Day 1: Saturday Windhoek – Okonjima Nature Reserve – 220 km

You will be collected from your accommodation within the Windhoek city limits at 07:15 and transferred to Head Office for a short pre-departure meeting.

As we head north on our adventure, our first stop is in the charming town of Okahandja. Here, we’ll discover Namibia’s largest wood carving market, where talented craftsmen from all over the country come to showcase their creations. From intricate statues to unique trinkets, there’s something for everyone to take home a one-of-a-kind Namibian souvenir. Plus, by supporting these local artists and communities, we’re helping to preserve their traditions for generations to come.

We aim to arrive at Okonjima around midday giving plenty of time to set up our camp and enjoy a picnic lunch.

This afternoon we have two activities to enjoy. First we will meet some of the resident cheetah here at Okonjima. Above all the many species that have a home here at Okonjima, cheetah were the first love and, with a specialist guide, we will learn all about this fascinating species and the pressures and challenges they face to survive in the modern world.

Later in the afternoon we will be taken on a more general game drive on the property. It is time to start spotting and learning some of the names and habits of Namibia’s extraordinary and plentiful wild residents.

Returning to camp in the late afternoon, our dinner will be cooked by our guide over an open fire.

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2: Sunday – Okonjima – Okaukuejo – Etosha National Park – 220 km

Departing after breakfast we head back to the main road to continue our journey north, en-route to Etosha National Park. We make a short stop for essential supplies in the small town of Otjwarongo before continuing on to Etosha’s main camp at Okaukuejo.

We are introduced to the park with a short game drive between the main entrance gate, (Anderson Gate), and Okaukuejo Camp with a good chance to spot big game right from the very start. Etosha is huge, just over 22,000 square km and is home to 114 species of mammal, 350 species of bird, 110 species of reptile, uncountable numbers of insect and, somewhat bizarrely, one species of fish.

As we set up camp in the heart of Etosha, we’re filled with anticipation for the thrilling wildlife encounters ahead. With a bit of luck, we might spot massive elephants, towering giraffes, and even regal big cats roaming through the vast landscape. But it’s not just the big game that makes this area special – we’ll also keep an eye out for the smaller species, from graceful antelopes to nimble gazelles, all amidst a backdrop of stunning birdlife.

And the excitement doesn’t end when the sun goes down! Just a short walk from our campsite lies the famed floodlit waterhole at  Okaukuejo, brilliantly illuminated under the night sky. Here, we’ll have a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring spectacle of Etosha’s most magnificent creatures coming to quench their thirst. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic big cats, lumbering elephants, and a colorful array of smaller game. But perhaps most thrilling of all, this is one of the few places in the world where we have the chance to see the elusive black rhino up close – a critically endangered species.

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Monday – Okaukuejo – Halali – Okaukuejo – Etosha National Park

With a full day ahead of us to explore the mighty Etosha, we really want to make the absolute most of our time here. The park gates open at Sunrise and our aim is to be out and about in the park just as the sun peaks over the horizon. The early bird catches the worm or in this case the early camera catches the cat. Early mornings are usually the best time for game viewing as the diurnal animals are starting their day and the Big cats are returning from the nights hunting efforts.

Prepare to be amazed by the stark beauty of Etosha, where water is a precious and scarce resource. But despite the harsh desert landscape, we’ll discover a plethora of natural and man-made waterholes dotting the park – and our game driving technique is to visit as many as possible. We’ll stake out these vital oases, waiting patiently as the animals gather for an early morning drink. With a bit of luck, we’ll witness some of the most incredible wildlife sightings of our trip – from graceful antelopes and majestic giraffes, to powerful predators like lions and cheetahs.

 

But first, we’ll make a stop at a designated picnic area for a quick breakfast, fueling up for our thrilling game drive en-route to the Halali camp. The name Halali was originally used during sport hunting with horse and hounds in Europe, when the bugle refrain was sounded to signify the end of the hunt. Here in Etosha, Halali takes on a different meaning – inside the park’s protective boundaries, hunting is over forever, and the animals roam free and safe.

We will have lunch at Halali. There is a small shop with basic merchandise and a few souvenirs and there will also be time for a swim in the pool. There is also time to visit the Halali camp waterhole before we head back out into the park for our afternoon game drive.

On our way back to Okaukuejo we will stop to have a closer look at the Etosha Pan. The name Etosha translates as ‘great white space’ but this name does not do justice to the immensity of the pan. Over 4,700 square km of dazzling white mineral pan, so big that it can be seen from space.

Keeping a sharp look out for game as we wind our way back to Okaukuejo, we aim to arrive back at our camp just before sunset and just in time for the best hour of the day at the Okaukuejo waterhole.

 

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Tuesday – Okaukuejo – Palmwag – 320 km

Time to leave Etosha and concentrate on some of Namibia’s other highlights. We will have an early breakfast and game drive our way out of the park and back to the main road.

