11 Day Gems of Namibia

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11 Day Gems of Namibia

Windhoek to Windhoek

Tour GEM

Highlights include:
• The vast expanse of Etosha National Park
• Energetically climbing the highest sand dunes in the world
• Damaraland and the desert elephants
• Isolation in luxury lodges and camps in some of the remotest parts of the world.

Departures: Daily

Day 1: Windhoek
Upon arrival you will be met and assisted with your car rental. It is then a short drive to the Windhoek Country Club Resort where you can check in and relax. The rest of the day is free to explore the historic city of Windhoek.
Accommodation: Overnight: Windhoek Country Club, Superior: Olive Grove

Day 2: Windhoek – Okonjima Bush Camp
After a leisurely breakfast, head off into the arid wilderness of Namibia. The long and empty roads and awe-inspiring scenery make driving a pleasure. Okonjima is nestled in the unspoilt beauty of the Omboroko Mountains, part of the Waterberg Plateau and home to the Africat Foundation, a charity dedicated to the conservation of Namibia’s threatened cats, primarily cheetah and leopard. There are a number of walking trails, including a guided San trail where you are taught about the traditional lifestyles and philosophies of these ancient people. Overnight is spent in twin-bedded, thatched rondavels with en-suite facilities. They all boast a small waterhole, which attracts numerous bird species. After dinner, you may opt for a swim in the pool or visit the hide where honey badgers, porcupines and other nocturnal creatures are sure to entertain you. (BLD) (230km)
Accommodation: Overnight: Okonjima Bush Camp

Days 3 & 4: Okonjima Bush Camp – Mushara Lodge
Your next stop is Mushara Lodge. The drive will take you to Okahandja, a town of great significance to the Herero people. The town is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north and an excellent place to buy traditional artefacts. Finally, head for Mushara Lodge, located 8km from the eastern outskirts of the Etosha National Park. Each chalet is extremely spacious and is furnished with air-conditioning, mosquito net, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. Bathrooms are en-suite (some with shower only). Great attention has been paid to the décor, which is an eclectic blend of traditional African and modern art works. The rest of today and the next day are free to explore the vast beauty of Etosha National Park. Etosha consists of an ancient lake that has dried up to create a shimmering salt pan. (BD) (355km)
Accommodation: Overnight: Mushara Lodge

Day 5: Mushara Lodge – Ongava Lodge
An early start is recommended for the best game viewing as you make your way across the Park. There is something enigmatic in the vast, silent, grey-white pan that covers 4,590 square kilometres of the park. Numerous waterholes and subterranean springs attract large herds of animals, including springbok, giraffe, lion and elephant. Ongava Lodge is situated on Ongava Game Reserve, which shares a border with the Etosha National Park. There is a large lapa with a high, thatched roof and cool slate floors which houses the bar, spacious dining area and lounge with a panoramic view onto a waterhole. The lodge also has an attractive pool. Activities at Ongava Lodge are payable locally. (BLD) (160km)
Accommodation: Overnight: Ongava Lodge

Day 6: Ongava Lodge – Mowani Mountain Camp
The drive to Mowani Mountain Camp in Damaraland takes in a vast wilderness with fascinating geological formations and a wealth of rock art. It is also home to the desert elephants and the endangered black rhino. Mowani has been discreetly built high up amongst massive red granite boulders. The lodge provides unsurpassed views over the unfaltering wilderness with magnificent desert scenery. The sides of the bar, lounge and dining areas have been left open thus giving the complex a cool feel even on the hottest day. Accommodation is in 12 luxury, East Africa-style safari tents built on raised wooden platforms. A plunge pool and wooden deck provide a welcome respite on hot days. A guided walk in the afternoon with an expert local tracker is included before sundowners are taken overlooking the dramatic Aba-Huab Valley and distant mountains, a memory that will last forever. (B) (360km)
Accommodation: Overnight: Mowani Mountain Camp

Days 7 & 8: Mowani Mountain Camp – Swakopmund
From Mowani, travel via Uis and Henties Bay to Swakopmund. You approach the town through the endless expanses of the Namib Desert, one of the world’s largest wilderness areas. We suggest a visit to Cape Cross, home to a colony of 80,000 Cape Fur Seals. Watch them cavorting with their pups in the sea off the dramatic Namibian coast. The next two nights will be spent at the Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre. Built around a central courtyard with palm trees, fountains and a swimming pool. Each room is tastefully decorated with en-suite facilities. Adjoined are the casino and cinema as well as a seafood restaurant. (B) (420km)
Accommodation: Overnight: Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre

Days 9 & 10: Swakopmund – Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei, Namibia’s highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay-pan, enclosed by mighty sand dunes. A number of the spectacular hills of sand reach a height of 300 metres and are some of the highest in the world. The next two nights are spent at Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge, which is situated in the heart of the Namib Desert. This pristine reserve is a massive 180,000 hectares. The special attraction of the NamibRand is the captivating beauty and diversity of its landscape, which changes from expansive gravel plains to undulating dunes, rugged canyons with towering walls of volcanic rock and distant mountain ranges. Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge accommodates only 20 guests in ten twin-bedded suites, built into natural rock at the foot of a mountain with views across a gravel plain that leads into a sea of red dunes. The suites are extremely spacious and consist of a raised bedroom. Sliding doors from the lounge lead onto a covered patio to the side of the suite and an open patio to the front. The suites are equipped with air-conditioning for the hot summer months and a jetmaster fireplace for the cold winter nights. The en-suite bathroom boasts an inside and private outside shower. The surrounding area lends itself to numerous activities which include scenic drives by four-wheel drive vehicle where you encounter a variety of desert animals such as gemsbok, zebra, springbok, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, caracal and jackal. (BLD) (380km)
Accommodation: Overnight: Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge

Day 11: Sossusvlei – Windhoek
The drive back to Windhoek enthrals you with more breathtaking and ever-changing scenery. Namibia’s sparse population and endless landscapes allows many reflective moments during this wonderful holiday. Your car hire is booked until the following day. (B) (360km)

Prices Include:
• 11 days VW Polo 1.6, 100% Super Cover CDW & TLW. Car upgrades can be arranged, please contact us about the additional cost.
• All meals as detailed in the itinerary,B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
• Emergency evacuation insurance.

Prices Exclude:
• Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified.
• Entrance fees for National Parks and any other areas of interest.
• Car hire excludes fuel, contract and additional driver fee. Please ask for details of these fees which are payable locally.

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11 Day Gems of Namibia

11 Day Gems of Namibia