Travel 22 days around Namibia on an extended Classic Safari including all major sightseeing highlights between the Etosha National Park and the Fish River Canyon.

2012
Safari Specials & more: e.g.
Tribal Namibia

Self-catering rooms and/or camping incl. 4x4 rental

Photo: Mountain Shrike perching on a dead tree

Around Namibia ...

Classic Namibia - extended
22-Day/21-Night Accommodated Self-drive Safari
from/to Windhoek covering the classic, most sought after natural & sightseeing attractions in northern, coastal, central and southern Namibia

All said about the Classic Namibia Tour on the previous page also holds true for its extended 22-day version that includes an additional full week's exploration of the deep south of Namibia. Even more sparsely populated than its counterparts, the Karas Region of Namibia is in a class of its own:

Firmly in the grip of the Namib Desert in the west and the Kalahari in the east, with only a narrow strip of highlands separating the two, the Karas Region lies in the transition zone from summer to winter rainfall regions south of the equator. Namibia's south therefore receives rain during both seasons but in such small quantities that only specially adapted flora and fauna call it home. A unique experience awaits those who visit the Succulent Karoo and the Nama Karoo when their otherwise vast barren expanses are covered by a myriad of tiny flowers in bright colours. Many of the Karas Region's natural treasures are protected in huge conservation areas such as the Sperrgebiet Nat. Park & Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
Africa's largest and the world's  second-largest canyon can be found here too, the Fish River Canyon. The Kalahari's sand dune belts that support an array of wildlife are at their most impressive in the south.

Unique Tours & Safaris, Namibia

Contact Heike by Email:
info@unique-tours-safaris.com

Web: www.unique-tours-safaris.com

P. O. Box 1301
Swakopmund/Namibia
Cell:  +264-(0)81-2122580
Tel/Fax: +264-(0)64-406313
NTB-Registration: TFA 00107

Add ancient ethnic cultures of mysterious origins, and sites of unique historic as well as geologic importance to the picture and it will soon become clear why Unique Tours & Safaris dedicated an entire week to Namibia's magical south.

Programme details: 22-Day Classic Namibia Safari

Here is a Classic Namibia 22 Day Route Map

Classic Namibia - extended

22-Day/21-Night Accommodated Self-drive Safari
from/to Windhoek covering the classic natural and sightseeing attractions in northern, coastal, central and southern Namibia

This programme is also available as:
- accommodated guided tour
- self-drive camping tour

Days 1 to 14 of the Classic Namibia tour programme, - from Windhoek to Sossusvlei via Waterberg Plateau, Etosha Nat. Park, Damaraland with Twyfelfontein, Erongo Mountains and Swakopmund -, remain as described on the previous page.

On Day 15, instead of returning to Windhoek, the EXTENDED Classic Namibia continues from the Sesriem/Sossusvlei area to the far south of Namibia:

Day 15     Sossusvlei Area - Tiras Mountains
You are so right - Namibia is much too beautiful to stop in the middle of a fascinating experience. Although the south is even more arid then the regions you have visited thus far, it has plenty of fascinating sites and vistas to offer. Start your explorations of the Karas Region with the Tiras Mountains and their breathtaking sceneries on the edge of the Namib Desert and the Namib Naukluft Park.
Namtib Desert Lodge - Tiras Mountain
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Karas Region
Namtib Desert Lodge is a privately owned biosphere reserve covering an area of 16400 hectares at the edge of the Namib Desert in the Tiras Mountains. Various activity options are available on the spot.

Optional alternative lodging:
Kanaan Guest Farm - Budget
Koiimasis Ranch - Upmarket
Namtib Guest Farm - Camping

Days 16 and 17     Tiras Mountains - Lüderitz & Kolmanskop
Ever been to the very first European settlement of an African country?
Today's travelling takes you south and then west through magnificent remote landscapes and the Sperrgebiet National Park to Lüderitz. This small historic town was established around one of Namibia's only two natural deep-sea harbours and still sustains its existence from fishing industries.
Close to Lüderitz lies the 'ghost town' of Kolmanskop giving testimony to the diamond rush that hit this area in the early 1900's.
Guided excursions into the restricted diamond mining area are available - by prior arrangement, well ahead of your arrival in Namibia, only.
Zur Waterkant Guesthouse - Lüderitz
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Karas Region
Experience a new dimension of comfort at Zur Waterkant Guest House, situated in the picturesque harbour town of Lüderitz.

Optional alternative lodging:
Nest Hotel - Tourist Class
Protea Hotel "Zum Sperrgebiet" - Upmarket

Days 18 and 19     Lüderitz - Fish River Canyon (via Gariep River, if possible)
Three major southern highlights await you during these two days:
The amazing flora of the Succulent Karoo, the wind-swept solemn valleys and plains of the Nama Karoo, and the majestic Fish River Canyon, a silent witness to the break-up of the ancient super-continent of Pangaea.
 

