22 Day African Odyssey

The 22 day African Odyssey is a combination of three of our most popular safaris, the 7 day Northern Adventure, the 7 day Southern Swing and the 8 day Delta & Falls, and offers an extremely comprehensive safari tour of Namibia, the Okavango Delta and the Victoria Falls in Livingstone.

You will visit the weird Quiver Trees, the mighty Fish River Canyon and the vital water artery of the Orange River. The beautiful mountains at Klein Aus Vista, the tiny fishing centre of Luderitz and you will travel up through the stark and tortured beauty of the Southern Namib. Two nights at Sesriem and Sossusvlei where you will stroll among the world’s highest sand dunes, before returning to Windhoek for one, (included in the price in a quality Windhoek guest-house.).

From here you will then meet close-up-and personal the Big Cats at Okonjima, the amazing wildlife in Etosha National Park and have first hand experience of the Stone Age culture of the Himba Tribes. Namibia’s highest mountain in beautiful desert Damaraland is next and then on to Namibia’s premier seaside town, Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast.

Returning to Windhoek with an additional night in a Windhoek guest-house is also included, from here you will spend two nights beside a pristine lagoon in the Delta and then travelling back into Namibia to traverse, over two nights, the little visited Caprivi Region. Back into Botswana to Kasane for a boat cruise into the Chobe National Park and then on to Livingstone and “The Smoke That Thunders”, the awesome Victoria Falls.

It is also possible to remain with your guide for the 2 day return to Windhoek at the end of the trip, making the itinerary 24 days in total. (N$: 1 000:00 per person additional cost for the return).

• Departs:    On selected Fridays of the year with collection time from within the city limits between 07.30 & 08.00
• Drop off in Livingstone on a Friday with return to Windhoek on Sunday around 16.00
• Single supplement:  none
• The style is limited participation, assisted camping with the participation limited to only helping with the tents.The price is virtually fully inclusive of everything you will need whilst travelling with us.
• Night 3 and night 10 are included in the price of the trip in a quality Windhoek guest-house
• The following vehicle types may be used on safari:
  2 – 3 guests  4×4 double cabin vehicle
  4 – 5 guests  Toyota Quantum / Hi-Ace with purpose built trailer
  6 – 14 guests  Toyota Dyna truck – modified Safari vehicle

Safari Tour Overview

B = Breakfast;  L = Lunch;  D = Dinner

Safari Tour Details

Friday

Windhoek – Quiwer Tree Forest (500km) (LD) (Camping)

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.

Saturday

Quiwer Tree Forest – Fish River Canyon (300km) (BLD) (Camping)

Before leaving the Keetmanshoop area we visit another local site of interest this morning, the Giants Playground”, an area filled with massively eroded dolorite 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, the second largest canyon in the world, 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.

Sunday

Fish River Canyon – Klein Aus Vista (370km) (BLD) (Camping)

Our route takes us through the southern farms of Namibia 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.

Monday

Klein Aus Vista (240km) (BD) (Camping)

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.

Tuesday

Klein Aus Vista – Sesriem (350km) (BLD) (Camping)

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.

Wednesday

Sesriem – Agama (220km) (BLD) (Camping)

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.

Thursday

Agama – Windhoek (350km) (BL) (Camping)

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.

Friday

Windhoek – Okonjima (300km) (LD) (Camping)

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.

Saturday

Okonjima – Etosha National Park (300km) (BLD) (Camping)

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

Sunday

Etosha National Park (Full Day Game Drive) (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 accommodation, black rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope are usually seen.

Monday

Etosha National Park – Oase Himba Village (300km) (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”.

Tuesday

Oase Himba Village – Brandberg Mountain (400km) (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, 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.

Wednesday

Brandberg Mountain – Swakopmund (250km) (BL) (Accommodation)

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

Thursday

Swakopmund – Windhoek (365km) (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.

Friday

Windhoek – Ghanzi (600km) (LD) (Camping)

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.

Saturday

Ghanzi – Okavango Delta (450km) (BLD) (Camping)

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.

Sunday

Okavango Delta – Guma Lagoon (BLD) (Camping)

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.

Monday

Okavango Delta – Rainbow Camp (350km) (Camping)

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.

Tuesday

Rainbow Camp to Kasane (500km) (BLD) (Camping)

The Caprivi Strip is a long narrow stretch of territory running along Botswana’s northern border.  It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many small communities dotted along our route.

We near the end of our long transit of the Caprivi region, arriving 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.

Wednesday

Kasane (Game Drive and Boat Cruise) (BLD) (Camping)

After breakfast we head off on a leisurely game drive, exploring the wonders of the Chobe National Park by road.  Game drives within the park offer the opportunity to view abundant elephant and other big game species up close, and there is also the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators.

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.

Thursday

Kasane – Livingstone (100km) (BL) (Camping)

Another border crossing today, we drive out of Kasane to Kazangula ferry depot and complete our Botswanan 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.

Friday

Livingstone – Safari Ends (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.

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.

Saturday

Livingstone – Rundu (700km) (BLD) (Camping)

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.

Sunday

Rundu – Windhoek (800km) (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.