For many people if not most, the country of Namibia
(formerly South West Africa) remains a mystery. It does however possess a beauty all of its own from its massive shifting sand dunes, said to be the highest in the world – Sossusvlei is a must for photographers, to the Etosha National Park where wildlife is found in abundance. Add to that some wonderful German architecture
on the coast in Swakopmund, and in Windhoek the capital and one has all the ingredients for a tour of contrast with a difference. You may even run into the magnificent desert oryx or the endangered desert elephant, two wonderful examples of adaptation to an apparently hostile climate.
Flanked by the Atlantic to one side and the Kalahari desert to the other, Namibia is a land of diverse landscapes and an incredible variety of wildlife.
Most of Namibia's 1.7 million people are confined to Windhoek, and the main seaside cities, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. However, Namibia's most famous inhabitants are the Bushmen. A nomadic tribe which has lived in the harsh climes of the Kalahari and has remained relatively untouched by western culture.
NAMIBIA Climate
- Rainy season is October to April - daytime temperatures
are hot, and in summer nights are cool and very cold in
winter. Language
- English, German and Afrikaans are widely spoken. Currency
- Namibian Dollar - 1ND = 100 cents Visa
- Australian passport holders do not require a Visa. Local Time
- GMT plus two hours. Departure Tax
- Included on tickets. Driving
- On the left hand side of the road and roads are good
but a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is required for unsealed roads.
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
This 4-day tour concentrates on the amazingly
rich wildlife of the Etosha National Park.
WINDHOEK TO ETOSHA BY ROAD
4 Days, 3 Nights
Day 1 – WINDHOEK - ETOSHA
Depart Windhoek travelling north into Namibia’s prime
wildlife sanctuary, the Etosha National Park. This
unique area consists of wide-open plains and dense bush
savannah that surround a parched salt desert known as
the Etosha Pan. This desolate saline depression shimmers
with terrestrial heat during the hotter parts of the
day, and is surrounded by a number of waterholes that
ensure the survival of 114 different game and 340
different bird species. Overnight at Etosha Rest Camp
(D)
DAY 2 - ETOSHA
The entire day will be spent game viewing in the park,
exploring the waterholes along this enormous saltpan.
Overnight at Etosha Rest Camp (BD)
DAY 3 – ETOSHA
Enjoy another full day of game viewing in this world
famous National Park. Shortly before sunset leave the
park and travel to the lodge which is situated along the
outside border. Overnight at Mokuti Lodge (BD)
DAY 4 – ETOSHA - WINDHOEK
After a relaxed breakfast travel south to Lake Otjikoto,
which represents one of only two natural lakes found in
Namibia. "Otjikoto" is derived from the Herero language
and means "a deep hole", an apt description for a lake
with a depth of 120 meters! Continuing south, visit the
craft markets and Herero graves at Okahandja before
returning to Windhoek where the tour ends. (B).
Key to Inclusions:
(B) Breakfast
(L) Lunch
(D) Dinner
(B&B) Bed & Breakfast
(FB) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4 Days/3 Nights
Package
Cost Per Person
Twin
Single
01 Jan - 31 Oct
$1055
$1235
Departures:
Wednesdays
Minimum: 2 passengers
Included:
Accommodation as stated, meals as stated,
A/C vehicles, Park Entrance Fees, porterage,
insurance and information packs.
*Please note this trip can also start & finish
in Swakopmund*
In March 1907, an entire century ago, the colonial authorities
had the vision and foresight to proclaim a vast conservancy in
the north of Namibia. After considerable changes, Etosha
National Park remains one of the leading and biggest
conservation areas in the world where nature and wildlife are
dealt with in a sound ecological and scientific way.
Etosha National Park is one of the best game parks in all of
Africa. The name Etosha means 'huge white area' or 'place of dry
water', and it is certainly one of the largest game parks. Most
of the year Etosha is a vast shallow pan, which shines brightly
due to the crystallized salt that shimmers across the entire
surface.
During the rainy season, this vast arid land transforms
abundantly and attracts thousands of birds and other kinds of
wildlife. These include: huge herds of elephant, zebra,
wildebeest, springbok, eland, black-faced impala, rhinoceros,
lion, hyaena, jackal, oryx, curly-horned kudu, and an incredible
array of bird life, including yellow-billed hornbill, eagles,
vultures, lilac-breasted rollers, and flamingos. The best time
is during the coolest dry months of May to September, although
birding is at its peak during the rainy season from November to
March.
Day Trips Available - We have additional optional excursions
available to extend your stay. Please contact us for
details.
Also have
you considered adding a South Africa or Botswana stay to your Namibia
trip?
Please confirm prices with Bench International prior
to booking your trip.
There could be changes beyond our control that have not made it to
the web site yet.
