_______________________________________________________________________________________

Namibia Culture and Wildlife

A 20-day accommodated journey through Namibia

Your ‘kiwi’ tour leader is Claire Vial; a zoologist, wildlife photographer and author of more than 60
non-fiction children’s books about animals.

Discover the best of Namibia, marvelling and the country's

most magnificent natural attractions that includes the
enormous dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the
big game of Etosha National Park, the lush landscape of the
Caprivi Strip, the fascinating cultures of the Herero, Himba
and Bushman; topping off the journey with a visit to
Victoria Falls – a World Heritage site.

This accommodated tour uses variety of chalets, lodges,

cabins, bungalows and hotels. Starting in Windhoek and
finishing in Victoria Falls, we spend two nights in most
places so we can discover Namibia’s most breathtaking
natural wonders, cultures and best game viewing.

Namibia means ‘open plains’ in the ancient Hottentot

language. Defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and
unusual contrasting topography, Namibia is sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said
to be the oldest in the world on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior.
Namibia features the great Etosha National Park, boasting the country's largest concentration of
wildlife. The world's highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring sombre reflection.

Date: 27 June to 17 July, 2011

Price: approx. USD 5,795 per person sharing, land only */**
Single Supplement: approx. USD 420

___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 1 of 9 -
Highlights: Windhoek, Sossusvlei & Sesriem, Swakopmund, Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Opuwo, Himba
visit, Etosha National Park, Bushman visit, Caprivi Strip, Kwando River, Boma Restaurant and Victoria
Falls.
Group Size: minimum 6 - maximum 10 people
Type of Safari: Semi-participation accommodated safari
Accommodation: lodges, cabins, bungalows and hotels

*Subject to African Safaris Ltd's Terms and Conditions. Please check for current price when booking.
** As per exchange rate 1 October 2010

Includes:-
• Meals as specified Excludes:-
• Specified excursions • Drinks
• Himba and Bushman village visit • Tips to guides, drivers, restaurants etc.
• Community Trails visit – Caprivi Strip • Personal expenses and gratuities
• Accommodation as specified - 19 nights • Meals and excursions not specified.
• Arrival and departure transfers • Optional excursions
• English speaking guide • Travel insurance
• Transport in 4WD vehicle • Visas
• Kiwi tour leader from Windhoek • International flights and departure taxes

Your ‘kiwi’ tour leader: Claire Vial

Claire worked as a conservation volunteer in Southern Africa for more than 2 years.
During this time she assisted several wildlife researchers with their projects and
completed two of her own research projects. The first project was in Botswana on a
bird called the African Skimmer. The second project was a visitor survey at Addo
Elephant National Park, in South Africa.

Using her extensive knowledge, Claire has published more than 60 children’s
educational books about animals. These books have been photographically illustrated
using her images. More than 20 of these books are about African animals.

Claire is also a Zoom Tour guide at Auckland Zoo. These are behind the scenes tours
where guests have the exclusive opportunity to get up close to and find out about
animals you've always dreamed about – an experience of a lifetime!

___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 2 of 9 -
Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Windhoek
Upon arrival at the airport you will be collected and transferred to Vondelhof Guesthouse in Windhoek.
Depending on the time of arrival you may have the chance to wander the shops or city sights or join a
township tour. We enjoy our first night together as a group at Joe’s Beerhouse - a truly Namibian
dining experience. Decorated in an African theme and filled with imaginative and novel memorabilia
Joe’s Beerhouse became a regular meeting place for Namibians and tourists alike. Overnight in twin
bedded room with en-suite facilities. (D)

Windhoek Capital City: Located within the Central Region of the country, Windhoek nestles in a basin
surrounded by rolling hills, bounded by the Eros Mountains in the northeast, the Auas Mountains to the
southeast and the Khomas Hochland in the west and with a population of around 250,000 people this
small city has a laid-back ambience. It is often described as having a continental atmosphere, mixing
African lifestyle with European history; picturesque German architecture, European influenced
restaurants and shopping malls combine with street-vendors make it unique. Windhoek offers a wide
choice of accommodation options

