20 Day Naankuse & Classic Namibia Camping Safari

Itinerary

Day 1: Settle in at N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary

Stop At: Hosea Kutako International Airport, Namibia
We will be collected from the Hosea Kutako International Airport on arrival. Here we can collect some local currency, purchase a sim card before departing for N/a'ankuse Wildlife Sanctuary.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Windhoek Namibia
N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe haven for injured, orphaned or conflict animals. Whenever possible the goal is to re-introduce the animals into the wild. Only animals too ill, abused or habituated remain at the sanctuary. Depending on our arrival time we have the opportunity to meet with the team and meet some of the animals that we will be working with before we join the N/a’an ku sê team for an induction presentation and a lovely welcome braai as our evening meal.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at N/a'ankuse's volunteer accommodation in twin/triple share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 2: Volunteer at N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary

Stop At: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Windhoek Namibia
Our morning starts with an early breakfast and Sundays are rest days but not before we prepare and feed the orphaned and injured animals. This usually takes between 1 and 2 hours in the morning. The rest of the day we can spend enjoying the beautiful outdoors observing animals coming to the waterhole, around the pool reading a book or learn more about the conservation work done at the volunteer centre.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at N/a'ankuse's volunteer accommodation in twin/triple share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 3: Volunteer at N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary

Stop At: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Windhoek Namibia
We enjoy an early morning breakfast and a quick morning meeting with the team to start the day off. The next couple of days are the perfect opportunity to learn about and actively participate in the conservation, rehabilitation, care and research of the African wildlife. The research teams take us out for group based morning activities, such as feeding orphaned and injured animals, cleaning enclosures or project work and animal enrichment. After a morning full of fun and work, we enjoy a light lunch at the Lapa. After lunch we start the afternoon activities with a presentation from the research team before we learn about the on-going projects N/a’an ku se is involved with to support wildlife conservation. Research activities may include; monitoring free roaming carnivores, analysing camera traps, analysing GPS data or game counts. Dinner each night is a delicious home cooked meal served at the Lapa.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at N/a'ankuse's volunteer accommodation in twin/triple share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 4: Volunteer at N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary

Stop At: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Windhoek Namibia
We enjoy an early morning breakfast and a quick morning meeting with the team to start the day off. No two days at Naankuse are ever quite the same, and certainly never boring. Wildlife conservation includes a vast range of tasks, some more glamorous than others, but all equally important to ensuring a balance eco-system for all.
No matter what it is that you spend the day doing, wrap up another day with a delicious dinner in the Lapa and an early night in preparation for another busy day tomorrow..
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at N/a'ankuse's volunteer accommodation in twin/triple share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 5: Volunteer at N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary

Stop At: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Windhoek Namibia
Another busy day on the reserve today as you play your part in conserving Namibia's wild spaces. This could be anything from monitoring free roaming carnivores, analysing camera traps, analysing GPS data or game counts, or ensuring those animals that are yet to be released are fed and healthy (under supervision of course).
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at N/a'ankuse's volunteer accommodation in twin/triple share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 6: Volunteer at N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary

Stop At: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Windhoek Namibia
Today marks our last day at Naankuse and the last opportunity on this tour to really get our hands dirty.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at N/a'ankuse's volunteer accommodation in twin/triple share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Day 7: Chameleon Backpackers, Windhoek

Stop At: Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Windhoek Namibia
A leisurely breakfast and after breakfast we will pack our bags and get ready to say goodbye to the Naankuse team and fellow volunteers who may be staying on.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Chameleon Backpackers, Voight Street, Windhoek, Namibia
We will then be transferred to Chameleon Backpackers, centrally located in Windhoek and time permitting we have the opportunity to join one of the optional activities that Chameleon has to offer. Enjoy your evening with a delicious “braai” and Quiz night at the Chameleon Backpackers’ bar.
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation is at Chameleon Backpackers in twin share rooms with en-suite bathroom.

