Ten Nights - Eleven Day Express

You will be collected from your accommodation in Windhoek on the morning of departure between 07h00 and 08h00 and should be ready on the road by 08h30.Travelling via the community woodcarving market in the town of Okahandja, about 80km north of Windhoek, we continue north past Otjiwarongo, Otavi, Tsumeb, towns.We aim to be at Namutoni National park, the main tourist attractio in Namibia on time for an afternoon game drive. Providing us with an ideal camp site for your first night at Namutoni camp.

The Brandberg is situated on the north-eastern edge of the Namib Desert.The Damara who still live in the surrounding area called the Daureb,the" burnt mountain" a name referring to the light reflexes at sunrise and sunset virtually transform this rose -colored granite into fire.The Herero named the mountain Omukuruwaro,the "mountain of gods".

The Brandberg Massif covers a total area of 75km and the Konigsteinthe highest peak in Namibia ,reaches 2580m. Visitors planning to climb the highest peak should only climb with an experienced guide.You need several days to get to the top of Konigstein and the people should make sure they carry enough water , use accurate maps and are very fit!

Several different animals inhabit the plains surrounding the Brandberg. They include steenbok, gemsbok and springbok. Klipspringer and Hartmann are attracted to the more rocky areas. Perennial springs and waterholes in the lower regions provide animals with the much needed water. The plentiful water resources explain how people found food, water and shelter here during the last millennium.

The most popular reason why people visit the Brandberg is its impressive gallery of rock paintingsin the Tsisab(Leopard) Ravine. Hundreds of rock-paintings have been discovered here between 1923 - 1985 by Harald Pager who lived in the area for eighty years and copied countless paintings. He alltogether located 900 sites with a total of approximately 45 000 paintings.

In order to reach the painting you need to leave your car at the car park and follow a well marked, scenic route for about 60 minutes until you reach Maak's shelter. Due to high mid-day temperatures it is advised to the hike early in the morning or in the afternoon. Remember to carry enough drinking water and to wear a hat and good walking shoes!

The White Ladyin the Tsisab Ravineis Namibia's most famous rock painting. The figure's hair is light colored and straight and the body is painted white from the torso down. The so called White Lady is central in a hunting scene, other figures depicted are a snake with ears, two meter nebulous animal, as well as several ostrich, lion and giraffe.Abbe Henri Breuil, a world authority on rock art ,believed that the central figure represents a white woman. However, modern archaeologists maintain that the figurine is indigenous and also argue that the lean, breastless lady who carries a bow is rather a man! The white body paint, which convinced Breuil that "she" was a "young woman athlete of Cretan origin", could have been white body paint used by healers. Nowadays, the White Lady is protected by bars as extensive damage has been done by vandalisim the past whoremoved pieces of rock and splashed liquid all over paintings to take better photographs.

Day Two (B.L.D.)

Brandberg - Vinkerklip (300km)

An early start continues North West to Twyfelfontein, our first main stop is to visit the Organ Pipes, Burn Mountain and the Twefelfontein engravings. After lunch we drive towards the Petrified Forest geological site, where a local guide will take us around and explainabout the pre-historic tree before our afternoon visit to Vinkerklip.

The Petrified Forest is an accumulation of fossil tree trunks; these did however not grow at the exact spot where they are found today, therefore, no roots or branches have been preserved. The trunks are between 240 and 300 million years old and were possibly, once upon a time, swept along to their presentlocation by rivers flowing from the west. Nowadays, at least 50 tree trunks are so well preserved that they could easily be mistaken for real tree trunks.The biggest trunk has a length of 30 metres and a width of 6 metres.Although the "forest" was declared a national monument in 1950, it has unfortunately been vandalized by inconsiderate visitors and fortune hunters.Please note that it is forbidden to remove pieces petrified woodand it is certainly advisable to visit the area early in the morning in order to avoid the unbearably hot mid-day temperature. Also look out for Welwitchia growing in between the fossil tree trunks.

The Organ Pipes are situated close to Twefelfontein and the Burnt Mountain. They are best described as a large mass of perpendicular dolomite pillars in a rock canyon, which is roughly 100m long. They reach a height of 5 metres and were formed 200 million years ago. 120 million years later, dolomite lava forced itself into the slate rock and froze to pillars.

The Burnt Mountain which is about 200m high transforms itself into a rather hostile, black landmark during the mid-day heat. Visit this area in the early morning or late afternoon as the mountain is ablaze with a kaleidoscope of colours. At closer inspection of the rocks a more clearly defined colour variation can be observed,with rocks ranging from dark grey to orange and purple. This mountain was formed by Karoo slate and sandstone approximately 200 million years ago. 102million years later, dolerite lava forced itself into the rock which resulted in an amazing range of colours displayed at contact areas.

