7 Day – Taste of Namibia
7 Days and 6 nights
R31 000.00 per person Sharing.
R26 400.00 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.
Highlights:
• Windhoek (Capital of Namibia)
• N/a’ankuse Wildlife rehabilitation centre
• Etosha National Park
• Damaraland
• The Brandberg
• Skeleton Coast
• Tropic of Capricorn
• Sossusvlei – Namib Desert
• Dead Vlei
• Solitaire Cheetah conservation project
Tour Overview:
This action packed 7 day and 6 night accommodated safari is tailor-made to showcase you the very best of Namibia within the perfect 7-day timeframe. Experience a touching awareness and insight into the behind the scenes of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation at the N/a’an ku se Wildlife Sanctuary before we head out to Etosha national park to pursue the amazing wildlife encounters that awaits us. We will visit the Etosha mineral pan, otherwise known as the “Great White Space” from which Etosha derives its name. The Pan stretches a whopping 4,700 Square kilometres of white desolate, glittering vastness. The mineral pan is so large it can be viewed from outer space. The mineral rich sand gives the Etosha elephants a beautiful white effect due to them sand bathing in the white dust. After an inciteful time animal spotting, we head through to the Beautiful Damaraland with its towering pink granite “koppies” that seem to touch the edge of the skies horizon, really giving one that “Vast Sky” feeling.
Meet some of the local Himba, Herero, Damara people as we journey through Damaraland. The locals, often in traditional dresses, warmly welcome us to their makeshift roadside souvenir stalls, beneath the shadow of Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg. The dusty road winds through the vast openness of the landscape leading us towards the wild & rugged Skeleton coastline. From here, we follow the Oceanside road towards the upbeat & quirky town of Swakopmund, also known as the adrenaline hub of Namibia, with many spine tingling activities to choose from. Swakopmund is also a place where one can relax and recharge, take a leisurely stroll along the coastline passing the harbour and the unique buildings that give Swakopmund that back in time historical feel.
Our journey then takes us across the famous Tropic of Capricorn which lies at 23.4394 degrees south of the equator and marks the most Southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon time. From here, we travel through the breath-taking scenery to visit one of the most breath-taking places on our planet earth, the centre of the famous Namib – the oldest desert in the world. With an early pre-dawn start to the day to catch the soft rays of sunrise, as we head to the one of a kind photogenic clay pan known as the “dead vlei” with its stark collection of towering skeleton trees and on to Sossusvlei which homes some of the world’s highest sand dunes, a waters end for an ancient river. Always watching out for local wildlife, such as Oryx and Springbok and Zebra that roam freely and can often be seen in this sandy landscape. We have a stop at the petite little town of Solitaire to visit the Cheetah conservation project, from here we set off homeward bound, as we make our way up and over the Rocky Mountains as we make our way up the central plateau and across the Khomas Hochland Mountains to Windhoek.
Accommodation Overview:
The accommodation throughout the duration of the tour is comfortable mid-range styled twin shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Offering amenities such as a swimming pools, bar areas and restaurants.
7 Day – Taste of Namibia Tour Information and Facts
Day 1: Monday – Windhoek City Centre (approximately 50 Km)
On arrival in Windhoek, you will be collected from Hosea Kutako International airport and transferred through to the lavish Hilton Hotel situated in the heart of Windhoek. Once you have checked in and settled into your room and have had some time to relax, for clients who arrive before 12:00 Midday, there is an exciting and fun-filled excursion planned for this afternoon.
We will take a leisurely drive to the internationally known N/a’an Ku se Wildlife Sanctuary. Located about 50km to the east of Windhoek. N/a’an Ku se wildlife sanctuary is situated within the iconic Namibian bushveld. The Sanctuary provides a haven of safety and offers a second chance at life for countless injured, orphaned and conflicted animals. Their aim is to release these animals back into the wild wherever possible. N/a’an ku se’s top priority is to reintroduce these sometimes rare and endangered species back into their natural habitat, in the wild so they may live life wild and free. Only animals that would not ever again be able to fend for themselves in their indigenous yet harsh environment. Instead, these animals take an early “retirement” and live out their days happily and safely at their permanent home at the sanctuary. There are several species that we will be introduced to, perhaps the Baboon, Caracal, Lion & Cheetah, the painted dog or internationally known as the wild dog, as well as Leopard are also living at the sanctuary together with many smaller mammals and we are able to watch the N/a’an ku se “locals” have their supper.