Day 8: Okonjima Nature Reserve

Stop At: Chameleon Backpackers, Voight Street, Windhoek, Namibia
We meet all together for brief pre-departure talk at Chameleon Backpackers before departing Windhoek.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Okahandja Mbangura Woodcarvers Craft Market, Southern Entrance to the city of Okahandja close to, B1, Okahandja, Okahandja Namibia
We stop briefly at the Okahandja Wood carving markets. Woodcarvers from all over Namibia, who practice their ancient skill, come here to sell their goods. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your haggling skills all while supporting the local community.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: AfriCat Foundation, Okonjima Game Reserve 200 square kilometres amongst Omboroko Mountains, Namibia
Our next stop is Okonjima Nature Reserve. Okonjima is home to the AfriCat Foundation, who’s mission has been to make significant contributions to conservation, at the same time trying to ensure the survival of Namibia’s predators in their natural habit.

We aim to arrive at camp before lunch, giving us ample time to set up camp and enjoy lunch before we join the afternoon activity. This afternoon you have the chance to see some of the cheetahs currently part of the AfriCat rehabilitation programme. The aim of the rehabilitation programme is to re-introduce these animals into the wild. The aim of the rehabilitation programme is to re-introduce these animals into the wild. After our educational tour, we join an afternoon game drive on the reserve all while enjoying a Namibian sunset
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Okonjima campsite

Day 9: Etosha National Park

Stop At: Otjiwarongo, Otjiwarongo, Otjozondjupa Region
We depart from camp after a leisurely breakfast and stop briefly at Otjiwarongo, a small town north of Okonjima to gather some fresh supplies, before continuing on to Etosha National Park, one of Southern Africa’s premier wildlife areas.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Etosha National Park, Etosha National Park, Oshikoto Region
Upon entering the gate, we start our search for wildlife. We enjoy a short game drive through to Okaukuejo, where we set up our camp and enjoy a delicious lunch, before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Etosha is unlike any other, and our game drives take us from waterhole to waterhole in search of predators as well as plains game, birds and if we are lucky, even reptiles. We return to camp just before sunset, and whilst dinner is cooking, we have the chance to visit the excellent floodlit waterhole where rhino, elephant, giraffe, lion and hyena are frequent visitors. Dinner is prepared by our guide over an open fire.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Okaukuejo campsite.

Day 10: Etosha National Park

Stop At: Etosha Pan, Etosha National Park Namibia
We start our first game drive at sunrise, to catch many of the predators still active, visiting various waterholes, making our way across the park, where we enjoy breakfast at one of the (fenced) picnic spots within the park. After breakfast we continue our journey arriving at the Etosha Pan “great white place” where we can get out of the vehicle and experience this 4500 sq km “saline desert” before continuing our game drive to look for the Big 4.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Moringa Waterhole, Halali, Etosha National Park Namibia
We make our way across the park to Halali, the central camp, where we can take a dip in the pool, visit the waterhole and enjoy lunch.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Okaukuejo, Okaukuejo, Oshikoto Region
After lunch we game drive back to Okaukuejo camp, visiting many waterholes, arriving at camp by sunset. Enjoy our last night camping in Etosha, and a visit to the waterhole after dinner is highly recommended.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Okaukuejo campsite

Day 11: Damaraland

Stop At: Etosha National Park, Etosha National Park, Oshikoto Region
Another early start where we can take in a spectacular sunrise whilst having breakfast and enjoy a final game drive as we exit the park.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Otjikandero Himba Orphan Village, Road C40, Kamanjab Namibia
After a short drive we arrive in the small town of Kamanjab, where we stop to visit the Otjikandero Himba Village. The Himba people are one of the last tribes in Namibia who still embrace their traditional culture and customs and during a guided tour around the village we will have the chance to not only gain an in-depth insight into the Himba way of life, but to get to know the Himba people to share a little of our own culture with them.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Hoada Campsite, C40, Kamanjab, Namibia
After our visit to the Himba village we continue to the Hoada Community Campsite, situated between large granite boulders and mopane trees, creating the illusion of a serene home in the wilderness. Here we set up camp and have some lunch before enjoying a leisurely afternoon and watching the sunset from the Hoada deck. Dinner is prepared by our guide over an open fire.
Duration: 16 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Hoada campsite

