Tribes and Wildlife in the north of namibia
10 Day Tour
Booking Reference: SWAS 10 N
When the sun rises in the morning, the antelopes graze on the plains of the Etosha National Park. Goats and cattle are standing in the kraals, waiting to be let out. Quiet smoke rises in front of the traditional huts. The day can start. We get to know the peaceful daily routine of different tribes of Namibia, as well as of animal species- in the midst of enchanting landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: A warm welcome to Namibia!
Upon your arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport you will be met by our experienced local tour guide, who will take you to your accommodation in Windhoek. After check-in at the accommodation and if time permits, you will be taken on a city tour which is rounded off by a visit to our township, Katutura.
Accommodation / Breakfast at Windhoek Luxury Suites. Incl. Airport Transfer / City Tour
Day 2 Windhoek – Etosha National Park
After a hearty breakfast in a small coffee shop, which reminds us of a farmstall in Stellenbosch, Cape Town. We depart from Windhoek and head north. We pass through Okahandja, the former tribal centre of the Herero people and a former missionary city, Otjiwarongo and Otavi, two important towns for farmers, Tsumeb, the garden and mine town, where we reach our night’s accommodation.
En route we learn much about life in the cities and on the farms in Namibia, as well as about the Namibian economy.
Dinner/ Accommodation/ Breakfast at the Minen Hotel.
Day 3:Etosha National Park
After an early breakfast we make our way to the farm Hedwigslust, where the Ombili Foundation is based. The Ombili Foundation has spent more than 20 years working on the integration of the San Bushmen into the modern world by teaching them how to clear the land, sowing seeds, harvesting crops and by settling them down. A school has been set up to help with education, and crafts can also be learnt. After this cultural experience we take a game drive into the park. The Etosha National Park is one of the oldest game reserves in the world. Already in 1907 the area was put under nature conservation and still today covers 22.270 km ², consisting mostly of grass and bush savannah. There are excellent opportunities for game viewing, at the many water holes or in the open field. The actual Etosha pan, after which the park has been named, is about 6,000 km ² in size. The name ‘Etosha’ comes from the Ovambo and means ‘place of dry water’ or ‘big white place’. Here it may be that mirages deceive us. But in the rainy months, it could really be water. With many great impressions we leave the park again in the late afternoon through the eastern part of the Etosha National Park to the King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate in the northeast of the park. The day is ended with one of Etosha’s spectacular sun downers.
Dinner/ Accommodation/ Breakfast at King Nehale Lodge. Incl. Ombili Foundation
Day 4:Etosha National Park
Our game drives in the Etosha National Park are scheduled for the entire day. We have enough time to spend at water holes to watch the animals comfortably and to listen to their sounds. It is often a constant coming and going of various game species. Not all types tolerate each other, and it is exciting to watch.
Dinner/ Accommodation/ Breakfast at the King Nehale Lodge. Incl. Game Drive
Optional: Unique afternoon game watching activity
Day 5: Etosha National Park – 4-O Region
The Ovambo in Namibia are divided into 8 tribes and make up the largest ethnic group of the country (approx. 50 %). Our first stop is the Nakambale Museum in Olukondo that depicts the present and past of the Finnish mission and the local culture. We enjoy a cultural lunch in Oshakati.
The trip continues westward, through the Omusati Region. Palm savannah, mopane trees and scattered baobabs line the way of the vast plain, where cattle, donkeys and goats are a sign of wealth. The various attractions of the area are visited. We continue to Opuwo, the district town of the northwest.
Dinner/ Accommodation/ Breakfast at the Opuwo Country Lodge. Incl. Nakambale Museum
Day 6: Opuwo – Epupa Falls
We’re off to an early start heading to the Epupa Falls. Approximately 180km of road lie ahead of us. It’s not far, but it takes a bit longer, because the gravel road is not easily driven. The Epupa Falls are situated in the northwest of Namibia as part of the Kunene River, which is also the border between Namibia and Angola. The Kunene drops into a 60m deep gorge here. Next to the main falls, there are a number of smaller falls where the water plunges into the depths. The Kunene runs through the landscape like a green ribbon. An impressive image. The sight leaves us with a good idea of how powerful the falls must be when the river is at full capacity. Our lodge is situated at the riverbank and the sound of the falls turns into music.
