching desert. Others see it as their future, built on cattle and sheep, ostriches and wildlife. The Kalahari is all of this, but also something more. The word „Kalahari‟ means wilderness! Its relative inaccessibility, the harsh unyielding red sand dunes, the uncertain rainfall and lack of surface water, make it truly one of Africa‟s last frontiers. Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge is set in a secluded valley between two red sand dunes and hidden amongst ancient camelthorn trees. The Lodge consists of a thatched main building, dining area and a boma overlooking a natural stone pool. Each air-conditioned room has an en-suite bathroom with all modern conveniences. On arrival at the lodge and checking in, relax around the pool or in the refined lounge overlooking the waterhole. The Intu Afrika Kalahari Private Game Reserve is a 10 000 ha wildlife sanctuary located in the south-western region of the Kalahari, along the upper reaches of the Auob river system of Namibia. The expanse of the reserve is characterized by lofty ancient parallel red dunes sparsely covered by unique vegetation. Grassy plains peppered with centuries old Camelthorn trees commonly known as “dune streets” or valleys separate the dunes providing refuge for diverse animal and bird life indigenous to the Accommodation: Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
Namib Naukluft Park
This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast, before you depart on to the Namib Naukluft Park. Make your way down to Mariental, please fill up your vehicle. From Mariental take the C19 to Maltahohe and this road will take you all the way to your overnight accommodation. Hoodia is only 22kms from the Sesriem entrance to Sossusvlei, and is an ideal location to visit Sesriem Canyon, the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei on to the Namib Naukluft Park. Hoodia are a group of succulent plants from the family Apocynaceae it is traditionally used by the San people as an appetite suppressant, thirst quencher and as a cure for severe abdominal cramps, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes. More recently Hoodia has sprung to international attention as the magic cure-all diet product. However dieting will be the last thing on your mind when you visit the restaurant at Hoodia Desert Lodge which offers exquisite international and traditional cuisine. All meals are from a set menu. Sundowners and night-caps can be enjoyed in the bar with its deck pool, a great spot to jump in and cool off from the hot, Namibian desert sun. Fine dining should be accompanied by fine South African
wines, from their very own underground wine cellar, day or night.
Accommodation: Hoodia Desert Lodge
Namib Naukluft Park
An early morning rise will be rewarded by the sight of the spectacular dunes at Sossusvlei on your
excursion. You can either do this on your own, or you can do this with the lodge. Make the effort and
climb one of the dunes and you may be overwhelmed by the sight of the dynamic and living desert. Visit the Sesriem Canyon before returning to the Lodge. During the late afternoon you can take part in the activity offered by the lodge. A daily entrance fees is payable at all National Parks throughout Namibia. Generally these fees can be Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert is the one attraction that should not be missed while you are in Namibia, the dunes are amazing and even though this is a popular tourist destination it is still easy to gain a sense of solitude while climbing one of the dunes or walking to dead or hidden vlei. Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the desert is more stunning than Sossusvlei, with its monumentally high dunes, the shadows of their sinuous crests continually changing as the day waxes and wanes. Gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand, the highest estimated at 325 m. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the deflationary clay pans at some of their bases. An afternoon optional excursion can be conducted to the Sesriem Canyon, a small yet picturesque canyon carved over millions of
years into the Tschaub River.
Accommodation: Hoodia Desert Lodge

Day 4
Swakopmund
This morning after enjoying breakfast depart from the central Namib Region, today‟s route continues
in a northerly direction along the eastern boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park passing through the small settlement of Solitaire on route to the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. Continue across the “gravel plains” of the Namib Desert on route towards Namibia‟s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. Excursions on route should be included to the erosion feature of the “Moon Valley” and to Namibia‟s ancient plant species, the “Welwitschia mirabilis”. Late afternoon arrival in Swakopmund. Quaint architecture from a bygone era adds to the time-out-of-place atmosphere of Swakopmund. Much of the distinct German colonial architecture has been preserved and today many of the town's old buildings house shops, offices and other utility services. The Swakopmund museum is small but comprehensive with displays ranging from natural history, mineralogy and botany to historical and ethnological dioramas. The Emil Jensen Herbarium exhibits Namib flora and the process of mining uranium is depicted in the Rössing Room. Sandfields Guesthouse is an intimate and sophisticated family-run boutique guesthouse offering comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation in Swakopmund, Namibia. We are in a quiet, upmarket neighbourhood a few minutes' walk from the sea and a short drive from the town centre. At Sandfields guest house you can look forward to a warm welcome with cosy log fires in every room, personal service and a peaceful, carefree stay. Sheltered from the often icy wind that blows off the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean, Sandfields Guesthouse is situated one block back from the sea. Accommodation: Sandfields Guesthouse