 

Get ready for an unforgettable cultural experience as we make our way to the Otjikandero Himba Village, located near the charming town of Kamanjab. This unique community of Himba people hail from the far north of Namibia, where their traditional way of life has been preserved for centuries in stunningly remote and beautiful landscapes.

 

Unlike many ancient cultures that have been impacted by modern influences, the Himba have remained relatively isolated and have clung steadfastly to their time-honored customs and traditions. We’ll have the privilege of learning about their fascinating way of life, including their unique style of dress and adornment, their spiritual beliefs and practices, and their deep connection to the land and its resources.

 

As we spend time with the Himba people, we’ll gain a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving indigenous cultures and ways of life. This is a rare opportunity to witness a living, breathing link to Namibia’s rich history and heritage.

With the advent of tourism and the natural flow of change many Himba have migrated further to the south but traditions die hard and amongst all the other ethnic groups in southern Africa many Himba tribes people retain and live their traditions to this day. The Otjikandero Himba Village is a living village, meaning that people live there on a permanent basis and largely adhere to their traditional cultures. It is not a time capsule, the 21^st century has arrived here as well, but it is a good representation of traditional Himba life. We will be invited into the village, our visit will be guided and we will be encouraged to take photos and ask questions so there are no feelings of invading anyone’s privacy.

 

After our visit to Otjikandero we will have a short stop in Kamanjab before continuing on with our journey. The next leg of our journey today is truly spectacular, we turn to the west and head towards the mighty Etendeka Mountains and the Grootberg Pass. Etendeka translates as ‘flat top’ and indeed many of the surrounding mountains have flat table-tops. The terrain here is covered with small uniform boulders, a legacy of the break-up of Gondwanaland when, what is now Southern Africa broke away from what is now South America around 180 million years ago. A time of massive volcanic upheaval and the same identical rocks, (Etendeka basalts), can be found in great abundance in Brazil. As we travel through this rocky landscape we can enjoy the sweeping views and spectacular landscapes of this ancient land.

Palmwag is set out abreast of the Uniab River and under waving makalani palm trees which often provide a refuge for Namibia’s unique desert adapted elephants. Sometimes coming very close to our camp, and sometimes coming right in for a visit, the elephants have been known to drink water from the swimming pools. We arrive in the late afternoon and set up our camp in time to enjoy a sundowner and to hopefully see some of the resident elephant herds.

 

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5: Wednesday – Palmwag – Cape Cross – 320 km

 

We have reached the limit of our northern adventure and today we first head west to the Atlantic Ocean and then directly south, following the coastline to Cape Cross.

Get ready to embark on a journey through some of Namibia’s most breathtaking and awe-inspiring scenery! As we travel through this rugged, untamed landscape, we’ll be treated to a feast for the senses, with stunning vistas and an abundance of unique and fascinating plant life.

One of the highlights of our journey will be the opportunity to see Namibia’s national plant – the incredible and otherworldly Welwitschia Mirabilis. This amazing species is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, with a bizarre appearance that makes it look almost like a miniature tree. It’s a true wonder of the natural world, found only in Namibia and southern Angola.

What’s truly remarkable about the Welwitschia is its incredible resilience in the face of Namibia’s harsh and unforgiving climate. These hardy plants are drought-resistant and have been known to survive for over 1,500 years, making them almost as old as the landscape itself! As we take in the splendor of this unique species, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the power and beauty of nature in all its glory. We enter the Skeleton Coast National Park through the northern Springbokwasser Gate and soon afterwards we meet the chilly Atlantic Ocean. It is easy to see why this barren seaboard is called the Skeleton Coast with its forbidding mountains and barren beaches. The wind, the waves and the huge fog banks all conspire to push ships onto the beach. The countless mariners that, in olden times, found themselves shipwrecked here faced the stark prospect of no fresh water, no food, no rescue and a slow death by exposure. Their Shipmates who went down with their ship were thought to be the lucky ones. There are some remnants of human activity along our road today. In the early 1960’s two pioneering entrepreneurs, Jack Scott and Ben du Preez found themselves convinced that both oil and diamonds were to be discovered along the Skeleton Coast and that this was their chance at fame and fortune. At huge expense a massive drilling rig was set up and managed a bore of 1,700 meters before they could finally admit that there was no oil. Not daunted and encouraged by reports of huge diamonds at Cape Cross the same pair constructed a diamond mine and processing plant at Toscanini, close to where their abandoned oil rig was already rusting away. Some diamonds were ‘found’ but there was great suspicion that the diamond processor had been ‘seeded’ with diamonds from elsewhere. A ploy to keep the investors happy for a little bit longer. Both enterprises ended in failure but we will pass by Toscanini and we are able to stop and have a look at the now collapsed oil drilling machine. Exiting the park at the Ugab River crossing with its Instagram worthy iconic gates, we continue onto one of the largest seal colonies in the world.

