INTRODUCTION
Highlights
Visit to the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert and learn how the desert flora and fauna adapt to the harsh conditions of the Kalahari Desert. A short visit to the Quiver Tree Forest near the town of Keetmanshoop is worth your time The name Quiver Tree refers to the Bushmen’s ancient custom of hollowing out the tree’s branches, and using them as quivers in which to carry their hunting arrows. COntinue to the Fish River Canyon. the world second largest canyon,It took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape and is161km long and up to 27km wide. The depth varies from 457m to 549m. Drive Through the Namib Desert to the small settlement of Aus, and the desert-adapted feral horses. From here proceed to Sossusvlei. A large clay pan, surrounded by massive dune fields. Midway through your travels, the intriguing town of Swakopmund, nestled between desert and sea, guarantees to delight with its charming curio-shops, restaurants and not to be missed excursions for both the adventurer and more gentle nature lover alike. Rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and the wildlife haven of Etosha National Park complete this epic journey with ancient discoveries and unforgettable wildlife sightings to enjoy.
This safari is offered in standard accommodation and camping versions. If you prefer luxury accommodation please inquire.
| Start |
Accomodation |
Option |
Destination |
Basis |
Duration |
| Day 1 |
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch |
Accommodation |
Mariental |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
Campsite |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
| Day 2 |
Fish River Lodge |
Accommodation |
Fish River Canyon |
D,B&B |
2 Nights |
|
Canyon Roadhouse Campsite
Gondwana Collection Namibia |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
| Day 4 |
Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn
Gondwana Collection Namibia |
Accommodation |
Aus |
B&B |
2 Nights |
|
Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse
Campsite Gondwana Collection Namibia |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
| Day 6 |
Desert Camp |
Accommodation |
Sesriem |
B&B |
2 Nights |
|
Sesriem Campsite |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
| Day 8 |
Prost Hotel Swakopmund |
Accommodation/Camping |
Swakpomund |
B&B |
2 Nights |
| Day 10 |
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge |
Accommodation |
Twyfelfontein |
D, B&B |
1 Night |
|
Madisa Campsite |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
| Day 11 |
Okaukuejo Resort |
Accommodation |
Etosha South |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Okaukuejo Campsite |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
| Day 12 |
Halali Resort |
Accommodation |
Etosha National Park |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Halali Campsite |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
| Day 13 |
Namutoni Resort |
Accommodation |
Etosha East |
B&B |
1 Night |
|
Namutoni Campsite |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
| Day 14 |
Otjiwa Safari Lodge |
Accommodation |
Waterberg Region |
D, B&B |
1 Night |
|
Otjiwa Campsites |
Camping |
|
SC |
|
Keys
B&B: Bed and Breakfast.
D, B&B: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
1
Day 1: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, Mariental
Day Itinerary
Upon arrival collect your rental vehicle and head south onto the red dunes of the Kalahari Basin, where you’ll overnight at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Reserve. If time permits perhaps join an optional guided nature drive around the reserve to look out for some of the desert adapted wildlife. Approx. 3 hours drive from city – if your flight arrives later in the morning we suggest you consider staying nearer to Windhoek as delays out of the international airport are quite common.
Accommodated option
Overnight: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch – DBB
Camping option
Overnight: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch Campsite – no meals included
Optional
| Morning Bushman Walk |
| Morning Cheetah Viewing |
| Night Game Drive |
| Horseback Safari |
2-3
Day 2-3: Fish River Lodge, Fish River Canyon
Leave Bagatelle Kalahari Game Reserve after breakfast and drive south to Fish River Canyon, perhaps stop and wander around the Quiver Tree Forest (traditionally used by the Bushman to hold their quivers – hence the name) and Giants Playground – a large group of granite boulders, before continuing onto Fish River – this afternoon sit and appreciate the stunning views or perhaps wander along the rim to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the area – if you didn’t have a chance to see the Quiver Tree Forest . The following day recommend joining an optional activity to either walk or drive into the canyon (note that walks are seasonal and during winter months only). Two nights are spent here. Approx 5-6hours plus stops (if via Quiver Tree)
Accommodated option
Overnight: Fish River Lodge – DBB
Camping option
Overnight: Canyon Roadhouse Campsite – no meals included
Optional
| Canyon Day Drive (Three Quarter Day) |
| Five Night Canyon Hike (Only from April to September) |
| PM Scenic Sundowner |
| Canyon Rim Walk |
| Fat bike trials |
4-5
Day 4-5: Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia, Aus
Day Itinerary
Onward to one of the best kept secrets of Namibia – Klein Aus, a truly beautiful spot, situated on the edge of the desert with endless views of open plains and mountains. You’ll be based here for 2 nights and have time for optional activities. Enjoy self-guided hikes or mountain bike trails (bikes available for hire) in the Aus Mountains, join the lodge for a guided excursion in the surrounding area, or take a self-guided day trip to Luderitz to visit Kolmanskop Ghost Town, a tribute to the diamond mining of the past and explore this rugged and desolate coastline where you can look out for African penguins! En route back to Klein Aus stop at the waterhole and hide of the horses of the Namib, one of only 2 or 3 truly recognised wild herds of horses in the world and be amazed at how they survive in this harsh environment. Approx 4-5 hours
Accommodated option
Overnight: Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Lodge- BB
Camping option
Overnight: Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Campsite – no meals included
Optional
| Kolmanskop |
| Diaz Point Coffee Shop |
6-7
Day 6-7: Desert Camp, Sesriem
Day Itinerary
From Aus drive to Namib Desert, located inside Namib Naukluft Park, here, enjoy the wonder of the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei and the surrounding sand dune sea is reputed to have some of the highest dunes in the world and is certainly part of one of the oldest deserts; this is an excellent location for photography and exploring on foot will give you a greater sense of understanding to this harsh and seemingly endless environment. Approx 5hours. Note: The last section into the region is 4×4 only and unless you are an experienced 4×4 sand driver we recommend you leave the vehicle at the 2×4 car park and walk or take a shuttle service the final 5km into the heart of this sea of sand.
