Alan Tours

THE WILD AND WONDERFUL NAMIBIA EXPEDITIONS (OV25)

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 15 days / 14 nights
• Group size: 4 to 6 people per tour
• Tour departs from: Cape Town
• Price: From R53000 to R65200 per person

Tour Highlights

• Explore the largest canyon in Africa, the Fish River Canyon
• We head out into the desert to a local hide where we lie in wait to see the Wild horses of the area come down to drink
• Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes
• Walvis Bay where tidal lagoons are formed inside the bay where a mix of Pelicans, Damara Terns and Flamingos
• Swakopmund is a German colony coastal town full of the old atmosphere and is the main holiday destination for Namibians
• Large Cape Fur Seal colony
• Skeleton Coast harbors the skeletal remains of the shipwrecks caught by offshore rocks and fog
• On the Himba Village Tour you will meet the people and visit the village of this ancient African tribe.
• Etosha Pan is an enormous expanse of salt, glimmering green in the dry season

Suitable for those interested in Nature, Sightseeing, Wildlife

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Cape Town to Namaqualand

   You are greeted by Alan Tours at place of residence in Cape Town or at the International Airport and to depart immediately in a northerly direction away from the mother city, heading for a small farming centre in the heart of the arid Namaqualand.
   
   En route we drive through expansive farmland and fruit growing areas while skirting tall mountains, as we head north we enter the arid landscape with clear open skies, distant hills and multi-coloured rocks with palettes of browns, greys and dusky purples. We stop for lunch and comfort breaks along the way.
   
   Upon arrival, we check into our comfortable accommodation, freshen up, perhaps explore the surroundings and meet for our first sundowner and dinner of the tour.
   
   An early night is recommended due to an early start the next morning.

   OVERNIGHT: Hotel

2. DAY 2: Namaqualand to Fish River Canyon

   We enjoy an early breakfast at our accommodation before checking out, making our way further north to cross the South African border into Namibia at one of the local border posts.
   
   Our destination today is spectacular Fish River Canyon.
   
   We take lunch en-route to this desert destination on the rim of one of the largest canyons in the world.
   
   Upon arrival at our accommodation, we book in, take time to freshen up. Relax or explore our surroundings before making our way to our well-deserved dinner. We fall asleep with thoughts of the next day's exciting journey.

   OVERNIGHT: Lodge

3. DAY 3: Fish River Canyon to Aus

   After an early breakfast we pack up, check out and head out to explore the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon. We check into the park and stop along the way at the view points to take advantage of the early morning light over the wide vistas of this incredible desert canyon.
   
   After departing from the canyon, we continue in a northerly direction, stopping on the road for a light lunch en-route to our next overnight destination at a small centre in the Aus Mountains on the edge of the Namib/Naukluft National Park.
   
   This is a settlement in the Karas Region of southern Namibia. The centre was established as a prisoner of war camp during the first world war.
   
   On arrival at our accommodation, we check, freshen up and relax before we explore the area.
   
   We head out into the desert to a local hide, (a protected area where we can observe without being seen) where we lie in wait to see the Wild horses of the area come down to drink at the waterhole or alternatively we can enjoy a sundowner.
   
   We return to our accommodation and enjoy a wonderful dinner at the in-house restaurant before retiring, satisfied and inspired after an amazing day.

   OVERNIGHT: Hotel

4. DAY 4: Aus to Sossusvlei

   After breakfast, we check out and leave this spectacular part of Namibia heading to our accommodation near Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei is a name derived from the Khoikhoi language, Sossus meaning dead end and Vlei, in Afrikaans word meaning marsh. The Marsh only holds water after exceptional rains have fallen in the Naukluft Mountains; the water will follow the normally dry Tsauchab River's course and finally collect in the Sossusvlei area. We stop along the way for a comfort break and lunch.
   
   After checking into our accommodation, we freshen up, perhaps explore our surroundings and get ourselves ready for a leisurely sundowner nature drive, slowly winding up a nearby mountainside.
   
   At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset before returning to your accommodation where you will enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Lodge restaurant and an early night, being serenaded by the deep silence of the Namib Desert.

   OVERNIGHT: Lodge

5. DAY 5: Sossusvle

   This morning, we have an early wake up, collect a packed breakfast and head out to explore Sossusvlei, a salt and clay “pan” (A low lying area, prone to seasonal flooding) surrounded by high red dunes, which are some of the tallest sand dunes in the world.
   
   Gates open early to accommodate the best time to view this area.
   
   We leave the Sossusvlei area before the day gets too hot and travel back to the lodge for a late lunch after which we take it easy for the rest of the afternoon. We meet for sundowners before enjoying our authentic evening meal after which we retire tired from an exciting day in the desert.

   OVERNIGHT: Lodge

6. DAY 6: Sossusvle to Swakopmund via Walvis Bay

   We wake for an early breakfast, check out and make our way further north stopping along the way for a light lunch and a comfort break.
   
