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This holiday to Namibia is a combination of two week-long safaris, the first visits the best of Namibia's
northern wildlife and the second explores the spectacularly scenic south. It's a grand overview of the
country during which you'll visit several local communities, both traditional and modern, and a tremendous
variety of contrasting environments. From the canyons of the Fish River to the saltpans of
Etosha and the rock art at Twyfelfontein, from the big cats of AfriCat to tens of
thousands of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross, you'll be amazed by the diversity of Namibia's scenery and
wildlife.
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Marula Safari Summary:
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| Day 1 |
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Flight to Namibia |
| Day 2 |
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Windhoek, guesthouse |
| Day 3 |
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AfriCat Foundation, camping |
| Day 4 & 5 |
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Etosha National Park, camping |
| Day 6 |
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Himba Community, camping |
| Day 7 |
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Damaraland, camping |
| Day 8 |
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Swakopmund, shared chalets |
| Day 9 |
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Windhoek, guesthouse |
| Day 10 |
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Quiver Tree Forest, camping |
| Day 11 |
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Orange River, camping |
| Day 12 |
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Aus, camping |
| Day 13 |
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Lüderitz /Aus, camping |
| Day 14 & 15 |
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Namib-Naukluft Park, camping |
| Day 16 |
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Flight to London |
| Day 17 |
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Arrive in London |
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DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Flight to Namibia
Your holiday to Namibia starts off with a scheduled overnight flight from London Gatwick to Windhoek with
Air Namibia.
Day 2 - Windhoek
On arrival in Windhoek, you are met and transferred to a comfortable guesthouse. The afternoon is free. Relax
by the pool, or wander into town to explore. Dinner is at your own expense as there are plenty of good
restaurants to choose from. Alternatively, you can order at the guesthouse. You will find your hosts there
helpful and friendly, and our Namibian team is easily contactable and happy to answer any queries you might
have.
Day 3 - AfriCat Foundation
After breakfast, you are collected between 08.30 and 09.00 for the short drive north to Okahandja and the
beginning of your Namibian holiday proper. Local artisans come here from all over Namibia to sell their
crafts, as the town is home to the country's largest and best craft market: it's a great place to buy
high-quality, handmade souvenirs. The drive continues to a private campsite at Okonjima, where you spend the
afternoon learning about the work done by the AfriCat Foundation to conserve Namibia's big cats, especially
cheetah. You can usually get very close to some of these magnificent predators.
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Day 4 - Etosha National Park
Rise with the sun for a hearty breakfast, before driving north to the mysterious Lake Otjikoto. This unusual
landmark is Namibia's largest permanent natural lake, and you will spend a little time here learning
something of its history. Continue to your campsite on the eastern side of Etosha National Park. The late
afternoon is spent game viewing, partly driving around and partly stopping to watch the action at waterholes.
You finally return to camp just before sunset for a tasty fireside dinner.
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Day 5 - Etosha National Park
After breaking camp, you head slowly west through this stark but beautiful park, with some spectacular views
of the huge, silvery expanse of Etosha Pan. Spotting the big game is easy; but travelling with a
knowledgeable guide enables you also to understand and appreciate the smaller species, and learn about some
of Etosha's many birds. You stop at Halali, in the middle of the park, for a leisurely lunch and to relax
during the heat of the day. During the afternoon you game drive your way to your camp on the south western
side of Etosha National Park.
Day 6 - Himba Community Project
After an early game drive in Etosha, you set off towards Damaraland, pausing at Outjo to buy fresh produce -
and perhaps to visit the tempting local German-style bakery/café for a pastry and drink. Then, close by the
small town of Kamanjab, you reach your campsite, before heading out to the nearby Himba Village for the
afternoon.
Like East Africa's Maasai, the Himba have a proud culture that they have successfully retained in the face of
the modern world. Many adhere to their traditional dress and customs, living in ways that have changed little
over the centuries. Each aspect of their lives has a meaning, from how they set up their kraal to honour
their ancestors, to the way they wear their hair.
Oase village 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 located on a farm. You spend the afternoon with them at this
village, where a local guide introduces you to their alternative lifestyle and helps you to learn about Himba
life and culture.