Accommodated option
Overnight: Desert Camp- BB
Camping option
Overnight: Sesriem Campsite – no meals included
8-9
Day 8-9: Prost Hotel Swakopmund, Swakopmund
Day Itinerary
This morning journey north crossing the Kuiseb Canyon and onward through the desert with its endless vistas across the plains to the coast. You can stop at Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon – a protected RAMSAR site to see flamingos, pelicans and the endemic Damara tern and from here it’s a short drive to Swakopmund. This town is a picturesque resort with many good seafood restaurants, cafes and shops as well as an interesting museum and aquarium and is also the activity centre of Namibia where you can enjoy a scenic flight over the desert and coastline, marine cruise, skydiving, sand boarding or quad biking. Alternatively, take a highly recommended optional half day or full day trip to the marine sanctuary of Sandwich Harbour. Overnight in a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis, all other meals and optional activities will be at client’s expense Approx 5+hours
Optional
| Walvis Bay Dolphin & Seal Cruise |
| Sandwich Harbour |
10
Day 10: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Twyfelfontein
Day Itinerary
Today, drive north along the Skeleton Coast stopping to view a shipwreck just south of Henties Bay and easily viewed by the shore; from here visit Cape Cross Seal Colony, where thousands of seals congregate on the beach before retracing your steps to Henties Bay and turning inland. You’ll drive past Brandberg, the highest point in Namibia and a huge massif rising up over the plains and onward to central Damaraland and Twyfelfontein where you can take a local guide to explore and view the etchings whilst learning a little of history of this ancient region. Watch out for desert elephants sometimes found wandering through the dry riverbeds in the winter months as they browse on the trees and vegetation! Approx 5hours (allow extra for Cape Cross)
Accommodated option
Overnight: Twyfelfontien Country Lodge- DBB
Camping option
Overnight: Madisa Campsite – no meals included
11
Day 11: Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South
Day Itinerary
Onward to Etosha, one of the best game reserves in Southern Africa and home to many species of game including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, hyena, giraffe, and many types of antelope including the endemic black-faced impala. You will be based in the park for three nights and each rest camp has its own swimming pool, floodlit waterhole, shop and restaurant. Experience game drives in your own vehicle, criss-crossing the park on the gravel roads that connect the waterholes and witness the shimmering mirages on Etosha Pan, a massive ancient salt lake that over the millenia dried leaving a complex of salt pans but nevertheless remains large enough that it can be seen from space! Approx 3-4hours; game drives vary
Accommodated option
Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort- BB
Camping option
Overnight: Okaukuejo Campsite – no meals included
12
Day 12: Halali Resort, Etosha National Park
Day Itinerary
After breakfast game drive through to Halali. Game Drives vary.
Accommodated option
Overnight: Halali Resort – BB
Camping option
Overnight: Halali Campsite – no meals included
13
Day 13: Namutoni Resort, Etosha East
Day Itinerary
After breakfast game drive through to Namutoni, Game Drives vary.