We return to Windhoek late afternoon. Dinner is at your own expense from the surrounding excellent restaurants available in Namibia’s capital city.
Accommodation: Twin Shared, en-suite bathroom
Meals: None
Day 2: Tuesday – Windhoek To Halali, Etosha National Park (Approximately 500km)
Following pick-ups from your accommodation within the city limits at 07:00 and transferred to our headquarters for a quick tour briefing. As we leave the city behind us and head off in a northerly direction, we will have a quick pit stop at the town of Otjiwarongo for some last minute supply shopping before continuing through to the much awaited Etosha national park. A light pre-packed lunch will be enjoyed while we are “on the go”. As we enter Etosha national park, the game drive begins as we make our way to our overnight accommodation at Halali rest camp, whilst keeping a keen eye open for any animals that we may find along the way.
Etosha is massive, covering just over 22, 000 square km and is home to 114 mammals, 350 bird species, 110 Reptile species and an immeasurable number of insects and, somewhat bizarrely one species of fish. There are good chances of spotting many of these different creatures & critters as we journey through the park, stopping at various waterholes en-route.
All visitors must be in camp by sunset and we aim to arrive at our accommodation at Halali just before the sun set, so there is still time to settle into our rooms with en-suite bathroom and coffee/tea facilities.
Interestingly, the name “Halali” was taken from a bugle refrain that was originally used during sport hunting with horses and hounds in Europe. The bugler would sound the Halali to signify the end of the hunt. This name was considered an appropriate name for the Etosha rest camp as inside the protection of the national park, the hunting of animals is forever over.
The game viewing in Etosha does not stop when the sun goes down. All Etosha rest camps have floodlit waterholes for extra animal viewing opportunities. The Halali waterhole is named after an indigenous tree that can be found in an abundance in the area, the Moringa tree.
The Moringa waterhole is walking distance from our accommodation, a visit or 3 to this watering hole is highly recommended this evening as we can always expect many night time visitors to Moringa. This waterhole is known to be popular with elephants as well as the critically endangered Black Rhino.
Accommodation: Twin shared, En-suite Bathroom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Wednesday – Halali to Taleni, Etosha Village (Approximately 70km)
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. We return to Halali for Breakfast and to pack up and load our vehicle, before heading back out into the wilderness of Etosha in search of big game. Etosha, being a desert type landscape, water is the most scarce natural resource in this region, there are numerous waterholes scattered throughout the park, both natural and man-made, and therefore our game drive routes target these areas in hope that the game will come to us, as the thirsty animals come down for much needed drink. On our journey today, we will have a stop to have a closer look at the famous Etosha Pan. The name Etosha translates as ‘great white space’, but this name does not do any justice to truly describe the enormity of the pan. Over 4,700 square km of dazzling white mineral pan, so big that it can be seen from space.
We wave goodbye to Etosha, as we exit the park via Anderson gate, shortly before the sun begins to set. It is a brief drive to our next accommodation which is in a comfortable spacious twin shared room with modern en-suite bathroom facilities. The perfect space to wind down and relax after an eventful day in the park. Tonight, we will enjoy a scrumptious “home cooked” meal by our guide.
Accommodation: Twin share, en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Thursday – Etosha Village to Swakopmund (Approx. 510km)
After breakfast, we aim to hit the road by 07:30am today. With our vehicle packed and cameras ready, we head off towards the desolate Skeleton coast and, of course we are taking the scenic route. Our journey today begins with us heading down South, the main road, passing the small town of Outjo. From here, we head in a westerly direction, leaving the main road behind us and jumping onto the dusty gravel roads as we travel through the picturesque Damaraland.
Damaraland is renowned for its breath taking scenery, mountains, open grasslands, wide-open spaces, tall koppies (small hills) of round pink granite that seem to “touch” the horizon, really giving one that “big” sky feeling. There is also a chance today to meet the locals, as there are several places along our route today where one may find little informal shops selling locally made, hand crafted souvenirs. Represented here, we usually find the beautiful ladies of the Himba, Herero and Damara tribes and most often wearing their traditional dresses. This is a great opportunity to interact with some of the colourful local characters who live in this harsh environment. Purchasing a small souvenir from these stalls is a positive way to inject some cash directly into the local economy.
