NAMIBIA IN THE WILD TOUR
Okonjima Nature Reserve – Etosha South – Palmwag – Swakopmund – Sesriem
10 Days / 9 Nights
0 Persons
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Accommodated Option:
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Okonjima’s Omboroko Campsite, Okonjima Nature Reserve
Day Itinerary
Today upon arrival at the airport, one of our representatives will meet you and you be will drop you off at our offices. You will then meet and greet the team behind the amazing trip facilitation and get your vehicle.
After getting your vehicle, you will then drive to the lodge, where you will overnight. Accommodation at Okonjima Campsite
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 hectare nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat-tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.
Overnight: Okonjima’s Omboroko Campsite
Camping in Okonjima Nature Reserve epitomises the African safari experience. Your small group or family can become one with nature as they visit the Carnivore Care Centre, track leopards and cheetahs, learn about the indigenous people during the Bushman trail, and grow attuned to the sights, sounds and ways of Namibia’s grassy plains. The four, partially-equipped, private campsites share a swimming pool at the foot of the Ombokoro Mountains and are located in the 2000ha non-rehabilitation area. All four sites boast spectacular sundowner viewpoints.
Okonjima Nature Reserve is recognized as one of the premier places to stay to witness carnivores and other endangered species like the rhino, pangolin and brown hyaena in the wild and to be educated about conservation.
The AfriCat Foundation was born in the early 1990’s, a Namibia registered non-profit organization which started out primarily as a welfare organization, and has since become focused on research projects which are essential in accomplishing its mission of the long term conservation of Namibia’s wildlife.
Directions – Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH] to Okonjima’s Omboroko Campsite
Distance: 264.85km
Travel Time: 2:54 hours
Etosha Village Campsite, Etosha South
Day Itinerary
Today you will drive to Etosha from Windhoek. Based on the time you will arrive and the energy level you will have, you can go for a game drive (own vehicle) but i suggest you rest and enjoy the surrounding area.
Accommodation at Etosha Village Campsite
Etosha South
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife.
The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watching the sunset over the magnificent African landscape.
Overnight: Etosha Village Campsite
The Etosha Village Camp Site is nestled in the spectacular green and gold Mopani forests surrounding Etosha
National Park, and caters for both Groups as well as Individual travellers.
The 2 spacious Group Camp Sites are ideal for larger groups and can accommodate a maximum of 25 – 30 tents. These sites are equipped with Power Outlets, Running Water, Lights, Barbeque area and separate Ladies’ and Gents Bathroom facilities each featuring toilets, wash basins and showers.
The 4 Individual Camp Sites are also equipped with Power Outlets, Running Water, Lights, Barbeque and a well-kept shared ablution.
Inspiring cuisine can be enjoyed at the Etosha Village Restaurant situated walking distance from the Camp Site. On site facilities include swimming pools and a bar area with a big-screen television as well as a fully stocked utility and curio shop. Guided excursions to Etosha and sundowner drives can also be booked at reception.
Directions – Okonjima’s Omboroko Campsite to Etosha Village Campsite
Distance: 233.09km
Travel Time: 2:36 hours
Etosha Village Campsite, Etosha South
Day Itinerary
Today, your day will be filled with wildlife. You will have a whole day game drive. During this drive, you get to see wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, springboks, girrafes, hyna, Zebra and so on. Etosha National Park is home to the 4 of the Big 5 which are: lion, leopard, rhinoceros and elephant.
After the game drive, you will drive back to your accommodation and rest while you are preparing your dinner or getting ready to go for dinner at the lodge (Own Cost).
Accommodation at Etosha Village Campsite
Hoada Campsite, Palmwag
Day Itinerary
Today after breakfast, you will leave Etosha National Park, making your way to your next destination, which is the Damaraland.
Accommodation at Hoada Campsite
Palmwag
Palmwag is a nature reserve idyllically located along a palm-lined tributary of the Uniab River, halfway between Swakopmund and Etosha, providing an ideal base from which to see the sights of the Kunene region or embark on one of the many local hiking trails. Water is scarce in this area, so the river’s presence often lures elephants closer to the camps. The reserve is notable for its unusual species of palm tree, the hyphaene petersiana, and for being home to the largest population of southwestern black rhinos in Africa. Animal lovers can also get a peek at leopard, lion, cheetah, mountain zebra, Angolan giraffe, springbok, kudu, and African bush elephant.
