Search
Index > Namibia > Guide > Guided Safaris >
The Oryx and Himba Safari
Summary of Itinerary
Days 1
Wildhoek
Days 2
Okonjima
Days 3, 4 & 5
Etosha National Park
Days 6
Himba Visit
Days 7 & 8
Damaraland
Days 9
Swakopmund via Skeleton Coast
Days 10 & 11
Namib Desert - Sesriem
Days 12
Windhoek
Namibian Safaris
The Oryx and Himba Safari
11 nights/12 days
Windhoek - Okonjima Africat Foundation - Etosha National Park - Himba settlement - Twyfelfontein - Skeleton Coast - Swakopmund - Sossusvlei - Namib Desert
9 nights camping in spacious dome tents, 2 nights hotel/ chalet in Windhoek & Swakopmund
This quality camping safari is for the discerning traveller to southern Africa. Scheduled safaris with accommodation in spacious dome tents aimed at travellers wanting to get close to nature and wildlife and who are searching for a rare wilderness experience in Africa.
The guide and assistant/ cook take care of the camp duties including putting up and taking down the tents.
This safari gives the visitor a quality, “in depth” look at the country visited. Due to the limited number of passengers, all our groups are pleasantly informal. A real safari in Africa awaits every participant.
Guides and Staff
Safari leaders are selected for their experience of the African bush and will ensure that your safari is enjoyable and successful. The guides are in the full time employ of the company and are thoroughly trained professionals. Local resident managers of the company in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, personally supervise safaris. Detailed information on the history of the area, fauna and flora is given to guests during the safari. A local camp assistant/ cook helps with general camp chores and duties on the camping safaris. All safaris are conducted in English.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Accommodation in either hotel, guesthouse, bed & breakfast establishments or backpacker
Meals as per itinerary
Accommodation specified as per itinerary
Qualified professional guide
Single/double dome safari tents and safari ablution facilities
Rates Exclude:
Beer
Wine with evening meal(s).
Visas and visa fees required
Any items bought prior and during the tour for personal use
Bottled water
Insurance for the full duration of the tour
Airport Tax, Departure Tax and / or Government Tax
Alcoholic drinks
Fruit juices at breakfast
Lunches & Dinners in Swakopmund and Windhoek
Itinerary
Days 1: Wildhoek [-]
Windhoek, with its lingering heritage of German architecture, activities and atmosphere is a city which can be visited throughout the year. The day is spent at leisure. We are met by our guide at the hotel reception for a briefing at +-18h00. Hotel Safari (or similar accommodation). (Dinner own arrangements).
Day 2: Okonjima [B, L, D]
We depart Windhoek after breakfast, arriving at Okonjima in time for lunch. The Africat foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to the long-term conservation and preservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. An afternoon activity is included which could be either tracking cheetah or leopard on foot, or viewing the veterinary work done by the foundation. The night is spent camping under the bright stars at Okonjima. (All meals).
Days 3, 4 & 5: Etosha National Park [B, L, D]
This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa. Thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, etc. are attracted to the area. The birdlife is prolific with 326 recordedspecies. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are enjoyed with the evenings spent watching an amazing diversity of animals around the floodlit waterhole bordering our campsite. (All meals).
Day 6: Himba Visit [B, L, D]
Our final early morning game drive takes us through the Western corridor of Etosha en-route to our camp from where we visit the Ovahimba. The Himbas are a semi-nomadic tribe, who live in scattered settlements throughout the region. They are characterised by their proud yet friendly stature and the women are noted for their unusual beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional dress. A few hours are spent with a visit to a traditional Himba settlement learning more about these fascinating people. (All meals).
Day 7 & 8: Damaraland [B, L, D]
An early morning drive takes us to our camp in Damaraland. The changing colours of the surrounding landscapes are enjoyed on a guided walk with explanations of the unique flora and geology of the area. We visit the Twyfelfontein area with walks to view the ancient Bushman rock engravings, Organ Pipes, and the Burnt Mountain. (All meals).
Day 9: Swakopmund via Skeleton Coast [B, L]
Travelling via the Skeleton Coast a visit is made to Cape Cross Seal Colony, one of the largest mainland seal colonies in the world. Swakopmund, with its German colonial atmosphere, is the principal coastal resort of Namibia. Time is spent at leisure to enjoy the charm of this old town or to undertake one of the many optional activities on offer (scenic flights, hot air ballooning, etc. own expense). Overnight accommodation in Guest House. (All meals, excluding dinner).
Day 10 & 11: Namib Desert - Sesriem [B, L, D]
Driving via the Moon landscape we stop to view the unusual prehistoric Welwitschia plant, a dwarf tree flourishing on the moisture of the Atlantic Coast. Its lifespan is estimated at more than 1,000 years. We travel via Kuiseb Canyon en-route to our camp on the edge of the Namib desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei stopping in the dune belt to enjoy the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. The morning is spent walking amongst the dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. En-route back to camp we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon and sunset in the dunes surrounding our camp. (All meals, excluding lunch day 10).
Day 12: Windhoek [B]
Climbing through the mountains of the Namib Naukluft Park, we arrive in Windhoek in the early afternoon +-14h00. (Breakfast only). The itinerary will depend on local conditions.
Extra information
Luggage Limitations
Luggage is limited to 12kg + 1 sleeping bag + 1 camera bag per person. Any luggage in excess of 12kg or large suitcases will not be loaded onto the vehicle. We recommend the use of a soft canvas barrel bag. We strongly advise all participants to take their sleeping bag, toiletries and medication with them on board the aircraft. Passengers who have a connecting flight should collect their luggage at each airport to avoid the risk of luggage loss whilst in transit.
Children Policy
Regrettably children under 12 cannot be accommodated on scheduled safaris, and an adult relative or guardian must accompany participants between 12 and 18 years old.
African conditions
Please note that the itineraries will depend on local conditions. Travelling in Africa is sometimes unpredictable. By the very nature of travelling in remote areas there are unforeseen challenges to overcome and passengers should have a taste for adventure. Unforeseen circumstances due to road conditions, weather, mechanical breakdown or accidents can delay and change the itinerary. Please come prepared. Travel light with light, casual clothing for the day and a jersey or tracksuit for the evenings. Do not take along too much clothing. Take a good pair of walking/ tennis shoes. Do not forget a torch, water bottle, swimsuit, hat, suntan lotion, binoculars, camera and spare film. Allow enough money for souvenirs, evenings out, drinks, special excursions and personal expenses.
Food and Drinks
On serviced camping safaris drinks and mineral water are not included. You may purchase your own drinks from a bottle store or supermarket, or from the bars at the tented camps, lodges and hotels. All drinks are included on the Classic Safaris.
Special emphasis is placed on good, wholesome food. A continental breakfast consisting of cereals, bread, jams, tea, coffee and milk is served in the morning. Lunch is usually a "cold picnic" and a brunch with eggs and bacon is sometimes served when in camp. The evening meal is generally "bush cuisine” by a flickering campfire. The freezers allow us to be self-sufficient. The meals are prepared by the guide and assistant/ cook. Our emphasis is on healthy living.
