Swakopmund – Cape Cross – Damaraland – Bushman engravings – Himba settlements – Ovamboland – Etosha Game Park – Swakopmund
Day 1
Depart from Swakopmund and drive north to the Cape Cross seal reserve and view a large colony of 80,000 to 100,000 Cape Fur Seals. This area is also of historical significance as the Portuguese explorer named Diego Cao, the first European to set foot in Namibia, erected a stone cross in honor of King João II of Portugal. Lunch packs en route. Travel into the interior of the country, through rugged landscapes past the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, to Twyfelfontein, (meaning doubtful fountain). We visit an amazing variety of rock engravings and paintings, which are estimated to be some 6000 years old. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge or camp near Twyfelfontein.
Day 2:
After breakfast we visit the “Organ Pipes” with its bizarre Dolerite columns and the “Burnt Mountain” with its interesting geological features. Thereafter the tour will proceed northwards via Palmwag and Opuwo into the heart of Damaraland. En route visit a typical ovaHimba settlement. The Himba are a sub-tribe of the Herero people. They are the only tribe still practicing their ancient tradition and culture. They are nomads that roam the area in search of grazing for their cattle. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge in Opuwo.
Day 3:
Today we travel via Ruacana into Ovamboland, the home of the Owambo people. This is the most densely populated region of Namibia (approximately 600 000 people). The Owambo consist of 8 sub-tribes. Flat, sandy plains dotted with Makalani palms, savannah and Mopane woodlands characterize the landscape. Lunch packs en route. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge or hotel in Oshakati.
Day 4:
After breakfast travel south to Ondangwa the capital of Ovamboland. The Nakambale Museum at Olukondo is our first stop, depicting the past and present role of the Finnish Mission, the church and the local cultures. Afterwards visit the Ngonga homestead and observe the different demonstrations of wheat crushing, basket weaving, hair braiding and perhaps traditional dancing and music. Proceed to the Etosha National Park, one of the major game reserves in Africa. Lunch en route. Dinner / bed / breakfast at one of the three Rest Camps.
Day 5:
A full day of game viewing in the Etosha National Park. This park is one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa. The area was proclaimed a game reserve as far back as 1907. The size is 22,270 km² and it consists mainly of bush and grass savannah. This type of landscape provides excellent opportunities for game viewing at the numerous waterholes or in the open countryside. There is a game-viewing drive after breakfast until late afternoon with a break for lunch. Dinner/ bed / breakfast at a rest-camp.
Day 6:
After breakfast depart for Tsumeb and visit Lake Otjikoto, which was formed when the roof of a karst cavity collapsed and the cavity filled up with water. Travel southwards and visit the Hoba-Meteorite near Grootfontein. This is the world’s biggest meteorite. It weighs some 60 tons and its age is estimated to be approximately 190 to 410 million years. After a short rest with lunch packs continue to Otjiwarongo, the capital of the North. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a loge or Rest Camp at the “Waterberg”.
Day 7:
Today we return to Swakopmund via Otjiwarongo and the picturesque village of Omaruru. The landscape changes from Acacia shrublands to the sparse shrubs and grasses of the Namib Desert. En route we pass the mighty Erongo Mountains and the Spitzkoppe near Usakos. Arrive in Swakopmund in the late afternoon.
Prices as per separate Price-List.
Services included: Overland trips and all sightseeing as per itinerary. Overnight in double rooms with private shower/bath and toilet. Breakfast and Dinner. English speaking tour guide.
Not included: Expenses for personal belongings e.g. drinks, lunches, telephone calls and tips.
Departure Dates: No fixed departure dates. Tours are undertaken on request.
Please note: This is a standard tour. However, we can also offer tailor-made tours according to your requests.