Twefelfontein is the biggest rock-engravings area to be found in Namibia.It got its name from Mr Lewien, a farmer who started farming here in 1947, and it signifies "fountain with no water". Remember to bring along a good pair of walking shoes , a sun hat and sunscreen lotion. The approximately 2000 engravings are supposed to range in age between 5000 to 6000 years.Among the most famous are the "Dancing Kudu" and the "Lion". A Damara speaking tour guide can show visitors to the engravings. A visit should again be scheduled either early in the morning or late afternoon. Close to Twyfelfontein you reach a community run rest camp situated next to a romantic, sandy riverbed.Camping sites and basic two-bed huts are available here.

The unusual Vingerklip is situated 75km east of Khorixas on the farm Bertram. This limestone tower reaches a height of 35 metres and is the remainder of a table mountain-like plateau that was formed millions of years ago.Visitors can drive up to the base of the mountain by car and then climb up the rock pillar via a flight of stairs. From up here one has a wonderful view over the surrounding plains and the Ugab Terraces

Day Three (B.L.D.)

Vingerklip - Namutoni, Etosha (300km)

Leaving further to the North we pass some small towns making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel. Our first main port of call this day is Lake Otjikoto.Otjikoto is in fact Namibia's largest permanent natural lakeand we take time here to rest a little and learn something about the history of this mark.

Lake Otjikoto (Herero for deep hole) lies 24 km north-west from Tsumeb. The lake itself is unusual as it fills the remnants of a limestone carving whose roofs collapsed, therefore forming a huge sinkhole with a relatively narrow surface area. Most locals believe that the lake is bottomless , according to Francis Galton who came across the lake in 1851, the lake has a depth of 55 metres.

Continuing on to Namutoni camp in Etosha National Park we again aim to arrive in time, giving you time to relax before heading out into the park during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive. After your evening meal, there are still more chances of seeing to see Etosha's game at Namutoni floodlit waterhole. Situated on the boundary of the campand easily reachable on foot from your tent, elephants are really visitors here and there is a good chance of seeing other species of big game as well.

The first fort at Namutoni, a six room structure, was built in 1897. On January 28^th1904, during the resistance war against the German colonial authority, 7 German soldiers living at the fort "Namutoni" were attacked by approximately 500 Ovambo warriors. The German garrison managed to hold them until late in the afternoon, at which stage the Ovambo decided to retreat. During the night the Germans managed to escape and the following day when the Ovambos discovered that they had managed to get away, they completely destroyed the fort.

Later on the South African police used the fort which had been poorly renovated , from time to time. The fort nevertheless continued to deteriorate . In 1938 one of the towers was struck by lightning and it was only declared a national monument in 1950 and as a result rebuilt to its full glory. A museum which depicts the history of the area is housed in the fort and is certainly well worth the visit!

Day Four (B.L.D.)

Namutoni-Okaukuejo, Etosha

A full days' game drive, we again leave early to enjoy the cool morning air. We game drive our way through Etosha to Halali camp, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way we visit several waterholes and are afforded splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan. The game viewing is usually excellent and we have the chance to tick off a few new species that are not normally seen on the Namutoni side of the park. We stop at Halali for a rest and a leisurely lunch. There is also time to visit the Halali waterhole and make use of the swimming pool and bar facilities before continuing our way to Okaukuejo camp. Okaukuejo is famous for its waterholes. It has been described as one of the "best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa". Situated at the doorstep of our campsite, black rhinos, elephants, lions and numerous species of antelope are seen.

Halali named after a German hunting tune signaling the end of a successful hunt, opened in 1967The name therefore evokes the idea that the days of hunting are forever over in this area. The camp includes a water-hole where game viewing is possible at night.

Okaukuejo was initially established as one of the four control posts to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease and also served as a post to inhibit illegal hunting and gun-running. Unfortunately, the fort which was originally built in 1901 has long since been dissembled. At night the water-hole is lit with floodlights, enabling guests to observe the spectacle of animals visiting it.

Driving from Okaukuejo to the west, in "Grünewald", one comes across the most curious looking trees in the area.As seen on the the picture to the left, these trees "Moringa ovalifolia" form the so called Ghost Trees

Day Five (B.L.D.)

Okaukuejo- Himba Village, Kaokoland (450km)

We drive an early start through the western part of the park. It is only organized tours that pass by the westerngate of the park. After the park, Kaokoland, Himba Village, late afternoon we will pass by some local villages. Your guide will organize a visit to locals villages. The Kaokoland is home to the Himba people. Back at the campsite dinner will be servedon open fire.

