Eye See Africa
Chris Eedes & Patrick Laraby
This itinerary for a tailor-made adventure has been prepared for
NAMIBIA Land of vast unparalleled horizons
The inhabitants of this region of southern Africa
would have been hard pressed to come up with a
more suitable name for the landscape. Namibia is
like a diamond in the rough – it’s only on closer
inspection that it’s purity and multifaceted beauty is
revealed. Many visitors who have experienced this
landscape have become obsessed by it, determined to
see more, and comprehend its allure. Space sets
Namibia apart. It is a country of epic landscapes and
cinematic beauty spread across an area nearly twice
the size of California but with only two million
people. A population density of a mere seven people
per square mile may contribute to the relaxed spirit.
Read more on Namibia HERE
Board Air Namibia or South African Airways for a 2 hour scenic
flight to Windhoek, Namibia.
Day One – Windhoek ( 19 June 2015 )
Arrive at Hosea Kutako International just outside of Windhoek this
afternoon and after collecting your car take the short drive to N/a’an
ku sê, located just a thirty-minute drive from Windhoek International
Airport. Nestled in the stunning African veld, N/a’an ku sê lodge is
perfect to start your trip to Namibia. The lodge, situated on a 10,000
hectare nature reserve, is part of a non-profit charitable organisation
and all profits go back into the projects they run. The N/a’an ku sê
wildlife sanctuary provides a safe haven for various orphaned and
injured African wildlife. The luxury accommodation consist of six
individual chalets along with a swimming pool and dining room & bar
area. In January 2011, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie chose N/a’an ku
sê to become a partner of the Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Foundation, in honour
of their Namibian-born daughter.
• Dinner – Naankuse • Scheduled adventure activities - None
Your Accommodation
- Naankuse -
SOSSUSVLEI - NAMIBIA
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light. Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River to flow any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year. Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, one can find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive.
Day Two – Sossusvlei ( 20 June 2015 )
After breakfast this morning, go for a walk with the Cheetahs at Naankuse before starting your trip on the C26 from the city to travel the Spreetshoogte Pass (D1275) to Sossusvlei. The burnished sand dunes of Sossusvlei are ahead, but first there is the journey to consider and enjoy. Travelling is not always about reaching the destination – it’s also about having fun along the way. This is one of Namibia's most scenic routes and at Spreetshoogte you will be met with breathtaking views and a steep descent. From here it is another 130km to Sesriem. Coming from Sesriem, head south on the C27 until you reach the Wolwedans gate. The NamibRand reserve must be one of the most beautiful places on earth and Private Camp is situated in a quiet and idyllic valley. This splendid Suite caters for six guests exclusively. It is the perfect getaway for honeymooners or individuals seeking uncompromising privacy and solitude. The panorama of the arid desert, the red dunes and the distant high rugged mountains are breathtaking. Tonight have dinner prepared by your private butler under the night sky of Namibia which is one of the best in the world.
• Breakfast – Naankuse • Lunch – Excluded • Dinner – Mountain View suite • Scheduled adventure activities – Carnivore walk
Naankuse, Sundowner drive Wolwedans
Your Accommodation
- Mountain View Suite Wolwedans -
Day Three – Sossusvlei ( 21 June 2015 )
Mountain View Suite is located within walking distance from the
The Wolwedans Dunes Lodge. Even so, it still maintains its
seclusion, and allows it's guests to relax in a grand, but homely and
stylish atmosphere. The suite is a completely separate self
contained entity and is ideal for those seeking the absolute solitude
of the Namib Desert. The Mountain View Suite consists of a
spacious en-suite bedroom that has a magnificent view of a private
dune valley. Activities at Wolwedans are many. By foot, Wolwedans'
experienced guides will introduce their guests to the desert's habitat
and diverse fauna and flora. By road, a guided 4WD vehicle will
take guests on a morning or sunset drive to have sundowners on the
dunes.
