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Tribal Lands
The Bushman & Okavango Experience
14 DAYS: Windhoek to Windhoek
(3 Nights Lodge and 10 Nights Camping)
2007 R 5,620 + LOCAL PAYMENT $275 + SGL SUPP. R 890

Other tours by same operator

ITINERARY DAYS

1 Windhoek. Lodge
2-3 Namib Naukluft National Park and some of the world’s highest sand dunes. Camping. (BLD)
4-5 Swakopmund. Lodge (B)
6 Skeleton Coast National Park. Damaraland. Camping (BLD)
7 - 8 Etosha National Park, 3 game drives. Camping (BLD & BL)
9 Rundu. Camping (BLD)
10 - 11 Okavango Delta, 2-day makoro safari. Bush Camping (BLD)
12 Shakawe. Camping (BLD)
13 Ghanzi – D’Kat Bushman village visit. Camping (BLD)
14 Windhoek. End of Tour (B)

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE:

Itinerary as specified, highlighted text is also included, fully equipped safari vehicle, services of tour leader and camp courier, all accommodation, all camping and catering equipment and National Park entrance fees. Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D) where specified. Meals not shown will be to the clients account. Occasionally breakfast and lunch may be combined into a
brunch where necessary e.g. mornings with early game drives.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE:

International airfares, travel and medical insurance, personal spending money, visas, passports, vaccinations, personal taxes (including departure and border taxes) all optional activities, unscheduled or optional national / game parks and other activities, gratuities, sleeping bag if required, restaurant meals and all other items of a personal nature. All drinks, even on days with
full board basis.

BUSHMAN & OKAVANGO EXPERIENCE:

‘Namibia is one of Africa’s best kept secrets. Endless stretches of stark rocky plains and wonderful moonscapes. Sample the freshest seafood while you take in the beautiful architecture of the coastal town of Swakopmund. Sleep beneath a sky sprayed with stars before tackling the highest sand dunes in the world. Watch the thunderous Atlantic crashing onto shimmering desert beaches. Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia, prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite hills and distant mountains create the Damaraland landscape. Here you may even see the elusive desert elephant!

Discover Ethosha National Park and an abundance of game including lion, elephant and rhino.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the last totally unspoiled areas in Africa. Ending our tour on a high note by visiting an authentic Bushman/San village, and see how the "red people" still co-exist in society today.

PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION:

Most clients arrive a few days prior to the official start day. This is to give them plenty of time to enjoy all there is on offer in Windhoek. Your operator can organise any accommodation or activities you may require if you want to arrive early or stay on in Africa after your tour ends. Please contact us for assistance.

On Day 1, clients should meet at AUAS ROAD, Windhoek Tel: (++ 264 61) 252255 at 18h30, for the pre departure meeting. This will give you all a chance to meet your fellow travellers and get to know your guides. The meeting will cover all the aspects of the trip. Please bring with you to this meeting: your passport with relevant visa's and evidence of medical and personal insurance. Please also bring the Local Payment. This must be paid to the tour leader prior to departure and must be paid in US$ Cash. The local payment is required to cover a wide variety of our on-tour expenses, which can include National Park entrance fees, excursions and activities, certain fresh foods, vehicle tolls and entrance fees, as well as some accommodation costs whilst travelling throughout Africa. The local payment is that portion of the tour cost which must be paid in cash to the tour leader at the pre departure meeting.

If you have any questions regarding arrival prior to the tour or any other questions whatsoever, please contact your operator. If you are unable to attend the pre departure meeting, please let your operator know at least one week prior to your departure.

Other pre-tour accommodation is also available. Please contact your operator for assistance. All meals whilst in Windhoek will be for your own expense.

Meeting Point: Arebbusch Travel Lodge
Address: Auas Rd, Windhoek
Contact Details: Tel: (++ 264 61) 252255
Fax: (++ 264 61) 251670
E-mail: atl@mweb.com.na

Pre Dep Meeting: 18h30 on Day 1
Tour Start Time: 08h00 on Day 2
Tour End Time: Tour ends in Windhoek on Day 14
Tour End point: Arebbusch Travel Lodge

Contact Details As above

DAY 1 – Windhoek

Day at leisure to enjoy all there is to offer in Windhoek. clients should meet at 18h30 at Arebbusch Travel Lodge for the pre departure meeting. All meals for your own account.

