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7 Day Taste of Namibia Scheduled & Accommodated Safari 2017 Central Namibia - Etosha National Park - Swakopmund - Sossusvlei

7 Days / 6 Nights

Reference: 7 Day Taste of Namibia Scheduled & Accommodated Safari 2017

Date of Issue: 29 November 2016

Click here to view your Digital Itinerary

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Overview If you only have 1 week to explore Namibia then this fully accommodated and well balanced safari “package” is the

perfect choice for you. Combine the wonderful conservation work done at N/a'ankuse Lodge with an overnight stay

and the full Carnivore Feeding Tour. Then 2 nights in and near the world renowned Etosha National Park with

extensive game drives, an overnight stay in the coastal resort of Swakopmund, which is nestled between the Namib

Desert and the cold and forbidding Atlantic Ocean. The last 2 nights are the cherry on the cake with a full day inside

the Namib Naukluft National Park exploring the eery starkness of Dead Vlei and climbing the majestic sand dunes of

Sossusvlei, on our return to Windhoek you will meet the cheetahs of the Namib and learn firsthand of the conflict

these beautiful animals face with the growth of the human population.

Highlights: N/a’ankuse Lodge and Carnivore feeding activity; Etosha National Park- Game Drives; Swakopmund;

Namib Naukluft National Park- Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Dune 45; track wild cheetahs at the

N/a'ankuse Namib Conservation Centre.

Please note – the itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances

when it may change – for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on

occasion may be altered from those indicated above.

Key services for meals on trips

B – Breakfast; L – Lunch; D - Dinner

Price (Price valid from 1 April 2017 - 31 March 2018)

Per person sharing to Chameleon: N$18,200

Single supplement: N$3,000

Min: 1 person to confirm departure if more than 30 days before departure

Max: 12 people

Included Transport in safari vehicle (no air-conditioning); services of an English speaking driver/guide; accommodation as

indicated; meals as indicated; entry fees to the National Parks; vat; tourism levy

Accommodation Destination Nights

Na'an ku sê Lodge Central Namibia 1

Halali Resort Etosha National Park 1

Taleni Etosha Village Etosha National Park 1

A la Mer Hotel Swakopmund 1

Desert Camp Sossusvlei 1

Desert Camp Sossusvlei 1

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Excluded Pre and post safari accommodation; airport transfers; flights; visas; travel insurance; items of a personal nature;

additional meals; snacks and drinks including bottled water; telephone calls and internet services; tips and gratuities;

lost luggage; other activities

Day 1: Na'an ku sê Lodge, Central Namibia

Day Itinerary

You are collected from the airport upon arrival and transferred to N/a;ankusé Lodge where you will stay overnight in

beautiful thatch bungalows with en-suite facilities. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to join the

afternoon feeding tour of the large predators that are unable to be re-located back into the wild, learn more about

these fascinating animals and photographic opportunities are excellent. You can then enjoy a champagne sun

downer before returning to the lodge for dinner. Your stay here supports the project and helps with the costs of

keeping these majestic animals alive. Overnight twin share bungalows with en-suite facilities. (DBB + feeding game

drive & champagne sundowner)

The central Namibian highlands are much cooler and less harsh than the arid lowlands that make up the majority of

the country. This is a great cattle ranching country and most tourism facilities have their origins in cattle and more

recently game ranching. Windhoek, the capital city is also located here and is often the base for the start and finish

of many trips.

Overnight: Na'an ku sê Lodge View iBrochure

Located just a 40 minute drive from Windhoek International Airport and nestled in the stunning African veldt,it's

perfectly situated to start or finish your trip to Namibia. With a range of enjoyable activities available, including

various Carnivore Feeding Tours, and Cheetahs up Close there are a number of activities to keep you busy. The only

charity lodge in Namibia, N/a’an ku sê is crafted from ecologically clean material including solid logs and glass to

complement the beautiful wilderness setting, there are just six luxurious, individual chalets each with open

bathroom/shower, air-con, tea/coffee station and a small private verandah. The main area has a dining area with

stunning views, bar and swimming pool. There are also five beautifully appointed and fully equipped holiday houses

available for hire. The lodge is a not for profit eco-tourism destination, where all profits are directed straight back

into supporting their charitable projects - the Wildlife Sanctuary and Carnivore Conservation Research Project for

Namibia’s vulnerable wildlife, and the Clever Cubs School and Lifeline Clinic for the San Bushman. By visiting N/a’an

ku se you are directly contributing towards the protection and conservation of wildlife and helping to improve the

lives of the marginalized San Bushman community. The lodge design incorporates the ethnic and rustic atmosphere

of Africa, whilst offering luxury accommodation. Grass, wooden logs, stones, mohair together with linen and bedding

are a unique combination. Activities are focused around the game on the reserve.