Nobody knows exactly why the seals chose Cape Cross as their home, but there must be a good reason as there are usually upwards of 100,000 seals basking on the rocks or swimming just off the beach. These Cape fur seals are found only in South Africa, Namibia and Angola and are near endemic to Namibia. Cape Cross is the largest Cape fur seal colony in the world but there are many smaller colonies also to be found on the Namibian beaches and the Namibian Skeleton Coast hosts by far the majority of the world’s population. Cape Cross is an amazing sight, and a challenge for your nose, the smelliest stop on our safari.

Cape Cross takes its name from the stone crosses that proudly sit close to the seal colony. The first cross to be erected here was done so on the orders of the Portuguese mariner Diego Cao in 1485. In those days the cross would have been called a ‘Padrao’ and the location was thus named Cabo do Padrao or Cape Cross. The original cross is in a museum in Germany and the two crosses visible today are replicas, erected respectively by the German government and the monuments council of South Africa. The concrete discs set around the two replica crosses are in fact set out to represent the stars of the southern cross. A tribute to the navigational skills of the tough breed of men who made the first voyages of discovery. Diego Cao never made it home to Portugal from this voyage and his death is shrouded in mystery.

After visiting the seal colony it is only a short drive to our overnight stop at Cape Cross. We aim to arrive in the late afternoon and there should be time for a sunset walk on the beach.

 

Accommodation: Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6: Thursday – Cape Cross – Swakopmund – Hotel A La Mer Swakopmund 120 km

Today, we get to enjoy a relaxed start to our day with a delicious cooked breakfast before embarking on our journey to the heart of adventure, Swakopmund. Heading south on the coast road our first stop is a more recent shipwreck. 15 km south of the small town of Henties Bay a fishing trawler, The Zeila, was beached in 2008. She was an old vessel that had been sold for scrap and was under tow at the time. The cable snapped and, as so many vessels before her, she was caught in the swell and currents and ended up on the beach. She lays quite close to the shore and is well positioned for photos.

As we journey further south along the coast road, we are in for an incredible treat that will leave us in awe of nature’s wonders. Get ready to witness the magnificent and rare lichen fields of Namibia! Did you know that Namibia holds the world record for the highest number of lichen species? And the ones we’ll see here are truly exceptional. These macro-lichen are like no other and have a unique bush-like or leafy appearance that is captivating.

But here’s the real kicker – lichen are not just any ordinary plant. They are a composite organism made up of two separate organisms, algae, and fungi. This incredible symbiotic relationship is what allows them to thrive in the harshest of environments, like the ones we’ll be exploring today. The fungi collect moisture while the algae provide the food, and together they make a powerhouse of resilience and beauty.

So, let’s stop and take a moment to appreciate the marvels of nature before we continue on our adventure to Swakopmund.

It almost never rains on the Skeleton Coast but the region is famous for its foggy weather. Heavy mist is common, occurring up to 250 days of the year, and all the organisms, including lichen, that survive on the Skeleton Coast, are specially adapted to be able to utilise fog as their main source of water. Lichen is extremely fragile. Typically with a growth rate of around 1 millimetre per year, and it is very easily damaged. Off road driving is a major problem for the conservation of these unique lichen fields, but a lot of damage is also done simply by people walking on the lichen. Our guide will direct us as to where we are allowed to walk as he introduces us to the lichen fields and great care must be taken that we do not inadvertently cause any damage during our visit.

We complete the final leg of our journey into Swakopmund, no tents tonight we check into our accommodation, the centrally located Hotel A La Mer.

Swakopmund was founded by Captain Kurt von François of the imperial colonial army of the German empire in 1892. (He also founded Windhoek in 1890).

Swakopmund is an interesting place to say the least, bound to the north, the east and the south by the mighty sand dunes of the Namib Desert and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. There are still many examples of colonial German architecture to be seen and the German language is still widely used.

Top of Form

Swakopmund offers many opportunities to keep us busy during our time here. The town centre is small and easily explored on foot but there are also many extra, optional activities available. Scenic flights over the desert are very popular and for the more adventurous perhaps try sky diving or quad biking over and in the Namib dunes. Our guide will discuss all the options with you in advance and will be able to facilitate any bookings that we would like to make

Lunch and dinner tonight are for your own account, Swakopmund boasts some truly excellent restaurants and again our guide will be able to help you with recommendations and bookings.

 

Accommodation: Twin share rooms, en-suite bathroom

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 7: Friday Swakopmund – Walvis Bay – Swakopmund – Windhoek – 420 km

Good news, today is a relaxed morning with a chance to catch up on some sleep, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and explore the town. Swakopmund has some fantastic curio and book shops, as well as a vibrant café culture with plenty of cozy eateries serving up scrumptious food.