Day 12: Cape Cross on the Skeleton Coast

Stop At: Skeleton Coast National Park, Skeleton Coast National Park, Khomas Region
Today our adventure today takes us all the way to the Atlantic Ocean and our final destination at Cape Cross. We travel westwards through to the Skeleton Coast, where we enter the Skeleton Coast National Park. The coast line itself is a very hostile but a fascinating area known for its numerous shipwrecks over the years, all victims of the thick fog, unpredictable currents and rough seas.
Duration: 8 hours

Stop At: Skeleton Coast, Namibia
We arrive at Cape Cross mid-afternoon where we can set up camp and set up camp for the night. Here we can experience the climate of the coastline in full glory. We have the afternoon at leisure and can take a short walk on the beach and for the brave a dip in the Atlantic Ocean before returning to camp where dinner is prepared by our guide over an open fire.
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Cape Cross campsite

Day 13: Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast

Stop At: Skeleton Coast, 60km north of Henties Bay Cape Cross Seal Reserve Namibia
Today is another early start as we pack up camp and continue our journey south. Our first official stop for the day is the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. The reserve is home to one of the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals and during breeding season (November-December) up to a 200 000+ seals can be spotted basking on the beach, certainly a sight and smell to behold.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Zeila Shipwreck, Hentiesbaai Namibia
After our visit to the seal colony, we continue travelling along the coast stopping to view the Zeila Shipwreck, one of the latest victims of the Skeleton Coast from as recent as 2007.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Swakopmund, Swakopmund, Erongo Region
We arrive in Swakopmund early afternoon and have plenty of time to explore this quaint little town on foot, or join some of the optional activities on offer from skydiving to quad biking and more. Dinner tonight is at own expense in one of Swakopmund’s excellent restaurants and our guide will be happy to make recommendations or bookings depending on what we feel like.
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in standard twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms at Hotel A La Mer

Day 14: Namib Desert

Stop At: Swakopmund, Swakopmund, Erongo Region
Today we leave Swakopmund at 11h30 so we have the option to enjoy a rare sleep in and a leisurely breakfast or the chance to join one of the many optional activities. For the adrenaline junkies this could be flying down a sand dune head first at 60km/h on a sandboard or exploring the dune field on a quad biking tour.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Solitaire, Solitaire, Khomas Region
We depart Swakopmund no later than 11h30 and drive through the Namib Desert via the Kuiseb Pass, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping briefly in Solitaire where we can stop for a snack and leg stretch.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Sesriem, Sesriem, Hardap Region
We arrive at our camp late afternoon where we can set up our tents, and enjoy the sunset over the Namib Desert. Pool and bar available, and dinner is prepared by our guide. An early night is recommended.
Duration: 14 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Sesriem campsite in the Namib Desert

Day 15: Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert

Stop At: Dune 45, 45 kilometers From the Park Entrance Gate, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park Namibia
A pre-dawn departure from camp this morning means we can enjoy the dunes at first light. We drive down an ancient river bed, surrounded by towering dunes and our first stop is at the famous Dune 45 where we have the chance to climb to the top to enjoy the sunrise. On descent we replenish our energy and enjoy breakfast.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sossusvlei, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park
We continue on into Sossusvlei area. We explore this unique are on foot.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park Namibia
We then head into Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees, contrasting with a backdrop of huge dunes with their ever changing colours.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sesriem, Sesriem, Hardap Region
We return to Sesriem around lunch time for lunch and a swim or siesta during the heat of the day.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Sesriem Canyon, 4.5km from the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sesriem 6900 Namibia
Later that afternoon we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a must see when in the area.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Sesriem campsite in the Namib Desert

