North Namibia & Cultural Safari

15 Day Private Guided Safari

Safari Description:

This 15 day private–guided tour focuses on the north of Namibia with rugged and remote landscapes, frontier towns, and a river bordering Angola where the arid region meets lush vegetation. Journey across to the Caprivi, take in a mokoro excursion, explore the wildlife haven of Etosha and combine it with cultures to give you an insight into local life.   This is a mid–range accommodated tour and can be adapted to suit your requirements and tailored to suit a family

Safari Highlights:

Damaraland and dramatic landscapes; Opuwo & Kunene for Himba people and where the desert meets the river overlooking Angola rich in birdlife along with Epupa Falls; Ovamboland and cultural interaction; West Caprivi and game viewing; Etosha National Park – Namibia’s premier game viewing park; Waterberg Plateau

 

 

Main Attractions:

Namibia: Etosha Park, Damaraland, Zambezi Region

Map & Short Itinerary:

Accommodated

Day 1  Damara Mopane Lodge Damaraland
Day 2&3 Grootberg Lodge Northern Damaraland
Day 4  Opuwo Country Lodge
Day 5&6 Omarunga Lodge Epupa Falls
Day 7  Kunene River Lodge  Ruacana
Day 8  Ongula Village Homestead  Ovamboland
Day 9&10 Nunda River Lodge  West Caprivi
Day 11  Hakusembe River Lodge  Rundu
Day 12&13 Namutoni Resort Etosha National Park
Day 14 Waterberg Plateau
Day 15  Return to Windhoek – end

Map & Itinerary
Length 15 days
Safari Type Private Guided Safari
Price From NAD 75735
Countries Namibia
Accommodation Accommodation
Group Size Minimum 1 people
Single Supplement Yes
Please Note Subject to availability of accommodation
Departures On Request

Comfort Level:

Accommodation Comfort3 Star

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Damara Mopane Lodge, Damaraland

Depart from Windhoek this morning, our journey takes us north passing through towns of Okahandja and Otjiwarongo before arriving at our lodge, there’s time to relax and enjoy a sundowner later in the day

Day 2&3 Grootberg Lodge, Northern Damaraland

We make our way to Twyfelfontein in central Damaraland to visit the ancient San rock etchings, one of the largest collections of petrograghs in Africa and where a local guide will explain the importance of the region.  From here, its onto Damara Living Museum to interact and find out about the Damara traditions and tribe.  We arrive at Grootberg Lodge, a community–run lodge situated on the edge of the plateau with commanding views over the valley and where you can enjoy optional activities such as tracking endangered black rhino or desert elephant.

Day 4 Opuwo Country Lodge, Opuwo

There’s time for a morning optional activity before continuing to Opuwo, a dusty, frontier town and the main hub for the Kunene region. Have a wander around town and witness the mix of Herero and Himba people.

Day 5&6  Omarunga Lodge, Epupa Falls

The river forms the natural boundary between Angola and Namibia and Epupa sits where the desert and river meet. It is a magical spot where water plunges down the geological fault with the backdrop of lush green reeds and billowing palm trees in an otherwise arid landscape. We view the falls and our guide will also take us to meet with a local Himba community to see how a family lives as their culture evolves with the influx of tourists bringing modern day living, while maintaining their roots and beliefs

Day 7  Kunene River Lodge, Ruacana

We make our way east, our lodge is nestled beneath a beautiful canopy of indigenous trees stretching down the river.  Birding is superb – watch out for endemic cinderella waxbills.

Day 8 Ongula Village Homestead Lodge, Ovamboland

Built within the boundaries of an active homestead, Ongula, this is the first Namibia lodge to introduce visitors to the authentic and traditional lifestyle of the Ovambo people, the largest cultural group in the country.  The Homestead Tour gives you the chance to learn about their way of life from basket weaving, pottery making, pounding of mahangu and much more…

Day 9&10  Nunda River Lodge, Divundu

Located in the west section of Caprivi region, Nunda is located on the banks of the Okavango River, which flows to fill the incredible Okavango Delta each year.  We spend 2nights here and you can choose from a village tour or a mokoro excursion with the lodge.  Your guide will take you on a game drive in nearby Mahango Reserve to look out for species of animals such as buffalo, hippo and sable not found in Etosha

Day 11 Hakusembe River Lodge, Rundu

Retracing our steps, our overnight stop tonight is close to Rundu on the banks of the river overlooking Angola, this busy stretch of river is home to many local people, sit back and watch people row their dug–out canoes on the river, or fish.. Perhaps enjoy a sunset cruise

Day 12&13  Namutoni Resort, Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier game viewing destination and our next two nights are based here.  Your guide will take you on game drives to explore the east section of the park stopping at waterholes along the way and experience the famous Etosha Pan, so vast it can be seen from space.  Look out for wildlife from plains game to elephants, rhino, and predators including hyena, lion, cheetah and leopard.

Day 14  Waterberg Guest Farm, Waterberg

This fascinating geological site comprises of compressed sandstone crags and petrified sand dunes, in an area of natural water sources, it  is generally more fertile than its environs and a range of plants and animals can be found in the park.  We spend our night in nearby Waterberg Guest Farm

Day 15  Windhoek – end

Today our safari ends as we return to Windhoek where your guide drops you

How we rate our safaris

Namibia, Botswana and some other African destinations do not have a set star system that is familiar worldwide to many countries, however, as this is widely used, we have tried to replicate this format to give you an idea of the level of comfort during your safari. For example, a mobile camping tour in Namibia is given 1* and luxury accommodation increasing to 5*. Depending on your tour, there may be a bit of a mix of levels of comfort so please check if you are not sure.

1* or 1–2* Rated Safaris – Camping tours:

These are generally scheduled/small group or self–drive safaris (though a private–guided safari can also fall into this category if you wish to camp); the scheduled trips generally involve client participation where you may be expected to put up/take down your tent and assist with camp chores, dome tents and a ground mattress is supplied. For self–drive options this will often mean roof tents on the vehicle and all camping equipment. There may be the occasional night in simple accommodation but majority of nights are spent camping and most camp sites will have shared ablution facilities. If there is a good mix of both camping and accommodation, this may be rated at 1&2*. These are the most basic level of safaris offered and scheduled safari group sizes vary according to the trip and company – 1* tours are the most affordable option and geared for adventurous travellers who do not mind a bit of discomfort.

Accommodated Safaris

Standard/Mid–range safaris 2–3.5*

Standard accommodation style trips generally have no camping included (though on occasion with a specific activity such as a Delta or Serengeti excursion, or perhaps hiking, a couple of nights may be included). As a general rule this is not the case. With most small group/scheduled tours accommodation is generally 2/3* level – clean and affordable but generally without too many frills; rooms will have en–suite facilities, most will offer air con/fans in the rooms, swimming pools etc (not guaranteed), restaurant/bar facilities, though location can be a little further away from main place of interest this option offers excellent value for money for those seeking a bed each night! We try to indicate on each trip the level of comfort for the particular tour

Superior/Luxury Safaris 3.5–5*

A superior style of accommodation. Most lodges at this level will have air–conditioning or fans in the room though some accommodation establishments are technically “camps” as they may be partially build of canvas – these “camps” are permanent fixtures, generally built on a platform, and will have full and comfortable facilities – the occasional trip may have a more basic night or two involved depending on location to ensure clients can fully appreciate the region they are experiencing. Service is generally very good and most places (outside of towns/cities) will have just a few rooms/chalets. Tours in this bracket include very small group safaris (up to 8 clients), self–drive and private–guided options which are tailored to suit you. The luxury options offer a high standard of accommodation, facilities and service in the region with attention to detail – some “camps” /lodges will have private guides and vehicles, but all accommodation is the best available with personalized service and a quality or unique experience perhaps unavailable elsewhere or in a more moderate price bracket. Tours include fly–in safaris, self–drive and private–guided options.

Please note: this is a guideline only and each destination can vary – some areas in Southern Africa do not always have 5* accommodation (there are limited hotels outside of cities that have the same * grading accommodation) but will be best in the area, have limited volume of rooms and some of the best locations and experiences for clients that is outside of the normal “tourist/travel” route. This can include exclusive conservation regions and emphasis is place on clients having a unique experience rather than offering hairdresser type of facilities that may be found is hotels in cities in other countries. Please also remember that some of these locations can be remote so wifi may not always be available, nor a huge menu range.

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Opening Hours

Monday to Friday
08.00 – 17.00
Saturday
08.00 – 13.00
Sunday & Public Holidays
Closed

Address

7 Voigt St,  Windhoek