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Northern Skies Safari - 15 Days

Small group Lodge Safari - 14 nights / 15 days

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Tour code: NS

Your journey starts in Swakopmund. Experience breath-taking sand dunes of the Namib Desert and encounter animated creatures at Cape Cross Seal Colony. Continue to Etosha for wonderful game viewing. Practice your wildlife spotting in the outstanding Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in Botswana, before ending your safari at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Departs: Swakopmund, Namibia. Ends: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum. *Guaranteed departures with no minimum pax available, please enquire. Summary A small group lodge safari, from Swakopmund to Victoria Falls through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Highlights Swakopmund, Himba Experience, Rock paintings in Brandberg and Twyfelfontein, Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, Caprivi, Mahangu National Park, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls. Meals 14x Breakfast, 11x Lunch, 7x Dinner. Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments, however on certain nights the guide will provide an authentic meal for the group, which will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance. SAFARI COST: $2,885 per person sharing, plus local payment of ZAR 2,010 (in cash). SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $670 CLICK TO SEE DEPARTURE DATES

Note: The accommodation specified in the itinerary is a guide only and is subject to availability. Alternatives will be nearby and of a similar standard.

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CLICK TO SEE DEPARTURE DATES

Included
Fourteen Nights in fixed accommodation, all transport in fully equipped vehicle, game drives and activities as mentioned, meals as per itinerary, park entrance fees, experienced local guide.

Excluded
Travel insurance, flights, pre and post tour accommodation, optional activities, all drinks, tips and curios, all personal expenses.

Departure
The Northern Skies Safari departs from Hotel A La Mer in Swakopmund, Namibia.

Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day.

On the evening of day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 18h00 at your lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information. Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.

Transport
Fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, 12-seater 4x4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA-system and air-conditioning. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. For transfers between Kasane and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2x4 vehicles may be utilised.

Travelling Times and Distances
All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.

Accommodation
We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps. All of them offer a private bathroom with a shower/bath and toilet. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar and restaurant areas.

Local Payment
A local payment is required on your safari and will be collected by your guide on the day of departure. The local payment is part of the overall tour cost and is used to pay some of the day to day operational costs that are incurred while we are on the road. We try to prepay as many of the costs as possible however in some cases cash payment on arrival is the only option as some of the attractions we visit on safari only accept cash. Examples include park fees at most of the national parks, a few accommodations or camp sites and any local food markets we visit to stock up on fresh produce during the tour as well as local guides.

Visas
The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for clients to visit Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia prior to departure.

Information on Areas Visited
NAMIBIA
'Namibia' means 'open plains' in the ancient Hottentots language. It is a sought after tourist destination defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography. Namibia is sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior. Northern Namibia features the great Etosha National Park, with the countries largest concentration of game and in the south the majestic Fish River Canyon plunges 550 m and extends for 160 km. Between these four highlights lies over 820 000 km2 (the size of France & Britain combined) of contrasting scenery. The world's highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber reflection. Prehistoric rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient, rocky mountain ranges. Many of the features of this country are of particular scientific interest and attract scientists from all over the world. Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in its constitution. About 15,5% of the country has been set-aside as national parks. In these areas, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and protected. They serve as a living reminder to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa.

Namib-Naukluft National Park
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is an incredibly unusual and diverse ‘superconservation’ area. There is nothing quite like it. It’s probably the most unusual in the world – an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It covers almost 50 000 km2 and is ranked as the 4th largest in the world (the largest nature conservation area in Namibia) with landscapes including an impressive mountain massif, desert plains, high sand dunes, deep gorges and an estuarine lagoon. In truly African light show there is often clear and sometimes sudden shift in the mood of the moment, as light, textures and shadows give desert landscapes entirely new characters. Survivors in this harsh landscape include the Oryx, springbok and zebra as well as the Welwitschia mirabilis, an odd-looking desert shrub. One large, protected specimen is estimated at 1 500 years old.

Swakopmund
A true oasis and respite from the solemn desert and its monotonous heat. A seaside holiday resort full of old-world charm and modern amenities, from the quaint German colonial influences to a funky Internet café. The tranquil setting includes promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens, the Swakopmund museum (covering natural history, mineralogy, botany, historical and ethnological aspects), the National Marine & Research Centre, an aquarium, a public library, an Olympic sized, heated indoor swimming pool and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. This 'middle of the desert' feel is one of its attractions – one can enjoy the wild expanse of the adjacent desert and sea and yet be within easy reach of the creature comforts of Swakopmund's hotels, restaurants, bars and a much-needed laundries! There is plenty to see and do and activities include quad biking, sand boarding, rock& surf fishing and skydiving. There is also a tannery, manufacturing well-known kudu leather shoes, a brewery producing fine beers in the German tradition.

