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Botswana Safari   Namibia Safari   Zimbabwe Safari

Southern Adventurer Safari - 15 Days

Small group Lodge Safari - 14 nights / 15 days

Return to Budget Safari Packages
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Etosha National Park Landscape Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Zebras
Tour code: SA

Your journey starts in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Practice your wildlife spotting in Chobe National Park and the outstanding Okavango Delta in Botswana. Continue to the expanses of Etosha for wonderful game viewing. Encounter animated creatures at Cape Cross Seal Colony and experience the breath-taking sand dunes of the Namib Desert.

Departs: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Ends: Swakopmund, Namibia.
Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum. *Guaranteed departures with no minimum pax available, please enquire.

Summary
A small group half-accommodated, adventure safari from Victoria Falls to Swakopmund through Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.

Highlights
Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Caprivi, Mahangu National Park, Okavango Delta, Etosha National Park, Himba Experience, Rock paintings at Brandberg & Twyfelfontein, Swakopmund.

Meals
14x Breakfast, 12x Lunch, 9x Dinner. All meals unless stated, are organized by the guide and are prepared by him/her with the help of the group. These meals will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

SAFARI COST: $2,265 per person sharing, plus local payment of ZAR 1,930 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $175

CLICK TO SEE DEPARTURE DATES

 

Southern Adventurer map


DAY 1;   (1 Night)
VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe
   [Lodge]

Victoria Falls, ZimbabweOn arrival into Victoria Falls, you will be met and transferred to your Lodge. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of the group for your pre-departure meeting.


Departure: N/A
Distance / Time:
N/A
Overnight:
Lokuthula Lodges or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals:
Lunch and Dinner at your own account.


DAYS 2 - 3; (2 Nights)
VICTORIA FALLS TO CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, Zimbabwe
   [Camping]

Lion at Chobe National ParkThis morning your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya - “the smoke that thunders. A mid-morning departure takes you from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on to Botswana, for the next two nights. On arriving at your campsite, you will have the remainder of the day at leisure or to partake in optional activities.

The next day, we rise early for a morning game drive in the Chobe National Park, the second largest park in Botswana covering 10,566 km2. Chobe has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. In the afternoon we go on a cruise on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the wildlife and the spectacular sunset.


Departure Day 2: 8am
Distance Day 2:
95 kms
Overnight Day 2:
Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals Day 2: Breakfast at Lokuthula Lodges or similar, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner prepared by guide.

Overnight Day 3: Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals Day 3: Breakfast prepared by the guide, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner prepared by guide.


DAY 4; (1 Night)
CAPRIVI, Namibia
   [Chalets]

Resting on the banks of the Kwando RiverLeaving Botswana, we drive through Chobe National Park before crossing over into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River. The afternoon is at leisure for a number of optional activities, or sit back and relax and take in the sights and sounds of the Kwando river.


Departure: 8am
Distance / Time:
260 kms
Overnight:
Camp Kwando or similar (permanent tented chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals:
Breakfast prepared by guide, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner prepared by guide.

DAYS 5 - 6; (2 Nights)
CAPRIVI TO OKAVANGO DELTA, Botswana   [Camping]

Mokoro Tours, Okavango DeltaWe leave our camp on the Caprivi for Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. Enroute to camp we will go on a game drive to the Mahangu National Park which is rich in fauna and flora. In the park you have the chance of spotting game such as sable and roan, elephants, hippos, buffalos, and many types of antelope. For bird watchers the Mahangu National Park offers more than 420 different bird species.

The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways floating through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We stop at a secluded island to take a 1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise.


Departure Day 5: 8am
Distance Day 5:
390 kms
Overnight Day 5:
Guma Lagoon Campsite or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, bar area).
Meals Day 5: Breakfast at Camp Kwando or similar, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner prepared by guide.

Overnight Day 6: Guma Lagoon Campsite or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, bar area).
Meals Day 6: Breakfast prepared by the guide, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner prepared by guide.


DAY 7; (1 Night)
OKAVANGO DELTA TO KAVANGO RIVER, Namibia
  [Lodge]

Mokoro ride Leaving Botswana we make our way into Namibia and head along the Caprivi to Rundu. We make our way to Kaisosi River Lodge and spend a relaxing afternoon at our lodge on the banks of the Kavango River. Optional activities such as a visit to a traditional village and school or a sunset cruise are available. Alternatively just relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of Mother Nature.


Departure: 7am
Distance / Time:
380 kms
Overnight:
Kaisosi River Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals: Breakfast prepared by the guide, Lunch prepared by the guide, Dinner for your own account.

DAYS 8 - 10; (3 Nights)
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, Namibia
  [Camping]

Elephants in Etosha National ParkThe following morning we head off to Etosha National Park. We fill the next 3 days with game drives in the hopes of spotting some of the Big Four as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and the numerous different types of antelope the park has to offer. Our nights are spent at the flood lit waterholes encountering the parks various nocturnal animals as they come to drink. Etosha Game Park was declared a National Park in 1907 and it is home to approx. 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.


