Compare Tribes of Namibia by Namibia Travel Connection vs Namibia to Victoria Falls Explorer by World Luxury Cruise Vacations

Day 1:

On arrival at the Windhoek Airport you will be met by your guide and transferred to Namibia’s Capital City, Windhoek from where we head northwards through the town of Okahandja and on to the Waterberg National Park for overnight at WATERBERG RESORT / similar on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.  (Lunch is for clients own account).

Rising some 200m above a surrounding sea of African bush and savannah, the Waterberg Plateau with its flamboyant brick-red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation, presents an island of vibrant colour. The 405.5Km² park, situated 60Km east of Otjiwarongo and 300 Km north east of Windhoek was proclaimed in 1972. It was originally created as a sanctuary for rare and endangered species found in the Kavango and Caprivi regions, such as roan and sable antelope, tsessebe and Cape buffalo. Today the park is home to some 25 game and over 200 bird species. The vegetation changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of the plateau to lush-green sub-tropical dry woodlands with tall trees and grassy plains at the top.  Time permitting you may wish to take a game drive onto the plateau (not included) or there are some great walks in the area.

Day 2:

Today’s departure continues towards the commercial farming town of Grootfontein. An excursion on route will be included to the world’s largest known meteorite at Hoba. From Grootfontein we continue into an area which is often referred to as “Bushmanland”. Here San cultures live in many settlements and small towns. The San are the earliest inhabitants of Namibia. While many now live a settled existence in villages, a few of them still manage to practice their traditional nomadic lifestyle. Although their culture is vanishing fast, it is hoped that their great love for stories and songs will survive as a record of their ancient culture. Afternoon arrival at the TSUMKWE LODGE for overnight accommodation on a full board basis.

Day 3:

Conduct a full day guided excursion to the local Ju’/hoan san community. The emphasis on this excursion is to discover more about their hunting skills and techniques, traditional uses of local plants, village life and dancing. Overnight accommodation will be at the TSUMKWE LODGE on a full board basis.

Day 4:

Leaving Bushmanland, today’s route returns via the town of Grootfontein before continuing towards the mining town of Tsumeb and the Etosha National Park. An excursion on route will be conducted to the Lake Otjikoto – a large sinkhole type lake. If time allows you can conduct a game drive in the Etosha National Park during the afternoon in the Namutoni Region.  Overnight accommodation will be at the NAMUTONI RESORT on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis only. (Lunch is for the clients own account.)

Day 5:

Today will be spent conducting a full day of game viewing activities in the Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier game viewing destination. The park has recorded over 114 mammal species, 350 bird species and 21 different vegetation types. The most common plains game species encountered include; Burchell’s Zebra, Springbok, Black– Faced Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok / Oryx antelope, Giraffe and Red Hartebeest. The Etosha National Park also boasts healthy populations of Lion, Elephant and Black Rhino. Today’s journey will also include a visit to the Etosha Pan or the “Great White Place”. Overnight accommodation will be at the NAMUTONI RESORT on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis only. (Lunch will be at one of the Resorts in the Park and is for the clients own account.)

Day 6:

Departing from the Etosha National Park today’s journey continues into the far north of the country, an area formerly known as Owamboland. This region, with a total population of 650 000, is the country’s most densely populated area and has been described as Namibia’s indigenous and cultural heartland. The landscape is characterized by flat, sandy plains dotted with Makalani palms, Savannah grassland and Mopane woodland. The central area is dominated by an exceptionally flat plain covered by a network of shallow ephemeral watercourses, known as Oshanas. The major towns in the area are Oshakati, Ondangwa and Ongwediva. Excursions while in this area will be conducted to the various markets, historical sites and the Cuca shops. Overnight accommodation will be at the OSHAKATI COUNTRY HOTEL on a full board basis.

Day 7:

Today we continue with our discovery of the region as we continue via the town of Ruacana on route to the Kunene Region. Formerly known as “Kaokoland”, this region is situated in Namibia’s remote northwest, hosting the inhospitable Skeleton Coast and bordering Angola. The Kunene River, forming the border between these two countries, has given its name to the area. Many of Namibia’s primary attractions are found here. The famous “Desert Adapted Elephant”, the ancient culture of the semi-nomadic Himba People, the rare black rhino as well as beautiful landscapes and interesting geological formations. Inhabitants of this are divided among three dominant ethnic groups, the Damara, Herero and the Himba. Picnic Lunch is included on route. Overnight accommodation will be at the OPUWO COUNTRY LODGE / similar on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis only.

