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The Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Budget Adventure
Low budget Safari is what many of our clients ask for and this is one of a range where in exchange for some of the work around camp, you get a great finacial deal. On this safari there are opportunities to meet the indigenous people, see and experience exciting places such as the Skeleton Coast and the Namib Desert, PLUS Chobe National Park in Botswana as well as finishing the trip by Victoria Falls.
Etosha
is one of the largest parks in Africa, and one of the best-known.
Huge herds can be seen teeming against the unique backdrop of
the dried up lake - Etosha Pan. The loepard and lions lie in the
sun with full bellies. After the rains the pan is briefly transformed
into a vast inland lake where flamingos breed and a diverse aquatic
life suddenly comes to life.
With this dry environment the water holes are a magnet for the
animals and make it easy for you to see part of the daily life
of many wonderful animals. More about the
Namibian climate
Botswana has a single rainy season (November to March). The country has protected areas totalling 17 % of the land. Botswana was a British Protectorate (Bechuanaland) until 1966. Dr. David Livingstone (1813-1873) visited Ngamiland (Bechuanaland) in his early exploration trips from Kuruman to Lake Dow, Lake Ngami, Khwai, Linyanti, Chobe and Mosi-oa-Tunya.
Important: This safari is
only suitable for
healthy, active participants looking for an adventurous holiday.
Tour Type: Participatory safari (you
help out around camp).
Accommodation: 16 nights camping, 2 nights
hotel/ chalet in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Meals: All meals when camping, except 1
dinner in Victoria Falls/ Livingstone. Breakfast only in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Group Size:
4-16 participants.
Sleeping Bag Hire: must
be booked in advance.
Transfers: Transfers in Windhoek and Victoria Falls
may be pre-booked.
Possible Optional
Excursions (booked
and paid for locally)
Swakopmund: Quad-biking, sand-boarding and scenic flights.
Victoria Falls / Livingstone:
White-water rafting, micro-lighting, bungi jumping and abseiling.
Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek
The day is spent at
leisure in Windhoek. Hotel Safari (or similar accommodation). (Dinner own
arrangements).
Day 2/3: Sesriem/ Sossusvlei
Clients
are met at the reception of Hotel Safari at 10h00 for their journey through the
ever-changing scenery to our camp located on the edge of the Namib Desert. We
enjoy a sunset walk in the dunes surrounding our camp. The following morning is
an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the
changing colours of the worlds highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the
Sesriem Canyon. (B, L, D).
Day 4/5: Swakopmund
Heading north we
reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos
feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following day
exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional
excursions (own expense). Activities available include sandboarding, quad
biking, skydiving, kayaking, hot air ballooning or scenic flights over the vast
Namib Desert. Dinner on day 4 and all meals on day 5 are for clients own
expense to sample the local restaurants. Accommodation in bungalows or Guest
house. (DAY 4 - B, L).
Day 6: Spitzkoppe
The morning is
spent viewing the lunar landscapes of Moon Valley and the amazing Welwitschia
plant. We head north and set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe
Mountains. An afternoon walk is conducted in the surrounding area. The
spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting
impression. (B, L, D).
Day 7: Damaraland/Twyfelfontein
We
drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its
mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy,
vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We visit the Twyfelfontein area for
walks to the bushmen paintings and rock engravings. (B, L, D).
Day 8: Himba Visit / Etosha National
Park
In the morning we visit the Himba tribe, a
semi-nomadic tribe, living in scattered settlements throughout the region. They
are characterised by their proud yet friendly stature and the women are noted
for their unusual beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional
dress. A few hours are spent learning more about these fascinating people. After
our visit we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game
drive. (B, L, D).
Day 9/10: Etosha National Park
This
Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with
thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu,
giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home.
Floodlit waterholes at Okaukuejo and Namutoni campsites attract an abundance of
animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife
sightings. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives. (B, L,
D).
Day 11/12: Okavango River
We enter
the Caprivi Strip where camp is set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the
Okavango River. Enjoy sunset on the deck or a swim in the famous river pool.
The following afternoon we relax on a sunset mokoro excursion whilst enjoying
the prolific bird and animal life of the Okavango. (B, L, D).
Day 13: Kwando River - Caprivi
Driving through the BwaBwata National Park (formally Caprivi Game
Reserve) we have a chance to buy their famous weavings before setting up camp on
the banks of the Kwando River. Elephant and Hippo can be viewed from the deck
overlooking the river. An afternoon boat excursion and game drive are undertaken
in search of the many wild animals that inhabit the BwaBwata National Park. (B,
L, D).
Day 14/15: Livingstone / Victoria Falls
We travel across the Zambia (or Zimbabwe) border to Victoria Falls
- without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. Days
are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many
optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including white
water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over
the Falls, rhino walks, elephant back safaris, and to visit the Falls (own
expense). (All meals excluding 1 lunch & 1 dinner).
Day 16: Livingstone / Victoria Falls
The safari ends after breakfast.
The itinerary will depend on local conditions.
Dates and
Prices
| Reference Price Day 1 Day 16 |
Price Indication Per Person:
Euro 1300 - 1500 dependent
upon dates. Equivalent to about GBP975 -
GBP1120 / USD1906 - USD2200
The base currency is the Euro
and payments in any other currency may involve
an adjustment for exchange rate fluctuations.
What is
included
Our
group equipment for tented camping. Accommodation in hotels as stated. An experienced and careful driver. Provisions
for all meals and drinks (as served with meals - tea / coffee) while
tented camping. English speaking local guide. Your help around camp to erect
tents and cook / wash etc..
Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the
range GBP520 - GBP600 for economy class.
Travel Insurance
(UK Residents only)
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on
this trip. We only recommend the policies issued by the British Mountaineering Council www.thebmc.co.uk
We are unable to advise residents of other countries about insurance as
insurances are always peculiar to each country. You must buy your insurance from
a company based in your country of residence.