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Included

Transfer, Feeding Tour at N/a'ankuse Lodge with Sundowner Drinks & Dinner

Day 2: Halali Resort, Etosha National Park

Day Itinerary

An early breakfast and you will be transferred from N/a'ankuse at 06h30 to Chameleon Backpackers Lodge for a pre-

departure talk and to meet the rest of the group. After departure from Windhoek, we stop briefly at Otjiwarongo

and enjoy a light lunch pack “on the move” before entering Etosha National Park through the Anderson Gate. We

enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park visiting waterholes looking for predators as well as zebra, giraffe,

elephant, rhino and many different species of antelope. We arrive at our lodge just before sunset and settle into our

rooms, with en-suite bathroom and tea/coffee facilities. We highly recommend spending time at the floodlit

waterhole while dinner is prepared by your guide over an open fire and an early night is recommended. (LD)

The Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier game viewing experience, situated in the north of Namibia and in the

heart of the park is Etosha Pan - a chalky, white depression covering an area of 5000sq kilometres. Vegetation ranges

from dense bush to open plains attracting a diversity of wildlife including one of the largest growing populations of

black rhino in the world. Look out for endangered species including cheetah and lesser-known black-faced impala,

along with herds of elephants, lion, hyena and leopard. Antelope species range from kudu, oryx, wildebeest and

springbok - in fact there's 114 species of mammals, along with around 340 species of birds. Dry season guarantees

sightings at waterholes and the main rest camps have floodlit waterholes to ensure endless viewing. Within the park

are several public rest camps catering for budget to mid-range level of accommodation. There are several smaller

establishments on the outskirts of the park on private land offering a more intimate and comprehensive experience.

All of these establishments offer excellent value for money.

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Overnight: Halali Resort

Strategically located halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni inside Etosha National Park, Halali is situated at the

base of a dolomite hill, amongst shady mopane trees and a Government run rest camp. A flood-lit waterhole is

viewed from an elevated vantage point and during dry winter months provides exceptional wildlife viewing

throughout the day and into the night and it's not unusual for elephant, rhino, hyena and various species of game to

be seen. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, small shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities. Watch out for

honey badgers around the rooms and campsite - it's a great location for them.

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Taleni Etosha Village, Etosha National Park

Day Itinerary

We start our first game drive at sunrise to catch the predators while they are still active, visiting many waterholes

and return to Halali for breakfast. Our second game drive mid-morning takes us to the impressive Etosha Pan “great

white place” where we can get out of the vehicle and experience this 4500km2 “saline desert” before continuing

your game drive to look for the Big 4. We arrive back at Halali where your guide will prepare you a delicious lunch

whilst having a dip in the pool or relax by the camp waterhole. After lunch you will have a chance to relax before our

final game drive across the park towards Okaukuejo calling into some well-known waterholes and leave the park

prior to sunset. Accommodation tonight is twin share permanent tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Dinner is

prepared by your guide and another early night is recommended. (BLD)

Etosha Pan

Aeons ago, Etosha Pan was the bed of a vast lake; today what remains is a glittering, silvery-green salt pan that

stretches across roughly 5000 square kilometres. Etosha is protected by the Etosha Pan National Park surrounded by

savannah plains and woodlands supporting large herds of elephants. When dry, the pan sustains little life except for

the algae that gives it its distinctive colour, and migratory birds that use it as a pit stop, but with heavy rain it

becomes a shallow lake (east side) where flamingos breed, pelicans wade and feed, and a variety of mammal species

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come to quench their thirst, including predators such as hyena, lion, cheetah, and leopards along with rhinos, and

antelopes.