Overnight: Hoada Campsite
Hidden among large grey granite boulders and Mopani trees, Hoada Campsite offers travellers a serene home in the wilderness of Namibia. Accommodation includes six luxury campsites with ample designated areas for tents or vehicles with rooftop tents, and permanent tents are available for hire. Each campsite boasts its own braai area and kitchen facilities with running water. There are also ablution facilities, with flush toilets, hidden amongst the rocks
Directions – Etosha Village Campsite to Hoada Campsite
Distance: 245.40km Travel Time: 3:04 hours
Hoada Campsite, Palmwag
Day Itinerary
Today, you will have a whole day at your leisure. There are various activities that one can partake in at the lodge.
Accommodation at Hoada Campsite
Tiger Reef Campsite, Swakopmund
Day Itinerary
Today you will depart for Swakopmund. Driving through the amazing change of scenery, you will drive through the Skeleton Coast Park, and en route, you may go and visit the Seal Colony at Cape Cross; the Entrance fee required to be paid at the gate.
Accommodation at Tiger Reef Campsite
Swakopmund
Set along Namibia’s spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open
avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere, and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.
Overnight: Tiger Reef Campsite
Recently upgraded and under new management the campsite has a large communal lawn area, braai areas, hot showers, and wash-up areas. Located at the Swakopmund River Mouth, mere meters from the beach, Tiger Reef is a neat campsite with lovely private sites and a sprawling communal lawn.
Tiger Reef Campsite, Swakopmund
Day Itinerary
Today your day is filled with various activities options you can choose from. Ranging from a Catamaran Boat Cruise., Sandwich Harbour, Mondesa Township Tour, Moon Landscape etc
Accommodation at Tiger Reef Campsites
Sossus Oasis Campsite, Sesriem
Day Itinerary
Today after breakfast, your day will face the changing landscape as you will be driving from Swakopmund to
Sossusvlei.
Upon arrival, you enter the park and enjoy the late afternoon at leisure admiring the magical Namib Desert.
Accommodation at Sossus Oasis Campsite
Sesriem
As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot.
Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘sesriem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)
Overnight: Sossus Oasis Campsite
Camping under star-studded skies at the entrance gate to Sossusvlei 12 Individually Shaded Camp Sites, each with its own toilet and shower facilities, kitchen wash-up basin, barbeque and electricity points. The Sossus Oasis Camp Site has a sparkling pool and within walking distance is a fully stocked shop and Internet café. The Sossus Oasis Service Station Shop offers snacks, drinks, ice, groceries, wood, toiletries, curios, clothing as well as fuel and a tire workshop service. The nearest restaurant is situated at the adjacent Sossusvlei Lodge. Exciting desert activities like Guided Excursions to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, Elim dune walks, Sundowner Trips, and magnificent Scenic Flights over the dunes and coast can be booked at the Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre.
Treasure the ambiance of the Namib Desert under star-studded skies to the tune of the Barking Gecko and the far cry of a jackal.
Directions – Tiger Reef Campsite to Sossus Oasis Campsite
Distance: 346.54km Travel Time: 4:13 hours
Sossus Oasis Campsite, Sesriem
Day Itinerary
Today your day will be filled with a lot of dunes experiences. After breakfast, which will need to be very early, for you to witness the sunrise, you will drive to Sossusvlei dune and Deadvlei. Please make sure you carry at least a 3-liter water bottle because you will need it when climbing Big Daddy Dune – which is the biggest dune and a lot have climbing it reaching to the top a “must do” in their in their travelling list. You will as well go and visit Sesriem Canyon.
Accommodation at Sossus Oasis Campsite
Included
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Excursion
Sesriem Excursion
End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
Today is the end of your tour.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Windhoek. Drop off of the vehicle back at our offices and you will be transfered to the airport for your scheduled flight back home.
We hope you have taken lots of pictures and memories, and you had a lot of fun! Directions – Sossus Oasis Campsite to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]
Distance: 347.68km Travel Time: 4:40 hours
GPS co-ordinates for Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]: S 22° 29′ 12.534″ E 17° 27′ 47.126″
Travel Information
Upon your arrival, some pertinent information on Travel in Namibia:
Police roadblocks: Please note that you will encounter several police roadblocks, usually on exit/entrances to biggertowns or cities. These are for your safety and police might ask to check your driver’s licence or passport.
Cell phone coverage: is largely restricted to towns and cities, with irregular coverage in-between.
Fuelling (gas) stations: accept cash only, no credit cards are allowed. Most of the bigger towns as well as National
Parks have fuelling stations available.
Cash withdrawal: Namibia has ATM (Automated Teller Machines) available in most of the bigger towns, where any of the international visa or master cards can be used to withdraw cash.
