Scheduled tours in Namibia

SCHEDULED FLY-IN SAFARIS
Introduction

Sense of Africa offers you the freedom and flexibility of arranging any number of Fly-in Safaris through Namibia.
Aiming to satisfy the needs of guests who are pressed for time and wish to see the Country from a birds eye view, Sense of Africa has compiled a variety of itineraries and options to enable guests to use the services of charter companies.  Namibia, with its wealth of geological phenomenon provides a spectacular view from above with some indescribable scenery.
The Civil Aviation Act of Namibia is based on Canadian, North American and New Zealand aviation and conforms to the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Orgainsation) standards.  All flying for any kind of remuneration in Namibia needs to be done under the Operating Certificate of a licensed Flying Charter Company.

Those as chosen on the following pages are run as Schedule departures, as Namibia is a vast country fly-in safaris can be arranged to any corner, please do contact us for details.

DUNE EXPRESS ADVENTURE

Namibia is a country of compelling beauty, abundant sunshine and unconfined space. The wide horizons, the clear unpolluted skies and a population density, which is among the lowest in the world, generate a sense of freedom. This feeling of tranquility and stillness compliments a landscape, which is singular in its colours, full of contrasts of light and shade. Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its character reflects the cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British & German settlers, the local Khoisan tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north. The Dune Express Adventure offers a unique combination of the magnificent landscape of Namibia and the splendors of the Cape. 

Situated in Namibia’s central highlands, Windhoek is an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the Impressive Auas and Eros Mountains.
OFF-RAIL ACTIVITY:  Windhoek City Tour
TRAIN departs in the early evening from Windhoek to Otjiwarongo 

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITY:  Etosha National Park
Guests enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking in Otjiwarongo. The tour departs to Etosha National Park, entering via the Okaukuejo gate. Lunch is taken (guest’s own account) before departing to Halali Camp in the Etosha National Park. Here we overnight in a tented camp. TRAIN travels empty from Otjiwarongo to Tsumeb

RAIL ACTIVITY:  Etosha National Park
After breakfast at Halali Camp, guests spend the day game viewing in Etosha. Lunch (guest’s own account) to be enjoyed in the park. We return to the train in Tsumeb in the late afternoon. TRAIN remains stationary in Tsumeb overnight

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITY:
1. Lake Otjikoto / Tsumeb / Hoba Meteorite / Grootfontein:  After breakfast, we visit Lake Otjikoto, Namibia’s largest permanent natural lake.  We make the short trip to the Tsumeb Mining Museum. Here, a comprehensive collection of rare minerals can be viewed. On to visit the largest known meteorite in the world, the Hoba Meteorite.  We continue to Grootfontein and to the Grootfontein Museum before heading to Otavi were we board the train.
2. Ombili Bushmen Settlement / Tsumeb:  The Ombili Bushman Settlement is well worth a visit.  Home to some 300 San Bushman, the Ombili Foundation  was started to help preserve the San way of life.  Back in Tsumeb, we make the short trip to the Tsumeb Mining Museum.  We drive on to Otavi. TRAIN Guests board the train at around lunchtime for the ride to Otavi on to Ebony in the evening

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITY:  Spitzkoppe, Henties Bay and the Cape Cross Seal  Reserve
Spitzkoppe (between Usakos and Swakopmund) is known as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. It rises to an altitude of about 1800 m. However, Spitzkoppe is by no means Namibia's highest mountain..  We continue to the small, thriving town of Henties Bay. Lunch (guest’s own account) is enjoyed before visiting the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, north of Henties Bay.   We make our way back to the train in Swakopmund in the late afternoon. TRAIN departs during the day from Ebony to Swakopmund where it will remain stationary overnight

Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside resort on the West Coast, is a place of singular charm. It resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea and has a restful and relaxing atmosphere.

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITY:  1. Walvis Bay and Dune 7:  Morning is free to explore the town. But, after an early lunch (guest’s own account) we head out to Walvis Bay. Dune 7, located on the outskirts of Walvis Bay, it is the highest sand dune in the area.
SPECIALISED ACTIVITY:  Mola Mola Seal & Dolphin Cruise
TRAIN remains stationary in Swakopmund overnight 

This day is spent at leisure
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES:  Please see our Swakopmund section
TRAIN remains stationary in Swakopmund overnight

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITY:  Welwitschia Drive. Namib Naukluft Park and Overnight at Sesriem Camp:  The Welwitschia Nature Drive takes us from vast plains where herds of Oryx, Springbok and Zebra roam the eerie
landscape of the badlands (also known as the “Valley of the Moon”). The hardy survivor of the desert, the Welwitschia Mirabilis, can be seen along this route.  We drive on through the Namib Naukluft Park. Overnight will be at the Sesriem Camp tonight. Visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon.