Accommodated option
Overnight: Namutoni Resort – BB
Camping option
Overnight: Namutoni Campsite – no meals included
14
Day 14: Otjiwa Safari Lodge, Waterberg Region
Day Itinerary
Today, drive towards south in the direction of Otjiwarongo and overnight at Otjiwa Lodge; situated on a private reserve, perhaps join an optional game drive. The lodge is ideally located to visit the nearby CCF – the Cheetah Conservation Fund and recommend a visit the educational centre and museum, their programme is an innovative one, not only do they educate the local farmers and villagers but train dogs to protect the livestock from the cheetahs ensuring that both survive – children of all ages are welcome at the educational centre – if you wish to enjoy the cheetah run and see them exercised kids under 12 must stay outside the enclosure. However, it’s a great way to see them close up and appreciate these wonderful predators. Approx 4 hours
Accommodated option
Overnight: Otjiwa Lodge- DBB
Camping option
Overnight: Otjiwa Campsite – no meals included
Optional
| Game Drives |
| Rhino Tracking |
| Bird-Watching |
Recommended
Game Drives
Game drive to the vulture hotel
Rhino Tracking
Rhino tracking on foot
Bird-Watching
vulture hotel
Walking Trails
Hiking as well as mountain biking trails
Accommodation: Otjiwa Safari Lodge
Camping: Otjiwa Campsites
15
Day 15: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
If time permits, perhaps join a further activity (own expense), then return to Windhoek, you may wish to stop at Okahandja for some last-minute souvenir shopping at the craft markets where you can barter some gifts before returning to Windhoek International Airport and connect with your onward flight back home. Drive time approx 2.45hours to Windhoek; drop off vehicle and another 40-45mins to airport – no flights prior to mid-afternoon and later if you wish to join activity. End of services
Consultant Notes
As with all car hire companies if you have an accident and they prove you were negligent– for example – speeding then the zero excess becomes void and you are liable. You will complete the contract and discuss any extras with the car rental company upon collection of the vehicle – please check the vehicle carefully as you are responsible for it thereafter. If you have any problems with the car whilst you are on the road, please contact them directly. With all car rentals you will need to provide your passport, driving licence (written in English or an international licence), as well as supply credit card for refundable deposit. A GPS is often available by the car rental companies (at clients’ own expense), however, we do find that due to our road network system (and small population), it is not normally required, we realize this is a personal preference and are happy to pre-book for you. Please do not drive around/after sunset
Please note that this quote is based on the availability of both accommodation/ vehicle and on the understanding that no bookings have been made. Should we need to use alternative options the price and itinerary is subject to change.
Price per person to Serene African Adventures
Valid from 1st November 2021 until 30 June 2022
Accommodated options
Based on 2 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 37,375.00
Based on 3 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 32,375.00
Based on 4 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 29,875.00
Single Supplement N$ 5,455.00
Camping options
Based on 2 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle:
N$ 20,915.00
Based on 3 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle:
N$ 16,425.00
Based on 4 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle:
N$ 13,805.00
Single Supplement N$ 440.00
Valid from 01 July 2022 until 31 October 2022
Accommodated options
Based on 2 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 40,095.00
Based on 3 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 34,810.00
Based on 4 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 standard vehicle: N$ 32,170.00
Single Supplement N$ 5,975.00
Camping options
Based on 2 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle:
N$ 22,240.00
Based on 3 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle:
N$ 17,465.00
Based on 4 people sharing travelling with a 4×4 fully equipped vehicle:
N$ 14,685.00
Single Supplement N$ 500.00
Included
- Accommodation / Campsite and activities as set out in itinerary;
- Car rental as indicated;
- Meals as stated in itinerary;
- vat; tourism levy;
- welcome pack;
Standard Inclusions for car rental- these might vary depending on the car rental – All vehicles on zero excess
- Unlimited kms,
- Super CDW,
- Super theft loss waiver;
- Stamp duty, VAT;
- airport surcharge; map, inbound guide;
- tyre & windscreen cover
- 1 or 2 spare wheel/s depending on car rental
Extra for Camping vehicle inclusions for car rental- these might vary depending on the car rental – All vehicles on zero excess
- Standard Camping Equipment (2-4 pax)
- Rooftop Tent OR Ground Tent
Please inquire for the details list of camping equipment.
Excluded
- International and other flights;
- visas; fuel;
- additional meals and optional activities; personal
- insurance; tips/gratuities; items of a personal nature;
- curios; entry fees to parks and places of interest;
- extras for car hire as indicated below
Standard exclusions for car rental- these might vary depending on the car rental – All vehicles on zero excess
- Rental deposit
- contract fee
- fuel; tyre/rim/glass (all) waiver combined;
- refuelling fee
- additional driver per rental
- young driver surcharge N (18-20 yrs);
- fine handling fee
- claim handling fee
- Assessors fee in event damage is greater than N$5000
- Baby seat/booster seat
- GPS unit + (plus refundable deposit)
- Jerry can (plus refundable deposit);
- second spare wheel – depending on car rental company – please inquire
- delivery/collection fee during office hours – Within 25km
- Further than 25km; delivery collection after hours /weekends within 25km; further than 25km
- Water/sand/and undercarriage damage renters account; hail damage;
- towing charges if not mechanical – renters account; no show fees/cancellation T&C; lost keys surcharge /call out + replacement of keys;
- valet service (only if car excessively dirty and at discretion of the car rental company – renter account;
- damage to equipment – renter account; towing – mechanical (car rental);
- towing – accident – renter account;
- carbon emission tax;
From 2019 proposed park entry fees: N$250/person/day; N$100/child under 16 years and N$50/vehicle day – subject to change – please note that visitors must be in rest camps or outside the park – gates open/close at sunrise/sunset
