BEST OF NAMIBIA Viaggio Overland in Stile Crossland - CODICE VIAGGIO: NAMIBIA3
13 giorni 12 notti
BEST OF NAMIBIA Viaggio Overland in Stile Crossland
TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1 – South Africa – Cederberg Region
The Cederberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. The Cedarberg region is known for its mountain fynbos and spectacular views of the rugged Cedarberg Mountains. A dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.
Accommodation Marcuskraal Campsite
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River
Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.
Accommodation Fiddlers Creek Campsite h
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight Spring Wild Flowers (Seasonal July – September)
Day 3 – Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon
While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) we depart the Orange River and head inland, crossing the border into Namibia. We make a brief stop at the mineral hot springs for a dip in the pool before arriving at our camp in the late afternoon.
Accommodation NWR: Hobas Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity Half-day canoe trip
Day 4 – Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
We rise early this morning, pack up our camp, making our way to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We arrive in time to catch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon. After stretching our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other – creating rock formations and a series of mazes.
Accommodation Seeheim Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon / Visit to Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
Day 5 – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west, the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.
Accommodation NWR: Sesriem campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight Sesriem Canyon
Day 6 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Watching the sunrise over the red dunes is an iconic highlight of any trip to Namibia and this morning we rise before the sun to capture this magnificent moment. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert sunrise. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land. This afternoon we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion.
Accommodation Boesman’s Camp or similar. (No website)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight Sunrise hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei, Guided desert walk with local expert
Day 7 – Swakopmund
Reluctantly we leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, we continue to the Atlantic coastline.
Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. We make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where we hope to catch a glimpse of the Flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund we will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer.
Accommodation Amanpuri Travellers Lodge http://www.amanpurinamibia.com
OR Strauss Holiday Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon
Day 8 – Swakopmund
While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.
Accommodation Amanpuri Travellers Lodge OR
Strauss Holiday Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, sandboarding, Quad biking, Dinner
Day 9 – Spitzkoppe to Brandberg
Leaving early, we make our way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a walk and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for our overnight stop for the evening.
Accommodation Brandberg White Lady
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight Visit and explore Spitzkoppe
Day 10 – Brandberg White Lady
The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning we will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old.
Day 11 – Etosha National Park
Rising early this morning we drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon we reach the park and begin with our first game drive as we make our way to the rest camp.
Accommodation NWR: Okaukuejo
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight Afternoon game drive in Nomad truck
Day 12 – Etosha National Park
Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park.
Accommodation NWR: Okaukuejo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight Full day game drive in Nomad truck
Day 13 – Windhoek
It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better known landmarks. Your tour comes to an end upon arrival in Windhoek (after the short walk through the city).
Accommodation Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Nomad
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight Walk through Windhoek with your guide