Day 5
Swakopmund
Today can be spent exploring Namibia‟s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. This quaint town
nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended gardens. An optional morning Dolphin and Seal Cruise can be conducted from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club. Departing from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club your skipper will lead you through the commercial vessels docked at the Walvis Bay harbour, Namibia‟s largest port, while clearing harbour port control. Passing the small craft harbour the central basin of the harbour is exited heading north, visiting Bird Island and providing spectacular scenes of the desert dune landscape enhanced by the contrast between the ocean and the dunes. Highlights of the excursion include close encounters with Cape Fur Seals and bow riding Dolphins while crossing the harbour mouth to Pelican Point. While drifting past seal
colonies fresh oysters and sparkling wine can be enjoyed.
Accommodation: Sandfields Guest House

Day 6
Cape Cross/Skeleton Coast
After enjoying breakfast you can still enjoy some time in Swakopmund, as your drive today is about an hour, or take the road and enjoy Cape Cross Lodge. The seal colony at Cape Cross is undoubtedly the main attraction on the coast between the Skeleton Coast Park and Henties Bay. The seal reserve with its surrounding area was proclaimed a reserve in 1968 to protect the biggest and best known of the 23 colonies of Cape fur Seals which breed along the coast of South Africa and Namibia. During the November / December breeding season as many as 150 000 of these animals gather at Cape Cross. It is also the area where the Portuguese navigator Diego Cao erected a stone cross in 1486. Literally meters from the fertile Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cross Lodge presents a unique and serene stop for travellers along this vast untamed, seldom explored wilderness on the Skeleton Coast. Situated alongside the biggest breeding Cape Fur Seal colony in the world, but well out of the "smell" zone, 60km north of Henties Bay and 120km north of Swakopmund. The curious mix of Cape Dutch and West Coast fishing village architecture with colossal windows happily embrace the natural light and affords endless contemplated vistas. The large patio, overlooking the beach and ocean, flows into the lower deck with its warm, welcoming reception area and intriguing curios shop housing an array of gifts. Leading from this charming space is the comforting cocktail bar and lounge, a quirky wine cellar and two cosy dining sectors. The private balconies glow with warmth wooden deckchairs and tables, affording unrestricted sea views and aura of complete respite. Accommodation: Cape Cross Lodge

Day 7 & 8
Damaraland
Leaving the Skeleton Coast behind, you travel inwards toward the Damaraland area. Spending the
next two nights at Grootberg Lodge. From Cape Cross drive back to Henties Bay and shortly after Henties Bay continue in an easterly direction and crossing the “Gravel Plains” towards the abandoned mining town of Uis. From here continue on the C35 to Khorixas. At Khorixas turn left onto the C39, which runs into the C43 travelling to Palmwag. From Palmwag, Grootberg lodge is approximately about 30km inland on the C40. Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia, a huge, untamed, ruggedly beautiful region that offers the traveller a more adventurous challenge. Here there are prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Towards the west, the geography changes dramatically with endless sandy wastes, that incredibly is able to sustain small, but wide-ranging, populations of desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, giraffe, ostrich and springbok. These animals have adapted their lifestyles to survive the harshness of the sun-blistered, almost waterless desert spaces. Elephant move through euphorbia bush country, and can travel up to 70km in a day in search of food and water and unusually, do not destroy trees in their quest for food. Follow black rhino cow and her calf in typical Damaraland 'melkbos' terrain. Together, Damaraland and Kaokoland are known as the Kaokoveld. Perched on the rim of the Grootberg Plateau, the Grootberg Lodge stands sentinel over the Klip River Valley. 12 000 hectares have been set aside by the Khoadi / Hoas community for conservation and tourism, and it is through this pristine wilderness that you meander either on foot or by vehicle to encounter the inhabitants of this remote biosphere. Grootberg Lodge offers a professional service, extremely good food, well-trained guides and exceptionally good local management in great surroundings. The local community benefits greatly, thanks to the revenues generated by the Lodge. The main thatched lodge has a restaurant, lounge and bar. Guests can charge electrical goods here. A set menu is available for all meals. The swimming pool is close to the main building. The lodge has 12 rock and thatch chalets. All have en-suite bathroom of a shower and toilet, lights, and mosquito nets are fitted to the doors and windows. Every room has a wonderful view over the gorge, where Black Eagles hunt just below the level of your private deck. Desert elephant, black rhino and lion are some of the more impressive mammals to be found. But you will also find a myriad of smaller mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and plants. Guests can take advantage of rhino and elephant tracking trips in the valley. Morning and afternoon scenic drives on the plateau at Grootberg Lodge offer an alternative pursuit.
Accommodation: Grootberg Lodge

