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Touch of Nature and Culture - 13 Days

Uakii Wilderness Survival

Namibia is a country of unspoilt and unique nature, a country of contrasts and spectacular landscapes. Many people visit this wonderful country and they have seen a lot by the time of departure, BUT did they meet Namibians from face to face? Do not go home without meeting our various ethnic groups and their culture. Meet, see, get to know and experience African Heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Waterberg, cultural meetings with various tribes, Etosha National Park with its wildlife, Ovamboland, Himba-tribe, Damaraland, Atlantic Coast and Windhoek.

Recommendations
Comfortable walking shoes, wide brim hat, sun screen, sunglasses & personal water bottle (2litres), small back pack to carry your water for the walk. Warm jacket, (summer & winter), flashlight, camera & film.

Price Valid till:

01 April 2011 until end March 2012

Rate Per Person:

N$ 37'850.00 per person

Capacity:

Minimum: 2 people; Maximum: 14 People

Duration:

12 Nights -13 Days

Departs:

On request

Day 01: Windhoek, the Capital of Namibia
Windhoek the capital of NamibiaA warm welcome to Windhoek International Airport - the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Your guide will pick you up and bring you to River Crossing which is 3km from the Windhoek on the airport road being only 5 minutes from the heart of Windhoek and is located on a pristine 6500 hectare game reserve. Rediscover the nuances of a bygone era of farm life and offer the discerning traveller all the modern amenities. Overnight: River Crossing or similar Alternative. Breakfast Included ( Dinner optional extra and at guests own cost )
Day 02: Waterberg Resort
After breakfast you we drive to Okahandja where we visit the Herero Graveyard and continue to Waterberg Plateau, a nature park with unique vegetation. It welcomes everybody for nature walks and after climbing to the plateau, it offers breathtaking view over never ending African landscape. The park is home to some 25 game species, over 200 bird species and vegetation which changes dramatically from acacia savannah at the foot of the plateau to lush-green sub-tropical dry woodland with tall trees and grassy plains at the top. In the afternoon you have time to take part in offered game drive (optional and at guests own cost)
Day 03: East Etosha-Windhoek (500km) (BL)
After breakfast we heading to our Treesleeper camp via the towns of Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb respectively and our expected arrival time is around midday in time our lunch. In the afternoon we will spend the remaining day with Bushmen and do a bushwalk including hunting, snaring, tracking and collecting veldfood. We experience traditional singing, dancing and games and learn as well a few words and songs, shoot a bow, throw spear and watch the traditional healer treat a patient and other ceremonies of the Bushmen. These activities are performed by villagers or children of the Tsintsabis Junior Secondary School. You support the cultural activities of the school by attending and children do not perform during school holidays..
Day 04: Etosha National Park-Namutoni Resort
Early breakfast than we spend sometime with the Bushmen at the craft village and learn more about their unique ways how they make crafts, jewellery and more. Afterwards we will continue our journey to the Great Pan of Etosha. On arrival we will start with our first game drive in Etosha National Park that will take us to Namutoni Resort, in the eastern part of the park. Guest will check-in in their rooms than have lunch at own cost and relax. Later we will do our afternoon game drive before coming back to the resort for dinner. After your evening meal there are chances to see Etosha's game at Namutoni's floodlit waterhole.

Overnight: Namutoni Resort- Breakfast & Dinner.
Day 05: Etosha National Park-Namutoni Resort
Today we explore the Etosha National Park for the whole day. We drive stopping at various waterholes where we can watch animals drinking: Different kind of antelopes, zebras, giraffes, elephants and with a bit of luck even lions, cheetahs and rhinos. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, over 340 spices can be found in the park. We will stopover for lunch at own cost in Halai Resort. Late in the afternoon we return to Namutoni.

Overnight: Namutoni Resort- Breakfast Included ( Dinner optional extra and at guests own cost ).
Day 06: Ovamboland-Outapi Town Lodge Early morning depart further north the rural Owamboland and leave Etosha National park through King Nehale Gate to Outapi. One of our many highlights is a stop at a local craft market which offers items traditionally made for home use and new decorative crafts, baskets, pots, mats and woodcarvings. We visit Olukonda – the Nakambale Museum which is located in and around the mission house of Finnish missionary Martti Rautanen. Museum displays cover the history of the Finnish mission, the history of the Ovambo kingdoms and traditional Oshiwambo life.