As we travel through the magnificent landscape, making a stop along our route for a light picnic styled lunch, beneath the shadow of Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg. Rising up from the desert floor, this giant monolith sits at 2,573 m above sea level and is formed of pink tinged granite, which gets its colour from an abundance of potassium feldspar; resulting in the beautiful pink colour display. We continue west and soon we will start smelling the fresh icy Atlantic air as we reach the Namibian coastline, also famously known as the Skeleton coast, it’s easy to see why this barren seaboard is so well named with its forbidding mountains and barren beaches. The wind, the waves and the huge fog banks that sit like a blanket over the coastline all conspire to push ships to an inventible end onto the beach. The myriad of seafarers that in past times, found themselves shipwrecked here, faced with the stark prospect of no fresh water, no food, no chance of rescue and a slow death by exposure to some of nature’s harshest environments. Their shipmates who went down with the ship were always thought of as the lucky ones. As we head south, along the coastline, our next sight seeing stop will be a more recent shipwreck, an old fishing trawler that goes by the name of The Zeila, she was beached in 2008. She was an old vessel that had been sold for scrap, she was under tow at the time, when the cable snapped leaving the ship to fend for herself against the mighty Atlantic Ocean. 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 shore and is almost perfectly positioned for photos.
As we hit the road again for the last segment of our journey today, into the quirky town of Swakopmund.
After checking-in to our accommodation, which is centrally located making the town easily explored on foot. 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).
It is an interesting town to say the least, bounded to the north, the east and the south by the mighty desolate 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. We of course, have a stop at a local pub and enjoy the famous local Windhoek draught.
Swakopmund boasts some truly excellent restaurants and again your guide will be able to help you with recommendations and bookings.
Accommodation: Twin share, en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Day 5: Friday- Swakopmund to Desert Camp near Sesriem (approximately 350km)
With a leisurely start to the day, we aim to leave Swakopmund mid-morning. Your guide will let you know the exact time of departure.
If you have chosen not to have a lie-in and instead to explore this little town of Swakopmund. The town centre is easily explored on foot at your leisure. If getting your heart racing and adrenaline pumping appeals to you, there are many optional activities to choose from, such as sky diving, quad biking or sand boarding. If careering down a dune face at 60km per hour tickles your fancy, 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.
As we depart the little town of Swakopmund heading eastwards into the desert, we first cross the rocky gravel plain, large areas of seemingly barren, desolate terrain broken up by huge mountain inselbergs. We traverse two mountain passes to traverse this afternoon. First, we cross mighty Kuiseb pass, from the top of mountains descending abruptly down into the canyon, carved over eons by the Kuiseb river on its way to debauch into the ocean at the famous port of Walvis bay.
We ascend up from the banks of the river and over the pass, travelling through a mirage of different landscapes and onto the second, lesser canyon of Gaub river, a tributary of the Kuise. As we emerge from the mountains and onto a flat gravel road and almost immediately we cross the TRPIC F Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south. There is a famous signpost sat at this auspicious spot and we will have a stop here for some photos and some well deserved leg stretching. As we navigate the dusty roads passing through this ever changing, breath taking desert scenery to our destination for today, Desert Camp, located very close to the National Park entrance at Sesriem, which is the gateway to the dunes at Sossusvlei. There is a pool and bar available and dinner is prepared by our guide over an open fire.
Accommodation: Twin share, en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Swakopmund to Desert Camp, Sossusvlei (approximately 120km)
The Namib Desert is rich in iron oxide which gives the sand its red colour. Therefore, sunrise in the dunes is the name of the game this morning and that means a pre-dawn start to the day and a very early light breakfast. The best time of day to take photos of the dunes is around sunrise and sunset. Due to the warm low-light at these times of day, one can truly see the towering sand dunes illuminated in a glowing orange, apricot red on one side and draped in shadow on the other. The depth of field is truly spectacular at this time of day, the dunes showcasing their raw beauty in all its glory. As we travel along the road keep an eye out for the famous fairy circles, that seems to cover the grassy sides of the smaller dunes and is still a mystery as to why or how these form.