Day 9 & 10
Etosha National Park
This morning after a relaxed breakfast, you depart for Etosha National Park. The main entrance to the park is called the "Andersson Gate" situated near Okaukuejo in the south. Travel from Grootberg on the C40 to Kamanjab, continue with the C40 until you reach Outjo. Here you travel north from Outjo on the C38 until you reach the gate at Okaukuejo. One of the largest savannah conservation areas in Africa, Etosha National Park is world renowned for its spectacular wildlife: elephant, black and white rhinoceros, lions, leopards, cheetahs, large herds of springbok, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and a multitude of other fascinating species, big and small, interacting in their natural environment. Visitors should note that the park is only open from sunrise to sunset. Outside of these hours, visitors either have to be in one of the camps, or completely outside the park - or sleep in their cars, surrounded by sharp-toothed prowlers and the sounds of bush at night! A daily entrance fee is payable at all National Parks throughout Namibia. Generally these fees can be The late afternoon can be spent conducting game drives to the numerous waterholes in the Okaukuejo area. Each camp in the park has a restaurant, a shop and a filling station. Purchase a map of the park to familiarize yourself with the waterholes in your area, as this is where you will be most likely to encounter the game. Please remember to return to the camp before the gates close at sunset. All meals are served at the camp restaurant while the late evening can be spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.

Okaukuejo is the main administrative camp of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for
visitors in 1957. Facilities at the rest camp include a restaurant, shop, post office, swimming pool and
filling station. Okaukuejo is also home to the Ecological Institute, which is responsible for the research
and management of the park. The Okaukuejo waterhole is probably one of the most renowned waterholes in the park. The presence of game is seasonal but winter offers game enthusiasts a unique experience as the illuminated waterhole is situated next to the camp. Common sightings include large herds of elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, brown hyena, Burchells and Hartman‟s Mountain Zebra, Gnu and numerous antelope species. Accommodation: Okaukuejo Resort
Day 11 & 12
Etosha East
Continue with a full day of self-guided nature drives through the Etosha National Park visiting the
numerous waterholes on route and the edge of the majestic Etosha Pan. Each camp reservations
office has an “animal sightings” book. This should be consulted to determine the current movement
of the game in the area and to optimize on your game viewing experience. A recommendation is to arrange your morning game viewing activities to be at the Halali Rest Camp by midday. This is usually a welcome break for lunch and provides the opportunity to get out of the car for a short walk through the campgrounds and visit the waterhole. The word “Halali” is derived from the bugle call made to announce the end of the hunt. The word has a German origin, and in earlier years the bugle was sounded when the gates of the camp were about to close. Located only 8kms from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern outskirts of the Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is ideally situated for travelers visiting the park. The name Mushara derives from the Purple Pod Terminalia tree, which grows in abundance in the lodge grounds and the surrounding area. The Mushara Bush Camp offers a down-to-earth tented bush camp experience which is well suited as an exceptional affordable base for independent travellers and families exploring the magical Etosha Pan National Park. The main Bush Camp House is thatched and has a true bush camp feel to it. The early evenings see a camp fire lit where guest can exchange stories of the day‟s wildlife sightings. Dinner, lunch and breakfast are served on the thatched verandah with the bush being a Accommodation: Mushara Bush Camp
Otjiwarongo – AfriCat
Today sadly you depart Etosha National Park. Travel down south on the B1 via the towns of Tsumeb,
Otavi and Otjiwarongo. A short distance further past Otjiwarongo, you will start seeing the road signs
for Okonjima which lies on your right.

