15-day Splendid Deserts of Namibia

  +   Camping / Accommodated Combination Safari

A guided lodge/camping safari combination.  Enjoy the fascination and beauty of the Kalahari and Namib deserts with its unique fauna and flora on this tour .The route leads the client through Bagatelle Lodge and nature reserve , explores the game rich Kgalagadi Transfrontier park , past the second largest canyon in the world - Fish river canyon -on to the deep south along the Orange river and Aussenkehr , Rosh Pinah , Klein Aus Vista , then along the spectacular edge of the eastern Namib desert , into the majestic Tiras mountains before ending this adventure packed journey with a visit to the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei and Sesriem.

Highlights: Kalahari Desert,  Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Quiver Tree Forest, Keetmannshoop, Fisher River Canyon, Aussenkehr Nature Park, Klein Aus Vista, Sesreim and Sossusvlei
Group Size: minimum 2 - maximum 10
Type of Safari: Non-participatory mobile camping and accommodated safari
Vehicle: 4x4

2010 Price: From ZAR30550 pp sharing, depending on group size.

Includes: Travelling costs as per itinerary; game drives, activities, entrance- and park fees; Accommodation in two-man tents / double rooms; Full board, refreshment drinks en route, house wine and beer at dinner whilst camping; Experienced guiding in English or German; VAT and Bed levy.

Excludes: Expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone, gratuities, souvenirs, etc; Personal-, medical- and evacuation insurances; Additional activities, alcoholic beverages and drinks.

Day 1 - Kalahari Desert
Depart Windhoek early morning and continue via the towns of Dordabis , Uhlenhorst and Stampriet into the southern region of the Kalahari Desert. The Bagatelle Kalahari Game Lodge lies amid red sand dunes where a true African spirit coupled with unashamed luxury and style is reflected. Enjoy the unique dune topography and the diverse bird and animal life of this area on a late afternoon nature drive. Overnight in en- suite chalets of the lodge.

Day 2 - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The route today takes us further into the Kalahari and into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park situated on the western boundary of the Republic of South Africa bordering Namibia. After the completion of the usual border crossing formalities at Mata Mata, continue to the Kalahari tented camp about 4 km from the park's main entrance. Accommodation in en- suite two bed desert tents or camp site in the area. Late afternoon game viewing drive in the nearby vicinity with good opportunity to experience the abundance of game inclusive of predators in this endless infinity of acacia and grass overgrown red sand dunes. Overnight in tents at Kalahari tented camp site.

Days 3 and 4 - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Break up camp with an early morning game viewing drive into the park in search of the Kalahari predators and plains game. Numerous herds of springbuck, gemsbok, eland as well as the blue wildebeest roam the plains of this unique park and imposing camel thorn trees provide the necessary shade and vantage points for lion, leopard and many raptors.  Excellent photographic- and game viewing in the Nossob camp and central parts of the park during the various game viewing drives. Camping at Nossob camp site or similar for the following two nights.

Day 5 - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Today's routing leads into the southern part of the park - Twee Rivieren camp site is the destination. Wonderful game experiences in phantastic red sand dune scenery can be experienced during this half day drive. Late afternoon game drive into the immediate surroundings. Camping at Twee Rivieren.

Day 6 - Quiver Tree
Leave the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park via Mata Mata in a full day's journey through the desert-dominated landscapes to a picturesque Quiver Tree Forest. This prehistoric tree reaches skyward with graphically forked branches, their trunks peel and form intricate patterns as the tree matures, and these are rewarding subjects to photograph. Giant's Playground is an impressive jumble of massive boulders; a virtual maze where time can be spent wandering through the extensive rocky labyrinth.  Camping at the Quiver Tree camp site.

Days 7 and 8 - Keetmannshoop and Fisher River Canyon
Today ‘s journey leads you through the town of Keetmannshoop to the spectacular northern fringes of the Fish River Canyon. Experience this unique landmark of Namibia with breathtaking views from various vantage points. Here the impressive surrounding rock formation provides many interesting hours for enthusiastic nature lovers. Overnight in en suite chalets of the Canon Lodge or similar.

Day 9 - Aussenkehr Nature Park
Enjoy the beauty and rapid change in scenery and landscapes of Namibia's deep south on the journey to the Orange river forming the boundary between the Republic of South Africa and Namibia. The route follows the winding course of the Orange River with its stark contrast rich landscapes between sky, water and sand to the village of Aussenkehr on the banks of the river. Enjoy an unforgettable sundowner on a sundowner trip on the floating raft of this special retreat. Camping at Norotshama camp site on the banks of the river in the Aussenkehr Nature Park.

Days 10 and 11 - Klein Aus Vista
A sea of bright flowers in the vast plains of the southern Namib after the soft winter rains is a unique attraction in the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park in the vicinity of Aus. Experience the most bio-diverse desert of the world inclusive of the wild horses of the Namib during one of the scenic drives into this nature park. A day excursion to the coastal town of Luederitz with visit to the famous Kolmannkop ghost town and surrounding area will form part of the highlights of the visit to this region. Camping at Klein Aus Vista.

Day 12 - Koiimasis
Half way between Aus and Sesriem, amidst the scenic Tiras Mountains on the edge of the Namib Desert lies the Koiimasis Ranch. Koiimasis means "meeting place " and originates from the San people who made a living on the deserts edge in former times. The scenery varies from red sand dunes to quiver tree forests between red granite boulders. Camping at Koiimasis with excellent opportunity for a relaxing nature walk and perfect star gazing at night.

Days 13 - Sesreim
Today we travel through some of Namibia's most spectacular sceneries along the western escarpment of the Rooisand ridge. Vast expanses of yellow savannah are dotted with shrubs and solitary camelthorn trees. Distant mountain ranges take on different nuances of purple and blue as the day progresses. Overnight in twin bedded en-suite desert tents of the Desert Campsite at Sesriem or similar in a spectacular scenery.

Day 14 - Sossusvlei
Very early departure into the Namib Naukluft Park to witness one of Namibia's most scenic attractions - a sunrise in the Sossusvlei area on top of the highest dunes of the world. Experience the dramatic change of colors of the surrounding and dunes as the sun rises towards its zenith. Visit the nearby Dead Vlei, a dried out natural water pan with its dead acacia tree trunks rising to the blue sky.  The Sesriem Canyon is another attraction worthwhile seeing en route back to the campsite. A relaxing sundowner on top of the nearby ridge ends off an unforgettable day in the desert.

Day 15 - Windhoek
The return journey to Windhoek via the scenic Remhoogte pass and the spectacular Naukluft mountain range with lunch stop at the Oanob Resort and dam near Rehoboth ends this adventure packed tour. End of tour.