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We offer seven great Camping Safaris - ranging from 10 to 17 days in length.
The Marula, Lichen, Aloe, Teak and Kokerboom Safaris are all assisted
camping safaris, each trip visiting different aspects of Namibia's highlights.
The Tamboti Safari is a family-orientated safari around Namibia's highlights, with a minimum age
of just 5 years old.
The Jackalberry Safari is an assisted camping safari that offers a taste of the Okavango Delta,
wildlife in the Caprivi Strip and ends up at Victoria Falls. This trip can be joined together with any of the
Namibia safaris to create a longer trip.
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Assisted Camping Safaris
By camping for much of the time, assisted camping trips offer the best of Namibia at a very reasonable cost.
If this conjures up unpleasant images of boy scouts under battered canvas in damp British drizzle, take it
from us that Namibia is very different. In a country where it's usually much warmer and drier than in the UK,
camping is a great way to maximize your time outdoors.
Each trip is led by a professional guide, who also acts as your driver and helps around camp. Our guides are
terribly important to us, so we pick them carefully and train them well. All speak good English; almost all
are Namibians. With them, you'll be able to learn a lot about the country and what you see - including much
about the flora, fauna and local cultures. They will be able to identify all of the animals, many of the
birds, and some of the plants that you see. However, don't expect them to be expert ornithologists or
botanists, using Latin names for every species.
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The other vital person on these trips is the camp assistant. It's his/her job to do most of the
camp chores - so whilst you will help to put up and take down your tent (it's very easy!), you
need not worry about cooking or washing up. This leaves you and your guide more time to relax and
chat about the country and your experiences.
Good-quality camping equipment is transported in a custom-built trailer. Tents supplied are
two-person igloo-style tents, about 2m x 2m, which are easy to assemble. If you are a single
traveller, you may be asked to share with another person of the same sex. There is no
single-person supplement.
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Each traveller has his/her own camp chair with backrest, and a mattress that is about 5cm thick, covered in
thick fabric and very comfortable. Sleeping bags are included on a complimentary basis, but you are welcome
to bring your own if you prefer. Pillows are not supplied so we recommend that you bring a small pillow, or
inflatable travel cushion.
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For groups of up to about eight people, these assisted camping safaris usually use Toyota Hi-Aces
with a purpose built trailer. For groups up to about twelve people, they usually use a Toyota
Dyna. For bigger groups, up to the maximum of 16 people, they usually use a Toyota Hino. Both the
Toyota Dynas and the Toyota Hinos have been purpose-built and adapted specifically for these
trips, including the provision of air-cushioned suspension. Both include comfortable, individual
bucket seats and pop-top roofs. During 2006, many of the Toyota Hi-Aces will be converted to
include a pop-top roof too.
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Breakfasts are usually a choice of cereals, fruit, bread and various spreads. Often journeys break at scenic
spots for a picnic lunch, where you'll have a choice of sandwiches, salads and/or cold cuts of meat, cheese,
pickles and fresh bread. Alternatively, on game-driving days, you might have a light breakfast and then
brunch, instead of lunch.
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Our guides pride themselves on their excellent bush cuisine; they are adept at rustling up tasty,
wholesome meals. These are often eaten around the campfire, and main dishes will typically
include beef stroganoff, roast chicken and lamb stew. Barbecues are also a favourite. Fresh
bread is usually available, while salads, fresh vegetables and fresh fruit will be served
wherever possible.
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Whilst you're in camp, tea, coffee and hot chocolate are included, as is normal drinking water. Any other
drinks must be bought at your expense. Your guide will let you know where to stock up on soft drinks, wines,
beers and bottled mineral water. All our vehicles have cool boxes with ice and/or fridges in which you can
store drinks as you travel.
Almost all of the campsites are established rest camps. The facilities generally include ablution blocks with
hot and cold running water and a small kiosk or shop where you can buy drinks. Many of the camps also have a
swimming pool. Some of Namibia's more remote campsites are not well lit; while your camp's equipment includes
at least one gas lamp, this is turned off once everyone has settled for the night, so it's important that you
bring a good torch with you. You'll find this useful within your tent and also if you need to walk around
camp after dark.
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