Day 2 - Sesriem/Namib Naukluft area

An early start. We head south towards Sesriem, arriving at the lodge early/mid afternoon, where you
can relax on the verandah outside your permanent tent or by the swimming pool. Later this afternoon,
your guide will take you for a short walk to enjoy sunset with views across the mountains and
surrounding desert before returning to camp just after sunset to enjoy dinner prepared by our guide.
Overnight twin bed adobe style tent chalet with en suite facilities and views across the desert (BLD)
Approx distance 320kms

Day 3 - Sesriem/Namib Naukluft area

We’ll have a pre-dawn departure from camp and drive to the Sesriem gate then
onto Sossusvlei, a 65km drive, witnessing first light and shadows on the sand
dunes before arriving at the heart of the famous sand dune sea of Namibia. We
watch the colours change on the sand dunes from this spectacular and unique
area (dependent on opening time of inner park gate). We can climb a dune
close to Sossusvlei then walk to Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal
camel thorn trees scattered around, contrasting with a backdrop of huge orange-red dunes that make
for superb photographic opportunities. We enjoy a mid morning brunch after
exploring this dramatic and desolate landscape before returning to camp for a
swim. Enjoy another spectacular sunset surrounded by this colourful desert and
sleep under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. Overnight twin bed
adobe style tent chalet and dinner prepared by guide [BLD] Approx distance
140kms

Sesriem Canyon: At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, Where centuries of erosion have incised
a narrow gorge about 1km in length. At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down 30 to 40 metres, are
pools that become replenished after good rains. Sesriem derives its name from the time when early
pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs (reins) together and secured to a bucket to draw water from
the pools.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 3 of 9 -
Sossusvlei: Sossusvlei is a clay pan set amid monstrous piles of sand known as star dunes that reach
the height of a 70 storey skyscraper and rank among the tallest dunes on earth. A
deathly white against red sands, the pan is the endpoint of a usually dry river,
Tsauchab, in the interior of the Great Sand Sea. The river course rises south of the
Naukluft Mountains in the Great escarpment. It penetrates the sand sea for some
55km before it finally peters out about the same distance from the Atlantic. Until
dunes stopped it in its tracks 60 000 years ago, the Tsauchab reached the sea, as
ephemeral rivers still do in the northern half of the Namib. Sand-locked pans to the
west were endpoints before Sossusvlei. The dunes in the vicinity of Sossusvlei get
to be as high as 220m. They look even higher when their base rests on an elevated
surface such as a river terrace. Indeed one of them that lie beside the Tsauchab
rises 325m above the valley floor. Once a decade or so rainfall over the escarpment
is sufficient to bring the river down in flood and fill the pan. On such occasions the
mirror images of dunes and gnarled trees around the pan are reflected in the water.

Sossusvlei is the biggest of four pans in the vicinity. In one of them, Dead Vlei, big camel thorn trees,
dead for want of water, still stand erect. They grew in that place until about 900 years ago when the
sand sea finally blocked the occasional floods

Day 4 - Swakopmund
Early morning departure stopping at the quaint town of Solitaire before
continuing through the desert with its endless views across the pastel-
coloured gravel plains to the port town of Walvis Bay. We visit the lagoon,
which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where we may see the many
species of birds including greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, avocets,
plovers, and the endemic Damara tern before a short stop at the salt farm.
We continue onto Swakopmund, full of historic buildings and where your guide will assist those wishing
to book optional adventure activities such as scenic flight, township tour, to name but a few, which you
have time for this afternoon. Overnight based in simple twin room with en-suite bathroom close to the
town centre. This evening’s meal in a restaurant at your own expense (BL) Approx distance 300kms

