African Odyssey Safari

An all round brilliant way to see the best of North and South Namibia, the Okavango delta in Botswana and the majestic Victoria Waterfalls in Zambia, a truly sensational safari.

Price: (Valid April 2010 to March 2011)
N$ 27,000 pps
22 Days Safari

Highlights *Quiver Trees * Fish River Canyon * Sesriem & Sossusvlei * Etosha National Park * Swakopmund * Skeleton Coast * Okavango Delta Botswana * Namibian Dunes * Victoria Falls.

Departs from Windhoek selected Fridays (min. 2 people)

Includes
* All transport
* 3 Meals a day (unless differently specified)
* Tap drinking water
* Tea & coffee in camp
* All camping equipment
* Park entrance fees
* Camping fees
* Professional guide
* Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek

African Odyssey Safari Itinerary

Meal codes [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner]

Day 1 WINDHOEK - QUIVER TREE FOREST [Camping LD]
We start our long journey south on the main B1 highway, travelling through the thin strip of Kalahari Desert that protrudes onto the eastern side of Namibia. Stopping at small towns along the way including Rehoboth, traditional home of the Baster people, we aim to arrive at the Quiver Tree Forest in the middle afternoon. Located just north of the southern centre of Keetmanshoop, (officially the sunniest town in the world), we make camp and have time to explore the area on foot.
Quiver trees are not in fact trees, they are a type of aloe, (Aloe Dictoma), so called because the branches fork “dictomously”. These weird looking plants dot the landscape in this part of the world and are locally common, however they are one of the world’s rarest flora species.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 2 ORANGE RIVER OASIS [Camping BLD]
Before leaving the Keetmanshoop area we visit another local site of interest this morning, the Giants Playground”, an area filled with massively eroded granite rocks that are precariously balanced in tottering towers. After a short stop in Keetmanshoop itself we continue south, leaving the main road far behind us and join the extensive network of gravel roads that unite rural Namibia.
Arriving at Fish River Canyon in the early afternoon, we drive to the main look out where the views of need to be seen to be believed. We can see the river sparkling in the sunlight far below us, and can barely imagine how many millennia it took for the forces of erosion to carve such a magnificent vista.
Driving still further south, we travel all the way to the southern border with South Africa, the mighty Orange River. Coming from the arid desert regions that have formed the landscape for most of our journey, it is an amazing sight to see green vegetation and bright ribbon of flowing water appear out of seemingly no-where.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 3 KLEIN AUS VISTA [Camping BLD]
An easy drive this morning so we have a leisurely start. There is time for a dip in the cool waters of the Orange, (very cold waters in the winter time). Our road follows the scenic course of the river for the first part of the day’s journey before heading back into the desert and the beautiful landscapes that Namibian has to offer.
Our route takes us past the zinc mines of Rosh Pinah where we will take a short break before arriving at our destination, the tiny town of Aus in the middle to late afternoon. We sleep tonight at Kline Aus Vista, a private reserve, beautifully located in the Aus Mountain Range, (Huib-Hoch-Plateau region).
There is time to explore this stunning area on foot and to find a lofty perch in the mountains to watch the sun slip over the western horizon.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 4 LUDERITZ [Camping BD]
We are up with the dawn this morning for the short drive to Luderitz, we travel on the main road and keep a sharp look out for the unique Namib wild horses. These horses are the only wild horses in Namibia and have, very unusually, become adapted to an existence with very limited water. Where they originated from is un-clear, some people think they are the descendants of the horses used by the German cavalry during the First World War. Another theory is that they originally came from a horse farm that used to be run by a German Barron, (von Wolff), in the very early colonial days.
We arrive in Luderitz in time to join an optional extra excursion, a trip on an old wooden sailing ship, “The Sedina”. We take a cruise around Luderitz bay and, weather permitting, to Halifax Island to see the Jackass Penguins. If the weather conditions are suitable we turn off the engines come back to Luderitz under sail.