TRAIN travels empty from Swakopmund via Windhoek to Mariental

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITY:  Sossusvlei, Dune 45 and Duwisib Castle:  The highlight of the southern region is Sossusvlei with its monumental dunes. Guest leave early for Dune 45 in order to watch the sun rise over the dunes. Enjoy a scenic drive to Duwisib Castle, situated amongst rolling red hills. Continue to Mariental where we re-join the train.

TRAIN travels overnight to Holoog 

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITY:  Fish River Canyon:  Head off to the Fish River Canyon. Eroded over millennia, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa.

TRAIN departs from Holoog around noon to Ariamsvlei (border post) before travelling overnight into South Africa

Travelling through the Great Karoo, a place of vast plains and endless blue mountains, guests experience a land of enchantment and mystery

TRAIN travels during the day to Worcester

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES:  Worcester and Montagu:  The first stop is at the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden. Leave Worcester to Montagu which was founded in 1851 and lies in a fertile volleying with numerous well-kept buildings both in Cape Dutch and Victorian styles. We visit a Wine Estate located in one of the best white and red wine areas in the country.

SPECIALISED ACTIVITY:  Montagu Tractor and Trailer ride:  Experience the thrill of a “Tractor and Trailer” ride, as it takes us to the summit of the Langeberg Mountains for a breathtaking view over the Robertson and Koo valleys.

TRAIN remains stationary in Worcester overnight

The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands which produce some of the best wines in the country. The areas of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, have become world famous for their Whites, Reds, Sherries, Ports and Brandies.

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES:
Historical Walk: We follow the coastal road “Baden Powell Drive” and make our way to Stellenbosch, Paarl  and via the scenic drive through the Huguenot Tunnel to Worcester were we will re-join the train. One wine tasting is included in this excursion.
Cape Coast and Overberg: This excursion is seasonal July – November  We make our way to Hermanus where due to the efforts of the local community, is in the process of becoming the world’s first whale sanctuary

TRAIN travels from Worcester during the day, where guests rejoin it at around 17h30 at Muizenberg where it remains overnight. 

Cape Town’s character reflects the cultural melting pot of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British & German settlers, as well as the local Khoisan tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north. The paternal presence of Table Mountain, pristine coastline, magnificent countryside, bountiful rivers, marshes, dams and the unique flora kingdom make the Western Cape perfect for any vacation.

OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES:  Please enquire as to the vast array of Cape Town excursions.

If guests are transferring to a hotel, this will be arranged today.

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES:  Cape Of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden:

Evening shuttle service to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
TRAIN remains stationary in Muizenberg overnight.

SWAKOPMUND SHUTTLE
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Sense of Africa now offers a daily shuttle service between Windhoek and Swakopmund. Guests can travel either from Windhoek to Swakopmund in the mornings or from Swakopmund to Windhoek in the afternoons – departures are guaranteed.
The shuttle is particularly suited to the Canyons & Deserts and Classic Kaleidoscope scheduled tours which end in and depart from Swakopmund respectively. 

SCHEUDLE TOURS BY ROAD:

• Schedule Tours start and end as per individual itineraries

• Pre & Post accommodation and Transfers will be arranged on request

• Smoking on board our vehicles is not allowed.

• Minimum & Maximum number of guests indicated per Tour.

• Qualified driver/guide.

• Collection will be from Hotels / Pensions on the morning of departure as from 08h00.

• Due to the nature of the tours no children under 12yrs are allowed.  We can accommodate children under the age of 12yrs on a private tour basis.

• Same day flight departures out of Windhoek only are possible after 18h00.

• Arrival flights on day of tour departure to be no later than 09h00.

Included on our Scheduled Tours:

• All accommodation, transportation and sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary

• All meals as indicated in the tour summary

• Services of an experienced driver/guide.

• Dual Language (English/German).

• Bottled water for the duration of the journey

All Schedule Tours can be undertaken as self-drive options.

