BIG CAT CONSERVATION, ADVENTURE & DESERT SAFARI
13 DAY SMALL GROUP GUIDED NAMIBIA SAFARI (MID MARKET) - 2008

Trip Summary
A truly varied trip which includes safari drives in the renowned Etosha National Park, rich with wildlife including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, rhino, and giraffe and where wildlife viewing comes relatively easily. Opportunities for activities include a dolphin cruise, excursion to a Himba tribe, scenic flights, eco-quad biking on the sand dunes, deep sea fishing, a round of golf in the desert and horse riding. Highlights of the trip include a visit to a big cat rehabilitation project and seeing ancient rock art on the landscape of Damaraland.

Accommodation is in luxury lodges and permanent tents and the itinerary features some of the best lodges in Namibia. Guests will typically wake up to fantastic African bush and desert views without needing to move from their bed! Evenings at the lodges tend to focus on having a nightcap around the ‘boma' or campfire: surely nothing can complete with a star-filled sky, a crackling fire, the sounds of the African bush and some good stories from our hosts after a homecooked evening meal! Our guides are local to the area, and have an intense passion for nature and their country. Their ability to speak local dialects gives guests a privileged insight into the intriguing local tribal cultures, whilst their well-trained game-spotting skills and expert knowledge of botany and wildlife provide for a unique and informative experience.

What this trip contributes:
Admission fees to the Big Cat rehabilitation project ensures that the work undertaken by the charitable foundation is supported. The foundation has rehabilitated over 80% of cats back into the wild since its work began.

Our visits to the rock art sites in Damaraland are led by local guides, and fees paid for our tours are reinvested directly back into the local community.

We travel in small groups of up to 8 people, to avoid overwhelming local communities and to give our guests an overall better experience. Small group travel means we can get off the beaten track and use small lodges and guesthouses that tend to be more homely and personable.

Day 1 — Arrival in Windhoek (40 km; 0.5 hour drive)

You are met by your Tou Safaris guide at the Windhoek International Airport and transferred to your hotel in your private air-conditioned safari vehicle. The afternoon is spent on a guided city tour. Dinner can be had at the hotel or any local restaurant (own account).

Windhoek – Capital City:
Windhoek, Namibia's capital nestles among rolling hills, bounded by the Eros Mountains in the east, the Auas Mountains to the south and the Khomas Hochland in the west. It is a meeting place between Africa and Europe, the modern and the old. In the capital's main street, well-preserved German colonial buildings are in sharp contrast with modern architectural styles, while Herero women in their traditional Victorian dresses mingle with executives dressed in the latest fashions. Located centrally, Windhoek is the starting point of an adventurous holiday for many visitors to the country and an ideal base from where to explore the rest of the country. The city's restaurants offer a variety of meals, ranging from international and continental cuisine to German dishes such as Eisbein with Sauerkraut and African delicacies such as mopane worms. Windhoek offers a wide choice of accommodation options, ranging from four-star hotels and homely pensions to backpackers establishments and campsites. In the rural areas beyond the city's limits there are also a number of lodges and guest farms.

The Elegant Guesthouse invites you to experience tranquillity, elegance and style in a newly built Bed & Breakfast, situated close to Windhoek's Central Business District. The 5 luxurious double rooms offer guests the perfect base to relax, explore and conduct business from. During your time at The Elegant Guesthouse, we will endeavour to make your stay as comfortable as possible and to provide you with personalized service and genuine hospitality.

Overnight: The Elegant B&B or similar — Bed & Breakfast
www.natron.net/elegant

Day 2 — Windhoek to AfriCat Foundation (250 km; 3.5 hours driving)

After a leisurely breakfast you depart and head due north out of Windhoek. You visit the Okahandja Craft Market, before arriving at the Okonjima Main Camp in time for lunch. The afternoon is spent on one of the many activities on offer exploring the AfriCat Foundation (alternatively we will visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund).

