Chameleon Safaris: Under Canvas

Thimbi Thimbi Safaris

NAMIBIA “UNDER CANVAS”
Duration: 14 Days/13 Night
Program:
Day 1 SESRIEM – your guide will collect you from your accommodation at approx 08h00 and drive south through the oldest, driest desert in the world, stopping at places of interest such as the huge social weaver’s nest and see the Resurrection Bush, an amazing plant that springs to life after a few drops of rain on the Gamsberg Pass. We enjoy lunch at the one horse town of Solitaire before arriving at the camp late afternoon. Climb nearby Elim’s Dune for an unforgettable sunset over the desert and surrounding mountain ranges. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen. Ablution facilities are shared. (B,L,D)
Day 2 SESRIEM – we depart camp one hour prior to sunrise and drive down an ancient riverbed surrounded by towering sand dunes. Our first stop is Sossusvlei where the dunes are at their most spectacular just after sunrise and witness the changing colours of these famous sand dunes as the long shadows are cast and gradually lessen as the sun rises higher in the sky and the deep intense colours turn to pastel shades. We enjoy a sumptuous brunch before exploring on foot Nara Vlei and Dead Vlei, one of the more dramatic vleis for its skeletal camel thorn trees scattered around the shimmering pan. We return to camp to relax during the hottest part of the day and later this afternoon we explore the nearby Sesriem Canyon. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 3 SWAKOPMUND, BED AND BREAKFAST – departure after breakfast through the heart of the Namib with panoramic views across the dry, unforgiving desert. We drive to the port town of Walvis Bay and stop at the lagoon, a RAMSAR wetland site where we may see the many species of aquatic birds that make their home here such as the greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, avocets and the endemic damara tern. We also see the salt farms and learn more about this fascinating industry that is one of the most important exports of the country. We arrive mid afternoon in the quaint town of Swakopmund and relax for the afternoon. Overnight twin rooms with en suite facilities. (B)
Day 4 SWAKOPMUND, BED AND BREAKFAST – full day at leisure for optional activities which your guide will be able to assist you with – maybe take a spectacular scenic flight over the desert, a dolphin cruise and enjoy a champagne breakfast on board, or try tandem skydiving, sand boarding or quad biking to name but a few of your choices. You may just wish to wander around the streets enjoying the charm and colonial elegance of many of the buildings, visit the museum or aquarium or wander along the beach listening to the roar of the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight twin rooms with en suite facilities. (B)
Day 5 PALMWAG, DAMARALAND – travelling north along the coast we make a brief stop at the lichen fields, an important ecological site before continuing our way to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross, here thousands of Cape Fur seals live and breed on the beach. We journey further north along the coast and enter the Skeleton Coast National Park, visiting a small shipwreck and seeing some of the fascinating plant life including the welwitschia mirabilis that can live for well over a thousand years. Heading inland the landscape dramatically changes as the imposing, ancient mountain ranges come into view. We arrive at camp late afternoon and relax for sunset over an oasis. During the dry season we may be lucky enough for a visit from the elusive desert elephant that pass through the camp on their way to the waterhole. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 6 PALMWAG, DAMARALAND – very early departure today as we join the Save the Rhino Trust team to track the elusive and majestic black rhino. These fascinating animals are the only black rhino worldwide to survive on communal land without formal conservation status. Save The Rhino Trust was set up in the early 1980’s to protect the diminishing population that were being heavily poached. Since then the numbers have doubled and you can take part in this wonderful experience that is limited to just 3 small groups a week which involves both tracking in the vehicle and on foot. These guardians of this endangered species spend much of their time both protecting them and working with the local people, to ensure their conservation is continued into future generations and promoting other community projects. Please note, however, whilst tracking the rhino is our preferred option it may not be possible and will be replaced by a trip searching for the magnificent desert elephant in the surrounding Damaraland. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 7 HOBATERE, KAOKOLAND – today we cross the Sesfontein Pass and travel through a baobab forest keeping our eyes open along the way for the game that lives wild in this region including elephant, springbok, giraffe and mountain zebra. We pick up our local guide and visit a nearby Himba village to see how these fascinating and proud people still live today, these semi-nomadic people with their ocre-coloured skin scour this dry land in search for sufficient food and water for their livestock. Opuwo, the border town, is a collision between the western world and tribal living and you’ll have the opportunity to walk around this small centre if time permits. We continue to our camp to relax and can reflect on the pressures that tribal communities face in the modern world. (B,L,D)
Day 8 OKAUKUEJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK – we enter Etosha through the Western Gate that is reserved for Namibian Tour Operators only. We game drive through this little travelled area looking for game, we have lunch en-route to our overnight camp. Spend the evening at the floodlit waterhole by the camp and watch as the animals come to drink. This is often a busy waterhole and many species flock here to quench their thirst after sunset. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (B,L,D)
Day 9 HALALI, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK – early morning game drive to various waterholes before returning to camp for a brunch. We follow the rhythm of the animals during our stay in Etosha – up early to watch them feed in the early morning, return to camp and relax during the hottest part of the day and optional afternoon game drive to various waterholes as they again become active. Etosha is home to species of game including elephants, black and white rhino, lion, leopard, endangered cheetah, hyaena, giraffe and many species of antelope, it’s a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. We can spend the evening at the floodlit waterhole. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 HALALI OR NAMUTONI, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK – early morning game drive and return to camp for a sumptuous brunch. Today we game drive across the park and visit the stark Etosha Pan, where this park derives it’s name, the white shimmering haze disappears into the horizon and indistinct shapes gradually appear from this apparently lifeless wasteland as the animals cross to the water holes scattered around the edge of the pans. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 OMATAKO BUSHMAN VILLAGE – early morning game drive after breakfast for those last minute sightings. We visit Lake Otjikoto, once an underground lake, before arriving at our camp mid afternoon. This evening we join the local community around their fire close to the village for singing and dancing. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 WATERBERG BUSH CAMP – before breakfast we walk with a San tracker to explore the ancient ways of collecting veldt (bush) food which often fascinating to westerners and their understanding of their environment is incredible to behold. We return to camp for brunch and head to the Waterberg area and our where sunset can be viewed from the plateau. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 OKONJIMA CAMP – after a leisurely breakfast we visit Waterberg Plateau National Park and climb the plateau for stunning views over the Omaheke Sandveldt and Kalahari Basin or enjoy a swim in the natural mineral before having lunch at this scenic spot. After lunch we travel to Okonjima’s exclusive campsite. The Afri-Cat Foundation is based here and is devoted the conservation of predators specifically cheetah and leopard with the aim to ease the conflict of interests that arises between humans and carnivores. A large part of their work is in animal welfare – rehabilitating and relocating animals which have been causing problems in their home territory and providing refuge and veterinary care for injured or orphaned animals. This afternoon we will have close encounters with large predators such as cheetah and leopard and get some excellent photo opportunities. Overnight under canvas with camp beds and linen, shared ablution facilities. (Please note that no children under the age of 12 are able to join in the activities at Okonjima) (B,L,D)
DAY 14 FLIGHT – you can enjoy a self-guided walking trail looking for the many species of birds before we transfer you to the airport in time for your onward flight and we visit the craft markets at Okahandja en route where you can bargain for some local crafts, or last minute gifts. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES: on request
Rate per person: on request.

*Please note: all tours' itineraries and duration can be changed and combined with other tours or included in a programs of a longer tours and safaris. All the above are available as a self-drive option.
*Children welcome but pay full rack rate on scheduled departures – please note that at Okonjima they are unable to take part in activities if under 12 years of age

Reservations & information agent:

Elena Travel Services & Car Hire CC
P.O. Box 3127 Windhoek, Namibia
Fax: +264 61 244558
E-mail: info@namibweb.com

Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.