EXPLORING NAMIBIA
Bronze AND Gold Class Tours
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An Experience called Namibia!  From the Kalahari region to the treacherous gorges of the Fish River Canyon in the south and on to the star shaped dunes in Sossusvlei.  The green oasis of Swakopmund, picturesque Damaraland, and one of Africa's premier wildlife reserves in the north, the famous Etosha National Park.

Outbound Flights from Windhoek to be arranged after 19h00 

Your guide will meet you at your Hotel where your Namibian Experience commences.  Journey to the south into the Kalahari Desert Region of Namibia.  Endless lines of vegetated red dunes capture the imagination with yellow grass and green trees growing on their slopes and in the riverbeds.  An afternoon sundowner drive into these terra-cotta dunes is richly rewarding (optional).

Travel south to the picturesque Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop and Giant’s Playground which is an impressive jumble of massive boulders, a virtual maze where time can be spent wandering through the extensive rocky labyrinth.  Proceed to the magnificent boulder-studded plains and hills to the east of the great Fish River Canyon, where impressive surrounding rock formations, provide many interesting hours for the enthusiastic nature lover.

Start the day with a guided excursion to the majestic Fish River Canyon with its viewpoints high above the deep winding gorges.  The next leg of our journey takes us via the small historic village of Aus and through the vast barren expanse of the Prohibited Diamond Area, to Lüderitz. After a short sightseeing tour of Luderitz, enjoy an afternoon excursion to Diaz cross where the daring Portuguese sailors erected a stone pillar in the 1480’s.

After breakfast we travel to the famous ghost town of Kolmanskop and head inland across the impressive Neisip Plains to Helmeringhausen. Experience the changing landscape from mountain massif through white gravel plains to the towering red dunes. Proceed to the central Namib Desert. 

An early start is imperative as our journey takes us to the famous Sossusvlei with its monumental star shaped dunes, some up to 325m when measured from the base.  Formed by strong multi-directional winds the warm tints of sand, ranging from apricot to orange, red and maroon contrast vividly with the stark white surface of the clay pans at their base.  This provides photographers with a spectacular display of images to capture.  Climbing one of these dunes affords the energetic traveller with an unforgettable experience of endless vistas across a sea of dunes.

Our destination today is the coastal town of Swakopmund via the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons.  Visit Namibia’s most celebrated plant, the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis, found on the vast gravel plains. Prior to arrival in Swakopmund we visit Moon Valley, an unusual view overlooking the landscape formed by the valleys of the Swakop River. Guests have the opportunity of participating in many an excursion, please see our Swakopmund section for optional activities.

Travelling along the coastal road northwards to Henties Bay we proceed to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve.  It is here that one finds a small lichen reserve, where a small lichen reserve, where a relatively large variety of these interesting and slow growing organisms are protected.  Return to Henties Bay, where after we travel inland past the Brandberg Mountains (the highest point in Namibia) into timeless Damaraland. 

Twyfelfontein, meaning ‘doubtful spring’ has been occupied for thousands of years with its spring attracting huge herds of game, making it an excellent base for early hunters.  The slopes of the area are strewn with boulders; all dotted with thousands of engravings and some ancient paintings, a virtual open-air museum.  Geological features in the area include the Organ Pipes, angular slabs of dolerite in a ravine form part of Namibia’s rich natural history.  In the vicinity is the Petrified Forest where millions of years ago giant tree trunks were deposited, which subsequently turned to stone.

Enter the world famous Etosha National Park, one of the largest parks in Africa.  Etosha owes its unique landscape to the vast shallow depression – the Etosha Pan.  During drier seasons it becomes an expanse of white cracked mud, shimmering with mirages and spiralling dust devils.  Waterholes along the southern edge frequently offer a rewarding game viewing experience and include several rarer species such as Black and white rhino.  Black-faced Impala are restricted to Namibia and southern Angola and the Damara dik-dik; the Parks smallest antelope is also endemic.  Hundreds of bird species have been recorded, with many migrants during the summer period.

Travel to the town of Tsumeb, a mining town know for its copper, zinc, lead, silver and a variety of unusual crystals..  Whilst in the area, you will visit Lake Otjikoto where in 1915, the retreating German force dumped weapons to prevent them from falling into the hands of the South African Union Force. Several of these weapons have been recovered and can be viewed at the Tsumeb Museum.  Return to Windhoek via the garden-town of Otjiwarongo and Kavango craft markets in Okahandja.

BRONZE TOUR SUMMARY
Min / Max Pax: 1 / 13

 Alternative accommodation may be used.

GOLD TOUR SUMMARY
Min / Max Pax:  2 / 6