Scheduled 9 Day’s Delta & Vic Falls Camping Safari

Uakii Eco Guesthouse, Gobabis

Day Itinerary

Windhoek –- Gobabis Area – Namibia (350 km) (LD) (camping)

You will be collected between 09:00 & 09:30.

Depart from Windhoek and continue to the Gobabis area for the first overnight on tour. On arrival you will set up your tents and then go to the craft area to meet your host San family at the bush-camp. At the craft village women and men will also teach you about how they make their crafts including bow and arrows and you will be given a chance to make some just as a try, this is hands on experience. Weather dependent we depart on an afternoon bush walk with a small clan of Bushmen who will teach, and show you, their hunting skills such as tracking, stalking, fire making and finding underground water roots. The bush walk will be about gather bush food and other edible plants including the usage of that. It needs a sharp eyes and it’s all about technique as to where to look for those plants and this is the opportunity our guest have to experience with the oldest San people of our Kalahari. At the end of bush walk and return to the camp we watch the sun setting over the Kalahari whilst experiencing the San cultural dances, singing, traditional games while watching the sunset. After all the activities dinner will be prepare over an open campfire and spend the evening stargazing at our camp.

Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Guma Lagoon Campsite, Guma Lagoon

Day Itinerary

Ghanzi – Guma/Okavango Delta (450 km) (BLD) (camping)

An early start and a quick stop in Ghanzi to collect any last minute supplies before continuing east and north, traversing the linear dunes of the Kalahari and passing through small towns along the way. A change in vegetation heralds our arrival on the very western edge of one of the natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. Here we turn north for some way before again pointing our wheels west as we enter the Delta proper. We see our first glimpse of the crystal waters through the lush vegetation and we make our camp on the banks of a pristine African lagoon.

Day 3: Guma Lagoon Campsite, Guma Lagoon

Day Itinerary

Okavango Delta (BLD) (camping)

Included activity: We are in the territory of the River People, so this morning we leave our vehicle behind and travel in a more appropriate fashion, first by motor-boat and then by traditional Mokoro (dugout canoe), deep into the Delta.

Mokoro’s will be our main form of transport. These amazing traditional craft are perfectly designed for the narrow waterways of the Okavango and allow us to travel further into the Delta than if we were using more modern forms of transport. Mokoro’s carry three people, two seated passengers and one driver. The driver stands in the rear of the canoe, (a real feat of balance), and uses a long wooden pole to propel and steer the Mokoro through the twisting channels. It really is the only way to travel in this area.

Back to camp in the late afternoon for another night by the Okavango waters.

Consultant Notes

Mokoro Trips

The traditional dugout canoe, locally known as a mokoro, was the mode of transport chosen by the Okavango’s first inhabitants, the Bayei and Banoka people.

Guma Lagoon Camp offers a choice of day trips or overnight camping mokoro trails that take you into the heart of the Okavango. This is an adventurous safari experience not to be missed.

From Guma Lagoon Camp, a 15-minute boat transfer that passes through a narrow meandering channel will get you to the start of your mokoro experience. From here, you will get onto a fiberglass or wooden mokoro which can seat two people. The Head Mokoro Poler will then give the group a detailed speech on safety and what to expect on your trip.

You will be poled through the tranquil channels that link the extensive flood plain system to the main river. Water lily beds, palm islands and papyrus stand abound making for the most scenic of experiences. On one of the larger islands you will have time to have your lunch and a guided walk. There is always a chance of seeing large herds of red lechwe bounding through the water and passing elephants feeding amongst the lush wetland vegetation.
After your hearty lunch and walk you will make your way slowly back to the Mokoro station where our motorboats will be waiting for you to take you back to camp.

Activities

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: Camp Kwando, Kwando River

Day Itinerary

Okavango Delta – Caprivi, Namibia (345 km)

Back on the road today, destination Namibia. Passport formalities completed you go directly into the Mahango Game Reserve, a small but excellent park right on the edge of the Okavango River.  Game drive your way through Mahango and have the chance to spot rarely seen Namibian species such as roan antelope the majestic sable antelope. Continue your drive along the Caprivi Strip, Namibia. This strip of land is a long narrow stretch of territory running along Botswana’s northern border. It is a landscape of broadleaf forest with many small communities dotted along our route.

Overnight along the banks of the Kwando River

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite, Chobe River Front

Day Itinerary

Kwando – Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana (230 km) (420 km) (BLD) (camping)

Lizauli Traditional Village is a community tourism product that gives visitors a glimpse of life in a traditional village. Amongst the things they show visitors are how to stamp a millet, how grain used to be stored, the chicken house (stantwe), and transportation that were used. You can also see how blacksmiths forge metal tools and knives while an assistant operates the hand-made bellows. Visitors also have the opportunity to interact with a traditional healer.

We transit to Namibia’s easternmost town, Katima Mulilo. A short break here before crossing back across the border into Botswana. The road takes you directly into the world-famous Chobe National Park. Chobe has the world’s largest population of African Elephants and the chances of seeing some big game are very good as you transit through the park to the small town of Kasane for overnight on the banks for the Chobe River.
Tucked

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite, Chobe River Front

Day Itinerary

Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana (BLD) (camping)

An early hot drink before we head off on a leisurely game drive, exploring the wonders of the Chobe National Park by road. Game drives within the park offer the opportunity to view abundant elephant and other big game species up close, and there is the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators. Time to relax over lunch at our camp before joining a riverboat cruise, back into the park. From the boat, we will have the chance to see a huge amount of wild game, both on the river banks and in the waters swirling around us. Crocodiles and hippos abound in the forbidding Chobe River and on the land side there is often a kaleidoscope of different antelope and species such as elephant, buffalo and even the Big Cats come to the river banks for their sundowner drink. The Chobe River provides a very broad habitat for bird life and it is possible to see many beautiful species of our feathered friends.