LODGE (Arebbusch Travel Lodge or similar) Auas Rd, Windhoek
Tel: (++ 264 61) 252255 Fax: (++ 264 61) 251670
E-mail: atl@mweb.com.na

DAYS 2 & 3 – The Namib Naukluft National Park (400 km)

We depart Windhoek for our first day on the road heading to the fabulous Namib Naukluft National Park and the giant sand dunes of Sossusvlei. This is one of the world’s oldest deserts, offering over 130 million years of natural wonder. Climb the dunes for an unforgettable sunrise. Adventure activities abound, including hot air ballooning and light aircraft flights.

On the morning of Day 3, we leave very early, and head into the park – departure time at around 05:00. We will make our way to Dune 45 and climb the dune in time to catch the normally spectacular sunrise over the dunes, after which we proceed to Sossusvlei and the 2x4 parking area. From here it is a 5 km walk to the vlei where you are free to explore. There is an option for a guided walk (this is to the clients own expense). We depart Sossusvlei and arrive back at camp at around 10:00 and prepare a scrumptious brunch. In the late afternoon you are free to take a walk to the nearby Sesriem canyon – and return to camp for the evening meal.
There is a swimming pool in the camp if you wish to relax and soak up the sun. Breakfast, lunch, dinner on Day 2, Brunch and Dinner on Day 3

CAMPING (Sesriem or similar) Route 826 Namib Naukluft National Park
Tel: (++ 264 63) 693247 Fax: (++ 264 63) 693247

DAYS 4 & 5 – Swakopmund (351 km)

We depart Sossusvlei for Swakopmund and arrive in the early afternoon. Swakopmund is a delightful Bavarian style town, situated snugly between sea and desert. Great beaches, deep-sea fishing, quad biking, dune boarding plus an array of shops, bars and restaurants await you. In Swakopmund you are free to explore at your leisure or partake in the many optional activities.  This is also a chance to catch up with laundry, banks and communications. Except for breakfast, meals are to your own account in Swakopmund.

LODGE (Villa Wiese Backpackers Lodge) Swakopmund.
2 bedroom unit (4 pax) with one bathroom.
Tel & Fax: (++ 264 64) 407105
E-mail: villawiese@compuscan.co.za

DAY 6 – Damaraland (450 km)

Our journey takes us through the Skeleton Coast National Park, where harsh desert sands clash with thunderous waves. The protected coastline is littered with shipwrecks, helpless victims of these wild shores. We arrive at our campsite located on the edge of a huge concession.

There is a swimming pool at the campsite. The lodge can arrange optional morning and afternoon guided game drives in search of desert elephant, black rhino, giraffe and antelope. An added bonus is when, on the rare occasion, desert elephant walk through Palmwag in search of water. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

CAMPING (Palmwag or similar) Damaraland
Tel: (++ 264 64) 404 459 Fax: (++ 264 64) 404 664
E-mail: reservations@palmwag.com.na

DAYS 7 & 8 – Etosha National Park (262 km)

We depart early for Etosha National Park, which is Namibia's premier game park. Once we enter the gates, we will take a slow game drive towards the camping grounds. Dominated by shimmering white saltpans you have the chance to see elephant as well as black rhino, lion and leopard. All camps have floodlit water holes, which are excellent for after dinner game
viewing.

On Day 8 we will make an early start and drive to some of the various waterholes in the park before heading back to the camp for brunch. Approximately 3 hours per game drive. In the afternoon we will take another game drive of about 3 hours duration and return to camp for dinner.

There are swimming pools in all camps used at Etosha for relaxing during the heat of the day. Day 7 we will spend the night in southern Etosha, whilst on Day 8 we will overnight in the eastern region of the Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 7. Breakfast and lunch on Day 8.

CAMPING (Okaukuejo Rest Camp & Namutoni Rest Camp or similar)
Tel: (++ 26 67) 229800 Fax: (++ 264 67) 229852

DAY 9 – Rundu (469 km)

We leave Etosha for our camp situated on the banks of the Kavango River near Rundu. Here you have the opportunity to take part in some optional activities, which can include boat trips, fishing, game drives, game walks and horse riding. Tonight we are briefed on Okavango Delta visit. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

CAMPING (N’kwazi Lodge or similar) 21 km east of Rundu
Tel: (++264 66) 255 467 Fax: (++264 66) 255 467
E-mail: nkwazi@iafrica.com.na

DAYS 10 & 11 – Northern Okavango Delta (300 km)

This morning we cross the border into Botswana and head towards our camp in the northern Okavango Delta. Only a small overnight bag is needed with clothes for 2 days.