Cape Cross Seal Colony
The Cape Cross Seal Colony is north of Swakopmund. During breeding season as many as 200 000 Cape fur seals (the world's largest fur seal) gather in the cold waters along this coast. The numerous islets and isolated parts of the shore are used as nurseries for their young.

Brandberg
About 100 km further south lay the imposing Brandberg massif; the highest peak in Namibia at 2574 m. Besides being a major challenge to rock climbers the Brandberg is most famous for rock paintings. One of the paintings discovered in 1917, can be viewed on an overhang in Maack's Shelter, named after this first discoverer. In 1955 however, Breuil, a well-known French archaeologist and historian copied, described and named the painting as the 'The White Lady', thinking that the figure resembled a lady of Greek or Egyptian origin. Although 'The White Lady' has since been the subject of much controversy, scientists now seem to agree that the painting portrays a young man. This is due to the lower part of 'his' body being painted white, a magical hunting spell, as was customary to the Himbas and the Hereros.

This area is also the haunt of the extremely rare Desert Elephant, one of the true natural wonders of the word, surviving as they do in this thirsty land. This is also one of the few places in the world where animals are completely wild in a mountain desert landscape.With the help of locals these elephants can be tracked – an experience not easily forgotten.

Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is known as Namibia's largest open-air art gallery exhibiting pre-historic artists. One of Africa's richest collections of rock engravings is on display. It is believed ancient hunters painted these Bushman Paintings, mostly of lions, giraffes and elephants, while in wait for wild animals at the waterholes. Although the exact age of the paintings are unknown, it is estimated that they are between a few hundred and several thousand years old.

Burnt Mountain, south of Twyfelfontein is a panorama of desolation, with coloured rocks contrasting vividly against the grey-black surroundings.
The Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in this area.

Kamanjab Himba Village
The name Kamanjab means Rock and it has been directly translated from Otji-Herero. A visit to the Himba Village of the very well-known guide and translator Jaco will take you on a journey of cultural exchange, learning and understanding of the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba. Jaco is an Afrikaans speaking white male, but lives for several years now with his Himba family and speaks Otji-Herero fluently. He was adopted in the Himba culture by an old chief Tjskume Bhahona that lives in the mountains at Onkongko near Opuwo. After spending a lot of time with his new family Jaco decided to come home to his family farm near Kamanjab where he was still farming with goats, sheep and nguni cattle, the old chief then asked Jaco if he can send some of his people with him to come and help him on his farm, Cauas Okawa to look after his goats and cattle. They built a traditional village for themselves and do their farming and also planting during the raining season. Please take note that they only allow persons that are really interested in the culture and want to have a cultural exchange, not only to take photos and go. You’ll experience the milking ceremony, find out more about their beliefs around the holy fire and their ancestors, and their herbal medicine and smoke bath. The meaning of jewellery pieces and hairstyles is to imitate the status of each tribe member and their close relationship to nature, their cattle and their children.

Etosha
Consisting of over 22 000 km2 of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, the Etosha National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife. Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of about 5 000 km2. This great, white expanse locals call 'great place of dry water', often shimmers with mirages and herds of game can be seen within this eerie setting. There are 144 mammal species in the park, including elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino, predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, wildcat, hyena and jackal. The black rhino population of 300 is one of the few growing populations in the world and the local elephants are reputed to be the largest in Africa - the tallest standing at 4m at the shoulder. Their tusks however are relatively small due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their diet. The majestic eland, the tiny, shy Damara dik-dik (45 cm high) and the striking gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings are common. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia's national bird, the vividly coloured crimson-breasted shrike. During the more rainy seasons Etosha is also one of the most important breeding grounds for flamingos. Etosha is also known for its expert game management and attentive protection of the unspoiled environment.

Caprivi
A part of the Western Caprivi previously known as the Golden Triangle is a pristine wilderness area, practically untouched by any. The area was formerly under government jurisdiction – a 'no man's land' so wild that both private landowners and even nature conservation officials had no authority until the early-nineties. The land was finally handed over to nature conservation officials who now have prominent presence in the area. A spectacular part of this area is well known as 'The Horseshoe', a meandering part of the Kwando River now cut-off to from the flow to form a horseshoe teeming with game. A 10-12 km drive through swamp and savannah takes you directly there while the return trip follows the Kwando River. Not only are hippos abundant in this area, but also a resident pride of lions. The Horseshoe is also on the buffalo migration route north. Other animals to be seen are elephant, giraffe, hyena, tebe, lechwe, kudu and over 400 identified bird species.

BOTSWANA
The San were among the first human inhabitants of this region before the Setswana migrated southwards and slowly occupied the region from the 16th century onwards, until early in the 19th century. By mid-century missionaries arrived, including David Livingstone and Robert Moffat, and by 1885 the territory was a British protectorate. Botswana gained its independence in 1966 and has been the most stable democracy in Africa. The first president ruled from 1966 until his death in 1980, the second till 1994 (re-elected twice, then resigned) and the third from 1998.