From sesriem we cover 60km into the dunes quickly and arrive at the 2×4 car park, where all 2 wheel drive vehicles have to stop. From here, we enter the age old Tsauchab River-bed for the last 5km stretch to Sossusvlei itself. The Tsauchab River is ephemeral, it only flows seasonally, when there is enough rain, and for the most part the riverbed is dry. Eons ago, during these rare floods, the Tsauchab sometimes received enough water to flow all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. However, as the millennia passed and the dune fields began to form, (around five million years ago), wind -blown sand invaded the riverbeds. The rivers became more and more constricted by sand, until eventually, the occasional floods could not break through the sand barriers that had been erected by the wind. The valley we drove along this morning to get here is kept free of sand by the Tsauchab but Sossusvlei is now permanently waters end.
Sossusvlei does still occasionally flood (perchance once in a decade). After good rains in the Naukluft Mountains where the river rises, Sossusvlei can become inundated and the lake that this creates can last for many months, but no longer can the river find its original path to the Atlantic.
There is a 4×4 shuttle service that will transport us through the sandy terrain of the riverbed. We will visit Dead Vlei, an ancient pan completely surrounded by dunes that is strikingly populated with dead, skeletal camelthorn trees. These trees have been a feature on this landscape for over 1000 years. Sossusvlei is almost surrounded by dunes, just one narrow path kept open by the Tsauchab River.
We have time to explore the area on foot and to climb one of the highest dunes in the world, some towering 300m above us, the views are breath taking and justly famous. We drive back the way we came (there is only one road), stopping at the iconic Dune 45 (so named as it is 45 km from Sesriem). There is time to climb Dune 45 if you still have energy, or perhaps just a sit in the shade at the base of the dune will suffice. Driving back to Sesriem, we take a short excursion to see the Sesriem Canyon. Only 4km from Sesriem, this canyon has been carved out of the landscape by the Tsauchab River. Around two million years ago, there was an ice age in Europe. This caused glaciers to form and resulted in a worldwide drop in sea level.
The knock on effect of this at Sesriem Canyon was that it increased the length and water flow of the Tsauchab River. This greater force of water allowed the Tsauchab to begin cutting through the terrain, resulting in the canyon we can see today. We can easily walk into the riverbed, it is usually much cooler in the canyon and we can follow the river for some way along its journey to Sossusvlei.
We head back to Desert Camp in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Twin shared, en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Sunday – Desert camp to Windhoek (Approximately 320km)
Today is our last day, but that doesn’t mean the excitement needs to stop. We head back along the windy dusty roads back to the very small town of Solitaire, which is famous for its home made apple pie. On arrival in solitaire, we join an open vehicle to visit one of the local Cheetah conservation projects. Solitaire is home to a number of Cheetah that, for different reasons, are unable to be released back into the wild. This excursion allows us a chance to learn about these phenomenal cats and the work done by local conservation projects to conserve and protect these cats in an ever changing world, and of course to get some incredible photos of the world’s fastest land mammal. After our cheetah experience, it’s time to head back to solitaire to have a taste of the apple pie that made this homestead famous.
There is some gorgeous mountain scenery on our drive back to Windhoek. The road climbs up onto and over Namibia’s central plateau and we return to Windhoek via the small community at BűellsPort and the small town of Rehoboth. We arrive mid-afternoon and will be dropped 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.
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 & USB charging capabilities & air-conditioning services of a professional English speaking guide
- 6 nights’ accommodation in twin shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms as above
- Meals as above (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner)
- National park entry fees (2 days Etosha & 1 day Sossusvlei)
- Carnivore Feeding activity @ N/a’ankuse Wildlife Sanctuary
- Game drives as above in Chameleon vehicle
- Sossusvlei excursion (including 4×4 shuttle) and cheetah activity at Solitaire
- Return Airport transfers
Excluded:
- All drinks
- Snacks between meals
- Tips
*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.
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
R31 000.00 per person Sharing.
R26 400.00 Children between the ages of 5 – 11yr
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