This arid and sparsely populated country has a watery jewel in its northwest corner -- the 12,000 sq/km Okavango Delta is in effect the world's largest oasis, given life by a slight subsidence in the earth's crust at this point. The Okavango is unique with its narrow channels and islands of tall trees, and the bird life is spectacular.

Guma Camp is situated on the Okavango's largest lagoon and not far from where the Kavango River opens out into the swamps. We arrive at camp late in the afternoon, and set up lunch. Thereafter you will have time to participate in a game/nature walk before retiring for the evening – in preparation for a long day ahead.

On Day 11 we set off before sunrise on another game/nature walk, returning to camp for brunch. The balance of the day can be spent at your leisure. In the afternoon you may choose to go on a mokoro trip, or enjoy another game/nature walk. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

CAMPING (Guma Camp) Okavango Delta

No telephone at the camp. Leave a message at Audi Camp
Tel: (++267) 686 3005 Fax: (++267) 686 5388
E-mail: audicamp@info.bw

DAY 12 – Shakawe (40 km)

After completing our final game/nature walk in the Delta, we head to Shakawe. We may visit Etsha village (time permitting) where traditional baskets catch the eye of the discerning buyer. We arrive at Drotsky's campsite in the afternoon. The Okavango River is at its widest in this area and a walk down to the river from the campsite offers the opportunity of bird watching. An abundance of bird life nest in the high papyrus fringing the river's edge and we look out for the shy Sitatunga, the antelope who live here, and feed off the papyrus. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

CAMPING (Drotsky’s Camp) Okavango Delta
Tel: (++267) 687 5035 Fax: (++267) 687 5043

DAY 13 – Ghanzi (553 km)

Today we proceed to Ghanzi in Botswana, which is known for its Bushman San people. We will overnight in the D’Kar village camp.

The history of the San of southern Africa can probably be traced back some 40,000 years. This makes them the oldest hunting and gathering society known to man. There were times when they were the kings of their land. They succeeded in living in harmony with their environment to such an extent that there are few other things than rock engravings and paintings that bear witness to their civilizations. Today there are less than 100,000 San left in eight southern African states. More than half of them live in Botswana. The very success they had through their skills to live with nature is an important reason why they became marginalised over the last couple of centuries.

The Kuru Cultural Centre was founded in 1991 to work alongside the Kuru Art Project for the preservation and promotion of Bushman culture.   Over the past years, the centre has proven to empower culturally the San people in the region. The Cultural Centre has three main activities: The Museum, the Library, and cultural activities including the traditional Bushman Dance Festival.

Optional activities offered here includes eco-cultural walks with a Bushman guide, traditional dancing, and game drives. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

CAMPING (D’kar Village Camp or similar) on the main road to Maun, 11 km south of D’kar Village
Tel & Fax: (++ 267) 596 574
E-mail: dqae@info.bw

DAY 14 – Windhoek – Tour Ends (471 km)

We depart for Windhoek at around 8.00am and arrive in the afternoon. Our tour ends at Arebbusch Travel Lodge. Breakfast

Your operator can book airport transfers and additional accommodation through our central reservations office.
 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Windhoek

Daan Viljoen Game Park R210
D?sternbrook Guest Farm R400
Okapuka Game Ranch R275
Sossusvlei
Hot Air Balloon Flights R2500
Eco-Quad Biking R400
Desert Scenic Flights R495 (from 5 pax)
Guided Desert Walk R170
Swakopmund
Quad Biking R250 (1 hour)
R400 (2 hours)
R550 (3 hours)
Hand Boarding R200 (lie-down)
R300 (stand-up)
Tandem Skydiving R1500
Sand Boarding & Quad Biking Combo R500
Sand Boarding, Quad Biking & Skydive Combo R1950
Horse Riding R480 (single)
R350 (more than 2)
Township Tour R330
Parasailing R350
Ballooning R1450 (40 min)
R1950 (1 hour)
Paragliding R600
Scenic Flights On request
Fishing R650
Dolphin Cruise R400
Catamaran Charters R370
Damaraland
Game drives R300
Rundu
Boat Trips On request
Fishing On request
Game Drives On request
Horse Riding On request
Ghanzi
Eco-cultural walks with a Bushman guide, traditional dancing, and game drives. All these tours are operated by the
local community council, and donations are highly appreciated.

