Namibia. Whole Country in 10 days Camping Safari

Windhoek – Okonjima The tour first heads north to small towns along the way, including Okahandja, (The Garden Town of Namibia) with time to visit Namibia’s largest woodcarvers market. The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs and curios. Continuing north and driving through mainly farmland we scheduled to arrive at Okonjima’s Omboroko campsite, with time to set up camp and to relax before heading out for the afternoon’s activities. The lodge is home to The AfriCat Foundation, committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, notably cheetahs and leopards. Leopard can be viewed frequently here, (but not guaranteed) from a hide or radio-tracked from a game viewing vehicle. The cheetah project offers a valuable insight into the welfare work of the AfriCat foundation. Overnight: Camping at Okonjima Campsite (FB)

Etosha National Park An early departure in northern direction, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel along the way. The first main stop is to the mysterious Lake Otjikoto, Namibia’s largest natural lake, into which German troops dumped weapons and ammunition prior to surrender in 1915. The safari continues on to Namutoni Camp in Etosha National Park, arriving at lunchtime, with time to relax and jump in the pool to cool off from hot afternoon sun, before heading out for that first game drive. After your evening meal Etosha’s big game can be viewed at the floodlit waterhole, situated on the boundary of Namutoni and easily reachable on foot. Overnight: Camping at Namutoni Camp (FB)

Etosha Park Early morning start with full day’s game driving, heading east on the drive towards Halali Camp, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way there are several waterholes to visit and splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan. The game viewing along this route is usually excellent. The lunch time stop is at Halali. The game driving continues down to Okaukuejo, famous for its waterhole. Black rhino, elephant, lion and numerous species of antelope pass by. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Overnight: Camping at Namutoni Camp (FB)

Etosha – Kamanjab Game drive on the way out of Etosha National Park as the tour heads south with a short drive to the small town of Kamanjab, with a stop here before continuing on to find the Himba Tribesmen. This is the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. The Ovahimba, an offshoot of the much larger Herero group, are semi-nomadic pastoralists, who breed cattle and goats. Oase Village is located some 15-20km outside Kamanjab, the exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location, to take advantage of better grazing elsewhere. During the afternoon a specialist guide will be able to translate and introduce the ‘alternative lifestyle.’ include marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the local Namibian religion, ‘Holy Fire.’ Overnight: Camping at Oase Village Camp

Kamanjab – Brandberg We continue into one of the most interesting, beautiful and dramatic regions in Namibia, Damaraland, First driving south to the small town of Khorixas, and then west, travelling via the Petrified Forest geological site, to visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. Then after guided tour we proceed to highest mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m) an ancient Bushman spiritual site. Overnight: Camping at Brandberg (FB)

Brandberg – Swakopmund Morning guided hike into the mountain to see the world famous so called ‘White Lady’ rock painting. It can be seen deep in the wild and lovely Tsisab (‘leopard’) gorge and is one of a whole gallery of splendid paintings to be found in the Maack Cave. It’s then back on the road to admire more of the beautiful Damaraland scenery. The next stop is in the small town of Uis , an old mining town, and one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones. From here it’s directly west across the ‘gravel plains’ on the way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. After first meeting the ocean at Henties Bay we head to Cape Cross to visit Seal Colony. Then the final overnight stop is at the coastal town of Swakopmund – Namibia’s premier seaside town. Accommodation tonight is in shared bungalows, with en-suite bathroom facilities. (No camping!) Most of the restaurants have an excellent choice of game meats and the seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Overnight at Bungalows (HB)

Swakopmund Morning at leasure time in and around the beaches, shops and town’s amenities. There is also a very good museum of stones Crystal Gallery and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium. Optional activities such as quard biking and sandboarding are available. Overnight in shared bungalows, with en-suite bathroom facilities. (BB)

Swakopmund – Sesriem We depart for Walvis Bay, situated about 40 km south with its large marine lagoon which is home to a vast array of marine bird-life, in particular flamingos. We will make a short visit to the lagoon to see the birds and then we get supplies before heading out into the desert. The second part of our journey today takes us across more of the seemingly endless Namib gravel plains. Then the landscape suddenly changes and we are into the mountain desert. We traverse both the Kuiseb and Gaub passes, driving both times to the river beds at the bottom of the canyons and then climbing the long steep road to the top and the spectacular panoramas the mountains give us. We cross some open grass savannah and farmlands before entering immense red sand dune desert of the Namib. We will stop at Solitaire for some refreshments before continuing on through stunning desert scenery. We will arrive at our camp in the late afternoon and watch a beautiful sunset. Overnight at Agama Campsite (FB)

Sossusvlei - Namib Naukluft National Park Early morning departure to catch the sunrise on the desert. After passing through Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes, it’s straight into the heart of the dune field, reaching Sossusvlei itself by walking the last 5km through the dunes. Ancient mineral pans and stunted camel thorn trees make for perfect photo opportunities. The morning is spent in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting Dune 45. Many people think the name originates because it is about 45km from Sesriem, (which it is) but it’s because of the numbering system devised by conservation staff, and by coincidence it happens to be dune number 45 on the map. There is a lunch stop at Sesriem to escape from the heat of the afternoon and after that is a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon. Overnight at Agama Campsite (FB)

Windhoek After breakfast we leave Sesriem and head back north, once again through the wonderful Highlands. The route is slightly different from the outward journey, but just as scenic and spectacular. After an en-route lunch stop, arrival in Windhoek in thew afternoon. Check in for your flight home. Fly out in the evening or stay for a night in Windhoek for morning flights out.