Straight after the Sedina trip we drive out to Kolmanskop, a desert ghost town about 20 km out of Luderitz. It was built in the 1920's during the diamond rush and was abandoned when bigger and better diamonds were found further along the coast. The area is still abandoned and the desert has encroached over the entire town, giving an eerie feeling and real meaning to the word “ghost”.
Lunch today is not included in the programme, this is to allow everybody as much flexibility with their time as possible and to give us the opportunity to sample some of the excellent local cafes.
During the middle of the day there is time to explore Luderitz Town with its traditional German architecture and later we will take a drive out to Diaz Point to see the bird life, hopefully a few seals and the stone cross replica, originally erected by the Portuguese mariner Bartholomew Diaz.
Returning to Klein Aus Vista in the late afternoon, the road takes us through the “forbidden Zone” so named because in years gone by, the alluvial diamonds found in Namibia were simply scattered across the desert and we again have time to enjoy sunset over the mountains.
N.B: The “Sedina” excursion is subject to availability and, if undertaken, will be for the clients own risk and expense.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 5 NAMIB DESERT [Camping BLD]
Turning north, we once again head deep into the ancient southern Namib, travelling on small gravel roads and passing some tiny rural communities along the way. The scenery is harsh, and sometimes forbidding. The process of erosion in these areas is well advanced and we pass time rounded “koppies” arid terrain and outcrops of tortured rock.
Traversing this bleak yet beautiful landscape, the terrain begins to change and we cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain begins to give way to the immense Naukluft Mountains of the Namib. We aim to arrive at our camp during the late afternoon and watch the colours glow and change on distant mountains to the east.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 6 SOSSUSVLEI [Camping BLD]
A pre dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert as we drive in. We will arrive at the entrance to the dunes on sunrise and then travel through the dune field as the sun is coming up. The light casts strong contrasts of colour on the edges of the dunes and offers stunning views from the dry river bed you travel through.
We reach Sossusvlei itself by walking the last 5 km through the dunes. The walk is like nothing else, enjoying the changing light and coolness of the morning. Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or maybe an ostrich make the photo opportunities perfect.
We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting “dune 45”, and as the day wears on we return to Sesriem for lunch and to escape the heat of the afternoon. As the day cools off in the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon.
Includes: Entrance fees
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 7 WINDHOEK [Guesthouse BL]
After breakfast we begin our journey, over the mountains and along scenic roads, back to Windhoek. We will travel over the Naukluft Mountains and also the Khomas Hochland Range, through beautiful mountain passes on our way back to civilization.
We are due back into the city around 16:00 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return. This night’s accommodation is included in the price of the safari but dinner tonight will be for the client’s own account in a local restaurant.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 8 OKONJIMA [Camping LD]
You will be collected from your accommodation between 08:30 & 09:00. We will travel north, stopping at small towns along the way including Okahandja, where we 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, we aim to arrive at Okonjima during the middle afternoon, giving us time to set up our camp and to relax in the shade for a while before heading out on to the property to take part in the afternoon’s activities.
Okonjima is the home of the Africat Foundation, a specialist conservation concern that centres its operations around the African Big Cats, particularly cheetah. This afternoon 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 rehabilitation process is to attempt to re-introduce them into the wild.
Includes: Entrance Fees.
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 9 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK [Camping BLD]
An early start and continuing north we pass through some small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel. Our first main port of call today is the mysterious Lake Otjikoto.
Otjikoto is in fact Namibia's largest permanent natural lake and we take time here to rest a little and learn something about the history of this unusual landmark.
Continuing on to Namutoni camp in Etosha National Park we again aim to arrive in time for lunch, giving us time to relax before heading out into the park during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive.
After your evening meal there are still more chances to see Etosha's big game at Namutoni's floodlit waterhole. Situated on the boundary of Namutoni and easily reachable on foot, elephants are regular visitors here and there is a good chance of seeing other species of game as well
Includes: Entrance Fees and Game drives
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 10 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK [Camping BLD]
A full day's game driving. We again leave early to enjoy the cool morning air as we game drive our way through Etosha to Halali camp, 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 time to visit the Halali waterhole and to make use of the swimming pool and bar facilities before continuing on our way and game driving down to Okaukuejo.
Okaukuejo is famous for its waterhole, which has been described as one of the "best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa". Situated on the doorstep of our accommodation, black rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope are usually seen.
Includes: Game drives
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 11 OASE HIMBA VILLAGE [Camping BLD]
Leaving Etosha we begin our journey south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab where we will make a short stop here before continuing on to find the Himba Tribesmen.
This is 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. Oase Village is located about 15 to 20 km outside Kamanjab, the exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location. During the afternoon we will be invited into Oase Village and will meet with the locals.
We will have a specialist guide for the time we are there, who will be able to translate for us and will introduce us to this “alternative lifestyle”. We will learn about marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the local religion, “Holy Fire”.
Includes:N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 12 BRANDBERG MOUNTAINS [Camping BLD]
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, travelling via the Petrified Forest geological site, to visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontien. At both these locations we will have local guides to conduct us on a short guided tour.
From here we head deeper into the desert to Namibia’s highest mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m). Brandberg Mountain is an ancient Bushman spiritual site and tonight we will sleep under the shadow of this giant granite monolith.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 13 SWAKOPMUND [Chalet BL]
Starting early to enjoy the cool of the morning we will hike, “into” the mountain with our guide to see the world famous “White Lady” rock painting. Attributed to the Bushman artists, the white lady panel is believed by some to be in excess of 20 000 years old.
Back on the road for more beautiful Damaraland scenery. We make our first stop in 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. Here at certain times of the year there can be as many as 100,000 Cape Fur seals in attendance. 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 this evening in not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Chalet