Overnight: Taleni Etosha Village View iBrochure

Situated only 2km from the Andersson entrance gate to Etosha National Park, Etosha Village uniquely combines

affordability with comfort, style and exquisite cuisine. 40 individual canvas suites are constructed on wooden decks

and offer a fully air-conditioned bedroom with an unique semi-open en-suite bathroom. Two small children (under

12) can be accommodated with their parents on a convertible bunk berth. All units are also equipped for self-

caterers, complete with an open-air kitchenette, fridge, kettle and an outside seating area with barbeque. Facilities

include an unique open-plan bar with big screen television, 2 sparkling pools plus a kiddie pool, a restaurant with as

well as a fully stocked utility and curio shop. Explore Namibia’s animal kingdom with guided excursions to Etosha

National Park or use it as a base to self-drive. wifi

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: A la Mer Hotel, Swakopmund & Coastal Strip

Day Itinerary

Enjoy an early morning breakfast and departure from our lodge is at 07h30, the route today take us into the

dramatic and beautiful scenery of Damaraland, you have the chance to meet the wonderful Herero ladies who sell

their handmade arts and crafts to support their rural families. A light roadside lunch is served en-route in the shadow

of Namibia's tallest mountain, the Brandberg, and you can interact with some of the colourful local characters who

live in this harsh environment. On the drive down the Skeleton Coast we explore the remains of a small shipwreck

arriving in Swakopmund mid-afternoon giving us time to explore this quaint seaside town on foot. Our guide will be

happy to recommend a good restaurant for the evening meal (own expense). Overnight accommodation is in twin

share rooms with en-suite bathroom. (BL)

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Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more

German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has

plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool

sea breeze make it very popular and has a wide range of accommodation establishments, banks, restaurants/cafes

and shops.

Along this stretch of coastline (Walvis Bay and Swakopmund) you can take part in a selection of activities sating the

thirst of those seeking adrenaline adventures - sky diving, quad biking and sandboarding; or for the more leisurely a

range of marine activities including kayaking and cruises. The coastal desert can also be explored with trips to

Sandwich Harbour, or informative desert tours... There is a long list so just ask us!

Walvis Bay is Namibia's major harbour town and the lagoon has prolific bird life including flamingos, pelicans as well

as the breeding area for the endemic Damara tern - any bird enthusiast should make a stop here.

Further north along this coastline - part of the Skeleton Coast, you'll find shipwrecks and the famous Cape Cross seal

colony - one of the largest fur seal colonies in the area.

Damaraland

Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and

spectacular rock formations. Some regard the highlight of the region as Twyfelfontein - Namibia's first World

Heritage Site and one of the largest collections of rock etchings in Africa. There are a number of sites worth exploring

in the region and depending on how much time you have - Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, the Erongo

Mountains with its granite formations and conservancy programmes, then Spitzkoppe offering incredible rock

formations as well as rock paintings.

Engage with local communities around the area including the Damara people and perhaps visit Damara Living

Museum located close to Twyfelfontein.

Ultimately, this area is also home to free-roaming desert elephant, black rhino and desert-adapted lion (along with a

number of other species including giraffe, mountain zebra etc), and some lodges offer superb activities enabling

visitors to track these incredible animals.

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Overnight: A la Mer Hotel

Hotel Pension A La Mer offers you charming accommodation with en-suite bathrooms just metres from the beach

and the heart of the old town. There are 23 simple, en-suite rooms, along with a bar, restaurant for breakfast and

small curio shop. A warm and friendly atmosphere, 24 hour security and secured parking are all part of the service.

Wifi is available. Twin/double/triple/family rooms are available.

Included

Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Desert Camp, Sossusvlei

Day Itinerary

This morning after breakfast we highly recommend a visit to the Museum or Aquarium (optional and unguided) and

for the adrenalin junkies a 2 hour sand boarding experience in the dunes should get your pulse racing. You will be

picked up from your guesthouse/hotel in Swakopmund from 11h15, (wintertime at 10h15) as we aim to depart

Swakopmund by 12noon. We drive via Kuiseb Pass and Gaub Pass to continue on to Solitaire and our camp. We will

arrive at our camp late afternoon and have a chance to relax and enjoy the views before taking a short walk for

sunset looking over the Naukluft mountain range. Overnight is based in twin rooms or permanent tents with en-suite

bathroom facilities. Pool and bar available. Dinner prepared by your guide. (BLD)

Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes within the Namib Naukluft National Park. The clear blue

skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographers'

heaven. Perhaps the most iconic is the stunning Dead Vlei where the dazzling white clay pan is punctuated by

skeletons of ancient camel-thorn trees, and set against the backdrop of the apricot dunes. Aside from the attractions

at Sossusvlei - Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Elim's Dune - other attractions in the area include the Sesriem

Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains and a great hiking

destination.

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Overnight: Desert Camp View iBrochure

Desert Camp is situated only 5 km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Naukluft

Park. Nestled under centuries old thorn trees, Desert Camp offers an unsurpassed view over the desert landscape

and surrounding mountains. The 20 self-catering accommodation units are of a tented structure and equipped with

en-suite bathroom, shaded veranda with a fitted kitchenette, barbeque, power points and an adjacent parking area.

