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Itinerary: Discover the Natural Wonders of Namibia

Abercrombie and Kent | Namibia Unearthed Tour

In partnership with

Venture into a vast landscape of shimmering salt pans, red dunes, glittering oceans and haunting coastlines on this 14-day wildlife tour hosted by Abercrombie & Kent. Namibia is home to the Big Five and the Marine Big Five, and some of the continent’s finest game reserves. With specialist guiding throughout, you’ll get an intimate understanding of the country’s ecology and wildlife and its ancient cultures while staying in luxury accommodation.

Day 1

Windhoek

Start this adventure with a warm welcome to the Namibian capital by A&K, then transfer to your cool and contemporary boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. The Olive Exclusive – the first ultra-luxurious sanctuary of its kind in the Namibian capital – is cool, contemporary and stylish but with a warm heart and authentic African soul. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner.

Day 2

Windhoek – Sossusvlei

A private aircraft delivers you south to the majestic Sossusvlei dunes where your luxe accommodation at Kulala Desert Lodge awaits. With easy access to the dunes and a private entrance to Namib Naukluft Park, the secluded lodge occupies prime position with magnificent views of the famous red dunes, the mountainous scenery and the vast open plains. Tonight you have the option to head out into the desert in search of the fascinating flora and fauna that the area has to offer.

Day 3

Sossusvlei

Today is an adventure into the world famous Sossusvlei dunes which are situated in the largest conservation area in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Before lunch you’ll visit the Sesriem Canyon. This fascinating three kilometre long geographical formation is the result of water carving its way into the earth over millennia. Then this afternoon you may choose to head out on a nature drive on the lodge reserve, or simply relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surrounds.

Day 4

Sossusvlei – Swakopmund

Today you will wing your way by private aircraft north to Swakopmund via the scenic route (weather dependent) with bird’s-eye views of Sossusvlei and the dune sea that stretches all the way to the coast. Then veer north along the coastline over abandoned mining camps, shipwrecks, Sandwich Harbour, salt pans and Walvis Bay lagoon before landing. On arrival you are met and transferred to your luxurious seaside digs. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this small, coastal resort nestled between the desert and the sea.

Day 5

Swakopmund

This morning will be spent on the water with a relaxing catamaran cruise. Sail past oyster farms to Pelican Point with its landmark lighthouse and 60,000 resident Cape fur seals. Accompanying our catamaran as we ride the waves you will see a variety of seabird as well. Then enjoy freshly shucked oysters with sparkling wine and snacks to complete our outing. The afternoon can be spent at leisure in your luxury accommodations.

Day 6

Swakopmund – Damaraland

Today you will head north and inland to the wonderful and diverse Damaraland where you will arrive at the luxury tented Mowani Mountain Camp. This will be the jumping off point for the following day’s adventures.

Take off into this remarkable region by 4WD travelling the ephemeral river valleys to explore and search for game. Your guides will share their intimate knowledge and respect for the land that they have built up over a lifetime. Then you will have an extraordinary viewing this afternoon at World Heritage listed Twyfelfontein. There you will see the impressive rock art galleries depict an extraordinary diversity of wild animals – rhino, elephant, giraffe, oryx, ostrich, flamingo, zebra and many more.

Your first stop on the journey today is to a remote Himba settlement in Kaokoland. The Himba are one of the last of Namibia’s traditional people with proud customs and traditions. At the southern boundary of Etosha National Park, you will venture into the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve and arrive at your lodge on the top of a hill in the Ondundozonanandana range. From this magnificent vantage point, beautiful views overlook a waterhole well-frequented by game and the plains beyond.

  • Stay at Ongava Lodge (Chalet)
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

You will have an extraordinary day of game viewing today in Etosha where the arid landscape makes the spotting of wildlife effortless. Waterholes in this desert terrain attract a range of animals in good numbers from lion, leopard, elephant and rhino to giraffe, wildebeest, cheetah and much much more. This evening you can soak up one of Namibia’s finest sunsets as you gaze over the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha salt pans, embellished only with wild animals and hundreds of camel thorn trees.

Today is a day to relax and soak up the idyllic and tranquil bush surroundings. You can also head out again on safari into the Etosha National Park. The Reserve covers an area of over 34,000 hectares and incorporates ecological substrata such as savannah, bushveld, omuramba and dry pan. This part of Namibia has been identified as one of the key bird watching sites in Southern Africa. To finish the day you will go on a sunset drive with your guides where they will reveal many more of the intricacies of the bush.

The journey heads south today to Okonjima, where we will arrive at your luxury lodge. Your lodge is also home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation, committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetah and leopard. You will gain an intimate insight to the valuable work being done by AfriCat during our stay. Then this afternoon you will head out on a leopard tracking mission. These beautiful predators are frequently seen here on the 20,000 hectare reserve, although sightings are never guaranteed. The day finishes with a visit to the hide to view wildlife by night such as porcupine, honey-badgers and caracal, or you can attend a night drive into the reserve.

Today a fascinating cultural encounter awaits you on the Bushman Trail. You will head out on foot into the reserve and learn about the art of making traditional artefacts and how the San bushmen adapt and survive in an unforgiving wilderness environment. Alternatively, you may join a radio-tracking mission on foot in search of rehabilitated spotted hyenas. During the afternoon, we visit AfriCat’s Carnivore Care and Information Centre. The organisation provides a home, food and care for over 36 rescued animals before they can be released back into the wild. You will see firsthand how this inspirational programme assists in research and conservation through education and positive relations with the local farming community.

After a morning of relaxation and leisure you will return to Windhoek. To end the night you will have a chance to relive memories of our trip at a farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

  • Breakfast

Discover the Natural Wonders of Namibia

Travel Dates 2019

  • 22 May – 04 June
  • 14 October – 27 October

Prices

  • 22 May – 04 June: AU$14,995 per person
    • Single Supplement: AU$1,545
  • 14 October – 27 October: AU$15,995 per person
    • Single Supplement: AU$1,795

For more information and to enquire about this reader offer please visit: www.abercrombiekent.com.au

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