'Wild Dog' Namibian Explorer

The greatest of Namibian adventures is to share daily experiences around the evening camp fire and to sleep under the vast and vaulted skies. These informal and adventurous small group mobile camping safaris offer one of the best value ways of exploring Namibia.

Guide

The Namibian Explorer is escorted by an English speaking local guide throughout. Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided by our local representatives.

MEAL PLAN
Prices include breakfast, lunch and dinner on safari (except Day 8 when dinner is not included and Days 9 and 12 when lunch and dinner are not included); breakfast in Windhoek and Cape Town.

ACCOMMODATION
Mobile dome tented accommodation including all camping equipment is used. Drinking water and tea/coffee are included. Itineraries may operate in a different order or reverse on occasion due to weather conditions.

GROUP SIZE
Minimum 2, maximum 14 people.

TRAVEL TIPS
This is a ‘hands on’ tour where you will be asked to assist in erecting and dismantling your own tent, however there will be a camp assistant to complete all the other campsite chores and your guide will do all the shopping, cooking and day-to-day organisation. You are required to bring your own sleeping bag (available to hire locally with advance notice). Also pack a torch, towel, hat and sun cream. Luggage is limited to 12kg in soft holdall style bags.

NB
Minimum age 12 years.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO WINDHOEK
Depart London Heathrow with South African Airways overnight to Johannesburg and onwards to Windhoek.

DAY 2 - WINDHOEK
On arrival transfer to the Olive Grove for the afternoon at leisure and overnight.

DAY 3 - WINDHOEK TO OKONJIMA
After breakfast you are collected by your guide from Wild Dog Camping Safaris for the journey north to Okonjima, stopping en route at Okahandja. Arrive mid-afternoon, with time to set up camp before a late afternoon of education and activities involving the big cats at the Africat Foundation. In the evening return to camp for a star-lit dinner.

DAY 4 - OKONJIMA TO ETOSHA
An early start this morning for your journey to Namutoni, eastern Etosha. En route you’ll make a brief stop to pick up supplies. Arrive at Namutoni in time for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon game drive in the National Park returning to camp for dinner.

DAY 5 - ETOSHA
An unforgettable full day through Etosha to Okaukuejo Rest Camp, famous for its rewarding waterhole. A myriad of big and general game plus outstanding bird life is sure to be seen today.

DAY 6 - ETOSHA TO DAMARALAND
Begin the journey south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab where you make a short stop before continuing on to Kavita Lion Lodge and Africat North – the Communal Carnivore Conservation Project.

DAY 7 - DAMARALAND
After an early start visit the Himba tribesmen and learn about their culture and customs. Drive on to the beautiful Damaraland, visiting the Bushman engravings at Twyfelfontein.

DAY 8 - DAMARALAND TO SWAKOPMUND
Head deeper to Namibia’s highest mountain, The Brandberg, before moving on to the town of Uis, an old mining town where you can buy semi-precious stones such as tourmaline and amethyst. From here drive to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast, visiting the seal colony at Cape Cross before driving to Swakopmund. Here enjoy two days at leisure and with an abundance of restaurants and sightseeing available, staying in chalet accommodation.

DAY 10 - SWAKOPMUND TO NAMIB DESERT
Depart for Walvis Bay for a short visit at the beautiful lagoon, which is home to a vast number of birds including pelican and flamingo, before heading into the Namib desert. After traversing mountain passes, see the breathtaking desert landscapes at Solitaire where, after a long but scenically rewarding drive you will arrive late afternoon. One of the best times to arrive in the desert you’ll be driven to a nearby dune to appreciate the magic brought by sunset, before setting up camp for the night.

DAY 11 - NAMIB DESERT
The earliest of starts as you head into the Namib Naukluft  Park at dawn to witness the rising colours on the dunes as you drive to Sossusvlei, walking for the last three miles through the dunes – a magical experience in the cool of the morning, with soft sunlight just beginning to play over the dunes. Ancient mineral pans, stunted Camelthorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or ostrich make perfect photo opportunities. Enjoy the morning in and around Sossusvlei, visiting ‘Dune 45’ then return to Sesriem for lunch. As the day cools off in the afternoon take a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon.

DAY 12 - NAMIB DESERT TO LONDON
After breakfast begin the scenic journey back to Windhoek, a journey of about five hours, arriving in the city at around 3pm for your South African Airways overnight flight to London Heathrow via Johannesburg.

NB → Between Mar25-Oct27 this itinerary will require an overnight stay after the tour at the Olive Grove due to flight times.

CAPE TOWN
DAY 12 → On return to Windhoek, overnight at Olive Grove Guest House for one night.
DAY 13 → Fly Air Namibia to Cape Town for four nights in a Standard room at The Strand Tower Hotel.

DAY 17 → South African Airways overnight flight direct to Heathrow.