Each twin-bedded bedroom features a fold-out sleeper couch where 2 small children (under 12) can be

accommodated. Facilities at the main building include a bar with big screen television, a sparkling swimming pool

and 2 communal boma-areas which are perfect for groups travelling together. Fresh food supplies can be ordered

daily at reception or meals can be enjoyed at the nearby Sossusvlei Lodge restaurant (there is no restaurant facility

at Desert Camp).

Exciting desert activities like guided excursions to Sossusvlei, Quad Biking, Sundowner Drives and magnificent Scenic

Flights over the dunes and coast can be booked at the Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre.

Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Desert Camp, Sossusvlei

Day Itinerary

We depart at dawn from camp to arrive at the park gate for sunrise, we then drive down an ancient river bed

surrounded by towering dunes to the 2x4 parking (around 55kms) and take a 4x4 shuttle into the Sossusvlei area to

appreciate the beauty of this place in early morning light and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the region. We

explore this unique area on foot before heading into Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and

skeletal camel thorn trees, contrasting with a backdrop of huge dunes with their ever-changing colours. We can

either walk or take the 4x4 shuttle back to our vehicle, from here drive back to our accommodation stopping en-

route at the famous Dune 45 which we can climb, or just wander around the base, before continuing to Sesriem to

visit the nearby Sesriem Canyon, one of the few permanent water sources before arriving back at our lodge late

afternoon to watch the sunset over this spectacular desert. Overnight based in twin share rooms or permanent tents

with en-suite bathrooms. Dinner prepared by our guide (BLD).

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Dead Vlei

This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course,

leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the

trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain

as dessicated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namib

Desert, blue skies, a white-clay pan, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer's dream.

Sesriem Canyon

Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best

explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards

dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths

of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.

Dune 45

Dune 45 is located 45kms from the Sesriem gate, (and entrance to dunes), it is renowned for its elegant shape, which

– along with its position close to the road – has earned it the distinction of ‘most photographed dune in the world’.

Popular for sunrise, many people climb to gain a vantage point to watch the sun rise over the surrounding area and

enjoy the changing colour of the dunes, at only 80 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient it is an easier climb

than many of the other dunes found.

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Included

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Departure

Day Itinerary

Early morning breakfast today, before heading to Solitaire Guest Farm where we join a biologist to track wild

cheetahs at the N/a'an ku se Namib Conservation Centre before returning to Windhoek via Bullsport and Rehoboth

mid-afternoon where you will be dropped at your accommodation. For those flying today we do NOT recommend

booking any flight departing prior to 17h00 in case there are unexpected delays returning from safari. Services end

on arrival in Windhoek. (B)

Included

Breakfast

Consultant Notes

Departs every Monday from Windhoek

-This safari is run by a local tour operator-

NB: The accommodation provided is on a twin share basis in safari style permanent tents or twin rooms with en-

suite facilities and self-catering facilities, a single supplement rate will need to be paid should there be no one to

share with. The lodges used are located inside and outside Etosha within 25km of the Anderson gate on the

southern side of Etosha National Park.

Participation: Sleeping bags or bath towels are not necessary but please bring swim wear and pool towels, especially

during the summer months. This safari is semi-participation and you will be asked to help with light kitchen duties.

Travel: Namibia is an incredible country to visit but please remember that we are in Africa and that not all standards

are the same as you would get in Europe or other first world countries. To the majority of our clients, that is part of

the appeal of travelling to destinations such as ours. If you are not comfortable with new challenges then you may

wish to consider other companies or destinations. Please also note that due to the location of destinations, long days

are inevitable and you will travel on gravel roads and dust tends to get everywhere so it’s worth ensuring you

protect your equipment

Visas: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for clients prior to departure. Please ensure that your

passport is valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date country of travel. If this is not the case,

there is a danger of being turned away by the Immigration Service on arrival at the airport – assuming your airline

has agreed to bring you and risk a fine in the first place. The Company cannot be held liable for any necessary visas

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or other travel documents not held by the clients. Please also note that if your passport requires a visa for the

countries you visit and multiple entry if necessary, you will need to carry your passport with you during the trip

Weather: Please note that in winter evenings and nights in particular can be very cold we recommend layered

clothing – day time temps can be 25°C so t-shirts and shorts is great for then but thermals are very useful for

evenings/night. Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C but also bring our rainy season so a lightweight rain jacket is

handy, as with most places layering is the most recommended way of clothing – please ensure you pack your clothes

in plastic bags and ensure cameras/electrical equipment is suitably protected

Climate: The African sun is very strong. Please use a factor 30 sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3

litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. It can also get very cold during winter months on this route

Money: The Namibian dollar is tied permanently against the South African rand on a 1/1 basis so you are able to

check the current exchange rate against your local currency but please note that Namibian dollars are not regarded

as an international currency and cannot be purchased outside of the country, therefore if bringing money into the

country then you’ll receive SA rand. Both Namibian dollars and South African rand are legal currencies in Namibia.

