Muir's Tours - Budget Safari
 

Namibia & Botswana & Victoria Falls - 16 Day Budget Safari

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 world’s 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

WGT2

€1300 

Tue, 5 Feb 08  

Wed, 20 Feb 08

€1300

Tue, 4 Mar 08

Wed, 19 Mar 08

WGT3A

€1300

Tue, 11 Mar 08

Wed, 26 Mar 08

WGT4

€1369

Tue, 8 Apr 08

Wed, 23 Apr 08

WGT4A

€1369

Tue, 15 Apr 08

Wed, 30 Apr 08

WGT5

€1369

Tue, 6 May 08

Wed, 21 May 08

WGT5A

€1369

Tue, 13 May 08

Wed, 28 May 08

WGT6

€1369

Tue, 3 Jun 08

Wed, 18 Jun 08

WGT6A

€1494

Tue, 10 Jun 08

Wed, 25 Jun 08

WGT7

€1494

Tue, 8 Jul 08

Wed, 23 Jul 08

WGT7A

€1494

Tue, 15 Jul 08

Wed, 30 Jul 08

WGT8

€1494

Tue, 5 Aug 08

Wed, 20 Aug 08

WGT8A

€1494

Tue, 12 Aug 08

Wed, 27 Aug 08

WGT9

€1494

Tue, 2 Sep 08

Wed, 17 Sep 08

WGT9A

€1494

Tue, 9 Sep 08

Wed, 24 Sep 08

WGT10

€1494

Tue, 7 Oct 08

Wed, 22 Oct 08

WGT10A

€1494

Tue, 14 Oct 08

Wed, 29 Oct 08

WGT11

€1369

Tue, 4 Nov 08

Wed, 19 Nov 08

WGT11A

€1369

Tue, 11 Nov 08

Wed, 26 Nov 08

WGT12

€1369

Tue, 16 Dec 08

Wed, 31 Dec 08

WGT12A

€1369

Tue, 23 Dec 08

Wed, 7 Jan 09

Reference

Price

Day 1

Day 16


         Email for Availability - Click on Reference in table above                            


 

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..

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Windhoek and includes everything stated in the itinerary, except; international airfare, personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks. Sleeping Bag (available for hire).

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.