Day 14 WINDHOEK [Guesthouse BL]
The drive back to Windhoek today will take about 4 and a half hours. We will only depart after lunch, giving us time to spend the morning relaxing in Swakopmund. Swakopmund is a very pleasant seaside town with lots of 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 in Swakopmund.
Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be arranged. These include aeroplane and microlight 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. (N.B. All extra activities and excursions in Swakopmund are subject to availability and are made at the clients’ own risk and expense).
After lunch we will transfer back to the capital city, we are due back into the city around 16:00 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return. This night’s accommodation is included in the price of the safari but dinner tonight will be for the client’s own account in a local restaurant.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Guesthouse
Optional Activities: Quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, surfing, fishing and many more

Day 15 GHANZI, BOTSWANA [Camping LD]
A long drive today, making use of the Trans Kalahari Highway, a relatively new road that provides an invaluable communication link between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The road takes us first to the small town of Gobabis, one of the main livestock farming centres of Namibia, and then on to the border with Botswana.
After completing the immigration formalities we continue, through rural Botswana to the town of Ghanzi, located in the centre of cattle farming Botswana. Ghanzi is located almost in the middle of the Kalahari Desert and was almost unknown before the Trans Kalahari Highway.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 16 OKAVANGO DELTA [Camping BLD]
An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute supplies before continuing west, traversing the linear dunes of the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way.
A change in vegetation heralds our arrival on the very western edge of one of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. Here we turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels west as we enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the crystal waters through the lush vegetation and we make our camp on the banks of a pristine African lagoon.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 17 OKAVANGO DELTA [Camping BLD]
We are in the territory of the River People, so this morning we leave our vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion, first by motor-boat and then by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), deep into the Delta.
Mokoro’s will be our main form of transport for the next two days. These amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed for the narrow waterways of the Okavango and allow us to travel further into the Delta than if we were using more modern forms of transport. Mokoros carry three people, two seated passengers and one driver. The driver stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real feat of balance), and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer the mokoro through the twisting channels. It really is the only way to travel.
Back to camp in the late afternoon for another night by the Okavango waters.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 18 CAPRIVI, ZAMIBIA [Camping BLD]
Back on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities completed we go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small but excellent park right on the edge of the Okavango River. We game drive our way through Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely seen Namibian species such as roan the majestic sable antelope.
Our camp for tonight is just outside the Game Reserve, and we are again beside the Okavango, but this time the main river, on its journey from the Angolan highlands, through the pan handle to waters end, the delta.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 19 CAPRIVI, ZAMIBIA [Camping BLD]
The Caprivi Strip is a long narrow stretch of territory running along the Botswana’s northern border. It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many small communities dotted along our route. The locals in this area are the Kavango people and we make a cultural visit to a local community. The people here have taken the initiative to establish a traditional “kraal” which will be opened for us and we will give a guided tour.
We have the chance to gain a significant insight into the local customs and culture, including demonstrations of traditional medicine and superstition.
