Experience the ethnic culture of the Himba people in Kaokoland, of the Owambo people, the wildlife of Etosha and the Waterberg Plateau on this 14-day safari around Northern Namibia.

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

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

Photo: Ship wreck on Namibia's treacherous Skeleton Coast

Around Namibia ...

Northern Namibia

14-Day/13-Night Accommodated Self-drive Safari
from/to Windhoek covering the natural highlights and ethnic cultures in north-central, north-western and coastal Namibia

Our Northern Namibia Tour is suitable for first-time visitors to Namibia with a bit of prior experience of travelling in Africa. It will however be particularly appealing to repeat visitors of Namibia who feel like venturing off the beaten track, after having completed a Classic Namibia Safari on an earlier visit.

Waterberg Plateau, Etosha National Park, Owambo culture, Ruacana and Epupa Falls, the Ochre people of Kaokoland, Sesfontein, ... does this sound like a list of foreign words?

Our Northern Namibia Safari will reveal in detail how much beauty is hidden behind these words. You can't bring along too many memory cards or film rolls for your camera. And once in Namibia's far north-western Kunene Region, you may also learn how fulfilling it is to 'hear' the silence and to 'feel' the presence of pristine wilderness when a heightening of your  senses makes thoughts of the world beyond disappear.
To those keen to also experience the oldest desert on earth first hand, we recommend taking a look at our suggestion of an extended 16-Day Northern Namibia Tour that includes a visit of Sossusvlei in the sand dune fields of the Namib.

Both versions of this tour are based on the easiest to drive routings but some more demanding ones do exist. If you have some off-road experience, please let us know.

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

Northern Namibia

14-Day/13-Night Accommodated Self-drive Safari
from/to Windhoek covering the natural highlights and ethnic cultures in north-central, north-western and coastal Namibia

An EXTENSION OPTION of 2 days, for visiting the Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert of Namibia, is available to complete a Northern Namibia roundtrip in 16 days.

This programme & its extension option are also available as:
- accommodated guided tour
- self-drive camping tour

Day 1     Windhoek
Upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International (Windhoek International) Airport, a transfer driver will take you to the vehicle rental company's office in town where you collect your vehicle and proceed to your accommodation.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. If not too tired from the flight, you find various sightseeing opportunities during a stroll through the city centre. Otherwise just unwind around the lovely garden and pool area of your accommodation.
Take advantage of the possibility to enjoy a finger licking meal at Windhoek’s most favoured restaurant, Joe’s Beerhouse, situated only a stone-throw away.
Elegant Guesthouse - Windhoek
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Khomas Region
Contemporary flair and stylish surroundings are the trademarks of The Elegant Guesthouse.

Optional alternative lodging:
Charlottes B&B - Budget
Hotel Uhland - Tourist Class
Hotel Thule - Upmarket

Day 2     Windhoek - Waterberg Plateau
Departing from Windhoek in a northern direction, you find one of Namibia's largest woodcarvers' markets after only 70 km, on the outskirts of Okahandja, which is well worth scouting for some first souvenirs - if you booked the EXTENDED Northern Namibia Tour; otherwise you come through here again on your return leg.

Proceed north through typical African bushveld dotted with isolated oddly-shaped mountains and criss-crossed by the mostly dry beds of ephemeral rivers. Watch out for first sighting opportunities of warthogs, baboons and antelopes that roam the vast farmlands and occasionally try to cross the tar road in bright daylight.

Still half an hour's drive south of Otjiwarongo, a huge plateau mountain seems to rise out of nowhere on the north-eastern horizon showing you the way to tonight’s accommodation, at the foot of the small Waterberg.
During the afternoon, enjoy individual activities and the magnificent view of the vertical cliffs of the Waterberg's southern side.
If you love hiking and exploring the breathtaking natural surroundings as well as the unique flora and fauna of the Waterberg Plateau a bit longer, you might like to consider staying here a bit longer (optional extension days on request).
Waterberg Guest Farm - Waterberg Plateau
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Otjozondjupa Region
This is a wonderland for lovers of both fauna and flora alike. Many game and bird species may be viewed by sitting in one of the many elevated hides located at various waterholes around the ranch. Alternatively, get comfortable on a wooden deck at the pool, which faces a waterhole for the wildlife situated just 80 meters away in the bush. Different animal species visit this waterhole throughout the day.

Optional alternative lodging:
Otjibamba Lodge - Budget
Waterberg Plateau Park - Tourist Class
Waterberg Wilderness Lodge - Upmarket
Waterberg Plateau Park - Camping

Days 3 and 4     Waterberg Plateau - Etosha National Park
Through the mining town of Tsumeb and past the mysterious Lake Otjikoto, you reach the eastern border of the famous Etosha National Park.