All optional activity prices are printed in good faith and were correct at time of printing. Your operator cannot be held responsible for any price fluctuations.

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS WITH  YOUR OPERATOR

All clients are responsible for reading and understanding the pre departure information, and also reading and signing our standard booking terms and conditions. Your participation in this tour is based on these terms and conditions.

COMBINATIONS AND CONNECTING TOURS

If you are looking for an extended visit to Africa or would like to try more then one adventure, you can. Our trips are scheduled so that you can connect with other departing adventures.

PERSONAL SPENDING MONEY

You should budget at least 300 – 400 US$ for the Tribal Lands, to cover all the optional activities you might like to try, as well as your drinks and the occasional restaurant meals, crafts and souvenirs.

There are no other hidden expenses on this tour.

ACCOMMODATION

Whilst we have been specific about which camps, lodges or hotels we may use whilst on tour, availability sometimes dictates to us that we may have to change. Please note that accommodation on tour could change from that stated in this dossier or in our brochures.
Your operator can book hotel or lodge accommodation before and after the tour ends on your behalf. Please contact us for assistance.

ROUTES AND ITINERARY

We make every effort to follow the intended route of the itinerary in our brochure. However changes sometimes need to be made due to unforeseen or circumstances beyond our control. This may result in missed areas and activities, diversions, and variations on night stops. Occasional operational uncertainties make it impossible to run adventure trips exactly to the intended itinerary, so when booking a trip you must accept that itineraries may differ from that published.

The company will not be responsible for accommodation costs, or liable for any airfares or any other compensation to the client.

PARTICIPATION WHILST ON TOUR

Tribal Lands is a participation camping safari. This means that you will be expected to erect and dismantle your tent, and assist with any camp duties. Meals are prepared by your guides with some assistance from you.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

All of our trips are designed so that you can choose according to your own particular budget, which excursions you wish to partake in. Any activity marked ‘optional’ will be to the client’s expense. Your tour guides are able to assist with information of all the options on offer. Your operator can book these excursions as an extra service to our clients.

Remember these optional extras are operated by third party local companies and not by your operator. Some activities are adventurous with accompanying risk. All activities are undertaken at your own risk.

VISAS AND PASSPORTS

It is the responsibility of the client to ensure he or she has the correct visas for the countries visited on the tour. Requirements differ depending on your nationality.

Please ensure you have a valid passport with at least 1 clear page for each country you will visit. Most countries require that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your intended travel period.

HEALTH AND FIRST AID

Any one participating in an adventure safari must be in good health. Please see our terms and conditions for further information on this. Please be aware that your operator  is not qualified to give you medical advice and you must contact your own doctor.

clients are advised to bring a simple personal first aid kit. Recommended vaccinations and other health protection vary from country to country. We recommend that you contact your doctor and gain the correct medical advice about vaccinations. We do recommend that you have Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, and Hepatitis A and B. You will be required to produce vaccination certificates for any onward travel north of Zimbabwe, particularly for Yellow Fever.

All clients MUST have full medical and travel insurance cover before joining the tour. See our standard booking terms and conditions for further information. Please inform your guide in confidence of any medical condition.

SECURITY

We do not advise that you bring highly valuable items with you on your trip. Use any hotel or lodge safes available. We suggest that at all other times you keep your money worn close to your body in a money belt or similar.

EXTRA EXPENSES

Sometimes political or civil unrest and other circumstances beyond the control of your operator will mean the group having to make alternative travel plans. We recommend that you bring emergency funds or have access to funds that you do not intend to use. Most insurance policies refund only after you have paid out.

LUGGAGE AND OTHER ITEMS

There is a strict baggage limit of one 65 litre travel bag per person. No external frame packs or suitcases are permitted! This is due to storage restrictions on the vehicles. A small daypack for cameras, and personal items is advised. You will also need a sleeping bag for camping tours, and other suggested items are listed in the checklist below:

CHECK LIST:

Passport with any relevant visas, spending money and credit cards, money belt, sleeping bag if required, small day pack, water bottle, torch, spare batteries, camera with spare film, UV sun protection, mosquito repellent, malaria prophylactics, personal toiletries, any prescription medicine and a simple First Aid Kit.