Activities

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day Itinerary

Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (80 km) (BL) (camping)

Our journey today takes us to the Kazangula border; this is the near meeting point of four countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe). Upon completion of border formalities, we make the short drive to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, described it. In terms that are more modern Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. Our campsite is situated right in the middle of Victoria Falls town making it a perfect place to be based with all amenities within walking distance. The Rest Camp is only 2km’s from the falls making it the closest campsite to the Victoria Falls. This afternoon your guide will help, you organise the many optional activities available in Victoria Falls. These include white water rafting, bungi jumping, other excursions on the river and scenic flights to mention but a few.

Dinner will be in a local restaurant at your own expense.

NB: All extra activities are subject to availability and are done at the clients own risk and expense.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Day 8: Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day Itinerary

Victoria Falls (B)

This is a free day for you to explore the area or to take part in optional activities. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax a bit after your trip. For some of you, this will be your final night and what a fantastic place to enjoy your last evening with your group.

Lunch and dinner today, are not included in the price of the trip.

Activities

Optional

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Day 9: n’Kwazi Campsite, Rundu

Day Itinerary

Victoria Falls – Rundu, Namibia (700 km) (BLD) (camping)

We say farewell to all the travellers flying out today. For those people returning to Windhoek, Namibia it is an early start and a long drive. We are in transit only and will not be stopping to take in the sights along the way. We will traverse the Caprivi Strip and will spend the night near the small town of Rundu in northern Namibia. We camp in the grounds of a lodge on the banks for the Okavango River, looking into Angola on the far riverbank.

Dinner tonight will be in the restaurant at the lodge and is included in the price of your transfer.

Basis

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 10: n’Kwazi Campsite, Rundu

End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

Rundu – Windhoek (800 km) (BL)

Another early start and another long drive. We head south through Kavango Province, down through the towns of Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja before reaching our final destination, Windhoek. There will be stops at some of the local woodcarving stalls as well as the market at Okahandja before arriving in the city.

You will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Consultant Notes

Maximum group size is 14 people, with a minimum of 1 participant. Transport for up to 5 people will be in a minibus and for 6 people and more in a specialized vehicle.

Unless otherwise specified, all safaris will be conducted in English.

Clients are limited to one soft, barrel type bag per person with maximum weight of 15kg, one medium sized hand luggage bag, one medium sized camera bag and a sleeping bag.

We suggest a sleeping bag range of “3 – 4 season”. Sleeping bags can be hired by prior arrangement for a cost of N$35.00 per sleeping bag per night. When selecting your clothing please be aware that Namibian summer temperatures (December – March) can reach 45*C and winter temperatures (June – September) can be as low as -5*C. The rainy season is between December and April.

All evening meals on camping safaris (unless stipulated) are cooked on an open fire. Salads and fresh vegetables will be served daily where readily available. Fresh fruit will also be supplied when possible. We cater for vegetarians, but please notify us prior to departure.

Airport transfers and pre-and-post safari accommodation can be arranged on request.
It is customary in Namibia to tip 10% at restaurants.

Your guide and assistant can be tipped at your own discretion, but we ask that the guide be tipped separately from your assistant.

What electrical adaptors do I need for Namibia?

Electrical plugs are 220 V and are 3 pin (round-pin as opposed to square pin, the same as in South Africa). Adaptors can be purchased in Windhoek and

What is limited participation camping?
Limited participation camping is assisted camping with the participation limited to only helping with the tent. No help needed with any food preparation or other camp duties. You can just sit back, relax and let us take care of you.

Is there anywhere to do laundry?
Whilst we hope that your trip will be chore free and very relaxing, we understand that you may want to wash one or two items of clothing while out on safari! If you are on one of our scheduled, camping trips there will be laundry facilities (with washing machines) in the bigger towns such as Swakopmund and Windhoek. While out on the road, we recommend that you pack a bar or tube of laundry detergent that you will be able to use for smaller items of clothing at your campsite. With Namibia’s dry climate, items normally dry quite quickly overnight.

If you are staying in lodges on your safari, the majority (but not all) will offer a laundry service. This will depend on the specific lodge / hotel. We suggest checking directly with your lodge or getting in touch with us if you have any specific questions.

Should I tip my guide?
If you feel that your guide or assistant have really gone the extra mile to make your safari a truly memorable experience, then please do feel free to show your gratitude with a tip! Our tipping guideline for both guides and assistants is approximately N$20.00 to N$40.00 per assistant/guide, per client, per day of safari. Sometimes guests find it easier to work as a group on this and collect two separate amounts in two envelopes. This avoids unnecessary complications for the guide and assistant when they try to decide what their share is! Please remember that tipping is at your own discretion and the above is just a guideline. Tipping is only if you feel your crew deserve it. What vehicle will I travel in on safari?

Contact Serene African Adventures:
email: bookings@sereneadventures.africa
Tel: +264 85 724 7449

www.sereneadventures.africa