   Stop en route for the famed Apple Pie. We then make our way through the Gaub Pass and the Kuiseb Canyon before heading for Swakopmund via Walvis Bay.
   
   We take a short break to familiarise ourselves with the harbour city of Walvis Bay. The bay is formed by the protective shield of Pelican point upon which the Pelican point Lighthouse is situated. Tidal lagoons are formed inside the bay and are important marine birding areas where a mix of Pelicans, Flamingos and Damara Terns amongst many others can be found. If time allows, we will stretch our legs and do some bird watching at the lagoon.
   
   We then board our tour vehicle and head a short distance north to Swakopmund where we will spend the next two nights. Swakopmund is a coastal town full of the old atmosphere and is the main holiday destination for Namibians, known as ‘Little Bavaria' due to its quaint architecture and Germanic influences.
   
   Upon arrival in Swakopmund, we book into our well-appointed accommodation and enjoy some free time to do as you please before meeting for dinner at a local restaurant.

   OVERNIGHT: Guest house

7. DAY 7: Swakopmund

   This morning after an early breakfast, we depart for Walvis Bay where there are a variety of activities such as:
   
   Boat trip to view the marine life and perhaps dolphin/whale watching
   Kayaking to Pelican Point
   Sandboarding in the dunes at Swakopmund
   Living Desert tour
   Alan Tours will make all of the arrangements for the tours and activities which you select.
   
   All of the above are for your own account.
   
   It is recommended that the above activities are done in the morning before the prevailing wind picks up.
   
   After lunch at a restaurant in Swakopmund, we return to our accommodation to freshen up and you can choose one of the following activities (for your own account):
   
   Horse riding
   Museum visit
   National Marine Aquarium visit
   Living Desert snake park
   Alternatively, you can relax at your accommodation this afternoon or do some self-exploration around town or some last-minute shopping. We will then meet at a local restaurant for dinner.

   OVERNIGHT: Guest house

8. DAY 8: Swakopmund to Cape Fur Seal Colony

   After breakfast, we take our leave from this German colonial City and make our way to our overnight accommodation close to a large Cape Fur Seal colony situated on a headland jutting out into the often stormy Atlantic Ocean on what is known as the Skeleton Coast. The area's name derives from the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore from the whaling industry, although in modern times the coast harbors the skeletal remains of the shipwrecks caught by offshore rocks and fog. We stop for a light lunch and comfort break on the road.
   
   After some time spent with the seal colony, we book into our comfortable local lodge, relax, freshen up and if feeling energetic, take an afternoon hike along the beach before enjoying a well-deserved dinner and a comfortable nights' rest with the sounds of the sea lulling us to sleep.

   OVERNIGHT: Lodge

9. DAY 9: Cape Fur Seal colony to Damaraland

   Early wake up for breakfast after which we check out make our way north into what is known as Damaraland, a vast and beautiful area of mixed savanna and grassland, sparsely occupied by the Damara people.
   
   We stop near the iconic Brandberg Mountain, the tallest mountain in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady painting and other marvelous examples of early to middle stone age rock art.
   
   Dependent on the time we will view as many of these sights as possible before continuing to our overnight accommodation in northern Damaraland.
   
   Here we are scheduled to spend two nights to allow us to catch our breath and view some of the sights in this area.
   
   We check in on arrival and settle into our lodge, freshen up and relax before meeting around the pool, bar and lapa in preparation for the evening meal at the lodge restaurant.

   OVERNIGHT: Lodge

10. DAY 10: Damaraland to Himba Village Tour

    We wake early for breakfast in preparation for a full day. We collect our packed lunches and head out, starting with a drive to a local Himba Village.
    
    Here we meet the people and are conducted on a tour around the village of this ancient African tribe.
    
    There are a number of interesting cultural sights to be seen in this picturesque area and after leaving the Himba village we head out to visit ancient rock art and rock engraving site.
    
    After the day's activities we return to our comfortable accommodation and if time allows, enjoy a short afternoon game drive or opt for a siesta before we freshen up and meet for a tasteful dinner in the lodge restaurant.
    
    After the evening meal we make our way to bed for a well-deserved rest lulled to sleep by the peaceful silence of this remote area.

    OVERNIGHT: Lodge

11. DAY 11: Damaraland to Etosha National Park

    After a hearty breakfast we pack up and check out of our lodge and depart, driving through the scenic beauty of Damaraland as we head for our next destination with a tingle of anticipation as we approach the world famous Etosha National Park.
    
    We stop en-route at a nearby town to do some last minute shopping and grab a bite to eat before our final leg as we drive to the entrance gate of this huge national park.
    
    The Park is unique in Africa, where the main characteristic is a gigantic salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the fringes and at the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings at certain times of the year.
    
    Etosha National Park spans an area of 22,270 square kilometres and gets its name from the large Etosha pan which is almost entirely within the park. The Etosha pan (4,760 square kilometres) covers 23% of the area of the entire National Park.
    