The country has a strong currency with one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa, maintains a neutral international political stance. It is heavily reliant on mining (especially diamonds) & tourism and maintains close ties with its neighbor South Africa, an economic powerhouse for the region.

Wildlife is abundant in Botswana and includes lion, giraffe, leopard, antelope, elephant, crocodile and ostriches. Botswana is semiarid and has an average annual (summer) rainfall of 640 mm (about 25 in) in the north to less than 230 mm (less than 9 in) in the Kalahari. Drought is therefore not uncommon and the vegetation is mostly savannah. Geographically Botswana is relatively flat (the average elevation of about 1000 m) and can be viewed (for all intents and purposes) as three major regions as follows:

Chobe National Park in the north, another outstanding wilderness area of enormous diversity – lion and elephant can be viewed from river cruises or 4x4 game drives. The Okavango Delta is a vast marshland and one of the largest inland river deltas in the world – 15 000 km2 of wilderness and prime safari area. The Kalahari Desert in the central and southwestern regions occupies over half the land area of Botswana. It is a mystical, harsh and unspoiled landmass. The saltpans of north-central Botswana and the Tuli block in the far eastern corner of Botswana are also areas of significance.

Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana near Maun incorporates the Moremi Game Reserve and is a unique wildlife paradise - one of the finest in the world. It is one of the largest inland river deltas in the world. This unsurpassed natural environment is a maze of waterways, islands and reed banks creating a perfect place for lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, hyena, wild dog, kudu, impala, roan, zebra, lechwe, hippo, and crocodile, amongst others. There are 440 bird species in the delta and fish species are also abundant, including tiger fish, sharp-toothed catfish, barbell and bream.

Travel through the swamps and surrounding areas is generally by open 4x4 game viewing vehicle or a peaceful meander in a 'Mokoro', a flat-bottomed dugout canoe. The Delta is hot throughout the year with temperatures ranging from about 14°C in January to 24°C in July. Rainfall averages 525 mm annually, but varies greatly from year to year. Water levels and flooding reach a maximum between March and July, after rains at the source and the usual 15 000 km2 can expand to approximately 22 000 km2 in high-rainfall years.

Chobe National Park
Chobe is approx. 11 000 km2 of wilderness area watered by the Chobe & Savuti Rivers and thus attracting huge concentrations of game. This includes lion and some of the highest concentration of elephant in Africa – an estimated population of around 25 000 in winter. Game viewing is renowned and in the Northern areas near Kasane, both the riverboat game viewing experience and the 4x4 vehicle option are popular. In addition the spectacular annual summer migrations of plains game, especially Zebra, is a highlight, as well Giraffe, Warthog and numerous antelope including Sable, Roan, Oribi, Reedbuck, Lechwe and the colourful Chobe Bushbuck.

Bird watching opportunities in Chobe are ample and include some 350 species including the awesome African Fish Eagle, the rare Pell's Fishing Owl, saddle-billed storks, long-toed Plovers, pink-backed Pelicans, African Skimmers, Bradfield's Hornbills and Carmine Beeeaters. In addition, the sunsets are spectacular.

ZIMBABWE
This is a country blessed with great natural beauty, game reserves and mineral wealth. The diverse landscape changes from mountainous to wilderness to typical Bushveld. The country is also home to large animals and a large bird population. Zimbabwe is a country located in the southern part of the continent of Africa, between the Victoria Falls, Zambezi river, Kariba Dam and the Limpopo river. Zimbabwe is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north and Mozambique to the east.

Victoria Falls
'So lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight' said David Livingstone of the supreme Mosi-oa-Tunya ('The smoke that thunders'). This legendary traveler first saw the Falls from the Zambian side and his memory is enshrined in the nearby town of Livingstone. The views from the Zimbabwean & Zambian side are quite different, varying dramatically depending on the season and water flow. The Falls are over a mile in length and boast the largest curtain of water in the world - over 500 million liters or water per minute go over the falls and drop 100 m at Rainbow Falls on the Zambian side. Not surprisingly is it the seventh wonder of the world and fast becoming one of the top adventure destinations in the world.

The river is divided into a series of braided channels that descend in many separate falls. Below the Falls the river enters a narrow series of gorges, which represent locations successively occupied by the falls earlier in their history. Since the uplifting of the Makgadikgadi Pan area some two million years ago, the Zambezi River has been cutting through the basalt base rock, exploiting weak fissures, and forming a series of retreating gorges. Seven previous waterfalls occupied the seven gorges below the present falls, and Devil's Cataract in Zimbabwe is where the next cut back will form a new waterfall that will eventually leave the present falls lip high above the river in the gorge below.

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