From here it is only a short drive to our camp for the night, also operated as a community project, located on the banks of the Kwando River in a beautiful setting. There is a craft market nearby where you can shop for truly Namibian souvenirs.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 20 KASANE, BOTSWANA [Camping BLD]
We finish our long transit of the Caprivi region this morning when we arrive in Namibia’s easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A short break here before crossing back across the border into Botswana. The road takes us directly into the world famous Chobe National Park. Chobe has the world’s largest population of African Elephants and the chances of seeing some big game are very good as we transit through the park to the small town of Kasane. We make camp in the grounds of a local lodge, right on the banks for the Chobe River.
Time to relax in the afternoon before joining a river boat cruise, back into the park. From the boat we will have the chance to see a huge amount of wild game, both on the river banks and in the waters swirling around us.
Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding Chobe River and on the land side there is often a kaleidoscope of different antelope and species such as elephant, buffalo and even the Big Cats come to the river banks for their sundowner drink. The Chobe River provides a very broad habitat for bird life and it is possible to see many beautiful species of our feathered friends.
Includes: River boat cruise
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 21 LIVINGSTONE, ZAMIBA [Camping BL]
Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula ferry depot and complete our Botswana exit formalities. We cross the Chobe on the local ferry boat, enter Zambia and from here it is a short drive to the town of Livingstone. Named after the famous British missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone, the town is a bustling African centre. We make our camp on the banks of the Zambezi River and have time to explore the town and to visit the might Victoria Falls.
The views of the waterfall from the Zambian bank are fantastic, there are many small paths and lookout points to explore.
This afternoon your guide will help you organise the many optional activities available in Livingstone. These include white water rafting, bungi jumping, other excursions on the river and scenic flights to mention but a few. Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant at the client’s own expense.
NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done at the clients own risk and expense.
Includes: Entrance fees
Overnight: Tented Camp – twin permanent tents with shared facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar
Optional Activities: White water rafting, scenic flights, bungi jumping & many more

Day 22 LIVINGSTONE [B]
After breakfast the safari is finished. Your guide will be able to offer advice on other travel plans you have in this region. We pack up our campsite.
Includes: N/A

For clients transferring back to Windhoek tomorrow this is a free day for you to explore the area or to take part in optional activities. Lunch and dinner are not included in the price of the trip. Your guide will arrange a time to collect you for the return journey in the morning. You will keep your tent for tonight and this nights camping is included in the price of the safari.

Day 23 RUNDU, NAMIBIA [Camping BLD]
An early start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will not be stopping to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse the Caprivi Strip and will spend the night near the small town of Rundu in northern Namibia.
We camp in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the Okavango River, looking into Angola on the far river bank.
Dinner tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included in the price.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Camping - basic facilities

Day 24 WINDHOEK [BL]
Another early start and another long drive, we head south through Kavango Province, down through the towns of Grootfontien, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja before reaching our final destination, Windhoek.
There will be stops at some of the local woodcarving stalls as well as the market at Okahandja before arriving in the city.
You will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Please note:
The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and photo stops!

PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
This tour departs from Windhoek, please make sure that you are there well before time. This tour ends in Livingstone, Zambia, however at an additional cost a transfer back to Windhoek can be arranged.