Provided that the only bridge across the Fish River near its confluence with the Gariep River (previously: Orange River) will be repaired, until you visit Namibia,
- some major high-water damages in early 2010 left the bridge impassable -, there is an opportunity to experience large parts of Namibia's share in the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park:
Turning south at the village of Aus, you travel through the Succulent Karoo and via the modern mining town of Rosh Pinah to the Gariep River. Moonscape-like surroundings, soaring mountain peaks and lush greenery line the river's valley, as you turn east to follow its course towards the Aussenkehr settlement. Just prior to reaching the first grape farms, another gravel road takes you north again through the fascinating vast ancient landscapes of the Nama Karoo to the southern end of the Fish River Canyon. Whether you opt for taking a break at the Ai-Ais Rest Camp with its thermal swimming pools or proceed north straight away, you are sure to spend the remainder of these two days in the mighty presence of the canyon.

The alternative routing from Lüderitz to the Fish River Canyon leads via Aus and Seeheim directly to your accommodation situated near the canyon's most impressive northern view points - with numerous opportunities en route to take in the unique features of the Succulent and Nama Karoo.

With both routing options, a full day is at your disposal to explore the Fish River Canyon all the way to Ai-Ais at its southern tip.
Cañon Roadhouse - Fish River Canyon
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Karas Region
The Cañon Roadhouse is interestingly decorated with vintage car parts, found in the region. There is always a congenial atmosphere and the already famous "Wheels" bar has been the setting for many tall travellers' tales.

Optional alternative lodging:
Cañon Village - Tourist Class
Cañon Lodge - Upmarket
Cañon Roadhouse - Camping

Day 20     Fish River Canyon - Kalahari

Travelling in a northern direction, past the Karas Region's administrative and economic centre, Keetmanshoop, you find the Giants Playground, a deposit site of huge granite boulders, and the Quiver Tree Forest, an area covered in tree-sized and very photogenic aloe plants. Spend another night with the sound of the bush as your companion, in the Kalahari.
Anib Kalahari Lodge - Mariental Area
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Hardap Region
In the midst of the red dunes of the Kalahari, Anib Kalahari Lodge seems like a plush green oasis. The accommodation is grouped around a spacious courtyard with palm trees and acacias, a succulent garden and a large swimming pool.

Optional alternative lodging:
Stampriet Historical Guesthouse - Budget
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Lodge - Tourist Class
Intu Africa Dune Suites - Upmarket
Anib Kalahari Lodge - Camping

Day 21     Kalahari - Windhoek
Now that you have completed an entire Classic Namibia round trip, when arriving back in Windhoek, your holidays are probably nearing their end too. After all that you have seen and done in the last three weeks, a leisurely day spend in Namibia's capital can assist in slowly returning to the realities of every-day life and to also tick the last items off your souvenir shopping list, while taking a stroll through the Crafts Centre complete with coffee shops and art galleries. Rounding off the day with dinner (optional) at the country's most famous restaurant, Joe’s Beerhouse, is a perfect way to say your farewells in typical Namibian surroundings.
Hotel-Pension Palmquell - Windhoek
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Khomas Region
The Palmquell is a tranquil oasis in an eastern suburb of vibrant Windhoek. Relax in the garden, at the swimming pool, in the lounge, wine bar or the restaurant.

Optional alternative lodging:
Charlotte’s B & B - Budget
Hilltop House - Tourist Class
Windhoek Country Club - Upmarket

Day 22     Windhoek/Departure
Day at leisure, until it is time to close the suitcase and catch your transfer to Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport for your flight home.

Services Included in the 22-day programme, on a SELF-DRIVE basis:
- 21 nights accommodation as indicated above
- Meal basis as indicated above
- Hosea Kutako Airport Transfers on arrival in & departure from Namibia
- Vehicle rental from/to Windhoek - 21 days:
  Suzuki Jimny - for all accommodated safaris

  OR

  Toyota Camping Vehicle equipped for 2 - for all camping safaris

  • Incl. unlimited mileage
  • Incl. insurance cover as per vehicle rental company utilised

Not included are:
- Flights & Visa/Permits of any kind
- Sightseeing programme & entrance/park fees
- Optional activities

- Additional meals & all beverages
- Fuel for rental vehicle
- Purchases and expenses of a personal nature

On a GUIDED basis, the tour includes in addition to the above inclusions:
- English speaking driver-guide from/to Windhoek & all tour expenses pertaining to

  the guide
- Transport in an air-conditioned 5-seater minibus & all tour expenses pertaining to
  the vehicle
- Comprehensive sightseeing programme & the applicable entrance/park fees

An indication of the approximate cost of services included in this 22-day tour:
SELF-DRIVE:  Daily rate per person sharing rental vehicle & room: N$1180
GUIDED:      Daily rate per person sharing accommodation: N$3000/min. 2 guests

CAMPING:   Daily rate per person sharing camper rental & camp site: N$860
 
All prices are based on service supplier rates valid until 31 October 2012