Kaokoland, one of the world's most amazing wilderness areas, is a mountainous territory in the north-western Namibia. To the west it boarders with the Skeleton Coast Park , in the north with the Kunene (Angolan Boarder) and in the south with Damaraland. It spans an area of 49 000km² and Kaokoland is part of the Kunene Region. Opuwo , its administrative capital, has a population of 4000 inhabitants who are mainly Himba and Hereroand offers only limited tourist facilities. It is the only settlement in the area where fuel and groceries can be bought.

Day Six (B.L.D)

Kaokoland -Palmwag (250km)

This day we will stop at some village for more photos and meet some locals on the way to Palmwag. We are well into desert elephants, rhinos and other game such as springboks, ostriches, gemsboks and mountain zebras. Palmwag campsite is right in the middle of the wilderness providing basic basic facilities with star lit showers and pool bar. We aim to arrive in the early afternoon and have time to relax in the shade before making a late afternoon walk. There is also a viewing platform on the afternoon walk which is a great place to watch the sun set; there is a good chance of seeing desert elephants.

Day Seven (B.L)

Palmwag - Swakopmund (400 km)

More beautiful Damaraland scenery, this morning we pass through the Skeleton Coast making our first stop at the gate called Springbok Water. We then drive directly to the west and cross the gravel plain on our way to the Atlantic Ocean and then seal colony at Cape Cross. Here at certain times of the year there can be as many as 100 000 cape fur seals in attendance. The next destination is Swakopmund, stopping for lunch en-route and trip is designed to allow people to relax, either with the group, or on their own. Only breakfast is provided. This is to allow you to plan your time with as much flexibility as possibleand not to be tied to group meal times. It also gives you the chance to sample some of the excellent local cafes and restaurants. The seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organize group meal in a local restaurant for this evening. There is no suitable campsite available in Swakopmund so we really make the most of being back to civilization by staying in holiday chalets.

Swakopmund (Chalet accommodation)

Today is a free day; the idea is to allow time for everyone to do their own things. Swakopmund is a very pleasent seaside town with lots of shops, a good stretch of the beach, (although the Atlantic here is quite cold) and an open air curio market. There is also a very good museum and the Namibia National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund.

Alternative, there are various optional activities that can be arranged. These include aeroplane and micro light flights over the desert, scenic drives, fishing trips, both from beach or in a boat, four wheel motorcycle (quad bike) trips into the desert and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sand boarding trips also over the dunes, skydiving, surfing, bird watchingand many other activities are available. Your guide will discuss all the possible options with you before you reach Swakopmund and will offer to make advanced bookings prior to your arrival. NB. All extra activities in Swakopmund are made at the clients own risk and expense.

Day Nine (B.L.D.)

Swakopmund - Sesriem, Sossusvlei (350 km)

An early wake up by 09h00and then a little further down the coast to the port town of Walvis Bay. South of the town there is a large marine lagoon which is home to vast array of marine bird life, in particular flamingos. We will make a short visit to the lagoon to see the birds and to Walvis Bay to collect any last minute supplies before heading out into the desert. The first part of our journey this day takes us across more of the seemingly endless Namib gravel plains. The landscape suddenly changes and we are into the mountain desert. we traverse both the kuiseb Guab passes, both to the river beds at the bottom of the canyons andthen climbing the long steep road to the top and spectacular panoramas the mountains give us. Again the scenery changes as we make our way down to the dune fields at Sesriem

Day Ten (B.L.D.)

Sesriem, Sossusvlei (150 km)

A pre-dam start to see the sunrise in the dunes. From our campsite we drive a further 60km into the desert and have our breakfast as the colours change and grow across the landscape. To reach Sossusvlei itself we must then walk for the last five kilo metres through the dunes. The walk is like nothing else. In the cool of the morning , with soft sunlight just beginning to play over the dunes creating a sharp light and shadow contrast across the whole desert . Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel-thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or maybe an ostrich make the photo opportunities perfect.

We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei ( there is a odd chance of getting a lift in a four wheel drive vehicle for the return 5km walk and there is a four wheel drive shuttle service available in both directions for a small extra charge), but as the day wears on wereturn to our camp for lunch and to escape the heat of the day. Back into the usual rhythm of relaxing in the shade and eating ice cream beside the swimming pool, or having a siesta, or both. As the day cools off in the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon.

Day Eleven

After brerakfast we begin our journey over the mountains and along scenic roads back to Windhoek. We will travel back using a different route, this time climbing up to Windhoek and travelling through the massive Gamsberg Pass in the Khomas Hochland Mountain Range on our way back to civilization.

Our expected time of arrival in the city is at around 16:00 and all tour participants will be dropped off at their palces of accommodation.