• Breakfast – Mountain View suite • Lunch - Mountain View suite • Dinner – Mountain View suite • Scheduled adventure activities – Full day drive with picknick or 2 x half day drives, Walks
SWAKOPMUND - NAMIBIA
Your Accommodation
- Rossmund Lodge -
Day Four – Swakopmund ( 22 June 2015 )
Today is an early morning rise to meet at Sossusvlei Lodge for your
scenic flight over the breath-taking grass plains to the towering
dunes of Sossusvlei and the hidden mysteries of Deadvlei. Your one
and half hour flight will take you all the way to the Atlantic ocean
where you will see a seal colony and the coastal cliffs of the area.
Back at Sesriem enjoy lunch at Sossusvlei lodge before starting your
journey to Swakopmund. Don't forget to stop at Solitaire's bakery to
sample some of their famous apple crumble before continuing to
Swakopmund. Rossmund Lodge is situated on the northern banks of
the Swakop River, approximately 6kms from the coastal town of
Swakopmund. Rossmund Lodge is beautifully positioned with a
striking backdrop of the Namib desert sand dunes. Dinner will be
enjoyed at the lodge.
• Breakfast – Mountain View suite • Lunch – Excluded • Dinner – Rossmund Lodge • Scheduled adventure activities – Helicopter Flight
Day Five – Swakopmund ( 23 June 2015 )
Swakopmund, known as Swakop in Namibia, is the country's
biggest coastal town and a mecca for Namibians on holiday. The
city's German origins are quite pronounced in beautiful old German
colonial buildings throughout the city, making an even starker
contrast for this town sitting at the edge of the Namib Desert. Most
of the town’s attractions are easy to find, so take a morning stroll
exploring. Cafe Anton serves traditional German bake and should
not be missed. Apart from the town's unique attractions, the
surrounding desert has enormous appeal. The massive dunes along
the Atlantic Ocean coastline offer a great playground for all sorts of
adventure activities that include sand boarding and dune skiing,
quad biking, camel rides and sky diving. This evening enjoy a glass
of Gluwein and dinner at the Swakopmund Brauhaus which boasts
a rich history of German colonial occupation.
• Breakfast – Rossmund Lodge • Lunch recommendation – Swakopmund Brauhaus • Dinner recommendation – Jetty 1902 • Scheduled adventure activities – None
Day Six – Swakopmund ( 24 June 2015 )
After breakfast you will be collected to enjoy the original dolphin
cruise which will take you through the Walvis Bay Harbour, Bird
Island, Pelican Point, Oyster Farms and back. Entertainment on
the cruise is left to low flying pelicans, sea gulls and cormorants
displaying their amazing ability to spot fish held out or thrown
from the boat. With ease they can catch it in mid-air while in full
flight, or swoop down and pick it out of your hand without missing
a beat. As we glide along, we will be joined by seals and dolphins
surfing in the slipstream of the catamaran's motors. Seals might
even join us on board. Light snacks, fresh Namibian oysters,
sparkling wine and soft drinks will be served. After your transfer
back to Swakopmund it is time for a late lunch before heading back
to the lodge for an afternoon nap. This evening at sunset make your
way to Swakopmund's famous beach bar " Tiger Reef " to enjoy a
sundowner drink and thereafther have dinner at Swakopmund's
most popular restaurant, The Tug.
• Breakfast – Rossmund Lodge • Lunch Recommendation – Walvis Bay Yacht Club • Dinner recommendation– The Tug • Scheduled adventure activities – Dolphin Tour
Day Seven – Etosha ( 25 June 2015 )
After breakfast this morning leave for Etosha National Park. This
unspoiled, well-loved Park’s striking feature is an immense
seasonal salt pan of more than 1 900 square miles set in almost 8
500 square miles of gracious African savannah and dry woodland.
