Namibia Accommodated Tour (16 Days)

DAY 1: Windhoek

Our adventure in Namibia begins in the Capital city of Windhoek at 14h00 when everyone meets at our hotel for a short tour briefing. We then set off on an afternoon of driving through Windhoek and viewing the attractions of the city, including the local museum and church before setting off to enjoy the warm hospitality and an own expense dinner at the infamous restaurant “Joe’s Beerhouse”, or a similar restaurant. We spend the night in comfort at our hotel and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Meals: Dinner own expense
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Windhoek city Tour

DAY 2: WINDHOEK – KGALAGADI

This morning, we leave the city behind us and begin our winding journey south into the open plains of the vast Kalahari Desert. Our journey today takes us through remote farming towns that offer us a glimpse of daily life in Namibia. Our journey will take the majority of the day but there will be plenty of scenic beauty to keep us occupied. We will arrive at our overnight accommodation in the Kgalagadi in the late afternoon.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Scenic drive through the Kalahari Desert

DAY 3: KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK

After a sumptuous breakfast, we embark on our game drive through the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a National Park spanning both South Africa and Botswana. Well known for its predator population, including cheetah and the massive Black Maned Lion, the Kgalagadi Park offers unique game viewing opportunities and spectacular birdlife. We will spend most of the day traversing the South African side of the park in search of animals. Our guide will take time to give us more information on the animals we encounter in the park and will explain how they survive in the desert conditions.
Tonight we stay in the comfortable rest camp accommodation amongst the Camel Thorn trees.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
– Extensive Game viewing experience

DAY 4: KGALAGADI – FISH RIVER CANYON

Rising early, we witness the sunrise over the landscape before breakfast. Today we travel one of the most scenic Kalahari roads, crossing numerous high dunes which offer spectacular viewpoints. We make our way to Keetmanshoop where we have a short comfort break and then continue onto the Fish River Canyon, regarded as the second largest in the world. We spend some time taking in the views of the canyon before moving onto our stop for the night at Ai – Ais, the Hot Springs located in the depths of the canyon.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Keetmanshoop
– Fish River Canyon
– Ais Ais Hot springs

DAY 5: FISH RIVER CANYON – AUS

A relaxed morning we enjoy breakfast in camp before traveling on remote roads to the southernmost point of our journey – the mighty Orange River. Forming the border with South Africa, the Orange River creates a narrow band of green vegetation that winds its way through the towering rugged mountains of this seemingly burnt landscape.
We will enjoy a lunch stop and possibly even a swim in the river. This afternoon we travel north along the diamond mining area of the Sperrgebiet and make our way to the charming little town of Aus where we spend the next two nights in accommodation.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Scenic drive along Orange River

DAY 6: AUS – LUDERITZ – KOLMANSKOP – AUS

An early start, we make our way across the open desert plains toward the Atlantic Ocean. Our first stop today will be at the Ghost Town of Kolmanskop. Once the site of a prosperous diamond mine, the town is slowly being reclaimed by the shifting sands of the desert. We enjoy an entertaining tour and a walk around the town and through the old buildings that brings the colourful history to life. Then it’s on to Luderitz, a small harbour town on one of the most inhospitable coasts imaginable. We will visit the cross planted here by Dias in 1487 and will spend some time strolling around town, enjoying the unique architecture. This afternoon we travel back into the desert and will stop on route to spend time with a colony of wild desert horses. Lunch today will be own expense.

Meals: B D (Lunch own expense)
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Ghost Town of Kolmanskop
– Luderitz
– Wild desert horses

DAY 7: NAMIB DESERT RESERVE

A relaxed start, we enjoy breakfast before we continue travelling north into the dry interior. Today we venture into the heart of the Namib to our privately owned game reserve, taking in its vast plains, red dunes, and towering mountains of stone. Our next two nights will be spent at the GREENFIRE DESERT LODGE, a remote lodge nestled against a rock outcrop within a conservancy that forms part of the vast Namib Rand Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to a variety of desert adapted ecology and wildlife and we will enjoy an extensive walk as well as a day and night desert drive during our time here.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Private Desert Lodge
– Private Desert Reserve

DAY 8: DESERT RESERVE

Awake to desert vistas that extend further than the eye can see. This protected wilderness has been conserved and is protected through the proceeds of tourism. All animals here exist in completely natural surroundings and are free to move unrestricted over the full extent of the 22,000 hectare reserve. Our guide will help us understand the unique desert fauna and flora. Today we start off with an informational and educational walk in this beautiful environment, looking for tracks and signs of animal’s behaviour and survival strategies allowing them to exist in these harsh conditions.