Day 7 - Damaraland
Today you take your time on a spectacular drive into the mountainous and picturesque Damaraland. Travel via
the Petrified Forest geological site before enjoying lunch near Twyfelfontein - a seemingly ordinary valley
(now a World Heritage Site) that hides an amazing gallery of ancient rock art. At each of these sites a local
guide will lead you; this ensures that the local knowledge is maintained and revenue from tourism is ploughed
back into the surrounding communities. From here you continue to your campsite in the shade of Brandberg,
which at 2,573m is Namibia's highest mountain.
Day 8 - Swakopmund
An early start ensures that the day is still cool for your relatively easy, 90-minute walk to see the world
famous 'White Lady' rock painting on the mountain. Attributed to the Bushman artists, the painting is
believed by some to be more than 20,000 years old and is well worth the visit.
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On your way to the coast, you have time for a short stop in Uis. Once there was a busy, thriving community
here, centred on a large tin mine; but the mine closed a few years ago and now it's a much quieter, sleepy
spot. Semi-precious stones such as amethyst and tourmaline can be found here at bargain prices.
Travelling along the Skeleton Coast, you pause to visit Cape Cross, where you can walk to within feet of an
enormous colony of Cape fur seals. Reaching Swakopmund, you settle into your chalet and are free to browse
among the many interesting shops and craft centres, and check out the several excellent (and great value)
seafood restaurants.
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Day 9 - Windhoek
Swakopmund is a major centre for activities, from dune-boarding, quad-biking, sky-diving and dolphin cruises
to scenic flights over the desert. You can arrange these with us in advance, or when you arrive.
Alternatively, spend your morning exploring the town or relaxing in one of its many cafés. You depart for
Windhoek about noon, arriving back at your guesthouse by late afternoon. Your evening is free, but often your
group and guide arrange to meet up for dinner. This marks the half way point of your holiday in Namibia.
Day 10 - Quiver Tree Forest
After breakfast, your guide collects you between 07.30 and 08.00 for the longest drive of the trip. You head
south, over the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping for lunch near a Nama village. Nama people speak a Khoisan
language (with clicks!), and your guide will introduce you sensitively to their lifestyle and traditions. One
of the elders often talks about the community's history, and sometimes you'll be treated to a short play or
an impromptu concert by the church choir. Arts and crafts made by the villagers are available and, because
everyone benefits from your visit, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. After lunch, drive south to your
camp in the atmospheric Quiver Tree Forest. In fact the weird, skeletal quiver trees aren't trees at all, but
a type of tree aloe; they dot the landscape in this part of the world and are locally common, but are one of
the world's rarest flora species.
Day 11 - Orange River
Continuing south beyond the town of Keetmanshoop, you stop to take a walk above the great Fish River Canyon
(probably the world's second largest of its kind, after Arizona's Grand Canyon), carved out by erosion over
millions of years. In the afternoon, continue south to a remote and beautiful road beside the Orange River,
where you camp in a very tranquil setting by the river bank.
Day 12 - Aus
After breakfast by the river and perhaps a quick dip, you follow the road over the southern escarpment
towards the desert. The route takes you past the isolated outposts of Rosh Pinah and Skorpion, to the small
hillside town of Aus. Here you camp for two nights at a stunning spot on the edge of the escarpment. The
energetic may climb to view the setting sun over the Namib's vast Koichab Pan, before returning to the fold
for dinner.
Day 13 - Lüderitz/Aus
An early start, driving alongside the Sperrgebiet (the forbidden diamond-mining zone) and across your first
sand dunes, takes you to the historic old German town of Lüderitz. Once there, you could explore the town or
may opt to take an excellent boat cruise (about £20) on an old wooden schooner, Sedina, in search of the
ocean's rich bird and marine life including African penguins and heaviside dolphins. Later visit Kolmanskop,
a deserted boomtown from the early 20th century that is slowly being swallowed by the desert. You are free to
sample Lüderitz's famous seafood for lunch, before an afternoon trip to explore the peninsula and the
historic Diaz Point. Driving back to your camp, you usually stop to see the amazing wild horses that live
along with oryx in the Namib.
Day 14 - Namib-Naukluft Park
Today you head north along the edge of the Namib Desert: this is one of the country's most spectacular
drives, with fabulous vistas at every turn. You aim to arrive at your campsite on the edge of the desert
during the late afternoon, in time to watch the colours glow and change on the distant mountains to the east.