West of the Waterberg Plateau Park, the vast plains are occasionally broken by the remnants of
ancient Sandstone 'Outcrops', which once covered large areas of northern Namibia. Nestled among
the "Omboroko Mountains" lies Okonjima - a Herero name meaning place of the baboons. It's much more than a luxury lodge. Okonjima Main Camp is situated halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park. The lodge is home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization, committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, notably cheetahs and leopards. They were awarded 'Namibia's Leading Safari' in the prestigious World Travel Awards, a title voted for by tourism industry professionals, and is considered to be the 'Oscars' of the travel world. The honour was in recognition for the successful combination of a world class safari lodge, with a world famous conservation program. A visit to Okonjima, gives its visitors the opportunity to witness some of AfriCat's work. The leopard can be viewed frequently here, (but not guaranteed) from a hide or radio-tracked from a game viewing vehicle. The cheetah project offers a valuable insight into the welfare work of the AfriCat foundation. There are over 250 species of bird life to be found around the property, including Namibian endemics such as carps black tit, Hartlaub's francolin, and the Damara rock runner. With the abundance of animal and birdlife and spectacular scenery, Okonjima is a photographer's dream. Accommodation: Okonjima Main Camp
Day 14
Departure
Today make your way back to Windhoek, travelling on the B1 towards Okahandja. Directly north of Windhoek (70km) lies the industrial town of Okahandja, known as the 'Garden Town of Namibia'. Several major companies are based here and it is fast becoming a Windhoek 'sleeper' town', and not just because of its excellent infrastructure. One of the town‟s lesser-known claims to fame is that it has no traffic lights!!! This is one of Namibia‟s oldest established settlements and is the administrative centre of the Herero- speaking people. Numerous of the former Herero leaders are buried here and an annual procession through the town to the Herero graves commemorate those who died during the wars against the Nama‟s and Germans. Optional excursions on route include a visit to the open - air wood carving centre at Okahandja and the Herero Graves. The town is also an important centre for woodcarvers from the north, who sell their carvings at the craft markets on a co-operative basis, next to the main road at both entrances to Okahandja. This is a good place to pick up that special souvenir or gift to take home. Windhoek is often described as a city with a “continental” atmosphere due to its architecture (historical buildings dating back to the German colonial rule), cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions. Windhoek portrays the colour, sounds and tempo of a modern African city with its displays of African drums and woodcarvings on the pavements which contrast with the elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones. Sidewalk cafes offering Namibian style breakfasts, which can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally brewed draught beer. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving snacks, the city has a wide range of a la carte restaurants offering German, French, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Italian, African and Chinese cuisine. Galton House named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Galton, it has a relaxed but efficient style which creates a very welcoming atmosphere. Impressive wildlife photography adorns the walls whilst the rest of the interior is a combination of modern minimalistic and understated chic. A mere ten minute drive from the centre of town and perched on the edge of Windhoek's northern most affluent suburb of Eros, guests staying here will be ensured of peace and tranquillity. There is Wi-Fi throughout the property and the eight guest rooms all have wired internet connectivity and satellite television. There is a coffee/tea station available in the reception area and these can also be provided in the rooms on request. The communal areas consist of a large lounge, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a swimming pool, an early arrival/late departure day room (including toilet, shower, changing and re-packing facility) as well as understated garden areas. There is also a delightful 'al fresco' dining area by the pool where freshly prepared and very tasty meals are served (including lunch and dinner). A number of shops, restaurants and supermarkets are within easy striking distance.
Accommodation: Galton House
Day 15
Departure
Depart to Hosea Kutako International Airport for the departure of your scheduled flight. Please note that check-in times for departures is two hours prior to the flight departure time. DAY ACCOMMODATION REGION
SUGGESTED DAILY
ACTIVITIES & HIGHLIGHTS
Dinner, Bed & Afternoon Nature drive Dinner, Bed & Morning Bushman walk, Sunset Breakfast Dinner, Bed & Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Sesriem Breakfast Dinner, Bed & Cape Cross seal colony, kayaking Breakfast Dinner, Bed & Twyfelfontein Rock engravings, Dinner, Bed & Desert Elephant, Rhino tracking, Breakfast Dinner, Bed & Big Cats, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion & END OF TOUR

Source: http://wadadee.com/itinerary/15dayhighlights.pdf