Enjoy watching African wildlife in all its diverse appearances during your individual game drives in the eastern and central parts of the park, along the vast glittering expanse of the Etosha Pan and on visits to permanent waterholes. More game viewing opportunities are available from the bar and dining room of the lodge.
Onguma Bush Camp - Etosha National Park
Bed & Breakfast
Oshikoto Region
Situated on the eastern side of Etosha, bordering Fisher’s Pan, Onguma Safari Camps are one of Namibia’s best kept secrets! Here you will be afforded the opportunity of experiencing Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Bush Camp accommodation consists of 6 en-suite air-conditioned luxury bungalows and is ideal for families. Return after game viewing in the park, relax around the pool while watching a spectacular sunset. Picnic baskets are packed on request.

Optional alternative lodging:
Etosha Aoba Lodge - Tourist Class
Onguma Tree Top Camp - Upmarket
Namutoni - Camping

Day 5     Etosha National Park - Oshakati/Owamboland
From Onguma, your journey takes you north through Etosha, with game viewing opportunities en route. Proceed along Fisher’s Pan, still on the lookout for predators, and take a detour to the Andoni waterhole where large herds of zebra and oryx often congregate for a drink, before you leave the park through the King Nehale Gate.

By now you have left Namibia's central highlands far behind and proceed north across the seemingly endless plains of the Oshana Region to its bustling economic centre, Oshakati. Since Namibia's Independence in 1990, the former Owamboland is divided into four administrative regions, of which Oshana is the most densely populated and vibrant one. If you did not spend the better part of the day in Etosha, check with your lodge management for optional activities available at the time. Visiting an open-air market, a traditional pottery, a shebeen (informal bar), and other places of interest should only be done in the company of a local guide who speaks Oshiwambo and is familiar with the ethnic culture of the region.
Travellers interested in European missionary activities in Africa, around the late 1800's, have an opportunity to visit the Olukonda Museum located just south of Ondangwa under their own steam. Due to a lack of maintenance funds, the museum housed in the former mission station has seen better days but it still provides an interesting glimpse into a gone-by era.

Should you be visiting the Oshana Region after a summer season with plenty of rainfall, you might be lucky to find the channels and lakes of the Oshana System flooded which gives an idea of how similar to Botswana's Okavango Delta this part of Namibia used to look millions of years ago when the Kunene River still drained into the Etosha Pan instead of into the Atlantic Ocean.
Oshakati Country Lodge - Oshakati
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Oshana Region
Oshakati Country Hotel’s courtyard with its lush garden and swimming pool provides the ideal atmosphere for a relaxing sundowner after a busy day.

Optional alternative lodging:
Protea Hotel Pandu Ondangwa - Tourist Class

Day 6     Oshakati - Ruacana/Kunene River
Your journey continues almost straight north-west, on a tar road lined by traditional villages and informal settlements on communal land where livestock roams freely and people live from subsistence farming and fishing the Oshana System's ponds. The land is flat and sparsely vegetated, apart from small isolated stands of the photogenic Makalani palm tree, all the way to Ruacana on the Kunene River.
Here you enter the Kunene Region. If the river carries sufficient amounts of water to keep the Ruacana Falls flowing, the Ruacana Hydro-Electric Power Plant meets part of Namibia’s electricity needs and may be visited while in operation. Your nearby accommodation is located on the banks of the Kunene River and the only one in this remote part of Namibia that is accessible without a 4x4 vehicle throughout the year.
Ruacana Eha Lodge - Ruacana
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kunene Region
Ruacana Eha Lodge is an oasis in the rugged landscapes that offers relaxation and a rare opportunity to come face-to-face with forgotten Africa. The word “eha” describes a piece of jewellery worn by the Himba, but it also means “home”.

Optional alternative lodging:
Kunene River Lodge - Tourist Class
Opuwo Country Lodge - Upmarket
Ruacana Eha Lodge - Camping

Days 7 and 8     Ruacana - Epupa Falls/Kunene River

Reaching the end of today’s journey means reaching the most northern point of your safari. Providing an unobstructed view of the Epupa Falls and the opportunity to meet the last nomadic tribe of Namibia, the Himba, on an optional excursion, Omarunga Camp is located in one of Namibia’s most unspoilt surroundings. Relax in the pools of the Epupa Falls always alert and aware of the fact that there might be crocodiles around or take a walk through the Kunene River Valley.
Omarunga Camp - Epupa Falls
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kunene Region
On the banks of the Kunene River, only a short walk upstream from the spectacular Epupa Falls, lies Omarunga Camp. Hidden in the shade of exotic Makalani palm trees, this little paradise is definitely one of Namibia's most secluded getaways. The lush vegetation along the majestic Kunene stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding Kaokoland.