    The park is home to many species of mammals such as Black Rhinoceros, Elephant, Lion, Giraffe and Leopard. Many antelope species abound here including the iconic Springbok, Gemsbok or Oryx, Blue Wildebeest and the diminutive Damaraland Dikdik. Burchell's Zebra abound on the grassy plains. Many species of birds including a wide diversity of Larks and the heaviest flying bird in the world, the Kori bustard can be seen out on the open plains.
    
    One of the iconic sights to see in the park is to witness the arrival of the Sandgrouse coursing in, in the last light of the day as they arrive at the waterholes to slake their thirst and drench their chest feathers with life giving water to take back, 40, 60 km's to their flightless chick at their nests.
    
    Upon arrival at the entrance gate, we check in and drive to our rest camp where we book into our accommodation, if time allows, we enjoy a late game drive in the tour vehicle. Upon our return, we freshen up and can sit and watch for game at the floodlit waterhole both before and after dinner. Having enjoyed an exciting game drive, a tasty dinner and the magnificent night sky, we make our way to our comfortable beds for a peaceful night's rest.

    OVERNIGHT: Accommodation in Etosha National Park

12. DAY 12: Etosha National Park

    After an early wake-up a cup of freshly percolated coffee / tea and rusks, we set out for our early morning game drive, taking in any likely spots we might have identified as holding promise and taking many photographs along the way as we search the vast plains for sign of the wildlife that abounds here.
    
    We keep an eye out for circling vultures in the hope of finding the elusive predators on their morning kill.
    
    Upon our return we climb into a hearty breakfast before checking out as we depart for the next overnight stop in the Park while enjoying a game drive on the way.
    
    After the excitement of the game drive we arrive in time to take a light lunch at the park restaurant, check into our overnight accommodation and some much needed down time to take a midday siesta or a quiet, cooling dip in the camps pool.
    
    Once it starts cooling down a bit and the wildlife starts to become more active, we prepare for the afternoon game drive searching for those elusive sightings and capturing images to last for ever.
    
    Upon your return to camp we freshen up, relax at the water-hole with a sundowner before enjoying a well-deserved meal at the camp restaurant and fall asleep dreaming of what the next day will bring.

    OVERNIGHT: Accommodation in Etosha National Park

13. DAY 13: Etosha National Park

    After an early wake-up call with cup of coffee / tea and rusks, we head off on our early morning game drive. Returning to camp, we enjoy breakfast and pack up before we head off to the next rest camp in the Park, enjoying the game viewing along the way.
    
    After booking into our new accommodation we spend some time relaxing before setting out on our last evening game drive. On our return we freshen up and meet back at the waterhole where you can enjoy views of the surrounding scenery, wildlife and a spectacular sunset whilst slowly sipping on an ice-cold sundowner.
    
    Dinner will be served at the camp's restaurant before heading off to bed for a peaceful nights rest,

    OVERNIGHT: Accommodation in Etosha National Park

14. DAY 14: Etosha National Park to Waterberg

    After breakfast we pack up and depart from the Etosha National Park, we head west to the town of Tsumeb a rich mining town near the border of the park.
    
    The town is well known for the rich mineral pipe that reaches down deeper than 1300 meters below ground level. The pipe was mined in prehistoric times but those ancient workers barely scratched the surface. Most of the ore was removed in the 20th century by cut-and-fill methods. The ore was polymetallic and from its copper, silver, lead, gold, arsenic and germanium were taken.
    
    Here we visit the local Museum which showcases an extensive gem collection, the history of the tribes of Namibia, the impact of the world wars on Namibia and of the mine and life of the town itself.
    
    After exploring and learning the history of this mining town, we continue south to Otjiwarongo where we have a light lunch and finally on to the Waterberg, a beautiful well-watered plateau where we book into a nature reserve for the night.
    
    There is time to freshen up and the afternoon can be spent either relaxing enjoy an invigorating forest walk.
    
    We will then meet for our final dinner at the restaurant before retiring to bed in this wild and wonderful land, Namibia.

    OVERNIGHT: Waterberg accommodation

15. DAY 15: Waterberg to Windhoek

    Early wake up and hearty breakfast before checking out. We travel onwards to Okahandja where we stop for a comfort break and then continue to Windhoek which marks the end of the Tour.
    
    Should time allow, we can stop at one of the numerous craft markets alongside the road where there are a wide selection of arts and crafts to browse through before finally arriving in Windhoek where you will either be dropped off at your accommodation or at the Hosea Kutako International Airport to connect with your departing flight.

    TOUR ENDS

Note

Tour includes:

15 days professional guided tour, fuel, vehicle, trailer, guide
14 night accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary
Activities as per itinerary
Entrance/conservation fees, National Park, concession fees
Toll fees
Airport fees
Cross border fees
Bottled water in tour vehicle

Tour excludes:

Visas
Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Bar bills
Personal shopping
Optional extras
Flights