Swakopmund Town: Swakopmund is a town with an air of enchantment about

it, as if the ornate buildings of the old quarter and the lush greenery of the
seafront were somehow spirited away from their proper setting, only to be left
without rhyme or reason in an African desert. Beyond the last row of houses
the desert is devoid of vegetation except for low bushes. On a slight rise above
the seashore, the town is exposed to both the Atlantic and the Namib, with
gravel plains to the north and east. It stands on the north bank of a river course that is nearly always
dry. A narrow belt of sand dunes, outriders of the Great Sand Sea to the south, comes to a halt on the
opposite bank. A bare plain beside a rough sea and dry river is hardly a prime position for a holiday
resort. In fact the town was never meant to be a resort, but became one against all the odds. It was
established as a harbour town. Swakopmund had its beginning as a landing station in 1892 when the
Imperial Navy erected beacons on the site. Initially cargo and passengers were rowed ashore in
surfboats from steamers anchored offshore. Once a concrete Mole or breakwater had been built it
became possible to use tugs and barges instead

___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 4 of 9 -
Days 5 & 6 - Brandberg
We depart from the coast after breakfast and drive to Brandberg, the
highest point in Namibia and a huge massif rising up over the plains,
and our base for the next two nights. The lodge is under the shadow
of the mountain and our rooms are quite simple but the location
makes up for this. The following day we will drive to the base and
take a local guide to the famous White Lady Painting – this is one of
the most ancient bushman paintings in Southern Africa before we
return to the lodge – you can then relax for the rest of the day or perhaps join an optional activity.
Overnight twin share accommodation (BLD) Approx 400km gravel & tar

Day 7 - Palmwag
Depart after breakfast and drive into the heart of Damaraland, this is the land
of the elusive desert elephant so we will keep our eyes open on the drive. We
will stop at Twyfelfontein and take a local guide to visit these famous rock
etchings and from here continue into the northern aspect of Damaraland.
Here, ancient landscapes and strange plants and trees dominate the
landscapes as well as being home to the only free roaming black rhino in the
world – you may be lucky and see one. We will arrive at the lodge in the afternoon and perhaps enjoy
a short walk with your guide or perhaps sit at the waterhole; this oasis like area is a saviour to many
animals that survive in this harsh land. We overnight in twin bedded rooms and dinner is enjoyed in
the lodge, a road side lunch will be served (BLD) Approx 210km gravel

Days 8 & 9 - Opuwo

We drive north crossing a mountain pass keeping our eyes open for the desert
elephant that roam freely in this area and also stop to gaze at the mighty boabab
forest before arriving at Opuwo. This town is a real mixture of modern and old,
dusty streets, goats, and cattle wander on the road yet modern life has also reached
here. This afternoon we will wander around Opuwo, and tomorrow morning we will
take a local guide and head out to visit a local himba village. We will be able to
witness how this tribe still survive off the land tending their cattle and goats and see
the women prepare food as well as prepare the ochre and butter fat that they put on
their skin to protect it from the harsh environment. The local guide will be able to
translate all of your questions and the kids normally play together happily teaching
and sharing things with each other. We return to our lodge and you have time to relax. Overnight twin
share accommodation, dinner in the restaurant (BLD) Approx distance 330kms

Days 10, 11, 12 and 13 - Etosha National Park

This morning we enter Etosha National Park, and game drive to Okaukuejo,
where we spend our first two nights, then continue to Halali for a night with
a final night at Namutoni in double rooms. We will enjoy game drives in the
park, making the most of early morning and late afternoons when the
animals are most active and can relax by the pool or floodlit waterholes
when back at camp. Dinners are prepared by guide or in the restaurant.
The active waterhole attracts various species of game such as black rhino, elephant and leopard.
Etosha is over 22,000 sq kms and home to many species of game including lion, leopard, cheetah,
elephant, hyena, giraffe as well as antelope and over 340 species of birds so there is something for
___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 5 of 9 -
every animal and bird lover. We will spend in twin room share accommodation.
After dinner you can sit by the floodlit waterhole watching the game come to
quench their thirst. This park is recognised as one of the best game parks in
Southern Africa for the numbers and various species of game as well as the
interesting geology (BLD) Approx distance 5kms to Etosha gate, 200kms to
Okaukuejo plus game drives to Halali from Okaukuejo (route varies)

