The BEST of NAMBIA - Women Only, Rhino Trekking & Wildlife, Photo Safari - 11 days/10 nights
Download and Print Our Women Only Namibia Safari Itinerary (Adobe pdf)
A desert paradise, Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world and is home to dramatic scenery: the Namib and Kalahari Deserts, unique and abundant plants and animals, infinite sunshine, star-filled nights, and an eclectic blend of African and European cultures. Namib desert &Sossusvlei are Namibia's most famous destination. The oldest desert in the world is a shifting, red-sand sea home to the highest dunes in the world and a surprising number of life forms sustained by the coastal fog. Next stop on our adventure is Swakupmund, a coastal adventure city and seaside resort with a heavy German influence and a population of 35,000. Swakupmund has a coast that is much cooler than inland because of icy cold ocean water and dense morning fog. Often cool and misty, it's a popular holiday destination. Next we're treated to the rugged, rocky desert landscape of the Damaraland which is marked by dry river beds that house famous wildlife, such as, the desert-adapted elephant and the black rhino. Last stop on our extraordinary adventure is Namibia's premier wildlife destination, Etosha National Park. The park is one of Africa's largest game reserves. Etosha means 'Great White Place' and refers to the Etosha Pan, one of Africa's largest saltpans, which dominates the park. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to track both the black and white Rhino.
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ITINERARY
Travelers take an overnight flight from their home to Windhoek, Namibia. For USA and Canadian travelers, there are daily flights from New York's JFK airport on South African Airways.
Overnight International Flight - D
On arrival in Namibia, after completing customs, immigrations and collecting your luggage, you will be met by your ROAM associate and our destination specialist. We will transfer via private vehicle to the Kulala Desert Lodge where we will spend two nights. Game (wildlife) viewing activity after arrival.
Kulala Desert Lodge D
About Kulala Desert Lodge - the lodge is situated within the arid Namib Desert on the private 91,429 acre Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic red dunes of the Sossusvlei. The lodge comprises 19 thatched and canvas "kulalas" ("to sleep" in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls are placed for guests to sleep under the myriad stars that Namibia's clear skies portray. The main area, with décor inspired by northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole – a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, along with wholesome meals. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery.
About the Sossusvlei - it is situated within the Namib Desert and is protected by the Namib Naukluft National Park, which stretches 400km south of Walvis Bay. The red dunes of the Namib are the desert's starkest symbol, topped with razor-sharp edges that stand out against the sky. Those nearest the coast are the most mobile and no vegetation grows on them – they are constantly moving and changing. Rainfall at the coast can average dramatically less than 50mm a year, and further inland it measures a paltry 50-100mm annually. Sossusvlei means "the gathering place of water" in the local Nama language and occasional seasonal rains in the foothills of the Naukluft and Tsaris Mountains succeed in reaching the vleis (pans), creating temporary lakes that mirror the sand dunes surrounding them. Despite these extreme conditions, the Namib Desert is home to sparsely-distributed desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok. There is also a chance to see predators such as spotted hyaena and the occasional brown hyaena as well as bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, porcupine, Cape fox and aardwolf.
On safari in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve today. Morning and evening game (wildlife) viewing drives.
Overnight Kulala Desert Lodge - B/L/D
Today, after our morning game activity and brunch, we transfer via private vehicle to the Hansa Hotel where we will spend two nights. Game (wildlife) viewing en-route.
Overnight Hansa Hotel - B/L/D
About the Hansa Hotel - A timeless classic, which forms part of Swakopmund's architectural culture, is the grand Hansa Hotel, dating back to 1905. Being centrally situated, the hotel becomes a doorway to all the tourist amenities that Swakopmund has to offer. Not only is the Hansa world renowned for its outstanding cuisine, but also comparable with the most prestigious address encountered abroad. This luxurious residence places emphasis not only on personalized service, elegant style, but also affordability. The hotel has 49 twin rooms. Each room is individually decorated and fitted with under tile and/or under carpet heating, 15 channel television stations, radio, direct dialing telephones, hair dryer, safes, coffee/tea facilities and en suite bath/showers.
Enjoy the day at leisure. This town has the ambiance associated with a small German village, and the town seems to be stuck in time. Afternoon - We embark for a flightseeing tour of the beautifully colored Namibian dunes of the Skeleton Coast.
The "Skeleton Coast Ugab River" 630 km's = ±2h15min
Low-level flight along the Swakop riverbed via the "Moonlandscape" crossing the Oasis Goanikontes. Routing northeast to the Rössing Uranium mine along the Khan River. We continue our flight over the Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg. Further flight along the Ugab Riverbed in search for the desert elephants, rhino's, giraffes, mountain zebras and other game up to the rivermouth area, turning southbound. Flight along the treacherous Skeleton Coast. The park in the northern Namib Desert stretches from the Ugab River in the south to the Kunene River, which forms the northern border with Angola. This region is generally cold and windy with mist in the mornings and evenings. The Skeleton Coast is littered with whalebones, shipwrecks and remains of sailors and explorers. Flight continues past Cape Cross seal reserve. During the November/December breeding season as many as 200 000 seals gather at Cape Cross. It was also here that the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao, erected a stone cross in 1486. Continue flight coastwise from Cape Cross passing Henties Bay, the saltworks north of Swakopmund on our way to Swakopmund.
Overnight Hansa Hotel - B/L/D
This morning after breakfast and check out, we transfer via private vehicle to the Doro Nawas where we will spend two nights. Game (wildlife) viewing en-route.
Overnight Doro Nawas - B/L/D
About Doro Nawas - Nestled against a small hill overlooking ancient plains and the typical Etendeka tabletop escarpment is Doro Nawas. The camp is situated in the rugged beauty of the Damaraland area. The unique camp design allows for an unspoiled panoramic view of this diverse and dramatic landscape that varies from tabletop outcrops, small canyons, dry riverbeds and savannah-filled vistas. Here activities are varied, ranging from simply relaxing on a private veranda, to enjoying a 4x4 nature and game drive. Guests are housed in 16 canvas walled units with thatched roofs, the design and décor blending into the surrounding scenery, with attention to comfort and luxury. Each unit consists of a bedroom that leads onto a veranda for stargazing or sleep outs. En-suite facilities include a shower, double sink basins and a flush toilet. The main area is elevated on a hillock and is made up of the indoor and outdoor dining areas, the residential pool area and bar.
Our activities at this camp include nature drives appreciating the spectacular views and desert scenery in the community run Doro !Nawas Conservancy. Wildlife viewing concentrates on the game found in the Aba-Huab and Haub riverbeds and along the valleys that sometimes fill with floodwater in the rainy season. Another highlight is the opportunity to visit the ancient rock art site at Twyfelfontein with its renowned San art engravings and the largest collection of petroglyphs – prehistoric rock art – in Africa. Doro Nawas Camp provides an excellent base for exploring the local area in game drive vehicles and on foot, combining a luxury safari experience with economic empowerment for the local community.
On safari today tracking black rhino, desert-adapted elephants and other species, such as giraffe, ostrich, lion and springbok.
About Damaraland - it is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia a huge, untamed, ruggedly beautiful region that offers the more traveller a more adventurous challenge. Here there are prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Towards the west, the geography changes dramatically with endless sandy wastes, that incredibly are able to sustain small, but wide-ranging, populations of desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, giraffe, ostrich and springbok. These animals have adapted their lifestyles to survive the harshness of the sun-blistered, almost waterless desert spaces. Elephant move through euphorbia bush country, and can travel up to 70km in a day in search of food and water and unusually, do not destroy trees in their quest for food.
Overnight Doro Nawas - B/L/D
Today, after breakfast and check out, we transfer via private vehicle to Khowarib Lodge where we will spend two nights. Game viewing en-route.
Overnight Khowarib Lodge - B/L/D
Khowarib Lodge nestles on the banks of the Hoanib river in the magnificent Khowarib Gorge in north west Namibia. On the fringe of Kaokoland, the lodge offers a perfect jumping off point to explore the remote north west of the country. The camp is situated 1 Km off the main track from Palmwag to Sesfontein to the east of the Khowarib settlement. Khowarib Lodge offers 14 luxury en-suite tents comprising of twin sleeping arrangements built on stilts. Large Mopani trees offer shaded viewing points on your private veranda. Tents are also within walking distance of the main lodge area. The centre-piece of the lodge complex is a "lapa", an immense thatched structure with a great view of the surroundings. Also offering a reception area, lounge, bar, dining area &curio shop as well as a veranda for viewing the natural surroundings.
Highlights of our stay at Khowarib Lodge : We will enjoy Desert Elephant &Rhino tracking (Full day excursions), nature walks, bird watching, nature drives as well as rock-art excursions.
Today, after breakfast, we will be collected from the lodge and taken on a half day Himba visit. After the tour we will be returned to the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Try one of the Walking Trails to discover the surrounding area. This can be done with a guide, or on your own.
Overnight Khowarib Lodge - B/L/D
Today, after breakfast and check out, we transfer via private vehicle to the Ongava Lodge where we will spend two nights. Game viewing en-route.
Overnight Ongava Lodge - B/L/D
From its beautiful vantage point overlooking a well-frequented watering point and the plains beyond, the well established Ongava Game Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve. Ongava is the ideal place from which to base your activities when visiting Etosha. The 14 air-conditioned rock and thatch units each have en-suite bathroom facilities. Meals are served in the main dining area under thatch with a view over the camp's waterhole and the lodge also has a shady swimming pool. Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where animals such as lion, elephant, cheetah, gemsbok, springbok, and hartebeest can be seen at many of the water holes in the park. In addition, hides and walks with guides are enjoyed on the private reserve. Ongava has resident white and black rhino – one of the few private reserves in southern Africa – allowing guests the unique opportunity to see both of these charismatic species.
On safari in the Ongava Game Reserve! Morning and evening game (wildlife) viewing drives.
About Ongava Game Reserve - A highlight at Ongava is that it is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where you have a chance of seeing both Black and White Rhino. For those who enjoy close wildlife encounters, tracking White Rhino on foot with an armed guide is a highlight not to be missed.
Ongava Game Reserve also has a good population of Lion, Eland, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, Black-faced Impala and a number of other antelope species. Ongava also borders onto the Etosha national park, Namibia's premier game viewing destination. It is one of Africa's largest game parks being nearly the size of Switzerland. Large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterholes in the dry season making for exciting game viewing.
Species that can be seen year-round include Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeast, Springbok, Gemsbok, Kudu and the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. Birdlife is also good with Ostrich and raptors in abundance. Local specials include the Short-toed Rockthrush, Hautlaub's Francolin, Rockrunner, Rüppell's Parrot, White-tailed Shrike and Chestnut Weaver.
Overnight Ongava Lodge - B/L/D
Today, after our morning game viewing activity and brunch, we transfer to the airport for our flight home.
B/L
B = Breakfast Included, L = Lunch Included, D = Dinner Included
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TRIP DATES - November 1-12, 2013- (12 days/11 nights)
TRIP PRICE - $7,895 USD per person, land-all-inclusive
--optional single supplement (if wanting your own private room - no sharing) - add $1,890 USD
Room-shares guaranteed on all trips, if you don't want to pay a single supplement fee.
Group Size - 12 women
Trip Rating - Easy to Moderate
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