Namibian Highlights Thimbi Safaris

Day 3 DUNEDIN STAR GUESTHOUSE, SWAKOPMUND – Early morning departure from camp stopping at the one horse 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 the quaint town of Swakopmund, full of historic buildings and where your guide will assist those wishing to book optional adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad biking, scenic flights, parachuting, dolphin cruises to name but a few, which you have time for this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre. Laundry facilities are available here. This evening’s meal is a group dinner in a restaurant at client’s own expense. (B,L)

Day 4 SPITZKOPPE - this morning you have free time to visit the museum, explore the town, visit the aquarium or partake in optional activities such as sand boarding and quad biking. We depart after lunch, driving along a section of the Skeleton Coast before turning inland for Spitzkoppe and arriving late afternoon to set up camp. We have a late afternoon climb to Bushman’s Paradise to see the ancient bushman paintings and see vistas of the vast surrounding desert or simply wander around the desert floor exploring the wonderful rock formations that have been created by erosion over thousands of years. Dinner prepared by the Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. Evening spent under a million stars. Overnight remote bush camp. (B,L,D)

Day 5 PALMWAG, DAMARALAND – early departure towards Twyfelfontein, home to one of the largest collections of bushman rock etchings in southern Africa, some of these etchings have been estimated to be up to an incredible 6,000 years old. Your Apprentice Guide will prepare lunch while you take the guided walk with your guide and a local guide to explore this unique area. Our drive through to our camp takes us through some beautiful and dramatic landscapes and we keep our eyes peeled for the desert elephant. We arrive at camp late afternoon and relax. During the dry season there is the chance that desert elephant will wander close to or through camp. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. (B,L,D)

Day 6 PALMWAG, DAMARALAND – You have a choice today - either join one of the optional activities or relax around camp. The first option is the Damaraland Wildlife Excursion, a full day game drive through the stunning landscape of Damaraland on the Palmwag concession searching for game such as mountain zebra, giraffe, springbok as well as the endangered black rhino and the elusive desert elephant live OR an optional full day excursion to visit the nomadic Himba people of Kaokoland near the remote Kaoko Otavi. For those who have chosen to relax today there are some short scenic walks, a crystal clear swimming pool and beautiful surroundings to revel in. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. (B,L,D)

Day 7 OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - A very early departure and we cross the scenic Grootberg Pass before we pick up fresh supplies at Outjo and head to Etosha National Park. This massive park is a haven for wildlife and supports one of the most important ecological and wildlife systems on the continent. Lunch is taken at the park gate and then we game drive through to camp. After setting up our tents we take a late afternoon game drive visiting the surrounding waterholes looking for species such as elephant, lion, rhino, kudu, giraffe as well as the large herds of springbok, zebra and wildebeest that survive in this region. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. Evening viewing at flood lit waterhole, famous for its visits by black rhinos. (B,L,D)

Day 8 NAMUTONI OR HALALI, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive. Transit across the park visiting various waterholes along the way and look out for the many species of animals. We spend the hottest part of the day at Halali camp where we have lunch and enjoy a swim or an afternoon snooze. Late afternoon game drive to Namutoni via the famous Etosha Pan, a vast depression which can even be seen from space and the white shimmering haze disappearing into the horizon. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. Nighttime viewing at flood lit waterhole. (B,L,D)

Day 9 WATERBERG PLATEAU - sunrise game drive and return to camp for breakfast. We have a short stop at Lake Otjikoto and Hoba Meteorite – the largest in the world there is also a short stop at Tsumeb to obtain fresh supplies. Late afternoon arrival at Chameleon’s bush camp at the eastern end of Waterberg Plateau. Witness the fabulous colours of the lichen growing on the rock face of the plateau at sunset from the top of the plateau directly above our camp and enjoy the views across the Kalahari. There are plenty of animals wandering freely in this area such as eland, ostrich, springbok, kudu and impala. Dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. (B,L,D)

Day 10 WINDHOEK - your guide will lead you on a short hike through the ravine at the base of the plateau. After brunch we return to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Markets for those last minute gifts. We arrive at Chameleon Guesthouse where you can enjoy an after safari drink and share your memories of your safari. (B,L)