Optional alternative lodging:
Epupa Falls Lodge - Upmarket
Omarunga Camp - Camping

Day 9     Epupa Falls - Fort Sesfontein
Leaving this paradise you travel into the barren, rugged Kaokoveld. Via Opuwo, the capital of this region, your road leads you to the historic Fort, Sesfontein that was built by the German 'Schutztruppe' as a control point. Wash off the dust of Kaokoveld in the sparkling pool or pay a visit to the Onganga Falls and dive into the natural pools there.
Fort Sesfontein - Kaokoveld
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kunene Region
Fort Sesfontein is located in a wilderness area far from civilization and offers all modern facilities which guests may expect today. You will enjoy luxury with historical background. The central court of the lodge is planted with palm trees and has a generous pool. The former officer’s mess has been refurbished as a restaurant with integrated lodge and bar.

Optional alternative lodging:
Palmwag Lodge - Tourist Class
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge - Upmarket
Palmwag Lodge - Camping

Day 10   Fort Sesfontein - Twyfelfontein
There are not many world heritage sites but one of them was declared as such in 2007 in Namibia’s Damaraland at Twyfelfontein. Along the road south you can make a side trip to the Grootberg Pass to enjoy this unique sight into the Etendeka Mountains. Reaching Twyfelfontein take a 45 minute walk to some of the best examples of Bushman paintings and rock engravings in Southern Africa. Interesting rock formations and the remainder of prehistoric volcanic action can be seen among the most prominent geographic features including the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain.
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge - Twyfelfontein/Damaraland
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kunene Region
The Lodge is situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy and boast reception, lounge, curio shop, open dining room, bar and swimming pool. In construction utmost care was taken to reduce the visual impact on the environment and to blend into the mountainside.

Optional alternative lodging:
Camp Xaragu - Budget
Doro Nawas - Tourist Class
Camp Kipwe - Upmarket
Camp Xaragu - Camping

Days 11 and 12     Twyfelfontein - Swakopmund
It is time for some cooler nights and the roaring of the waves on the shore. Halfway to your destination you have a decision to make. If you want to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross you turn north at Henties Bay, if not you turn south travelling along the coastal road until you reach the small coastal town laden with history, Swakopmund. Alternatively explore the town on foot, join an optional desert tour to meet all the creatures living in the presumed lifeless desert or float on the Atlantic Ocean meeting seals, dolphin, pelican and other sea birds. If Fortuna is kind you might even encounter a sunfish, a sea tortoise or a whale in the port of Walvis Bay during an optional dolphin cruise.
Beach Lodge - Swakopmund
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Erongo Region
The only Hotel Pension directly on the beach! Enjoy the magnificent view of the sea from each room, listen to the waves and smell the fresh sea breeze. The lodge is situated about 5km from the town centre. The location, architecture, ambience and service will impress you and makes it the perfect hideaway for Honeymooners.

Optional alternative lodging:
Meike’s Guesthouse - Budget
Intermezzo Guesthouse - Tourist Class
Hotel Eberwein - Upmarket
Alte Brücke Resort - Camping

Day 13     Swakopmund - Windhoek
It is time to get used to the thought that you holidays have come to an end. If this is no pleasant thought try to imagine that you extend for another 3 nights before having to face reality. Traveling along the Trans Kalahari Highway you pass Okahandja once again so that you have the option of some more wooden figures before you reach Windhoek. Tonight’s accommodation gives you the opportunity to recall each of the beautiful experiences you came across in the past 13 days.
Olive Grove Guesthouse - Windhoek
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Khomas Region
A small, upmarket accommodation establishment situated close to the Windhoek city centre, in a quiet, peaceful area.

Optional alternative lodging:
Charlotte’s B&B - Budget
Kalahari Sands Hotel - Tourist Class
Hotel Heinitzburg - Upmarket

Day 14     Windhoek/Departure
If you have come this far there is no way of turning back. Return your vehicle and take a transfer to Windhoek International airport well in time for your outbound flight.

This itinerary can easily be extended to include a 2-day/2-night visit of the southern Namib Desert and its famous Sossusvlei surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes on earth. The additional experiences to be had are covered in our safari
EXTENDED Northern Namibia - the next page entails details of the extension days.

Services Included in the 14-day programme, on a SELF-DRIVE basis:
- 13 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 - 13 days:
  Toyota Single Cab - 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
- Sightseeing programme & the applicable entrance/park fees

An indication of the approximate cost of services included in this 14-day tour:
SELF-DRIVE:  Daily rate per person sharing rental vehicle & room: N$1390
GUIDED:      Daily rate per person sharing accommodation: N$3020/min. 2 guests

CAMPING:  Daily rate per person sharing camper rental & camp site: N$1060

All prices are based on service supplier rates valid until 31 October 2012