Days 14 & 15 - Tsumkwe / Bushmanland

Depart from Etosha and head across to Tsumkwe where we are based in rustic
accommodation for the next two nights. The following day we will drive for
about 1 hour and into Bushmanland where we will visit a local Bushman village
and enjoy activities with the local people. We’ll head out with a tracker who
will show us how traditionally they would have hunted and sourced food. Twin
share basis (BLD) Approx 200km tar.

Days 16 & 17 - Rundu / Caprivi Strip / Community Trails

We continue north today to Rundu and the lodge where we are based is
situated on the riverbank overlooking Angola! This lodge is renowned for its
work with the local communities and we will spend some time with the people
and give you more of an insight into their way of life. Community Trails is a
project that offers many activities in the area that help getting to know the
people and their lives a little better. There are guided walks through different
villages/kraals in the area where you get in touch with the local population and
are free to ask any questions that you might have. Horseback rides to the kraals are also available.
You can visit one of the schools and participate in a classroom lesson, help with handing out the food,
and interact with the children. There is also the opportunity to visit a church service in one of the
Mayana area churches. Overnight in the lodge in twin bedded chalets and meals served in restaurant
(BLD) Approx 210km tar

Day 18 - Kwando River

We drive through the Caprivi Strip to Camp Kwando, situated on the Kwando
River. A traditional village visited is included. You have the opportunity for
optional activities such as boat cruises, sunset boat cruise, fishing trips, and
mokoro trail with drinks game drive. Our base for one night is in permanent
style tents based on the river front, each with a small verandah and en-suite
facilities. (BLD)Meals served in restaurant Approx 370km tar

Day 19 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Our destination today is Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Here you will have the opportunity to join optional
activities such as white water rafting, scenic and helicopter flights over the falls, elephant back rides,
and much, much more. Of course, no trip is complete without see the falls themselves.

We enjoy our last night together at the Boma Restaurant. Partially open to the
African skies and sheltered by the indigenous Gusu forest lies the award winning
Boma restaurant. This offers a unique African experience that bombards the senses
with the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa - coupled with the warmth and
hospitality of the local people. Styled in the traditional manner, the thatched boma
___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 6 of 9 -
has an open fire to enhance the vibrant atmosphere which is clearly evident from the moment you step
across the threshold. Overnight at Amadeus Guest House. (BLD)

Day 20 - Tour ends

Transfer to airport in time for onward flight.

NAMIBIA
‘Namibia’ means ‘open plains’ in the ancient Hottentot language. It is a sought after tourist destination
defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography. Namibia is
sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, on its western
coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior. Northern Namibia features the great Etosha
National Park, with the countries largest concentration of game and in the south the majestic Fish River
Canyon plunges 550 m and extends for 160 km. Between these four highlights lies over 820 000 km2
(the size of France & Britain combined) of contrasting scenery.

The world’s highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber reflection. Pre-historic rock
art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the
ancient, rocky mountain ranges.

Many of the features of this country are of particular scientific interest and attract scientists from all
over the world.

Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable
utilization of wildlife in its constitution. About 15,5% of the country has been set-aside as national
parks. In these areas, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and
protected. They serve as a living reminder to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once
was in Africa.

Etosha National Park

Consisting of over 22 000 km2 of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, the Etosha National Park is
one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife. Its definitive
feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of about 5 000 km2. This great, white expanse
locals call ‘great place of dry water’, often shimmers with mirages and herds of game can be seen
within this eerie setting.

There are 144 mammal species in the park, including elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino,
predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, wildcat, hyena and jackal.