During the heat of the day guests have time to relax at the lodge or to explore the surrounding area on foot should they wish to. In the afternoon we depart on a desert drive. During the drive we stop at a suitable place to enjoy the sunset and a traditional sundowner drink. Once it is dark we slowly drive back to the Lodge and hope to encounter some nocturnal animals adapted to living in the desert.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Open Vehicle Desert Drive
– Desert Walk
– Private Desert Reserve

DAY 9: SOSSUSVLEI DUNES

Setting off early, we continue across the endless desert plains to the Sesriem Canyon and the awesome Sossusvlei dunes – reputedly the highest in the world. After exploring the canyon on foot, we will transfer into the heart of the dunes and will spend time climbing these spectacular mountains of sand before moving on to our accommodation in the desert. On this day we take you to climb the dunes and explore the Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei with a 4×4 transfer in and out of these attractions.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Sesriem Canyon
– Sossusvlei
– Deadvlei
– 4×4 Transfer into these areas
– Dune climbing

DAY 10 – 11: SWAKOPMUND

Crossing through the Namib Naukluft Park, we make our way to the coastal town of Walvis Bay and then on to Swakopmund where we spend two nights in comfortable accommodation. We explore this holiday town and its surrounds thoroughly and enjoy both our evening meals at local restaurants. (own expense). Swakopmund is a must-see for any visitor and offers guests a variety of adventure activities. Clients will have the opportunity to partake in quad biking, sand boarding and skydiving whilst here (own expense). For those that simply want to relax, the town offers a variety of restaurants and shops where one can sit and enjoy the town atmosphere.

Meals: B L; B (Dinner on day 10, lunch and dinner on day 11 all own expense)
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Scenic Drive through Namib Naukluft National Park
– Welwitschia desert plants
– Swakopmund

DAY 12: SKELETON COAST – BRANDBERG

Today we head up along the barren Skeleton Coast, scene of many a shipwreck, to the seal colony at Cape Cross where thousands of Cape Today we head up along the barren Skeleton Coast, scene of many a shipwreck, to the seal colony at Cape Cross where thousands of Cape Fur Seals can be seen ashore. We will get within very close proximity to these wild animals. We then travel through the desert to visit the Bushman rock paintings at Brandberg, where we spend the night at the foot of the mountain at Mt Brandberg Nature Reserve. During our time here we hope to see the rare Desert Elephants.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Cape Cross Seal Colony
– Brandberg and Mt Brandberg Nature Reserve
– White Lady Bushman Paintings

DAY 13 – 14: ETOSHA NAT. PARK

Making our way up north we enter Etosha National Park today, arguably the highlight of the tour. We spend two nights here within the park in search of the big game that this park is so well known for. One evening guests have time to spend at a floodlit waterhole watching the many animals that come down to drink. During these days we will conduct extensive game drives, visiting all the little waterholes during the heat of the day and staying within the park the entire time. Each night we stay in one of the rest camps of the park in comfortable accommodation.

Meals: B L D, B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– 2 Days within the Park
– Extensive Game Viewing Opportunity

DAY 15: ETOSHA– WATERBERG

After a short morning game drive, we exit the park and travel down to the impressive Waterberg Plateau National Park.
This plateau is ecologically diverse and has over 200 different bird species with some rare species of small antelope that occur on the lower hills of the mountain. This afternoon we will hike up the mountain and will enjoy the views of the Kalahari from the summit. We enjoy our last night of tour at the base.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Short Morning Game Drive
– Hike at Waterberg

DAY 16: WINDHOEK

An early morning, we pack up and begin our journey back to civilization. The drive to Windhoek will take approximately 5 hours and we intend to be back in the capital by 13h00 where the tour will officially come to an end. Lunch will be enjoyed at your own expense. Clients may book a post-tour night accommodation through Drifters. For those flying out this afternoon, please allow for check in time and at least an hour for the airport transfer.

Meals: B

The day by day descriptions published are intended as a rough guideline only. Adventure travel by nature is unpredictable, weather patterns, game migrations, road conditions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.

Namibia Accommodated Tour

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Please ensure that you are in possession of valid travel documents for Namibia and South Africa. Some nationalities do require visas for Namibia. On the tour we spend two nights in Kgalagadi Transfrontier park on the SOUTH AFRICAN side, so please make sure that you have a SA Visa in case you need one for this leg of the journey. According to the transfrontier park rules clients will not need a visa due to the fact that we do not cross into South Africa via the National Park but we suggest clients confirm with their local embassy.

If you have any queries in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us. Although we will endeavor to assist, we do not accept any liability or obligation for your travel documents.

The contact telephone number for Namibia Tourism in Johannesburg is: + 27 11 784 8024.
Or visit Namibia Tourism on www.namibiatourism.na

Make sure that your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to your home country.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travelers cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

FOREIGN CURRENCY

The Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand are the currencies used in Namibia. All major currencies can be exchanged in Namibia. Please ensure that you have enough Rand as there are very few opportunities to exchange foreign currencies. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be used to pay for restaurant meals etc. Small trading stores will probably not accept credit cards.

Upon arrival in any respective country we operate in, you will be able to find a Bureau de Change OR ATM Facilities at the airport or in the Town/City the tour is departing from. It is advised to bring any major world currency (US Dollar, Euro or British Pounds) in small denominations and not dated older than 2009. It is advised to get a small amount of local currency upon arrival just to get around until your tour starts.

On Tour -Please be advised that our guides will inform and show you the best places to exchange any Major World Currency with the best possible exchange rates either before your tour starts or during the course of the tour. Our guides will brief you exactly on where to exchange and roughly how much you will need to exchange after discussing possible optional activities, own expense meals or possible curio stops. Drifters trucks have safe-keeping facilities for extra cash/flight tickets/passport.

The preferred currencies are as follows:
• South Africa – ZAR; Rand

Suggested amounts for each currency:
(Without use of credit card)

• Rand : +- R1 500 – R 1700
(With use of credit card)

• Rand : +- R 1100

Credit cards can be used throughout most parts of Southern Africa but it is advised to please ensure you have enough cash for personal expenses and possible gratuities.

INSURANCE

It is compulsory that all passengers make arrangements for adequate travel insurance to financially safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Drifters do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced whilst on tour. You will be required to complete and sign a full indemnity prior to your tour departure.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS & REQUIREMENTS

The only necessary prophylaxis for Southern Africa is against Malaria, but on this tour there is no eminent danger as Namibia is regarded mostly as a Malaria free zone however prevention is better than cure, so we do advise to also use insect repellent on exposed areas after sunset. Please consult with your general practitioner regarding this. All Drifters guides have first aid boxes for use in emergencies, however we recommend that you bring along your own basic supply of medication, headache tablets etc.

***Personal medication
Please bring along any personal medication that you might need on your tour as specific medication could be difficult to find or might not be obtainable in most places we visit. General medication for headaches, colds and fever are easy to get.

Please also inform your guide of any medical conditions. This information will be received professionally and kept confidential.

Namibia Accommodated Tour

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Please note that Southern African weather conditions vary tremendously from season to season. During summer months temperatures of up to 40°C can be experienced. During the winter months of June, July and August the nights are very cold, temperatures may drop well below 0°C, although the day temperatures will be pleasant at around 20°C.

CLOTHING & PERSONAL EFFECTS

Herewith a recommended guide of what to bring along:

• For walking, hiking and Safaris
• Sport Shoes / Sneakers
• Sandals
• Hat
• Sun Cream
• Water Bottle
• Smaller day pack
• Camera, Binoculars
• Books (Birds, Mammals, personal reading books, Optional)

For general travelling (to keep yourself entertained on the longer drives)

• Personal iPod
• Personal Reading Books
• A deck of cards or something similar
• Battery chargers for your personal devices (Ipods, Ipads, E-Readers, Handy’s etc)

Our vehicles are well equipped with charging facilities while driving. A Two-pin charger is perfect.

• Clothing and Toiletries
• Long Trousers / Tracksuit
• Shorts
• Waterproof Windbreaker
• Jersey / Jumper
• Socks & Underwear
• T-Shirts / Shirts
• Hat or cap
• Swimming Costume & Towel
• Personal toiletries
• Insect Repellent

General Accessories

• Mosquito Net (Optional)
• Malaria Prophylaxis (please inquire from your general Doctor at home)
• Money (Sundry expenses, gratuities)
• Headlamp / Flashlight / Batteries
• Refreshments
• Pen
• Passport / Visas (if applicable)

** Luggage should be limited to a maximum of 15kg’s HARD SUITCASES ARE NOT SUITABLE!!
*** Refreshments can be purchased en-route on the first day of the tour, and at regular intervals throughout the tour.

MEALS AND REFRESHMENTS

Meals are provided as indicated in the brochure/website. We do not provide meals on the first day of your tour. We do however stop en-route; therefore it is always possible to buy something along the way. Soft drinks, bottled water and alcohol are for your own expense; there is ample opportunity during the tour to buy refreshments. The guide will advise when you need to stock up for a couple of days.

PERSONAL EXPENSES

A reasonable amount of personal spending money must be brought on our tours. This is to cover own expense meals as indicated in our Drifters Brochure, bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, sundry goods purchased- such as suntan cream etc., curios, optional extra excursions, airport tax, transfers and tips.

In Africa things work a little different to the rest of the World. Tipping or gratuity, unless otherwise specified, is not included in the price you pay for services delivered. This accounts for restaurant meals, casual help and the services of the guide or guides that you will meet on your tour.

In Southern and East Africa it is classified as a common courtesy to TIP “casual help (guides)”.

This TIP is not something that is forced upon you by any means, but in many industries of tourism it is customary. It works as follows: if you believe your guide has lived up to your expectations and has performed his/her job in a way that you respect and are happy with the services rendered, an amount of R 50 per day or equivalent amount of R50 per day in any major currency per person per day would constitute a fantastic tip. Remember that this is just a guideline and is not by any means compulsory, but seen as common courtesy in Southern and East Africa.

Namibia Accommodated Tour

SKYDIVING (Ground Rush Adventures)SWAKOPMUND and SURROUNDS
N$ 2100.00 per person
Handy Cam N$ 500.00
Extra N$ 950.00 for a professional camera man. Which includes 2 DVD’s one with still photos and the other documenting your skydive experience, from start to finish.

Pick–up and drop-off at Lodge.

This activity can be done in the morning or afternoon.

QUADBIKING (Desert Explorers)
1hr – N$ 400.00 per person
90min – N$ 500.00 per person
2hrs – N$ 600.00 per person
There are 2 options: 1) Fully automatic, 2) manual.
This activity can be done in the morning or afternoon.

SANDBOARDING (Alter Action)
Includes: Transfers, light lunch & safety gears
LIE DOWN : N$400pp
STAND UP : N$500pp
On a Snowboard adapted for sand.
Beginning on training rides, the customer first masters the basics before going onto the larger dunes where one can reach a speed of up to 80km/h. Top range equipment is supplied with excellent and experienced instructors/instructions.
Mornings only. Duration approx. 3 – 3.5 hrs
Pick-up and drop-off at Lodge.
Light lunch and drinks included.

LIVING DESERT TOURS
N$ 600.00 per person.
This tour is a half day tour. The tour takes you through the dunes where one will track and find the hidden life in the seemingly desolate but amazing landscape. One will see the small five, Palmato Gecko, Peringuey’s Adder (Sidewinder), Shovel Snouted lizard, Fitzsimons Burrowing Skink, Namaqua Chameleon as well as other desert creatures, minerals and desert plants. The tour is eco-aware, informative, interactive and fun. Endless photographic opportunities.
Mornings only. Duration: approx. 5hrs
Pick-up and drop-off at Lodge.

DOLPHIN TOUR (Ocean Adventures)
Includes: Transfers, Light lunch & cold beverages
N$ 600.00pp

All boats are catamaran ski-boats of various sizes with toilets on board. Passengers proceed to Pelican Point to view the Cape Fur Seals. Experience the thrill of feeding a few seals who will join the passengers on the boat. Be highly exhilarated to see dolphin’s riding the bow of the boat. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne with fresh oysters and snacks. Skippers are fully qualified, comply with all Namibian Tourism and Tour operator regulations and requirements as well as being tri-lingual (English, Afrikaans and German).

KAYAKING
Includes Scenic Ride from Swakopmund down to Walvis Bay, Lunch, safety gear, transfers.
N$ 800.00pp Adults (MINIMUM OF 2 PAX)

FISHING
Includes: transfers, lunch, drinks & Equipment
N$ 1350.00pp (Boat)
N$ 1500.00pp (Shore)

TOWNSHIP TOURS
Hafeni Tourism Group /Hafeni Tours and Travel
For a local Dinner and Cultural Experience in Swakkopmund, please check out this website for more information on
hafenictours@gmail.com
00264 811466222/ 812773074
Includes: transfers, traditional meal & drinks
N$ 450.00PP

SUNSET TOUR
INCLUDES : SPARKLING NON ALCOHOLIC CHAMPAGNE AND TRANSFERS .
MIN. 4 pax
N$650.00pp
Enjoy a 90min quad drive as the sun is setting and stop at the top of the dune to enjoy fresh oysters and non-alcoholic champagne watching Namibia’s beautiful sunsets.

Please Note:

• Optional Activities can be booked on arrival. No bookings are made in advance.
• Rates are subject to change without notice
• Activities are subject to availability
• Activities are weather dependent

Namibia Accommodated Tour

Please note: As of 1 January 2020 Drifters will implement a minimum requirement of 4 passengers to confirm a tour departure. Our reservation office will be able to assist with any request or questions.