Accommodated tours in remote destinations
Camping tours in remote destinations
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Namibia: The land of unrelenting sun, where the ground appears to beg the heavens for rain and the vast landscapes stretch uninterrupted for hundreds of kilometres, without signs of human intervention. Living deserts, where one gazes in wonder and amazement at the displays of changing natural colors, and at the animals and plants that somehow survive in this seemingly harsh environment.
This tour covers all of the popular highlights, but also includes many “off the beaten track” destinations, seldom visited by mainstream tourism. Flexibility, a willingness to participate, an awareness of the elements, and a desire for unlimited adventure, are essential in order to best absorb all this tour has to offer.
This tour covers all of the popular highlights, but also includes many “off the beaten track” destinations, seldom visited by mainstream tourism.
Flexibility, a willingness to participate, an awareness of the elements, and a desire for unlimited adventure, are essential in order to best absorb all this tour has to offer.
Our adventure in Namibia begins in the capital city of Windhoek at 14h00.
After a short tour briefing and “meet and greet”, we set off exploring Windhoek, viewing the attractions of the city before ending the day welcoming the warm hospitality at the infamous Joe’s Beerhouse restaurant. Tonight we spend in comfort at our hotel and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Dinner Own Expense
Hotel Safari or similar
Leaving the city lights behind we enter the heart of the Namib, taking in its vast plains, red dunes, towering mountains and ever-changing landscapes. Late afternoon, we reach the Namib Desert region, a remote camp, within a conservancy that forms part of the vast Namib Rand Nature Reserve, The reserve gives life to a variety of desert adapted fauna and flora and many an animal species.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kronenhof Lodge or similar
We awake to desert vistas that extend further than the eye can see. All animals here exist in completely natural surroundings, and are free to move unrestricted over the full extent of the reserve. Our expert guide will help us understand the unique desert fauna and flora, so today we start off with an ecology walk in this beautiful environment, searching for animals, foot prints, and signs of the behaviour and survival strategies that allow them to exist in these harsh conditions.
During the heat of the day guests have time to relax at the camp, or to explore the surrounding area on foot, should they wish to. Mid-afternoon we depart on a desert drive, up and over the magnificent dunes. As the evening approaches, a traditional sundowner drink is enjoyed while the sun dips over the African landscape. Once dark, we slowly drive back to camp anticipating to encounter some of the nocturnal animals adapted to living in the desert.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodge Accommodation or similar
Setting off early, we enter the Sesriem Canyon and the awesome red Sossusvlei dunes – reputedly the highest in the world.
We transfer into the heart of the dunes, to spend some time climbing these spectacular mountains of sand, before taking a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei and Deadvlei – a clay pan characterized by dark dead camel thorn trees against the white pan floor. We explore these truly unique sites on foot, before the 4×4’s take us back to our vehicle. On exiting the park we first make a stop to visit the Sesriem Canyon
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bushman’s Desert Lodge or similar
Crossing through Kuiseb Canyon, and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, we make our way to the port town of Walvis Bay, and then on to Swakopmund, where German influence still lingers from late 1800’s and spend two nights in comfortable accommodation. We explore this holiday town and its surrounds thoroughly and enjoy both our evening meals at local restaurants (own expense).
Swakopmund is a must-see for any visitor and offers guests a variety of adventure activities. Clients have the opportunity to partake in quad biking, sand boarding and skydiving whilst here (own expense). For those that simply want to relax, the town offers a variety of restaurants and shops, where one can get a feel for the local culture.
Breakfast, Lunch; Breakast (Dinner on Day 5, lunch and dinner on Day 6 all own expense)
Swakopmund Plaza Hotel or similar
Optional Activities:
Today we head north up the harsh Skeleton Coast, a barren stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with scattered shipwrecks, littering the beaches. We visit Cape Cross, a spectacular breeding ground for Cape fur Seals where more than 100 000 seals take refuge.
We then venture back inland, travelling through the vast desert to the iconic Spitzkoppe, which is a group of bald granite peaks in the Namib desert of Namibia. The granite is more than 120 million years old and the highest outcrop rises about 1,728 meters above sea level. The peaks stand out dramatically from the flat surrounding plains, before arriving at the lodge early afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spitzkoppe Tented Camp accommodation or similar
After a leisurely start we spend time exploring and climbing the Granite boulders of Spitzkopppe, before venturing through the vast desert to the iconic Brandberg Mountain, the highest mountain in Namibia, en route we make a roadside stop to interact with members the local Himba tribe, before stopping at the base of the Brandberg mountain where take a guided hike to the iconic White Lady bushmen paintings before arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon. Those interested why not take an optional excursion hoping to encounter the elusive rare desert elephant, before retiring to our rooms snuggled at the foot of the mountain.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Brandberg Accommodation
Optional Activities
Today we continue our trip up to Etosha, this journey takes us through breath taking Damaraland, region and home of the Damara people. Along the way we will stop for a roadside lunch before reaching our Lodge for the night.
Making our way further north, we enter the renowned Etosha National Park, arguably the highlight of the tour. Becoming one with nature we enjoy two days of exploring the park. During these days we conduct extensive game drives, visiting little water holes, exploring, letting your senses free, making the most of our time in the park. (Game drives will be conducted in the Drifters truck ) On one of the days we will shorten the game drive and drive to the world famous Okekeujo waterhole where we will spend approximately 2 hours, waiting patiently for the animals to come and quench their thirst, before leaving in time to exit the park.
Time permitting; why not take an optional sunset game drive (drinks included) on private land bordering the parks.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x2)
Lodge – Etosha area outside the park
An early morning, we pack up and begin our journey back to civilization. The drive to Windhoek will take the majority of the day and the tour will officially come to an end in the late afternoon on arrival back in the capital city.
Breakfast (Lunch own expense)
Pre and post night’s accommodation can be arranged at the Safari Hotel, Windhoek. It is advisable to overnight at the Hotel Safari if you have not already made alternative arrangements. Accommodation at the Safari Hotel can be arranged through Drifters or your travel representative. The Hotel is ideally situated ± 3 km away from the noisy city centre.
Please note that we strongly advise against flying out on the day that the tour ends. Drifters Adventure Tours will not be held responsible for missed flights on this day. We generally travel long distances and late arrivals are common.
Pre-departure Information Namibia Tour
This is an adventure tour, and as such involves a certain amount of walking – a small daypack is advisable.
Seasonable malaria precautions are advisable and are locally obtainable.
During winter the night-time temperatures can fall below zero Celsius, and during summer the daytime temperatures can reach the forties – please be prepared.
Most major currencies can be exchanged on arrival in Windhoek and at other centres, but banking hours do apply. Credit cards are generally accepted.
Visa info – A valid passport is required by everyone. The tour will visit Namibia and it is the client’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate visas required for this trip. Some nationalities may need to obtain visas before departure as they may not be obtainable on arrival.
Our price includes transport, food, coffee, tea and fruit juice at breakfast, two Drifters crew, group equipment, permits and park entry fees. The price does not include alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, tips, curios and optional extras.
Before departure, clients will be required to enter into an agreement and indemnity pertaining to our booking conditions and general information.
It is compulsory for clients to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance that includes cover for (but not limited to) any medical emergencies cancellations or deviations prior or during the tour.
Departure Point
Your tour will depart on selected Sundays from:
• Hotel Safari, Corner of Auas & Aviation Roads, Windhoek at 14h00, Tel: +264 61 296 8000
• Guests not staying at the Hotel Safari must arrive at the Hotel at 13h00.
Please give us a call on our 24-hour emergency no +27 82 293 7384 if you encounter any issues.
Please note that we strongly advise against flying out on the day that the tour ends. Drifters Adventure Tours will not be held responsible for missed flights on this day. We generally travel long distances and late arrivals are common.
Accommodation On Tour
Please note that linen will be provided throughout the tour.
• Batteries can be charged from a 220 volt source pre tour departure in Windhoek, on most nights at the lodges and every day on the truck while the truck is driving from a 12 V inverter.
• Currency exchange opportunities: Arrival at Windhoek Airport, Swakopmund
• Please note that Namibia accept South African Rand as the currency is 1to1 with SA.
• Limited Laundry facilities: Windhoek (Essential washing only)
On Safari
All our tours require participation from all group members. This entails assisting with the food preparation, washing of dishes, keeping the truck clean and the setting up the camp.
Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind will greatly contribute to an enjoyable safari.
We are travelling in developing countries therefore please do not expect the punctuality you have come to expect in first world countries. Things do not always run according to plan, however we do endeavour to run according to the itinerary as best as possible.
Drifters wish you an enjoyable African experience!
Swakopmund and surrounds
Please Note:
Travel documents
Please ensure that you are in possession of valid travel documents for Namibia. If you have any queries in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us. Although we will endeavour to assist, we do not accept any liability or obligation for your travel documents.
The contact telephone number for Namibia Tourism in Johannesburg is: + 27 11 702 9602. Or visit Namibia Tourism on www.namibiatourism.com.na
Make sure that your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from your planned date of return to your home country. Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
Foreign currency
The Namibian Dollar and the South African Rand are the currencies used in Namibia. All major currencies can be exchanged in Namibia. Please ensure that you have enough Rand as there are very few opportunities to exchange foreign currencies. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be used to pay for restaurant meals etc. Small trading stores will probably not accept credit cards.
Upon arrival in any respective country we operate in, you will be able to find a Bureau de Change or ATM Facilities at the airport or in the Town/City the tour is departing from. It is advised to bring any major world currency (US Dollar, Euro or British Pounds) in small denominations and not dated older than 2009. It is advised to get a small amount of local currency upon arrival just to get around until your tour starts.
During the tour our guides will inform and show you the best places to exchange any Major World Currency with the best possible exchange rates either before your tour starts or during the course of the tour. Our guides will brief you exactly on where to exchange and roughly how much you will need to exchange after discussing possible optional activities, own expense meals or possible curio stops. Drifters trucks have safe-keeping facilities for extra cash/flight tickets/passport.
The preferred currency is Namibian Dollar $
Insurance
It is compulsory that all passengers make arrangements for adequate travel insurance to financially safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Drifters Adventure Tours do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced whilst on tour. You will be required to complete and sign a full indemnity prior to your tour departure.
Your insurance should include all the countries and territories that your tour will pass through. You must ensure that you have sufficient cover for medical and evacuation costs, and should base this on advice from your insurer. A minimum benefit of USD 60 000.00 is recommended for evacuation from any area in which Drifters operates in Africa to South Africa, with further benefits for medical costs in South Africa, and for possible repatriation to your home country. Please note that you will be required to furnish details of your travel insurance to Drifters before you will be allowed to travel with us. Please ensure that these details are completely and accurately recorded in order to facilitate a claim should this be necessary.
Health precautions & requirements
The only necessary prophylaxis for Southern and East Africa is against Malaria, but on this tour there is no eminent danger as Namibia is regarded mostly as a Malaria free zone however prevention is better than cure, so we do advise to also use insect repellent on exposed areas after sunset. Please consult with your general practitioner regarding this before departure.
All Drifters guides have first aid boxes for use in emergencies, however we recommend that you bring along your own basic supply of medication, headache tablets etc.
Personal medication
Please bring along any personal medication that you might need on your tour as specific medication could be difficult to find or might not be obtainable in most places we visit. General medication for headaches, colds and fever are easy to get. Please also inform your guide of any medical conditions. This information will be received professionally and kept confidential.
Weather conditions
Please note that Southern African weather conditions vary tremendously from season to season. During summer months temperatures of up to 40°C can be experienced. During the winter months of June, July and August the nights are very cold, temperatures may drop well below 0°C, although the day temperatures will be pleasant at around 20°C. Please take weather conditions into consideration when choosing a sleeping bag for your tour.
Clothing & personal effects
Herewith a recommended guide of what to bring along:
For general travelling (to keep yourself entertained on the longer drives)
General Accessories
** Luggage should be limited to a maximum of 15kg’s HARD SUITCASES ARE NOT SUITABLE!!
*** Refreshments can be purchased en-route on the first day of the tour, and at regular intervals throughout the tour.
Meals and refreshments
Meals are provided as indicated in the brochure/website. We do not provide meals on the first day of your tour. We do however stop en-route; therefore it is always possible to buy something along the way. Soft drinks, bottled water and alcohol are for your own expense; there is ample opportunity during the tour to buy refreshments. The guide will advise when you need to stock up for a couple of days.
Personal expenses
A reasonable amount of personal spending money must be brought on our tours. This is to cover own expense meals as indicated in our Drifters Brochure, bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, sundry goods purchased- such as suntan cream etc., curios, optional extra excursions, airport tax, transfers and tips.
In Africa things work a little different to the rest of the World. Tipping or gratuity, unless otherwise specified, is not included in the price you pay for services delivered. This accounts for restaurant meals, casual help and the services of the guide or guides that you will meet on your tour.
In Southern and East Africa it is classified as a common courtesy to TIP “casual help (guides)”.
This TIP is not something that is forced upon you by any means, but in many industries of tourism it is customary. It works as follows: if you believe your guide has lived up to your expectations and has performed his/her job in a way that you respect and are happy with the services rendered, an amount of 10 Euro per day or equivalent amount of 10 Euro per day in any major currency per person per day would constitute a fantastic tip. Remember that this is just a guideline and is not by any means compulsory, but seen as common courtesy in Southern and East Africa.
Please find rates and availability below
Embark on captivating journeys to breathtaking destinations. Explore diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and thrilling adventures.
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