The black rhino population of 300 is one of the few growing populations in the world and the local
elephant are reputed to be the largest in Africa - the tallest standing at 4 m at the shoulder. Their tusks
however are relatively small due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their diet.

The majestic eland, the tiny, shy Damara dik-dik (45 cm high) and the striking gemsbok, with its
dramatic black and white markings are common. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been
identified, including Namibia's national bird, the vividly coloured crimson-breasted shrike. During the
more rainy seasons Etosha is also one of the most important breeding grounds for flamingos.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 7 of 9 -
Etosha is also known for its expert game management and attentive protection of the unspoiled
environment.

Swakopmund
A true oasis and respite from the solemn desert and its monotonous heat. A seaside holiday resort full
of old-world charm and modern amenities, from the quaint German colonial influences to funky Internet
café’s. The tranquil setting includes promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens, the
Swakopmund museum (covering natural history, mineralogy, botany, historical and ethnological
aspects), the National Marine & Research Center, an aquarium, a public library, an Olympic sized,
heated indoor swimming pool and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. This ‘middle of the desert’
feel is one of its attractions – one can enjoy the wild expanse of the adjacent desert and sea and yet be
within easy reach of the creature comforts of Swakopmund's hotels, restaurants, bars and a much-
needed laundries!

There is plenty to see and do and activities include quad biking, sand boarding, rock & surf fishing and
skydiving. There is also a tannery, manufacturing well-known kudu leather shoes, a brewery producing
fine beers in the German tradition.

Namib-Naukluft National Park

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is an incredibly unusual and diverse ‘super- conservation’ area. There
is nothing quite like it. It’s probably the most unusual in the world – an ancient land with an ageless
spirit. It covers almost 50 000 km2 and is ranked as the 4th largest in the world (the largest nature
conservation area in Namibia) with landscapes including an impressive mountain massif, desert plains,
high sand dunes, deep gorges and an estuarine lagoon. In truly African light show there is often clear
and sometimes sudden shift in the mood of the moment, as light, textures and shadows give desert
landscapes entirely new characters.

Survivors in this harsh landscape include the Oryx, springbok and zebra as well as the Welwitschia
mirabilis, an odd-looking desert shrub. One large, protected specimen is estimated at 1 500 years old.

Sossusvlei
The visual spectacular in the Sossusvlei area is unsurpassed. Amongst the continuous towering dunes
as far as the eye can see is arguably the highlight of the Namib Desert, the Sossusvlei, an enormous
clay-pan, enclosed by dunes. After a heavy rainfall, rare in this area, the vlei fills with water and, as the
clay layers are virtually impermeable to water, a turquoise lake remains for quite some time.
The dunes and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges, and contrast vividly with
the dazzling white surfaces of the white clay pans, or lakes, below.

During the rainy season one of the larger of these pans creates a haven for water birds, often including
flamingos. Even during the dry season, Oryx, springbok and ostriches can be seen feeding off the
sparse vegetation along the watercourses. The dunes of the Namib Desert developed over a period of
many millions of years and are shaped by strong-multi-directional winds. It is thought that the vast
quantities of sand were carried into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. The surf pushed the sand
back onto land and coastal dunes formed. Dunes have subsequently shifted inland and northwards.
Wind continuously re-stacks the sand of the huge shifting dunes of the Namib Desert. It tirelessly forces
the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down in
the wind shade. The leeward slope, therefore, is always considerably steeper than the windward side.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 8 of 9 -
Sesriem
Erosion over many centuries has incised a narrow gorge through which the Tsauchab River disappears
dramatically down a steep gorge in the plain. This gorge, Sesriem Canyon, is approx 1 km long with
pools along the way and a 30-40 m pool at its end. These pools of water on a gravel bed in an
otherwise arid region attract many birds and animals.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
African Safaris Ltd • P O Box 100-781 • North Shore Mail Centre • Auckland 0745 • New Zealand
Phone: 0800 528 101 • email: info@africansafaris.co.nz
- Page 9 of 9 -