Time changes: Time zone in Namibia (GMT+2)
Animals on roads: As Namibia has largely wide, open grasslands and antelope are aplenty, be on the lookout for game like Kudu and warthog that can cross the roads any time.
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 08h00 – 17h00. Saturdays’ most shops close around 14h00; Sundays and Public
Holidays shops are usually closed.
Banking hours: vary from 08h00/09h00 – 16h00 on weekdays, and Saturday mornings to around 11h00.
Hitchhikers: It is not suggested that you pick up hitchhikers on any road in Namibia
Stolen Items: Should you be so unfortunate as to have a personal item stolen from your person or vehicle, please report to the nearest police station, where you will receive a claim number, and which can be used for insurance purposes.
Vehicle breakdown: In case you do become stranded next to road (e.g. vehicle problems or flat tyre) please remain at your vehicle. Frequently other vehicles pass along on the same road who can either assist you or contact us.
Intermix Tours & Safaris will be aware of your overnight stops and if you do not show up at the pre-booked spot, we will launch a search. It is therefore very important that you keep water and some dry snacks with you at all times when traveling in Namibia.
DRIVING TIPS
GENERAL
100km per hour.
GRAVEL ROADS
Mind when passing donkey carts and pedestrians in rural areas and slow down!
Check engine oil, water and tyre pressure when the engine and tyres are cold.
Just before most of the bigger towns, there are road blocks, but these are more a formality than an issue. If you adhere to the Namibian rules and regulations there should be no problems. We would like to advise you before you visit your country to have the following documents with you:
HEALTH & SAFETY ON TOUR IN NAMIBIA
Due to the hot dry climate, Namibia is virtually free of tropical diseases. Visitors should however take care of the following
MALARIA
A bite from an infected Anopheles mosquito can transmit microscopic blood parasites resulting in malaria. While malaria is found mainly in the north of the country, cases have been reported in the central region and occasionally in the south. Malaria can be a serious and fatal disease without prompt treatment. You can reduce the risk of malaria by using prophylactics (which should be started before arriving in Namibia and under your doctor’s guidance) and by following these simple procedures:
Insect repellents of high quality can be purchased in Namibia. Should any of the symptoms of malaria, such as fever, rigours (shaking), headaches, backache, diarrhoea and/or vomiting be experienced, it is extremely important to obtain professional help as soon as possible for proper diagnosis (a blood test) and prompt treatment. Symptoms can surface as soon as ten days and as long as eight weeks after being bitten. If any flu-like symptoms are experienced once you return home seek immediate medical attention and advise your doctor that you have recently visited a malaria area.
BILHARZIA
This disease is caused by a parasite, which lives in slow-flowing water. Fortunately, it is only travelers to the Caprivi and Kavango, who need be aware of bilharzia. Avoid drinking, swimming, or washing in rivers in the extreme north, especially in areas, where there is a lot of human habitation.
DE-HYDRATION
This is one of the most common problems in Namibia, especially in the hot summer months. Because of the high evaporation rate one seldom notices water loss – your sweat evaporates almost immediately! To avoid dehydration, try to drink three litres of water a day. Fizzy drinks (e.g.: Coca Cola) and beer DO NOT re-hydrate you! Early warning signs are a dull, throbbing headache and unusual tiredness.
WATER
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, except for isolated rural areas, where the consumption of filtered or bottled water is recommended.
NOSE BLEEDS
The dry climate and the height above sea level often cause nose bleeds for the first few days after arrival.
SNAKES, SCORPIONS & SPIDERS
Although we have many different snakes in Namibia, they are seldom seen. The great majority of snakes are timid and move out of your path long before you see them. When walking in the bush wear good walking boots, preferable with thick socks covering the ankles. When walking in long grass be sure to check your legs and clothes for grass ticks – especially in the rainy season Scorpions and spiders are also seldom seen. They are more active in the rainy season, during the cooler evening and early morning hours. The best way to avoid being stung is to wear shoes. If by chance you encounter a scorpion or spider in your room, please ask your host to have it removed. Do not leave your shoes/boots outside at night –these provide convenient places for scorpions and Spiders to hole up in – not to mention the fact that Jackals have an insatiable appetite for shoes of all makes and sizes!
Wear a hat and sunscreen at all times. Never go walking without a supply of water – even if on a short walk. Keep a supply of water and some fruit or biscuits in your vehicle at all times.
Namibia is a peaceful, democratic country and it is safe to travel throughout the country.
Generally, Namibia is relatively crime-free. However, as in any other place in the world, there are undesirable
elements. The following precautions can be taken to ensure a safe and pleasant stay: