GAVA EXPLORATIONS DETAILED ITINERARY

Before the white man set foot on Africa, before cities and factories claimed their share of the land, long before animals had to learn to live behind fences, was the Namib Desert. Vast, remote and unconquerable, it’s harsh landscape could be survived by only the strongest and hardiest. Including the Khoikhoi – the proud nation who called this desert home. Since then, progress has changed much of Africa. But not the Namib. Today, surrounded by vast dunes and endless desert wilderness, the only plants and animals you will see are those who have ingeniously adapted over the centuries to this harsh landscape. And the people you will meet are the Topnaars, descendants of the Khoikhoi, who still live along the banks of the Kuiseb River, untouched by time or progress. While the awesome Namib rolls out endlessly around you, you could be forgiven for thinking the world you know doesn’t exist. For thinking that the last two or three hundred years never happened. For this beautiful simplicity is how life is meant to be lived. This is the land that time forgot.

DAY 1: Depart Home

DAY 2:  Arrival in Windhoek

Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is an excellent introduction to Africa. Safe, small and friendly, the city is a melting pot of cultures and peoples. We make our way to the craft market, which offers beautiful hand-made artworks – and the best cup of coffee and lunch in town.

Today you will also make a new friend as you meet the guide who will be with you throughout your stay, teaching you how to see beyond the obvious to the extraordinary, how to identify and appreciate the subtle beauty of all you are about to experience. Welcome to Africa!

Accommodation: Guesthouse  (B & B, dinner, drinks extra)

 

Day 3: Windhoek

Windhoek - a visit to the markets, Katatura township and various women's handcraft projects, dinner in a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Guest house – (B&B, lunch, dinner, drinks extra)

 

Day 4: Drive to Swakopmund

After breakfast we head for Swakopmund. As the British had already laid claim to Walvis Bay, the Germans established the port of Swakopmund in 1884 to provide access to the interior of the German protectorate of Deutsch-Südwestafrika. The town has a strong German colonial feel – the old buildings have been carefully restored and German bakeries abound where you can sample delicious pastries and other delicacies. Take a walk to the old lighthouse, built in 1903. Or visit the new aquarium with its glimpse into the Benguela Current marine fauna and flora. Or how about the natural history museum, which also makes fascinating visiting.

Accommodation: guesthouse, (B & B, dinner, drinks extra)

Day 5: Kayaking on the Walvis Bay Lagoon

Bird lovers grab your books! At the Walvis Bay lagoon you’re almost certain to see greater and lesser flamingos and a huge variety of waders. During our morning's kayak on the lagoon, dolphins and seals often join us, these natural comedians giving us an impromptu water show. Laugh at their antics, feel the wind tangle your hair and blow roses into your cheeks – at times like this, you can’t imagine why anyone chooses to live in a city!

Accommodation: guesthouse, (B & B, lunch, dinner, drinks extra)

Day 6: Namib Dunes

Many scientists regard the Namib Desert as the oldest desert in the world. About 200 km wide and 2 000 km long, its climate is determined by the cold Benguela current that runs along the Atlantic West Coast of Southern Africa: the hot, tropical sun above the cold sea prevents airborne moisture from falling as rain. The average rainfall in the central Namib is less than 15 mm a year – and during some years, nonexistent. This is a harsh land.

As with many other rivers in the Namib, the Kuiseb flows for a brief period during certain years only. Luckily, a subterranean water supply supports the large trees and shrubs, which in turn support a surprisingly large population of animals – many of which you will get to see.

After breakfast we make our way to GAVA’s exclusive site in the Central Namib Sand Sea. We should arrive in time for brunch below the towering sand dunes of the Namib Sand Sea. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring on foot. In the afternoon light, the surreal colours of the ochre-red dunes contrast with the vivid blue sky. A photographer's paradise! Some of the highest dunes in the world occur in this area, and the proximity of these towering dunes can take your breath away (especially after climbing to the top). Getting down is much easier – you can slide down the dune on your stomach, roll down like tumbleweed, or make up your own weird and wonderful way to get down!

We spend the day exploring the dunes on foot and in our vehicle; your guide will open your eyes to how the fascinating flora and fauna is adapted to survive in this harsh environment. Other activities include dune boarding and a visit to the local Topnaar village to meet Ouma Lydia - one of the grandmothers

The Topnaars – the few remaining descendants of the once-proud Khoikhoi – speak Nama, a click language. These are a slight people with many similarities to the San (Bushmen) and a long history on the African subcontinent. Slender-bodied with apricot-coloured skin and prominent cheekbones, these people resemble the desert they inhabit – beautiful and lean.  Late afternoon we head back to Swakopmund.

It feels strange to be back in civilisation after the immense silence of the desert. You may find yourself falling quiet as your mind strays back to the mighty Namib. You’ll have left a bit of your heart there – we all do.

Accommodation: guesthouse, (B & B, dinner, drinks extra)

DAY 7: Drive to Damaraland

We leave Swakopmund after breakfast. Then we take to the road again: this time north to the southern Damaraland and the Twyfelfontein Conservancy. This area is a vast unspoilt wilderness of magnificent scenery, where the endangered black rhino and the rare desert elephant roam.  Lunch is enjoyed al fresco under a tree along the way.

Along the way we explore one of the largest collections of rock engravings discovered of the ancient San-people as yet. Interesting rock formations and the remainder of prehistoric volcanic action can be seen. The barren surroundings and rock-strewn slopes seem a most unlikely place for any human habitation, but there is a small spring near the base of the hill and this has been providing water to animals for thousands of years. The well-preserved engravings and paintings (more than 2,500 of them!) are more than 10 000 years old, going back to the early Stone Age. The well-preserved engravings executed by cutting into the sandstone, show-hunting scenes and depict different animals such as rhino, antelope, ostrich, giraffe, lion and elephants. Be prepared to spend a good couple of hours here, for some good photographic opportunities go in the late afternoon to this U-shaped valley of unusual reddish sandstone formations and terraces.

The fauna and flora of Damaraland is typical of the pro-Namib region and plant species include the magnificent Welwitschia, Moringa and a variety of the Commiphora species. The desert adapted elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, springbok, endemic Damara chat and ostrich are some of the wildlife which can be found living in total harmony with the community and the communal farming activities of the Twyfelfontein Conservancy.  

Accommodation: lodge (full board, drinks extra)

DAY 8 & 9:  Himba Village

After breakfast, we continue our journey north as we set up camp next to the homes of the Himba ethnic group, who have kept their ethnic individuality and culture in the seclusion of Kaokoland. The friendly people are closely related to the Herero. Both ethnic groups speak the same language. The Himba are a pastoral people. They predominantly breed cattle and goats and lead a nomadic life. Depending on the time of year, they move with their herds to different watering places. Clothes, hairstyle and jewellery are all of particular significance to the Himba and are part of their tradition and culture. Even newborn babies are adorned with pearl necklaces. When the children are a little older, bangles made of beaten copper and shells are added. The proud Himba women take several hours for beauty care every morning. The entire body is rubbed with a cream, which consists of rancid butterfat and ochre powder. The aromatic resin of the Omuzumba bush is added as well. The cream lends the body an intense reddish shine, which corresponds to the Himba ideal of beauty. The ancient tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists occupied Kunene region of the country. The Himbas (who are relatives of Herero) are an extraordinary people who have resisted change and preserved their unique cultural heritage. The Himbas were impoverished by Nama cattle raiders in the middle of 1800's and then forced to be hunter-gatherers. Because of these events they were called the Tjimba, derived form the word meaning aardvark, the animal that digs for its food. Many Himbas fled to Angola where they were called Ovahimba, meaning 'beggars'. They left with their leader called Vita (''war''). After World War 1 he resettled his people in Kaokoland. Since these events the Himbas were living their nomadic pastoralist lives. But now more and more they have to reconcile traditional ways with European values. One of most interesting rituals of these people is that of the ritual fire, the ''okoruwo''. The fire provides contact between the living and the dead, which is necessary for harmonious living and keeping the ancestors happy. It is kept alive until the death of the headman. When this happens, his hut and the fire is destroyed. His family dance in mourning throughout the night. Before his burial everyone says to him: "Karepo nawa" (''keep well''). Later a fresh mopane tree is lit from the embers of the old fire.

Accommodation: Camping (full board, drinks extra)

Days 10, 11 & 12:  Etosha National Park

Our final destination today is Etosha National Park. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and should arrive in camp for late afternoon tea.

World-famous for its remarkable wildlife, the park centres on the Etosha Pan – a vast saline pan stretching 120 km from east to west, and 55 km wide. If the land has been lucky, the pan will be filled with water from the rainfall in the catchment areas of the Ekuma and Oshigambo rivers. Large numbers of zebra, wildebeest, elephant, giraffe and an assortment of other antelope can be seen on the open saltpans, while lion, cheetah, hyena and jackal are the most commonly seen predators.

Breakfast is early these mornings: there’s a lot to see and do in the Etosha National Park. There’s no time to miss your daily soap opera: Opportunities to watch exciting dramas unfold around the waterholes forms an integral part of our visit to Etosha, and our days will include both early morning and late afternoon game drives. After a sumptuous brunch there is time to laze around, while we wait for the worst of the heat to pass.

Accommodation: GAVA Explorations Tented Camp (full board, drinks extra)

DAY 13 & 14: Phantom

We set off together for Phantom – one of the few successful dual game and cattle farms in Namibia. Also home to Monteiro's hornbill and other endemic bird species.

When the afternoon shadows fall across the grass, we set off on a scenic game drive to try and capture on film some of the classic scenes of Africa - open savannah, scattered with flat-topped Acacia trees. Opportunities for photographing some of the many antelope (kudu, steenbok, gemsbok and hartebeest), on the farm is good. After sunset we return to the farmhouse for a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Farmhouse rooms with en-suite facilities (full board, drinks xtra)

DAY 15: Departure

After breakfast at the guesthouse, a transfer to Windhoek airport is arranged, where a flight takes you to Windhoek in time for your connecting flight home, or on to your next destination. This concludes your Namibian safari. We hope to leave you with Africa resonating in your soul – and a longing in your heart to return to its desolate beauty, its night skies, its rich sounds and scents.

 GENERAL INFORMATION

More information will be mailed to you as soon as full payment is received. This will include details regarding the preparation for your safari – a complete and comprehensive day to day itinerary, what to bring along, advice on medical and other important matters to ensure that you will travel in the greatest possible comfort.

BOOKING PROCEDURE AND CANCELLATION

A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total tour price is due upon making a reservation. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Your booking will be confirmed when we issue you or your agent with our invoice in receipt of your deposit and indicating the balance outstanding. We will then mail you more details

Cancellation of your booking must be in writing.  Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification.  In the event that your cancellation is received after the due date of full payment of your tour fare, charges will be levied as follows:

If you hold a holiday insurance policy and the terms of your cancellation fall within the terms of the policy, the insurance company will refund these charges to you.

INSURANCE

As soon as you have booked your safari, it is essential that you purchase travel insurance to cover yourself against cancellation fees or any other eventualities. Medical insurance is required from the day you start your trip until you return home.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All passport holders should verify with their travel agency or relevant consulate if any visa and/or health entry requirements for any of the countries visited exist. None of the GAVA Explorations staff or their agents can be held liable for any errors.

LUGGAGE

Soft bags are recommended and each person is allowed a medium sized bag plus camera bag. Where small charter flights are included in the itinerary a maximum of 12 kgs of luggage is allowed per person for safety reasons.

HEALTH

We suggest that you use a malaria prophylax for the duration of your stay in Africa. Malaria is prevalent throughout Africa and certain vaccinations are also required. Your physician will be able to advise you as to the appropriate tablets and vaccinations.

If you are on any medication, be sure that you have enough for the duration of your safari..

Drinking water and food supplied during the duration of your safari will be safe!

INCLUDED IN THE COST

• All accommodation

• Most meals, unless otherwise specified in certain hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.

• Tea, coffee and snacks are provided throughout the safari.

• All bedding and towels.

• Most activities including boat rides and game drives.

• All park fees.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST

• Drinks and meals in bars and hotels that are specified on bed and breakfast basis.

• Items of a personal nature.

• Curios.

• Personal and medical insurance.

LIABILITIES

Our safaris are planned and routed to expose you to as much wilderness and wildlife as possible. However, because the animals are wild, free and their movements and migrations unpredictable, we may be required to make reasonable changes to the itinerary to ensure your fullest enjoyment and comfort. Comparable accommodation and facilities will be substituted as far as possible. Should such changes occur, adjustments might need to be made to the safari fee with little or no notice.

Most roads travelled on our safaris are mere tracks in the dirt; therefore the journey is often bumpy and rough. Many of the animals and reptiles we will encounter are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but we cannot guarantee that such incidents will not occur. Neither GAVA Explorations, nor any of their staff members or agents can be held liable or responsible for any personal damages, accidents or injuries caused by the above-mentioned circumstances.

PLEASE NOTE

That all safaris are conducted in English.  A no smoking policy is adhered to on all our vehicles.

CONTACTS

In case of problems or emergencies, you or your family can contact GAVA Explorations at the following addresses:

Administration & Bookings Office

PO Box 1718

Somerset West, 7129

South Africa

Tel  +27 (21) 852-5221

Fax  +27 (21) 852-8111

Operations Office

PO Box 2129

Otjiwarongo

Namibia

Tel +264 (67) 30-4633 or 30-6441

Fax +264 (67) 30-4633

bookings@gavaexplorations.com

www.gavaexplorations.com