Generally, credit card facilities are accepted in the lodges and ATM’s are available in towns, however, we

recommend you carry some cash with you in case a machine is out of order. Travellers’ cheques can only be

exchanged in major towns and it is often a time consuming and costly process so we do not recommend carrying

them with you. We recommend you bring South African rand with you or exchange at the airports prior to landing in

Windhoek to avoid any unnecessary delays upon arrival or needing to carry large sums of money and passports

around the city. It is customary to tip in Namibia, usually, around 10% at restaurants. Your guide can be tipped at

your discretion if you feel he/she has done a superb job – we recommend N$40-50/person/day

Safety: As with every destination safety tips needs to be adhered to; we strongly recommend you use a safe in a

hotel/lodge or lock up your valuables when you are not in the room; when in a vehicle do not leave valuables on

display but tucked away and out of sight. It is also better to have copies of passports, money; cards etc split

between travellers so if anything unexpected happens and a bag is lost or stolen then other funds/cards are

available, you may also wish to consider using a money belt/neck wallet. We suggest you leave valuable jewellery at

home – you won’t need it while travelling. A padlock for your luggage is also recommended

Insurance: It is essential that you purchase comprehensive personal travel insurance before you embark on your

holiday, medical insurance is insufficient. Travel insurance is for your own protection and should include evacuation;

we also recommend full cover for baggage loss etc and consider it to be an essential part of modern international

travel. We recommend www.worldnomads.com as an insurance option.

If you have credit card insurance – please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. If you are

uncertain whether this is enough please contact us when you book to ensure you have adequate cover.

Health: Namibia is a low risk malarial destination but we recommend that seek professional medical advice to enable

you to make decisions on personal malaria protection. Note that Etosha is considered a malaria region (low risk)

particularly during rainy season. No vaccinations are required by law for the countries being visited on this tour

though we recommend you are current with TB, tetanus, polio etc.

Water: All tap water in Namibia has been purified or comes directly from boreholes and is safe to drink. Tap water is

generally safe to drink but bottled mineral water is easily available at shops and rest camps should you prefer to

drink this, and is also provided at lodges.

Electrical: Plugs are 220V and are 3 pin (round pin as opposed to square pin). Adaptors can be purchased in

Windhoek; they are the same as South Africa if you are shopping in your home country or at airport. It is possible to

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re-charge batteries at lodges but clients must be responsible for security of their possessions and Chameleon cannot

be held responsible for clients personal possessions. WiFi is available at most lodges though they may charge and

only be in central areas, or be slow!

Dietary: We can assist with booking of various dietary requirements or food allergies but we appreciate your details

when you book with us (or with your agent) and we will advise the appropriate lodges. Please be aware that the

choice and options may not be as great as your home country.

Booking & payment: When you have decided on a trip a booking form will need to be completed, signed and

returned to us and we will enquire regarding availability and advise you. Once we have taken deposit, a confirmation

is sent to you, advising you of the services agreed and booked. Payment is due approximately 6 weeks (sometimes 8

weeks depending on the supplier) prior to departure. Exchange 4 free, bank transfers and MasterCard/Visa are all

accepted forms of payment but please ensure there are sufficient funds and your bank is aware of the transaction

about to take place (if you are paying via credit card), in this day and age many banks will withhold money as a

safeguard against fraud and this delay can be critical particularly if you are booking at short notice. Please also allow

for payment to process and if paying via bank transfer to include all bank fees, note we are unable to confirm

bookings/trip until funds have cleared into our account, any delay may see a cancellation in your trip and booking

released.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation: If you require accommodation before or after your tour we can arrange this for

you

Once you have booked your safari pre-departure information and a safari confirmation will be sent to you. The pre-

departure information will assist you with what to bring, weather conditions and most other common questions we

get asked.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us. Tel: + 264 61 309387 Fax: + 264 61 220885

Email – info@chameleonholidays.com Web - www.chameleonholidays.com Skype- chameleon.holidays