This is home to more than 110 species of mammals and reptiles;
almost 400 species of birds; and it offers one of Africa’s greatest and
most accessible safari experiences. Okaukuejo Camp (formerly
known as Okakwiju), meaning a woman who bore a child each year,
stands at the western end of the famous Etosha Pan, about a half-
hour drive from the Andersson Gate, the southern entrance into
Etosha National Park.Famous for its floodlit waterhole, Okaukuejo
Rest Camp is also the administrative centre of Etosha. After
arriving in the afternoon spend some time around the pool or go for
your first game drive time permitting..
• Breakfast – Rossmund Lodge • Dinner recommendation – Okaukuejo restaurant • Scheduled adventure activities – Helicopter Flight
Day Eight – Etosha ( 26 June 2015 )
After an early breakfast go for a morning game drive. The
abundance of game in Etosha National Park is somewhat
unexpected, showcasing some of the most common and rarest
wildlife species. The areas with thicker vegetation are home to
elephant (some of the largest in Africa due to the vitamins and
nutrients found in the ground), the endangered black rhino and
even leopard. Return to Okaukuejo for lunch and some time to
relax around the pool before leaving for an afternoon game drive.
This evening after dinner, dress in warm clothes, grab a blanket
and head for Okaukuejo's famous waterhole which is lit at night.
Here a wide diversity of wildlife congregates and interacts. The
spectacle starts at dawn, with animals coming in large numbers to
quench their thirst. The excitement continues deep into the night.
In the early evenings, it is not uncommon to have black rhinoceros,
elephant and lion, all drinking at the same time.
• Breakfast – Okaukuejo • Scheduled adventure activities – None
• Inclusions – Car rental, Accommodation, Meals as indicated
• Exclusions – Personal items, Tips, Fuel
Day Nine – Etosha ( 27 June 2015 )
Today make your way slowly through the park to the east.
Namutoni camp was originally established as a control post during
the mad cow disease (BSE) epidemic of 1897 in Namibia. The fort
was built be the German Schutztruppe from 1902-03 and rebuilt in
1906 after the Ovambo destroyed the original building. The fort
served as a police post and later as a South African army base. Fort
Namutoni was declared a national monument in 1950 and was
opened to tourism in 1957. Its close proximity to Fisher’s Pan
makes Namutoni a hotspot for birders. Two restaurants, a craft
shop, a pool and a viewing deck overlooking King Nehale Waterhole
make the fort a great place to relax at lunchtime. Your
accommodation is Mushara Lodge, located just 8 km from the Von
Lindequist Gate. One of Mushara’s prominent features is its large
bright blue swimming pool, surrounded by green lawns which are
kept perfectly manicured by visiting local wildlife.
• Breakfast – Okaukuejo • Dinner – Mushara Lodge • Scheduled adventure activities – None
Your Accommodation
- Mushara Lodge -
Day Ten – Windhoek ( 28 June 2015 )
After breakfast you will cross through an ever-changing landscape
on your way back to civilisation, Windhoek. Your last night's
accommodation is The Olive Exclusive, a small upmarket
accommodation establishment situated close to Windhoek city
centre in a quiet, peaceful area. The Olive Exclusive's Premier
Suite have front-row position overlooking the olive grove and valley
beyond, and tall glass windows make the most of the views. Doors
lead to a large deck with a plunge pool, sunloungers and additional
seating. Tonight we will have dinner at Joe's Beerhouse which is an
essential part of an Namibian experience.
• Breakfast – Mushara Lodge • Dinner recommendation – Joe’s Beerhouse • Scheduled adventure activities – None
Your Accommodation
- Olive Exclusive -
Day Eleven – Windhoek ( 29 June 2015 )
On your last day explore Windhoek which was the former
stronghold of the main opposition to German colonisation. A
modern city at an altitude of 1,657m, its' distinct colonial
architecture shows the overwhelming German influence. The oldest
building, The Alte Feste, houses two excellent museums namely the
State Museum and the Owela Museum. There will be time for some
souvenir shopping and a last lunch at the Heinitzburg Castle
before dropping your car at the car rental place . À transfer from
here will take you to Hosea Kutako International airport for your
flight to Cape Town.
• Breakfast – Olive Exclusive • Scheduled adventure activities – None