Okahandja:
Directly north of Windhoek lies Okahandja, a town of great significance to the Herero people because it was once the seat of Chief Samuel Maharero. Every year on 26 August, referred to as Heroes' Day, thousands of Hereros converge on the town to pay homage at the graves of their great chiefs. Some of the women are dressed in traditional red and black, others in green and black, while the men wear full military regalia complete with medals. Visitors are welcome to view this rich and colourful ceremony. According to historian Dr Vedder, the name Okahandja comes from Herero and means ‘small widening', the place where the rivers meet. The earliest records of the town date back to 1844 when the first two missionaries arrived there. The year 1894, however, is regarded as the birth of the town as Okahandja became a military base in this year and a fort was built. On 26 August, 1923, the famous Herero Chief Samuel Maharero was laid to rest in Okahandja at a funeral attended by approximately 2 000 people. Since then this day has been celebrated annually at Okahandja by the Herero people. The town is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. They practice their ancient skills at the wood and thatch Mbangura woodcarvers Market next to the main road, both at the entrance and at the exit of the town.

Okonjima Main Camp:
Okonjima offers a Main Camp, with 10 en-suite, double rooms, and a Luxury Bush Camp, with 8 unique, African – style chalets. Activities include the Cheetah Tracking trail on foot, or a visit to our Cheetah Project. Then there is Leopard viewing from the safety of a hide or radio-tracked from our game-viewing vehicles, as well as Birding, Guided and self-guided walking trails.

Overnight: Okonjima Main Camp or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
www.okonjima.com.na

Day 3 — AfriCat Foundation to Etosha National Park (415 km; 4 hours driving)

After another activity and a late breakfast you depart for the Etosha National Park. En route you visit Lake Otjikoto. Lunch is had en route and you arrive at the elegant Mushara Outpost in the mid- to late afternoon. Time allowing, you may head off into the park for some game viewing.

Lakes Otjikoto and Guinas:
During the South West Africa Campaign in 1915, retreating German forces dumped their military equipment into Lake Otjikoto, about 24 km north-west of Tsumeb. There the armaments lay, undisturbed, until members of the Windhoek Underwater Club recovered an ammunition carrier now on display in Windhoek's Alte Feste Museum. On subsequent forays a number of cannons, machine-guns and other weapons were retrieved. These form an important part of the displays in the Tsumeb Museum. Many legends surround the lake. A favourite myth is that Otjikoto and its sister lake Guinas are bottomless.

A rare, mouth-breeding species of fish is found in Otjikoto Lake, as well as in Guinas, which lies to the north west of Otjikoto. The 130m deep Lake Guinas is noted for its beautiful setting and the dark inky blue colour of its water. However, since it is on a private farm, permission to view it needs to be obtained from the owner.

Etosha National Park:
Large enough to be classified as a saline desert in its own right, the Etosha Pan lies in the Owambo Basin on the north-western edge of the Namibian Kalahari. Until three million years ago it formed part of a huge, shallow lake which was reduced to a complex of salt pans when the major river that fed it, the Kunene, changed course and began to flow to the Atlantic instead. If the lake existed today, it would be the third largest in the world. Etosha is the largest of the pans, 4 760km2 in extent, or about half the size of Lebanon. It is nowadays filled with water only when sufficient rain falls to the north in Angola to induce floods to flow southward along the Cuvelai drainage system. Etosha is open throughout the year and is accessible on tarred roads via the Anderson Gate in the central southern section and the Von Lindequist Gate in the east. Each of Etosha's three resorts, Okaukuejo in the centre of the park, Namutoni in the east and Halali halfway between the two, has its own distinctive character and atmosphere. Each has a floodlit waterhole where wildlife can be viewed throughout the day and night.

Mushara Outpost:
The Mushara outpost is on the same reserve as the Mushara Lodge and Villa Mushara, 2km east of Mushara Lodge as the crow flies. The Mushara Outpost consists of 8 units for guests, each sleeping two, and two units for tour guides. Guests are accommodated in custom made tents on a wooden deck nestled amongst trees on the western bank of a small omuramba, also known as a dry river bed. As far as we know the last time water flowed through the omuramba was 40 years ago. The ground water level is shallow so that trees and shrubs have overgrown most of the omuramba. The tents are facing eastwards, to allow for privacy and protection from the sun which is harshest from the west. Pathways leading to and from the main lodge are on the western side. Since we spend most of our time on "ground level" it was decided to raise the tents off the ground to provide a different perspective of the surrounding bush. A wooden ramp leads onto the deck and 12 square metres of private space, this is the perfect spot for enjoying the solitude of nature. A large glass sliding door leads into the tents, all windows and doors are covered with fly- screen to keep cool air in and insects out. The tent is a wooden structure, wrapped with canvas containing fixed wooden door and window frames. Three large glass windows stretching from ceiling to floor allow for plenty of fresh air during the night. For warm afternoons, air conditioning adds an extra level of comfort. The open-plan bathroom has an enclosed toilet with ceiling and two large windows. When faced with a choice between a large mirror at the basin or a better view into the bush, the mirror size quickly shrank. The shower walls are glass from top to bottom. Unzip the outside canvas wall of the shower to your preferred height and your time in the shower takes on a new dimension! The furnishing of the tent is minimal, comfortable and has a light feel to it. A mini bar, coffee station, safe, telephone, mosquito net and hair drier are standard. Did we mention the air con? The lodge house is styled on an old farm house, tall walls, corrugated iron roof with a large wrap around veranda. This is NE facing to take advantage of cooling shade. The ambiance is that of a well lived in house, friendly, warm and extremely comfortable with a homely atmosphere. Dinner is enjoyed under the African stars, breakfast and lunch are taken on the veranda and in the house. A wide refreshing pool is welcome relief after a hot day in Etosha. The Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier big game destination and one of Africa's iconic landmarks. The Mushara Outpost offers game drives into the park with talented local guides who are truly passionate about sharing the wonders of Etosha. The Mushara Outpost is all about old-fashioned hospitality with warm, friendly and personalized service on the doorstep of the magical Etosha Pan National Park.

Overnight: Mushara Outpost or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
www.mushara-lodge.com

Day 4 — Etosha National Park (game viewing)

Full day of game-viewing in the Etosha National Park.

Overnight: Mushara Outpost or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 5 — Etosha National Park (game viewing)

After an early breakfast, the day is spent on game-viewing from your private vehicle. You will leave the park before sunset, arriving at Etosha Mountain Lodge in time to enjoy sunset. Etosha Mountain Lodge: Etosha Mountain Lodge consists of 6 luxury chalets overlooking a breathtaking view. Each chalet is built for your privacy. The main complex, also with wonderful view including a reception area, lounge, dining room, bar, swimming pool with teak deck and wine cellar (grotto) where you can taste the best wines. Also accessible to handicapped guests. Morning Game drive including drinks and picnic lunch. Game on View? Black Rhino, White Rhino, Giraffe, Eland, Mountain Zebra, Kudu, Oryx, Cheetah, Leopard, Springbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Warthog, Duiker, Black-faced Impala, sable antelope, Hartebeest etc.

Overnight: Etosha Mountain Lodge or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
www.etoshamountainlodge.com

Day 6 — West Etosha/Damaraland (150 km; 2 hours drive)

After a leisurely breakfast you depart to Hobatere Lodge via Kamanjab. You will arrive at the Hobatere Lodge in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle. After dinner you will go on a night drive where you can explore the world of the nocturnal creatures. Hobatere Lodge: Hobatere Lodge is situated 80km north of Kamanjab on the western border of the Etosha National Park. Wildlife on the 32 000ha concession area includes elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and many more. Guests stay in en-suite bungalows and rooms under thatch and in a tree house next to a waterhole. Wholesome meals are served beside an indigenous garden and in a boma under the stars. The facilities include a lounge, bar, curio shop, game viewing hides and a swimming pool. A campsite with shared facilities such as barbecue places, hot showers and flush toilets is situated among granite hills on another part of the property. Hobatere offers guided walk and game drives with an experienced naturalist. The reserve is recognized as the best site in Namibia for endemic birds.

Overnight: Hobatere Lodge or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
www.exclusive.com.na

Day 7 — Damaraland (250 km; 3.5 hours drive)

After breakfast we depart and head into Damaraland in north-western Namibia. We visit the Petrified Forest en route and arrive at the Twyfelfontein Country Lodge in time for a late lunch. The afternoon is spent exploring the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, which have recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You also visit the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, before returning to the lodge.

Petrified Forest:
Huge trees that turned to stone 280 million years ago lie in the Petrified Forest 45km west of Khorixas. Broken into segments but aligned, they are clearly recognizable as fallen trees, some as long as 45m and 1,2m in diameter, complete with wood grain and growth rings. It is the biggest accumulation of petrified logs in southern Africa. Floodwaters uprooted the trees elsewhere and carried them to their present position towards the end of an ice age on the Gondwana super continent. The trees were Cordaites, early conifers, that are now extinct.

Twyfelfontein:
Strewn over a hillside at Twyfelfontein in the southern Kaokoveld, boulders and slabs of red sandstone hold some 2 500 prehistoric engravings that depict wildlife, animal spoor and abstract motifs. It is perhaps the largest and finest collection of petroglyphs in Africa. The engravings show animals such as elephant, giraffe, kudu, lion, rhinoceros, springbok, zebra and ostrich that once used to drink from a fountain at the bottom of the hill. In some cases footprints were engraved instead of hooves or paws. The abstract motifs feature mainly circles. Stone tools and other artifacts found at Twyfelfontein suggest that hunter-gatherers occupied the site over a period of perhaps 7 000 years. The exact age of the engravings is unknown, but the patina on individual figures — the darker, the older — does give an idea of their relative age. Guides take visitors to view the rock art. The engravings lie along two circular routes, one an hour's climb and the other 40 minutes longer. The engravings are best seen in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon. Twyfelfontein is a national monument situated about 100 km south-west of Khorixas in a valley among flat-topped mountains of red sandstone.

Burnt Mountain:
A rounded hill south-west of the Petrified Forest, Known as the Burnt Mountain, seems to catch fire again at sunrise and sunset. Its fantastic range of colours comes from a chemical reaction that took place 132 million years ago when molten lava penetrated shale and limestone deposits. In ordinary sunlight it is a dull black. Blackened rubble lies to one side like cinders from the original fire.

Organ Pipes:
The Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in the area.

Twyfelfontein Lodge:
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is situated in the Uibasen Twyfelfontein conservancy, approximately 5km from the historical site with some of the best specimens of rock engravings in South Africa. The lodge has 56 en-suite double rooms, bar, curio shop and swimming pool. Other popular attractions in the area include Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipe rock formations, Doros Crater and Petrified Forest. Interesting fauna and flora, like Desert Elephant and Rhinoceros & Welwitschia Mirabilis and the endemic Herero Chat is likely to be found on a day excursion.

Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
www.namibialodges.com

Day 8 — Damaraland to Swakopmund (325 km; 5 hours driving)

After breakfast we depart for Swakopmund. You pass Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg, and have lunch en route. You arrive in Swakopmund in the mid-afternoon and dinner tonight is enjoyed at a famous local restaurant.

Brandberg:
The imposing Brandberg massif is a challenge to rock climbers, especially its peak Königstein, which at 2 574m is the highest point in Namibia. The Acacia montis-usti trees, conspicuous in the Brandberg valley, are endemic to this region. Fine specimens of the desert plant Welwitschia Mirabilis can be seen at the Messum Crater south west of the Brandberg. The Brandberg is famous for the rock painting known as the white lady.

Swakopmund Town:
Swakopmund is a town with an air of enchantment about it, as if the ornate buildings of the old quarter and the lush greenery of the seafront were somehow spirited away from their proper setting, only to be left without rhyme or reason in an African desert. Beyond the last row of houses the desert is devoid of vegetation except for low bushes. On a slight rise above the seashore, the town is exposed to both the Atlantic and the Namib, a gravel plain to the north and east. It stands on the north bank of a river course that is nearly always dry. A narrow belt of sand dunes, outriders of the Great Sand Sea to the south, comes to a halt on the opposite bank. A bare plain beside a rough sea and dry river is hardly a prime position for a holiday resort. In fact the town was never meant to be a resort, but became one against all the odds. It was established as a harbour town. Swakopmund had its beginning as a landing station in 1892 when the Imperial Navy erected beacons on the site. Initially cargo and passengers were rowed ashore in surfboats from steamers anchored offshore. Once a concrete Mole or breakwater had been built it became possible to use tugs and barges instead.

Hansa Hotel:
A timeless classic, which forms part of Swakopmund's architectural culture, is the grand Hansa Hotel, dating back to 1905. Being centrally situated, the Hansa Hotel becomes a doorway to all the tourist amenities which Swakopmund has to offer. Not only is the Hansa Hotel world renowned for its outstanding cuisine, but also comparable with the most prestigious address encountered abroad. This luxurious residence places emphasis not only on personalized service, elegant style, but also affordability.

Overnight: Hansa Hotel or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
www.hansahotel.com.na

Day 9 — Swakopmund

Today is a day of leisure and for you to partake in any additional activities of your choice. You meet again for dinner at a well known restaurant. Optional activities today could include a marine cruise, scenic flights, trips to Sandwich Harbour (ask your guide for details).

Marine Cruise: NAD/ZAR 430 per person
Sandwich Harbour tour: NAD/ZAR 900 per person (min 3 pax)
Living desert tour: NAD/ZAR 500 per person (min 3 pax)
Scenic flight (Sosusvlei): NAD/ZAR 8 250 per aircraft (maximum 5 pax)
Himba Excursion (flight): NAD/ZAR 18 200 per aircraft (maximum 5 pax)

Overnight: Hansa Hotel or similar — Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 10 — Swakopmund to Sossusvlei (420 km; 6 hours driving)

After breakfast you depart from Swakopmund and make your way into the heart of the Namib Desert. You visit the prehistoric Welwitschia plants and the fascinating moon landscape. Lunch is had en route and you arrive at A Little Sossus Lodge in the mid afternoon.

Welwitshia Drive and Moon Landscape:
The Welwitschia Drive is a half day, self drive circuit of the Namib Naukluft Park in the vicinity of Swakopmund that gives travellers a look at the gravel plains of the Namib, the moon landscape, the Welwitschia mirabilis and few sites of historical interest. A permit to enter the Namib Naukluft Park is required. The Moon landscape is a rather beautiful view of the rugged hills that lie beyond the gravel plains of the Namib. It can be seen on the Welwitschia Drive.

A Little Sossus Lodge:
Surrounded by three stunning mountain ranges and Namib dunes to the west, A Little Sossus Lodge offers a relaxing, stylish alternative for exploring southern Namibia. Sixteen simply beautiful stone chalets, built from surrounding rock, provide en-suite accommodation. Hearty meals from fresh farm produce are served in the old farmhouse or can be enjoyed on one of the excursions to the majestic Sossusvlei dunes, the refreshing rock pools and walking trails of the Naukluft Park or while out on a sundowner drive. Internet facilities and television keep you in touch with the outside world while the sparkling pool and stunning views allow you to escape from it all at A Little Sossusvlei Lodge.

Overnight: A Little Sossus Lodge or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
www.littlesossus.com.na

Day 11 — Sossusvlei

After an early wake-up call you depart for Sossusvlei. The early morning provides great colour and shadows of the dunes, and after exploring the area, you settle down for a picnic breakfast under a shady tree. You also visit the Sesriem Canyon, before returning to the lodge for a late lunch. The afternoon is at leisure.