But the excitement doesn’t end there, as we will embark on a journey to the breathtaking port town of Walvis Bay, located just 40 km south along the coast. The Walvis Bay lagoon is a Ramsar site and is world-renowned for its birdlife, especially the striking flamingos, which can be easily photographed from the shore.

There are two types of flamingos to see, and they flock to Namibia’s Atlantic coast because of the abundance of phytoplankton and zoo plankton. These filter feeders depend on microorganisms for their diet, and their diet turns them into the gorgeous pink creatures we all know and love.

Unfortunately, the tides in Walvis Bay aren’t suitable for breeding flamingos, as the nests they build out of sand and mud need to be kept out of the water. Instead, these magnificent birds migrate to Etosha Pan or the Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana, where they breed in huge flocks. It’s still a mystery how they know when it’s time to migrate, but they do, and it’s a sight to behold when they head inland in large pink flocks.

Heading back to Swakopmund we then take the main tar road back to Windhoek. We will have a light lunch en route and on arrival in Windhoek, you will be dropped off at your accommodation anywhere within the Windhoek city limits.

 

It is not recommended that you book flights departing this afternoon.

 

Accommodation: None

Meals: Breakfast & lunch

 

 

 

 

Why choose Rush Adventures

We have included all the necessary activities to make your excursion to the Kruger National Park absolutely meaningful and full of wildlife adventure fun. From staying in a bush camp chalet (Rondavel) to camping including all the conservation fees, transfers, excursions and meals. Items excluded are general known items not relevant to the actual tour and those where you have a personal choice to try an extra activity and lunch which gives you the opportunity to try different things.

Included:

• Transport in a custom-built safari vehicle with pop up roof (no air-conditioning)
• Services of a professional English speaking guide & camp assistant
• 5 nights camping + 1 nights’ accommodation in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms
• Camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag which can be hired)
• Meals as above (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner)
• Tap water
• National Park entry fees

 Excluded:

• All drinks
• Snacks between meals
• Tips

  *Single travelers will be matched with another traveler of the same sex

 

 

 

 

 

Tour Price:

7 Day – Taste of Namibia

Style: Accommodated

Departures: Weekly Departures – Monday, subject to availability

Duration:

7 Days and 6 nights – Starts and Ends in Windhoek

R23 100.00 per person Sharing.

R20 100.00 Children between the ages of 5 – 11yr

(No children under of 5 are allowed on the Safari)

Single supplement only applicable to single travellers that request their own room. For any client that is willing to share, this will apply to days 2 -7 only, and a reduced single supplement of R1200 will be charged for day 1.

 

How to Book:

Four easy ways to reserve your safari:

Email your request on sales@rushadventures.com.

Send us a WhatsApp on +27 60 906 8267

Chat online in the bottom right hand corner.

Payments can be made online by credit card.

 

 

Tour Information:

Rush Adventures and its partnered service providers offer cost effective small group style tours and transfers for independent solo travelers ranging from 2-12 persons per vehicle. Let us know if you would prefer a private tour at additional rates tailored to your specific requirements.

Collection / Drop off

You will be collected from Hosea Kutako International airport or any accommodation in the Windhoek district and transferred through to the lavish Hilton Hotel situated in the heart of Windhoek.

Drop off at Chameleon Backpackers or the accommodation of your choice within Windhoek city limits.

For those that choose to fly today, we will transfer you to Windhoek’s international airport. NO FLIGHTS DEPARTING PRIOR TO 18H00 should be booked in case there are unexpected delays returning from safari.

Please note:

If you plan to fly out of OR Tambo International Airport on the last day of the safari tour, we strongly suggest staying over in Johannesburg in the event of unforeseen delays or reserve a domestic flight that departs no earlier than 19h30 and an international flight that departs no earlier than 21h00.

*Arrival times are not guaranteed and subject to change at any time due to traffic or unforeseen delays on the road.

What to bring:

Please try to keep your luggage to a minimum, also bearing in mind that most airlines impose a 20kg limit. Bring a soft backpack or rucksack along with a smaller day bag with a mixture of lightweight and warm clothing for the evenings and early morning game drives.

Bedding is provided. Therefore, you will not need a sleeping bag or extra pillow.

As in travelling anywhere in the world, we recommended you pack a small torch or headlamp, mosquito spray and a wallet or pouch with all your personal papers and cash that can be easily hidden on you in person or in your carry on day bag. Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables just for peace of mind.

A torch or head lamp will always come in handy.

Mosquito repellent is always great to have, especially in the summer months.

Sunscreen and a hat, a camera would be handy to capture those special moments.

Comfortable walking shoes for walking and swim wear for swimming.

Bring a phone charger and get hold of a South African two prong plug adaptor for your charger.

Email: Sales@rushadventures.com

Call: 011 963 3049 / 060 906 8267