Dinner/ Accommodation/ Breakfast at the Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp. Incl. Epupa Falls / Sundowner Drive
Day 7:Epupa Falls
The morning is dedicated to visiting a Himba settlement. Himba (correctly referred to as Ovahimba) is an African tribe in the north of Namibia that is related to the Herero. Till this day Himba -Namibians (the tribe is estimated to comprise itself of 7.000 individuals) live relatively untouched by European civilisation – in their ever-adapting and changing tradition as nomadic ranchers, hunters and gatherers. Their cattle represent their wealth and they move around with them in search of pasture. Thus, there are many abandoned villages. The greasy cream with which men and women balm themselves is particularly interesting. Not only does it give them a red skin tone, but it also protects their skin against the extremely hot and dry climate of the Kaokoveld. The balm is made from butter fat and ochre colour. The colouring ingredient in the natural red ochre is the iron oxide, as well as the aromatic resin of the Omuzumba shrub. After returning you will get a chance to relax at the pool. In the afternoon, we will go on a guided excursion to the Epupa Falls and enjoy the sunset afterwards. Enjoy the view and let the vastness take its effect on you.
Dinner/ Accommodation/ Breakfast at the Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp. Incl. Himba Settlement
Day 8:Epupa Falls – Etosha National Park West
Return trip to Opuwo. On the way we will experience how the days of the Himba begin – without a sign of haste. The livestock is lead to the water at a leisurely pace and the day passes calmly. We then head south to the Hobatere Lodge, opposite the western part of the Etosha National Park. On the property of Hobatere we will have the opportunity to experience a half day game drive in an open vehicle with knowledgeable and experienced rangers. We will have the benefit of enjoying an exclusive wildlife-rich area, whilst the bird-watching enthusiasts can also applaud the variety of species found in this concession.
After dinner a night drive awaits us. With a bit of luck, we may see the elusive nocturnal animals, such as the aardvark, cape fox, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, genet and many more beating around the bushes.
Dinner/ Accommodation/ Breakfast at the Hobatere Lodge. Incl. Night Drive
Day 9:Etosha National Park West
Today we drive through the western part of the Etosha National Park to get to our night’s accommodation. Usually large herds of springbok and other antelopes spend their time here.
Dinner/ Accommodation/ Breakfast at the Toshari Lodge. Incl. Game Drive
Day 10: Etosha National Park - Windhoek
With our hearts full of the impressions of the past days and after a good breakfast, we make our way back to Windhoek, via Outjo, Otjiwarongo und Okahandja. Arrival in the afternoon.
Incl. Airport Transfer
Route
Highlights
- Etosha National Park
- San Bushmen
- Nakambale Museum
- Sundowner Drive
- Epupa Falls
- Himba Settlement
- Night Drive
- Game Drive
Included services:
Transfer from and to Hosea Kutako International Airport
Overland trips and all sightseeing / activities according to the itinerary.
Accommodation in double rooms with bath and/ or shower and toilet in lodges.
Daily breakfast
Daily dinner (exception day 1)
English speaking tour guide (Possibly bilingual tour guide)
Please note: Game drives in the Etosha National Park are done in our own vehicle
not included:
Personal expenses, such as lunch, drinks, laundry service, tip in restaurants, as well as for the tour guide.
Departure:
07.45 AM from SWA Safaris office. Trift Street 12
By prior arrangements, collection from your accommodation.
Pricing:
| Per Person Price | SWAS 10 N |
|---|---|
|
2 travelers |
81 200 |
|
4 travelers |
53 700 |
|
6 travelers |
53 600 |
|
8 travelers |
46 700 |
Single Supplement: NAD 6 700-
Please note: * The remaining prices are available on the separate price sheet.
Dates
| DATES | SWAS 10 N |
|---|---|
|
Nov 22 |
12 |
|
Dec 22 |
/ |
|
Jan 23 |
/ |
|
Feb 23 |
18 |
|
Mar 23 |
/ |
|
Apr 23 |
01 |
|
May 23 |
13 |
|
Jun 23 |
/ |
|
Jul 23 |
15 |
|
Aug 23 |
05 |
|
Sep 23 |
/ |
|
Oct 23 |
21 |