Namibia - 7 Day Northern Adventure

  Namibia

• Other Cities in Namibia: 
Windhoek,  Swakopmund

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: All Year - Please Contact Us

Description: Day One
Windhoek to Okonjima (300 km) (LD) (camping)

You will be collected 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.

After our educational tour we will return our camp and prepare for dinner under the African stars.

Day Two
Okonjima to Namutoni / East Etosha region (300 km) (BLD) (camping)

An early start and continuing north we pass through some small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel.

Continuing on to our East Etosha, Namutoni region camp we again aim to arrive in time for lunch, giving us time to relax before heading into the park during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive.

Day Three
East Etosha region to Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park (BLD) (camping)

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 camp, black rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope are usually seen.

Day Four
Okaukuejo to Oase Himba Village, Kamanjab (300 km) (BLD) (camping)

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".

Day Five
Oase Village to Brandberg Mountain (400 km) (BLD) (camping)

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 to visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontien. At this location we will have a local guide 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.

Day Six
Brandberg Mountain to Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast (250 km) (BL) (chalet)

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

Day Seven
Swakopmund to Windhoek (BL) (350 km)

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).

This is the last day of our trip and after lunch we will transfer back to the capital city where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Highlights: This safari has a guaranteed departure every Friday of the year, with a minimum of 2 people. There is no single supplement, and the price is virtually fully inclusive of everything you will need whilst travelling with us. The style is limited participation, assisted camping and there is one accommodated night included in the itinerary, (day 6). Collection time is between 08:30 & 09:00 from anywhere within the Windhoek city limits.

This safari can also be combined with our 7 day Southern Swing itinerary to make an unforgettable 14 Day Namibian Experience. To make a comprehensive 10 day itinerary, combine this with our 3 day Sossusvlei trip. Two of the world's natural wonders, the Okavango Delta and the mighty Victoria Falls can also be included by combining this trip with our 8 day Delta and Falls Safari.

Etosha, which was declared a game reserve by the German kolonial administration back in 1907, covers an area of more than 22 000 sqkms. In its centre lies a vast saltpan surrounded by grass and thorn savannah, Mopane bushland in the west and dry forest in the north-east. About two million years ago, this area was an enormous lake, fed by the Kunene river. However the lake slowly dried up because over time, the river changed its course.

Be it a lion or an elephant, a giraffe or a zebra; almost all African animal species are represented in the huge nature reserve, approx. 22 000 square kilometres in size. There is an estimated number of 250 lions in the park, 300 rhinos, 2 500 giraffes, 6 000 zebras and more than 2 000 elephants. The dainty springbok are especially numerous; at least 20 000 of them roam the reserve. Often, they can be observed in enormous herds of several hundred animals.

Swakopmund's temperate climate offers respite from the searing heat of the desert. Completely different from the rest of the Namibia, it allows you to indulge in a variety of ocean activities and adventures.

* Superb birdwatching at Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay
* Desert and dune excursions, filled with ancient flora & fauna
* Adventure activities & outdoor pursuits for adrenalin junkies
* Visit the Skeleton Coast, named after all the ship wrecks
* Sea tours, fishing and diving - see dolphins, seals & whales

Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination. You will enjoy its moderate temperatures and find it a welcome change from the rest of your scorching Namibian holiday. Established by the Germans in 1892, Swakopmund is a quirky mix of German Architecture and modern buildings, which some might call a little odd! Nevertheless it remains a delightful town with no lack of activities to keep you busy!

Cost in US$: Please Email Us For Latest Pricing

Safaris exclude:
* Sleeping bag (can be hired)
* Alcoholic beverages
* Soft drinks
* Personal travel insurance

Useful items to bring with you:
* Two litre water bottle
* Torch
* Towel
* Sun hat
* Pillow

Important Notice

These details, guidelines and figures are accurate at time of posting (April 2009) and should remain so. They may change without notice should our local service providers update their tariffs due to unforeseen circumstances (such as Tax or Fuel Increases). Please ensure you email us to reconfirm this at time of enquiry or booking.

Typical Application Process:

The client will email FYI Travel, we will send out our application & indemnity form via email or fax. They need to complete it (hand sign it) and scan & email or fax it back to FYI Travel for approval.

They will be contacted and notified according to availability and date requirements. Full acceptance will be confirmed with an invoice from FYI for payment. Once payment is received, the program is confirmed and booked with service providers.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Namibia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Max 14, Min 2

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

FYI Travel's Mission Statement: Travel is a life-changing experience and FYI Travel will assist those who wish to, providing important information, giving peace of mind and support throughout their journey. FYI Travel is a link between traveller's and ground operators/service providers. We empower those in South Africa and Africa who offer extraordinary experiences. Our goal is to be instrumental in assisting individuals in making their trip a memorable one, being part of the traveller's life experience. We firmly believe that South Africa and Africa have so much to offer. The beauty and character of these countries are unique and should be experienced by everyone on this planet.

Year Founded: 2007