Day 8:

A highlight of any visit to Namibia is a chance to interact with one of the countries most traditional ethnic groups. Kaokoland is home to the Ova-Himba people a nomadic tribe with a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. They can be seen wandering with their herds of goats and cattle from watering hole to watering hole. Clad only with a loincloth, the Himba’s paint their bodies with an ochre-red pigment, which protects their skin from the sun, and makes a picturesque decoration. While in Opuwo, the administrative capital of the Kunene Region, an excursion will be conducted to some of the local Himba homesteads. Overnight accommodation will be at the OPUWO COUNTRY LODGE / similar on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis only. (Lunch is for the clients own account.)

Day 9:

Departing from this fascinating region continue in a southerly direction into an area of vast unspoiled beauty. Damaraland boasts magnificent desert scenery, fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It is also the southern most roaming ground for the rare black rhino and the “Desert Adapted Elephant”. Guided walking excursions will be conducted to the Twyfelfontein Heritage site, one of Namibia’s richest areas of rock engraving and san paintings and the geological formations of the “Burnt Mountain” and the “Organ Pipes”. Picnic lunch is included on route. Overnight accommodation will be at the TWYFELFONTEIN COUNTRY LODGE / similar on a dinner bed & breakfast basis only.

Day 10:

Today’s journey continues in a southerly direction through the southern Damaraland Region towards the abandoned mining town of Uis and Namibia’s highest Mountain Range, the Brandberg, before continuing towards the Atlantic Coast. This route crosses the desolate “gravel plains” of the Namib Desert before arriving at the “Skeleton Coast”. An excursion conducted on route will include a visit to the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Cape Cross. This site was first visited in 1486 by the Portuguese explorer, Diago Cao who erected a cross in honour of John 1 of Portugal. In addition to being of historical interest, Cape Cross has a breeding colony of up to 80 000 Cape Fur seals during the peak-breeding season. Late afternoon arrival in Swakopmund where overnight accommodation will be at the HANSA HOTEL / similar on a bed & breakfast basis only.  (Lunch and dinner is for the clients own account.)

Day 11:

While in Swakopmund an excursion will be conducted to Namibia’s largest commercial harbour, Walvis Bay and the Walvis Bay Lagoon, protected under the RAMSAR Convention as an important wetland. The lagoon is renowned for its seasonal abundance of both the Greater and Lesser Flamingo species. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Namibia’s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. Today this quaint town nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended gardens. There is a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries, while the coastline and the desert respectively offer many options for adventure or relaxation. Overnight will be at the HANSA HOTEL / similar on a bed & breakfast basis only. (Lunch and dinner is for the clients own account.)

Day 12:

Departing from Swakopmund today’s route returns across the “gravel plains” of the Namib Desert. Entering into the Namib Naukluft Park includes excursions to the erosional feature of the “Moon Valley” and Namibia’s ancient plant species the “Welwitschia mirabilis” before crossing through the Kuiseb and Gaub Canyons. Late afternoon arrival at your lodge located on the eastern boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park. Picnic lunch is included on route. Overnight accommodation will be at the SOSSUSVLEI LODGE / similar on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis only.

Day 13:

Conduct an early morning excursion along the path of the ancient Tsauchab River into the Namib Sand Sea including a visit to the famed Sossusvlei, Dune 45 and Deadvlei. Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the desert is more stunning than Sossusvlei, with its monumentally high dunes, the shadows of their sinuous crests continually changing as the day waxes and wanes. Gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand, the highest estimated at 325 m. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the deflationary clay pans at some of their bases. An afternoon excursion will be conducted to the Sesriem Canyon, a small yet picturesque canyon carved over millions of years into the Tschaub River. Overnight accommodation will be at the SOSSUSVLEI LODGE / similar on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis only. (Lunch will be for the clients own account.)

Day 14:

Departing from the Namib Desert return to Windhoek over the western escarpment and the “Khomas Hochland” highland region.  Overnight accommodation will be at the WINDHOEK COUNTRY CLUB RESORT / similar on a bed and breakfast basis. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to visit the city centre. (Lunch and dinner today are for the clients own account)

Day 15:

Time at leisure before being transferred to the International Airport in time for your scheduled regional or international departure.

Day 1: Windhoek

On arrival this afternoon in Windhoek, you have free time to explore the capital city of Namibia. Overnight Hotel Safari (or similar accommodation).

Day 2-3: Sesriem / Sossusvlei (approx 370 kms - 90 kms tarmac & 280 kms gravel/5 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We will be met at 10:00hrs in the reception area of the hotel for our transfer to Sesriem. Note that this transfer is operated by a local Namibian transfer service and is unescorted. Our journey takes us south through ever changing scenery to our campsite located on the edge of the Namib Desert, considered by many geologists to be one of the world's oldest deserts. The following morning is an early departure driving 70 kms (1 hr one-way), stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The name "Sossusvlei" is of mixed origin, and roughly means "dead end marsh". Sossusvlei owes this name to the fact that it is a drainage basin without outflows for the ephemeral Tsauchab River. The pan holds rainwater to form a lake and due to the high clay content of the ground, water is retained for long periods of time. Deadvlei is another clay pan, about 2 km from Sossusvlei. A notable feature of Deadvlei is that it used to be an oasis with several acacia trees. The pan is thus punctuated by blackened, dead acacia trees, in vivid contrast to the shiny white of the salty floor of the pan and the intense orange of the dunes. This creates a particularly fascinating and surrealistic landscape, that appears in uncountable pictures and that has been used as a setting for films and videos. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon, which is a natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab river in the local sedimentary rock, about a kilometre long and up to 30 metres deep. A portion of the canyon permanently contains water, which many animals use.

Day 4: Swakopmund (approx 380 kms/6 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast & Lunch

Today we travel through the Kuiseb canyon, site of the famous book by Henno Martin, The Sheltering Desert before we stop off at Walvis Bay to view the flamingos (seasonal). The Walvis Bay wetlands - the lagoon, mudflats, shoreline and salt works - constitute the single most important coastal wetland in southern Africa for migratory birds. The wetland therefore serves mainly as a dry-season and drought refuge for migrating species like the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Plover, Grebe and African Black Oystercatcher. We arrive in Swakopmund, a quaint beach town with a strong German influence and with a sizable part of its population still German-speaking today. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is German for "Mouth of the Swakop" as it is at the mouth of the Swakop River. We spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial town or enjoying one of the numerous optional excursions (at own risk and own expense). Overnight in a local guesthouse.

Day 5: Spitzkoppe (approx 150 kms - 125 kms tarmac & 25 kms gravel/2 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

Leaving Swakopmund after lunch we set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. The afternoon is free to explore the stunning surrounding area on foot. Northeast of Swakopmund is the stark grandeur of The Spitzkoppe (sharp head), one of Namibia's most recognizable landmarks. The summit of this imposing granite rock formation (1,728m) was first scaled only in 1946, and its shape has inspired its nickname, The Matterhorn of Africa. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Day 6-7: Etosha National Park (approx 530 kms/9 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We enter Etosha via the Western corridor and travel through the park to Okakeujo Restcamp. The Park was first established in 1907, when Namibia was a German colony known as South West Africa. At the time, the park's original 100,000 km² made it the largest game reserve in the world. Due to political changes since its original establishment, the park is now slightly less than a quarter of its original area, but still remains a very large and significant area in which wildlife is protected. This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home. Floodlit waterholes at Okakeujo & Namutoni Restcamps attract an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife sightings. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives (approx 150 kms drive/12 hrs including lunch). Overnight Okakeujo & Namutoni Restcamps inside Etosha.

Day 8: Kavango River - Rundu (approx 420 kms/6 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a morning game drive we exit Etosha and travel to Rundu on the banks of the Kavango River. Our camp is set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Kavango River.

Day 9-10: Okavango Delta (approx 300 kms/5 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our campsite on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the delta.

Day 11: Kwando River (approx 310 kms/6 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Departing the Delta by boat we return to our vehicle and we cross back into Namibia. Driving through the Caprivi we set up camp on the banks of the Kwando River.

Day 12-13: Chobe River (approx 230 kms/5 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Continuing through the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel through the Chobe National Park setting up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day we relax on a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River. A morning game drive in Chobe National Park is optional (at your own expense).

Day 14: Victoria Falls (approx 90 kms/3 hrs drive)

Meals:  Breakfast

We travel across the Zimbabwean border to Victoria Falls, without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (otherwise known as Victoria Falls) is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Park covers 66 km2 from the Songwe Gorge below the falls in a northwest arc along about 20 km of the Zambian riverbank. Two countries - Zambia and Zimbabwe, share the magnificent falls. Nothing can compare to viewing the awesome power of 'The Smoke that thunders" for the first time. There will be plenty of opportunity to view the Falls 'up close and personal' by traversing the many walkways in and around the rain forest that surrounds the many view points (entrance fee own account). In the wet season, be sure to wear a raincoat as the spray can give you a thorough drenching! Victoria Falls is also the "adventure capital" of Southern Africa and there are many optional activities on offer to whet your appetite. These range from game drives in the nearby national park, scenic micro light or helicopter flights, or for the more adventurous white water rafting or bungi jumping. Victoria Falls also has many markets where you can browse for African curios. All lunches, dinners and optional activities will be at your own expense. Overnight Sprayview Lodge (or similar).

Day 15: Victoria Falls, trip concludes

Meals:  Breakfast

Our tour ends today after breakfast.