Day 16: Klein Aus Vista, Namib Desert

Stop At: Sesriem, Sesriem, Hardap Region
We pack up camp this morning and then enjoy a leisurely breakfast before starting our journey through the southern Namib Desert.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gondwana-Desert-Collection Klein-Aus Vista, Farm Klein-Aus, 2km west of Aus on the B4, Aus, Namibia
Today we head south through Namibia’s Namib Rand Nature Reserve, home to some of the most spectacular desert landscapes in Southern Namibia. Our destination today is the small outpost of Klein Aus, nestled in the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park. We arrive at camp late afternoon and we can set up our tents and then have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy one of the many short hiking trails. We enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner prepared by our guide over an open-fire.
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Klein Aus Vista campsite

Day 17: Kolmanskop & Luderitz

Stop At: Kolmanskop Ghost Town, Luderitz Namibia
After an early breakfast we make our way from Klein Aus to the ghost town, also known as Kolmanskop, situated 15km outside of Luderitz. During a diamond boom in 1910 Kolmanskop quickly became one of the richest towns in Africa boasting the southern hemisphere’s first X-ray machine, a bowling alley and luxury housing. As the diamond boom came to an end and the town’s inhabitants abandoned the area, Kolmanskop became a ghost town.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Luderitz, Luderitz, Karas Region
After our tour of the ghost town, we continue our adventure to the small town of Luderitz, situated on the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean and is well known for its unique and colourful colonial-style buildings.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Diaz Point, A sud di Luderitz, Luderitz Namibia
We stop at Diaz Point, the famous site of the Original Diaz Cross.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Wild Horses of Aus, 4 National Rd B, Aus Namibia
On return to Aus, we keep our eyes peeled for the wild horses of the Namib Desert that roam between Luderitz & Klein Aus. While the details of how these horses came to live in the desert are still a mystery, the mere fact that they have survived in the harshest of conditions is impressive, and any sighting of them is one to celebrate.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Gondwana-Desert-Collection Klein-Aus Vista, Farm Klein-Aus, 2km west of Aus on the B4, Aus, Namibia
We arrive back at camp late mid-afternoon and can relax for the afternoon before enjoying another incredible sunset over the Aus Mountains. Dinner tonight is prepared by our guide.
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Klein Aus Vista campsite

Day 18: Fish River Canyon & Quiver Tree Forest

Stop At: Fish-River-Canyon Lookout, Namibia
We enjoy an another early start this morning as we pack up camp and head east. Our first official stop is at the well-known Hell`s Bend viewpoint of the Fish River Canyon. Here we have the opportunity to overlook the second largest canyon in the world. The Fish River Canyon was formed millions of years ago by water erosion and the collapse of the valley due to movements in the earth’s crust.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kokerboomwoud, Namibia
After lunch we continue our adventure heading to our last destination; The Quiver Tree Forest. It is located just north-east of Keetmanshoop and here approximately 250 quiver trees can be found. The forest grew spontaneously and the oldest trees are estimated to be around 200-300 years old. The quiver tree (kokerboom in Afrikaans) is also Namibia’s national tree, and the forest was declared a national monument in 1995. The last night on our adventure is spent camping under the stars with meals prepared by our guide. This is an excellent location for photographing the stars should you be an avid photographer (permits not included for night photography).
Duration: 16 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight camping at Quiver Tree Forest campsite

Day 19: Windhoek

Stop At: Quivertree Forest and Giant's Playground, Keetmanshoop Namibia
After a lie in and a leisurely breakfast we start the day with a visit the Giants Playground, a geological phenomenon of dolerite rocks that appear to have been stacked by giants.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Chameleon Backpackers, Voight Street, Windhoek, Namibia
From here, we begin our journey back to Windhoek travelling the small towns of Mariental and Rehoboth before arriving in Windhoek late afternoon. Dinner tonight is at own expense in one of Windhoek's many restaurants.
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation is at Chameleon Backpackers in twin share rooms with en-suite bathroom.

Day 20: End of Tour

Stop At: Windhoek, Windhoek, Khomas Region
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the option to join a FREE City Walking tour so be sure to book a flight after 14h00. We will be transferred to the International Airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight departure.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.