Northern Namibia
Overview
Namibia is a vast country with endless horizons, blue skies and the warm earthen colours of Africa. The desolate feel of the dry land and the deserted roads truly provide a real sense of freedom and soothing of the soul. Dominated by the world’s oldest desert, the Namib, as well as the extensive Waterberg Plateau, stunning mountain ranges, bushveld and the Atlantic Ocean, Namibia’s scenery boasts an exciting diversity in landscape and colour.
On this tour, we will visit Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s great parks regarding both its size and diversity of wildlife, drive along the Skeleton Coast and camp in dry riverbeds. Traversing the Kaokoveld, we will have the opportunity to visit the Himba people, who still live very traditionally and watch the Kunene River rush through the otherwise barren land at Epupa Falls.
Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner included
Day 1 & 2: Windhoek to Waterberg Plateau, Camping in the Park. (350 km) +/- 5 Hours driving time
After meeting the group in Windhoek, we travel north to Waterberg Plateau Game Park. A scenic forest walk reveals the beauty of the area, a haven for wildlife that will have avid photographers snapping away. It is also one of the few places in Namibia where white rhino is found. The 200 m high Plateau covers 20 km and has been home to the Herero for centuries. We will take a moment to commemorate the loss of 40,000 Herero during a battle with German soldiers in 1904 in this region. (B,L,D)
Day 3 & 4: Etosha National Park, Namutoni, Camping. (250 km) +/- 4 Hours
Today we enter Etosha National Park in search of the big game. We take you on extensive game drives within the park, one of the highlights being an evening visit to a water hole. Here we relax, watching the animals move down in silent parade to quench their thirst. (B,L,D)
Day 5 & 6: Epupa Falls, Omarunga Camp. (450 km) +/- 8 Hours
Set right on the river bank, Epupa Falls camp in Kaokoland offers a rare opportunity to kick back and relax to the sound of rushing water. Read a good book and sip on an ice-cold drink with the African sun warming your shoulders, or grab your binoculars and watch rare birds building their nests in the treetops. Only a few minutes’ walk from the camp, the Kunene River tumbles down as Epupa falls – it is poetry in motion, a blend of power and poise, cutting through this inhospitable region that the nomadic Himba have inhabitated for decades. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Hoarusib Riverbed, Wild Camping. (380 km) +/- 4.5 Hours
Today we bid farewell to the Kunene River and embark on our return journey to Palmwag. The drive takes us along the border of the Skeleton Coast Park into the Hoarusib Riverbed. We traverse barren contrasting landscapes, ranging from sandy desert to the Kaoko highland. With a bit of luck we could see Desert Elephants. At the end of the day, we will sleep under the stars in the Hoarusib Riverbed. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Hoanib River Valley, Wild Camping. (150 km) +/- 3 Hours
We will break up camp early in the morning and drive further south, looking out for elephants along the way. Our destination today is the Hoanib River Valley, which only at first glance appears to be inaccessible. Once in the riverbed, we drive in a westerly direction, where an abundance of trees offers the desert elephant a food resource and provides shade to a variety of other game. We will camp in one of the side arms of the Hoanib Riverbed, where elephants might come through during the night. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Porrus, Porrus River Camping. (233 km) +/-3 Hours
Ever wanted to test your skills as a 4x4 driver? Well, this is your chance. As we move northwards, the landscape demands a combination of brute strength and leopard-like agility from the driver. Having navigated the terrain and steered towards 4x4 success, we while away the night at Porrus River Camp keeping an ear out for the telltale steps of a curious elephant coming to check out the new arrivals. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Sesfontein, Kwahurib Rest Camp. (200 km) +/- 3 Hours
Travelling through the heart of Kaokoland we make our way south to Sesfontein, where we will overnight at a local B & B. Named after the ‘six springs’ that surface nearby, Sesfontein is a dusty but photogenic place. Take in the natural beauty of the desert landscape, dominated by umbrella thorns and beautiful, feathery real fan palms, admire its hot springs and, if you get the privilege, interact with the native people – as much a part of this land as the midday heat. Rise early to witness the local village come to life. On most days, the national anthem can be heard drifting across the cool air, beautifully sung by the school children. (B,L,D)
Day 11 & 12: Twyfelfontein, Xaragu Camp. (250 km) +/- 3.5 Hours
Today we head into one of the most beautiful desert regions in Namibia. Driving south to the small town of Uis, we take a detour via the Petrified Forest geological site to see the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontien. Learn something new as local guides give you the inside story on the region’s history and geology, before we head deeper into the desert – to Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg. Spending the night sleeping under the shadow of this giant 2,573 m high granite monolith revered as an ancient Bushman spiritual site, is bound to leave a lasting impression. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Spitzkoppe, Wild Camping. (250 km) +/- 3.5 Hours
The next stretch of our travels sees us turn directly south towards the cool Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. Soon the Spitzkoppe comes into view, rising an impressive 1,728 m above the surrounding gravel plains. We will camp wild at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by nothing but breathtaking vistas – for as far as the eye can see. Look out for places where trees grow defiantly from thin cracks in the rock faces, bearing testament to the ability of life to adapt to harsh conditions. Camping wild we will ‘rough it’ – we won’t have running water or power, and everything we need has to be taken with us in our vehicle. (B,L,D)
Day 14 & 15: Swakopmund, B & B. (250 km) +/- 3.5 Hours
Namibia's grand seaside town greets us with palm-lined streets and seaside promenades as we arrive just in time to see why it attracts surfers, anglers and beach lovers from all over Southern Africa. Being Namibia’s adrenalin capital, Swakopmund offers a wide range of gut-curdling activities – from skydiving to sand boarding, from quad biking to camel riding. The sky is literally the limit in this town when it comes to exploration. Take an airplane or micro light flight over the desert or go fishing – reeling ‘em in from the beach or from a boat. It’s not hard to see why Swakopmund is Namibia’s most popular holiday destination. For dinner, your guide will point you to the best on offer locally – a range of restaurants to choose from. (B, D) One dinner and lunch own expense.
Day 16: Windhoek, B & B. (400 km) +/- 5 Hours
Today we end our trip in Namibia’s largest and capital city, Windhoek. After dinner, we say goodbye to your friends. (B, D)
Day 17: Flight home
After breakfast, we will start the journey home. (B, D)