Sossusvlei:
Sossusvlei is a clay pan set amid monstrous piles of sand known as star dunes that reach the height of a 70 storey skyscraper and rank among the tallest dunes on earth. A deathly white against red sands, the pan is the endpoint of a usually dry river, Tsauchab, in the interior of the Great Sand Sea. The river course rises south of the Naukluft Mountains in the Great escarpment. It penetrates the sand sea for some 55km before it finally peters out about the same distance from the Atlantic. Until dunes stopped it in its tracks 60 000 years ago, the Tsauchab reached the sea, as ephemeral rivers still do in the northern half of the Namib. Sand-locked pans to the west were endpoints before Sossusvlei. The dunes in the vicinity of Sossusvlei get to be as high as 220m. They look even higher when their base rests on an elevated surface such as a river terrace. Indeed one of them that lies beside the Tsauchab rises 325m above the valley floor. Once a decade or so rainfall over the escarpment is sufficient to bring the river down in flood and fill the pan. On such occasions the mirror images of dunes and gnarled trees around the pan are reflected in the water. Sossusvlei is the biggest of four pans in the vicinity. In one of them, Dead Vlei, big camelthorn trees, dead for want of water, still stand erect. They grew in that place until about 900 years ago when the sand sea finally blocked the occasional floods.

Sesriem Canyon: At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30 to 40 m, are pools that become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when early pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from the pools.

Overnight: A Little Sossus Lodge or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Day 12 — Sossusvlei to Windhoek Surrounds (360 km; 5 hours driving)

After breakfast you head toward Windhoek. Lunch is had en route and you arrive at the Amani Lodge in the mid afternoon, in time to enjoy an excursion to their big cats.

Amani Lodge:
So close to Windhoek and already so much in the Namibian bush. On the C26, en route to Walvisbay, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei and the Namib Naukluft Park. At an altitude of 2150m, Amani is the highest lodge in Namibia. Surrounded by the majestic Khomas Hochland Mountains you will enjoy a spectacular 360° view. This exclusive lodge offers 10 luxurious en–suite double rooms and thatched chalets. The lodge is tastefully decorated to the smallest details. Enjoy international cuisine with French influence. Family and cosy atmosphere. Take pleasure in the magnificent sunsets viewed from our African lapa or the wooden terrace of your chalet. Our many activities include big cats experience (lion, leopard, and cheetah) in their natural environment, game and bird watching. See the stars through our 25cm diam, telescope.

Overnight: Amani Lodge or similar — Lunch, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
www.amani-lodge-namibia.com

Day 13 — Windhoek Surrounds to Windhoek International Airport (60 km; 1 hour driving)

This morning is spent exploring Windhoek and doing some last minute shopping, before being transferred to the Windhoek International Airport in time for your flight home. This is also the official end of your Namibian Safari…bon voyage…

COST:
VALID FROM 01 JUL – 31 OCT 2008
MINIMUM 2 PAX & MAXIMUM 8 PAX

RACK RATE:
NAD 31 355, 00 PER PERSON SHARING
NAD 3 990, 00 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
ENQUIRE FOR RATES FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS

DATES:
19 JULY – 31 JULY 2008
23 AUGUST – 4 SEPTEMBER 2008
18 OCTOBER – 30 OCTOBER 2008

INCLUDED:
Accommodation as stated above, subject to availability.
Services of a registered and qualified guide.
Transport in an air-conditioned private safari vehicle.
Meals and activities stipulated above.
Entrance fees and excursions where stated in above itinerary.
Mineral water on board the vehicle.
Welcome Pack.

EXCLUDED:
International flights to Namibia.
Airport Taxes. Visas.
All other meals other than stated in above itinerary.
All other entrances and excursions than stated in above itinerary.
Items of personal nature such tips, beverages, laundry etc.
BANK CHARGES.

NOTES:
The above is a quotation only.
Services subject to availability at the time of booking.
Rates subject to change without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control e.g. fuel increases, currency fluctuation etc.
Should the period of travel, number of participants, type of accommodation, type of vehicle, or the duration of the stay change, the quote will vary accordingly.
Terms and conditions apply.