A fantastic way to end an evening on your holiday to Namibia.
Day 15 - Namib-Naukluft Park
Rising well before dawn, you drive deep into the desert, home to some of the world's highest dunes and
stunning scenery. The shifting, contrasting patterns of light and shadow on these dunes are always
enthralling, and the view from the top (if you have the energy!) is spectacular. After breakfast in the
desert you continue through breathtaking scenery to some of the world's highest dunes at Sossusvlei. Spend
the morning walking through these and exploring with your guide, marvelling at the surroundings and wildlife.
After lunch at Sesriem, you've time to relax during the heat of the day before heading to nearby Sesriem
Canyon, where the force of the ephemeral Tsauchab River has sculpted amazing shapes from the rock.
Day 16 - Flight to London
Driving back to Windhoek, you pass through yet more stunning scenery as the road climbs up and over the
escarpment on to the Central Highlands. You reach Windhoek in time for a quick freshen up before your
scheduled flight to London.
Day 17 - Arrive in London
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Departures:
Cost is per person sharing, departing and returning UK
There is no single supplement on this trip.
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| 12/11/08 - 28/11/08 | £1595 | | 19/11/08 - 05/12/08 | £1595 | | 26/11/08 - 12/12/08 | £1595 | | 03/12/08 - 19/12/08 | £1595 | | 10/12/08 - 26/12/08 | £1595 | | 17/12/08 - 02/01/09 | £1980 | | 24/12/08 - 09/01/09 | £1733 | | 31/12/08 - 16/01/09 | £1733 | | 07/01/09 - 23/01/09 | £1557 | | 14/01/09 - 30/01/09 | £1557 | | 21/01/09 - 06/02/09 | £1557 | | 11/02/09 - 27/02/09 | £1557 | | 18/02/09 - 06/03/09 | £1557 | | 25/02/09 - 13/03/09 | £1557 | | 04/03/09 - 20/03/09 | £1557 | | 11/03/09 - 27/03/09 | £1557 | | 18/03/09 - 03/04/09 | £1557 | | 25/03/09 - 10/04/09 | £1557 | | 01/04/09 - 17/04/09 | £1711 | | 08/04/09 - 24/04/09 | £1711 | | 15/04/09 - 01/05/09 | £1631 | | 22/04/09 - 08/05/09 | £1631 | | 29/04/09 - 15/05/09 | £1631 | | 06/05/09 - 22/05/09 | £1631 | | 13/05/09 - 29/05/09 | £1631 | | 20/05/09 - 05/06/09 | £1631 | | 27/05/09 - 12/06/09 | £1631 | | 03/06/09 - 19/06/09 | £1631 | | 10/06/09 - 26/06/09 | £1631 | | 17/06/09 - 03/07/09 | £1631 | | 24/06/09 - 10/07/09 | £1631 | | 01/07/09 - 17/07/09 | £1711 | | 08/07/09 - 24/07/09 | £1711 | | 15/07/09 - 31/07/09 | £1711 | | 22/07/09 - 07/08/09 | £1826 | | 29/07/09 - 14/08/09 | £1826 | | 05/08/09 - 21/08/09 | £1826 | | 12/08/09 - 28/08/09 | £1826 | | 19/08/09 - 04/09/09 | £1711 | | 26/08/09 - 11/09/09 | £1711 | | 02/09/09 - 18/09/09 | £1711 | | 09/09/09 - 25/09/09 | £1711 | | 16/09/09 - 02/10/09 | £1711 | | 23/09/09 - 09/10/09 | £1711 | | 30/09/09 - 16/10/09 | £1711 | | 07/10/09 - 23/10/09 | £1711 | | 14/10/09 - 30/10/09 | £1711 | | 21/10/09 - 06/11/09 | £1711 | | 28/10/09 - 13/11/09 | £1711 | | 04/11/09 - 20/11/09 | £1711 | | 11/11/09 - 27/11/09 | £1711 | | 18/11/09 - 04/12/09 | £1711 | | 25/11/09 - 11/12/09 | £1711 | | 02/12/09 - 18/12/09 | £1711 | | 09/12/09 - 25/12/09 | £1711 | | 16/12/09 - 01/01/10 | £2073 | | 23/12/09 - 08/01/10 | £2073 |
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This itinerary can be downloaded from our Downloads Page
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