Departure Day 8: 8am
Distance Day 8:
435 kms
Overnight Day 8:
Namutoni Campsite or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals Day 8:
Breakfast Kaisosi River Lodge or similar, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner prepared by guide.

Departure Day 9: 8am
Distance Day 9:
150 kms
Overnight Day 9:
Okaukuejo Campsite or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals Day 9:
Breakfast prepared by guide, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner at your own account.

Departure Day 10: 8am
Distance Day 10:
100 kms
Overnight Day 10:
Okaukuejo Campsite or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals Day 10:
Breakfast prepared by guide, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner prepared by guide.

DAY 11; (1 Night)
KAMANJAB - HIMBA EXPERIENCE, Namibia
  [Guest House]

Himba Experience in KamanjabWe leave the wild animals behind at Etosha and move onto the spectacular scenery of Damaraland. Our final destination for the day will be Kamanjab. Depending on the time of arrival we go and explore a traditional Himba village this afternoon or the next morning. This will be a journey of culture exchange, learning and understanding of the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.


Departure: 7am
Distance / Time:
280 kms
Overnight: Oase Garni Guesthouse or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals:
Breakfast prepared by the guide, Lunch prepared by the guide, Dinner at Oase Garni Guesthouse or similar.

DAY 12; (1 Night)
TWYFELFONTEIN, PETRIFIED FOREST AND BRANDBERG, Namibia  [Camping]

Rock painting at TwyfelfonteinOn our journey today we will stop to see ancient Bushmen paintings at Twyfelfontein as well as the Petrified Forest, the trees of which are estimated to be 250 million years old. Twyfelfontein was named a World Heritage site in 2007, the first in the country. We continue to Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. Either this afternoon or the next morning we take a walk to visit the “White Lady” one of the most famous rock paintings in the area. The footpath to the site offers spectacular views over the plains of Damaraland.


Departure: 7am
Distance / Time: 350 kms
Overnight:
Brandberg White Lady Lodge Campsite or similar (tents, communal ablutions with hot water, swimming pool, bar & restaurant).
Meals:
Breakfast at Oase Garni Guesthouse or similar, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner prepared by guide.

DAYS 13 - 14; (2 Nights)
CAPE CROSS SEAL COLONY AND SWAKOPMUND, Namibia
  [Hotel]

Cape Cross Seal ColonyWe move westwards across the flat desert plains to reach the cold Atlantic coastline. As we follow the Skeleton Coast on our way to Swakopmund we visit Cape Cross - the largest breeding place of the Cape Fur Seals.

We arrive into the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where you will have the opportunity to partake in a few of the many optional activities that are offered over the next two days. Alternatively just soak up the atmosphere of this little quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches.


Departure Day 13: 8am
Distance Day 13:
330 kms
Overnight Day 13:
Hotel A La Mer or similar (standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms).
Meals Day 13: Breakfast prepared by the guide, Lunch prepared by guide, Dinner for your own account.

Overnight Day 14: Hotel A La Mer or similar (standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms).
Meals Day 14: Breakfast at Hotel A La Mer or similar, Lunch for your own account, Dinner for your own account.

Optional Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding lie – down, Sandboarding stand - up, Living Desert Tour, Tandem Sky Diving, Shore fishing, Boat fishing, Tandem Tour, Township Tour.


DAYS 15;
SWAKOPMUND, Namibia  [END OF TOUR]

Hotel A La Mer, NamibiaYour journey ends after breakfast this morning. We can arrange an airport transfer to Walvis Bay airport on request (own expense). We hope to welcome you on one of our African adventures soon.


Meals: Breakfast at Hotel A La Mer or similar.



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
Six Nights in fixed accommodation and 8 nights camping, use of full camping equipment, 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 Southern Adventurer Safari departs from Lokuthula Lodges or similar in Victoria Falls.

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
For clients seeking a little comfort during their adventure safari, we offer half-accommodated safaris. This type of tour offers two different levels of accommodation. Travellers will spend some of the nights camping and others will be spent in lodges, chalets or tented chalets.

Camping nights: We make use of 3-person dome tents with the following measurements: 2.5 m x 2. 5 m x 1.8 m. We accommodate two clients per tent. You will overnight on designated campsites either within a national park, on the banks of a river, or other places of interest. All campsites have shared ablution facilities with showers, flushing toilets and running water (unless otherwise specified in your detailed itinerary). We try to avoid crowded campsites and brings you to the secluded spots, often supported by the local community. All tents are fitted with mosquito-screed windows and doors. In addition, we provide 5 cm thick sleeping mattresses. Sleeping bags can be hired at an additional fee.

Accommodated nights: 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 with en-suite bathrooms.

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.

Participation
The Southern Adventurer Tour is a semi-participation camping safari. This means, that clients will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks, such as setting up and breaking down of overnight camps (tents, chairs, tables), packing and unpacking the vehicle, assisting with preparation of meals and cleaning dishes.

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
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.

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.

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.

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 ands 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 jewelry pieces and hairstyles is to imitate the status of each tribe member and their close relationship to nature, their cattle and their children.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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