NAMIBIAN HIGHLIGHTS - 12 DAYS

Day 1 QUIVER TREE FOREST - We collect you from your accommodation and depart from Chameleon Backpacker's Lodge at 8.30am. We travel south passing through the "window to the south" and crossing the Tropic of Capricorn. We stop at Mariental for fresh supplies before having a roadside lunch. We arrive at Quiver Tree Forest late afternoon and have time to relax and explore the quiver tree forest and rock formations. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Evening spent around camp fire. (L,D)

Day 2 KLEIN AUS VISTA - Depart camp early with a short stop in Keetmanshoop for fresh supplies. Arrive at Hobas mid morning, walk the rim of the canyon and visit the main viewpoints, we have lunch at the canyon rim. This afternoon we drive through to our rustic bungalow in the Aus Mountains overlooking the Namib Desert. Overnight remote bush bungalow (multi-share) or camping Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Evening around camp fire. (B,L,D)

Day 3 KLEIN AUS VISTA - Depart Klein Aus for Luderitz day trip. We arrive at Kolmanskop for a guided tour of the ghost town in the desert dunes, and then explore Luderitz. After lunch we drive out to Diaz Point and look for the penguins on Halifax Island. We return to Klein Aus late afternoon, stopping at the viewing hide for the feral horses of the Namib. This evening your guide prepares dinner over the camp fire with group assistance. Overnight camping or remote bush bungalow (multi-share). (B,L,D)

Day 4 SESRIEM - Leisurely departure for the scenic drive to Sesreim and we have lunch en-route in the desert. We arrive at camp mid afternoon and do a late afternoon walk through the desert from Elim's Dune. Overnight camping and dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

Day 5 SESRIEM - Pre dawn departure from camp to drive to Sossusvlei, we watch the sunrise from this spectacular and unique area. Mid morning brunch after exploring the different vlei's. Walk to Dead Vlei before returning to camp for a swim and a rest. This afternoon we visit Sesriem Canyon. Overnight camping and dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

Day 6 SWAKOPMUND - Early departure from camp to drive through the desert to Walvis Bay and visit the lagoon, we arrive at our bungalows for lunch and this afternoon you have time for optional activities such as a scenic flight or quad biking Overnight rooms are on a twin share basis. Dinner prepared by the guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 SPITZKOPPE - this morning you have free time to visit the museum, explore the town, visit the aquarium or partake in optional activities such as sand boarding and quadbiking. After lunch we drive north up the Skeleton Coast to the Cape Cross Seal Colony where there can be up to 100,000 cape fur seals. We arrive at Spitzkoppe late afternoon and set up camp. Dinner prepared by the guide with group assistance. Evening spent under a million stars. Overnight remote bush camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 ABA HUAB - early morning guided walk to Bushman's Paradise. Our drive through to our camp takes us through some beautiful and dramatic landscapes and we keep our eyes peeled for desert elephant. We arrive at camp mid afternoon and have lunch, this afternoon at Twyfelfontein we take a local guide to explore this unique area. We also visit the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain near sunset. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 OKAUKEUJO, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - we pick up fresh supplies at Outjo and then game drive to the park gate for lunch. We then game drive through to camp and after setting up our tents we take a late afternoon game drive visiting many waterholes and looking for species such as elephant, lion, rhino, kudu, giraffe, springbok, zebra and many more. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Night time viewing at flood lit waterhole. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 NAMUTONI, ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - sunrise departure from camp for full morning game drive. Transit across the park visiting various waterholes along the way. We spend the hottest part of the day at Halali camp where we have lunch and enjoy a swim or an afternoon snooze. Late afternoon game drive to Namutoni via the famous Etosha Pan. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. Night time viewing at flood lit waterhole. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 WATERBERG PLATEAU - sunrise game drive and return to camp for breakfast. We have a short stop at Lake Otjikoto or Lake Guinas before proceeding to Otjiwarongo for fresh supplies. Late afternoon arrival at Waterberg. Witness the fabulous colours of the lichen growing on the rock face of the plateau at sunset. Dinner prepared by guide with group assistance. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 WINDHOEK - You can hike the many short trails at the base of the plateau and your guide will lead you to the top of the plateau for a stunning view of the Kalahari. After brunch we return to Windhoek via the Okahandja Craft Markets for those last minute gifts. We arrive at Chameleon Backpackers Lodge where you can enjoy an after safari drink and share your memories of your safari. (B,L)

2004 DEPARTURES: EVERY FRIDAY FROM WINDHOEK