A visit to the Ombalantu Tree Heritage Centre - the hollowed-out trunk of this huge tree has, at various times has been used as a post office and a chapel and was integrated into the South African military base prior to independence. Lunch will be enjoyed at the lodge where after, time will be allocated to rest before going to the local markets to wonder around and chat to the locals. The lodge is owned by a local business man from the area and is run by local people; true Owambo hospitality will be enjoyed today.

Overnight: Outapi Town Lodge- Breakfast Included ( Lunch & Dinner optional extra and at guests own cost )
Day 07: The Great Kaokoland
After breakfast, visit the Tsandi Royal Homestead which is home to the Uukwaluudhi king, King Taapopi, one of the four still remaining Owambo kingdoms. You will be given a guided tour through the traditional homestead which reveals the complexity of the grand palace of the Owambo King. We than leave the makalani palms and Ovamboland behind us, we ahead to Namibia's wildest and most primeval area, Kaokoveld.

This vast repository of Desert Mountains and indigenous cultures has very unique still unspoiled nature. Opuwo, the Capital” of Kaokoveld, home of the Himba People is a collection on concrete commercial buildings and Himba huts. The Otjiherero-speaking Ovahimba, commonly referred to as the Himba, are one of Africa's last remaining ethnic groups who chose to maintain their traditional life-style by retreating into Namibia's most remote & unspoilt wilderness area.

Slowly the industrialized nations are reawakening to the importance of that balance for the future of our planet. The Ovahimba with their ancient knowledge and traditions can not only serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement but they also deserve recognition and support as the carriers of an invaluable cultural heritage who are trying to survive on the brinks of a modern African society. Later in the afternoon we visit a Himba village and learn about their culture and semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Overnight: Opuwo Country Lodge/ similar- Breakfast Included ( Dinner optional extra and at guests own cost )
Day 08 and 09: Damaraland
Damaraland which is named after the Damara people has very spectacular and unique landscape. Our journey takes us to Damaraland, the place of sand, stone and National Heritage. Amidst spectacular scenery and splendid solitude, we will visit the many places of interest within this awe filled north-western region. With luck you can still see antelope, zebra, giraffe, desert elephant and even black rhino ranging outside national parks of protected reserves.

The main attraction here is at Twyfelfontein with a large gallery of rock art, one of the most extensive in Africa. Most of the engravings date back to the early Stone Age. “Petrified Forest”, “Burnt Mountain” and “Organ Pipes” also belong to famous attractions in the area.

Overnight: Dora !Nawas/ Similar including Breakfast Included ( Dinner optional extra and at guests own cost )
Day 10: Swakopmund
Hoping to get some breeze at the sea, we ahead direction the coast of Atlantic. We pass the massive Brandberg Mountains, the small mining town Uis and arrive for the lunch at own cost at the Cape Cross Lodge. After lunch we visit the seal colony at Cape Cross where thousands and thousands seals can be seen. In the afternoon we reach Swakopmund, “the holiday resort for Namibians”.

Overnight: Swakopmund Guesthouse/Similar, Breakfast Included ( Lunch & Dinner optional extra and at guests own cost )
Day 11: Swakopmund
After early breakfast we drive along the coast to Walvis Bay and take part in dolphin cruise (weather permitting). After this 3-hours tour where champagne, oysters and sandwiches will be served, we return to Swakopmund. Later in the afternoon we experience Namibia through the eyes of different ethic groups in Namibia visiting Mondesa Township which was established in the early 1950s to provide housing for blacks working in Swakopmund. We move from the Owambo areas to those inhabited by Damara and Herero and experience their culture and everyday life.

Overnight: Swakopmund Guesthouse/Similar, Breakfast Included ( Lunch & Dinner optional extra and at guests own cost )
Day 12: Windhoek
After breakfast we return slowly to Windhoek. On our way, we stop in Karibib for some minerals and souvenirs and naturally at the native woodcarvers market in Okahandja before we reach Windhoek.

Overnight: River Crossing/Similar, Breakfast Included ( Lunch & Dinner optional extra and at guests own cost )
Day 13: International Airport
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight back home.

Inclusive in our Rates:

Activities as stated in the itinerary (only)
English speaking guide
1% or 2% Government Bed Levy
13 Days vehicle and fuel
2x Transfer from Hosea Kutako Airport
Accommodation and Breakfast
Guide meals and accommodation included
Park Fees

Excluded from our Rates:

All expenses of a personal nature
All Lunches and Dinner.
Flights to/from in or outside Namibia
Changes in the itinerary while on tour
Personal Travel / Medical / Luggage insurance
Activities not stated in the itinerary or not mentioned (optional)
Entrance fees – personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, tips / porterage

Uakii Wilderness - Gallery

Namibia - Gallery