CLIMATE:

The itinerary occupies much the same climatic zone. Summer rainfall from November to March – hot and humid days, winter dry months means warm days and cold nights.

BANKING AND CURRENCY

There are full banking facilities available in the major towns and cities where one is able to change money and withdraw cash from your credit card. We do advise that you do bring some cash or travellers cheques in USD in small denominations to cover travel days where there are no banking facilities and to cover optional activity charges in USD. Your tour guide will advise at the pre departure meeting. The currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar.

1 USD = N$ 11.40

SUGGESTED CLOTHING

Shorts, long cotton trousers, jeans, T-shirts, swimming wear, sarong, towel, sun hat, walking shoes, reef shoes, (beach sandals) tracksuit, windbreaker, fleece and warm clothes in winter months.

BE FLEXIBLE!

Whilst we will make every effort to stick to the itinerary given please remember we are in Africa and things do not always run to plan! On rare occasions it may be necessary to make changes due to weather, health and security. These changes will be made in conjunction with the group but your Tour leader's decision will be final.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please bring your own film, as sources can be expensive and unreliable in Africa. Please remember that taking photos of people can sometimes cause great offence and permission should be asked beforehand. In addition to this some African governments do not allow photos to be taken at any government, police or army post, borders, bridges or military roadblocks. If in doubt ask your guide.

SPECIAL Requirements

Any client with any special Requirements, dietary or otherwise, should notify our Head Office in writing at least one week prior to departure. We will do our very best to accommodate you.

Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. There is the brooding desolate Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thornbush savanna and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fish River Canyon in the South. In the North of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha pan, to woodland savanna and lush riverine vegetation. Dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone, pre-historic rock art, and the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis, bear witness to the aeons past in this - "the ageless land".
All these facts combine in a country, which can justifiably be known as "Africa’s Gem",
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.
Most of the African game species are well represented in Namibia, with the largest concentration in the Etosha National Park, which is firmly entrenched on the world map of international parks.

WATERBERG PLATEAU PARK

Rising some 200m above the surrounding sea of African bush and savannah the Waterberg Plateau Park with it flamboyant brick red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation presents an island of vibrant colour.

It was originally created as a sanctuary for rare and endangered species found in the Caprivi, such as roan and sable antelope tsessebe and Cape buffalo.

Today the park is home to 25 game and over 200 bird species. The vegetation changes dramatically from acacia savannah to lush green subtropical woodland.

The Waterberg cliffs accommodate the only breeding colony of Cape vultures in the country. Dinosaur tracks can also be seen at the top of the plateau.

ETOSHA

The Etosha National Park is one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa and was proclaimed a game reserve by German Governor von Lindequist in 1907. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan, meaning "place of dry water", an extensive, flat depression of about 5000 sq. km. This great, white expanse is a place of shimmering mirages, and seeing large herds of game in this setting makes Etosha a unique experience in Africa.

Expert game management and the protection of the unspoilt environment, makes the Etosha National Park one of the greatest and most important game parks on the sub-continent. Due to the carefully controlled size of the rest camps, visitors experience the feeling of being truly in the wilds.

There are 144 mammal species in the park, which covers an area of 22 270 km. This includes elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino. Among the predators are lion, cheetah, leopard and several species of wildcat. Hyena and jackal are the scavengers. There are various species of antelope ranging from the majestic eland to the smallest antelope, the shy Damara dik-dik. The most striking of the antelope species is the gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings, which also appears on the Namibian coat of arms. Birdlife is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia's national bird, the vividly coloured crimson-breasted shrike. The black rhino population of 300 is one of the few growing populations in the world, thanks to the translocation of rhino from Kaokoland in the 1970’s. Etosha’s Elephant are reputed to be the largest in Africa, the tallest standing at 4 m at the shoulder. Their tusks however are relatively small due to genetic defects and deficiencies of minerals in their diets.

SWAKOPMUND

Namibia's seaside resort on the west coast is a place of singular charm, and resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea. It has a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens. The particular attraction of the town lies in the fact that one can enjoy the wild beauty of the desert and the sea and yet be within easy reach of the solid comfort of Swakopmund's hotels, pensions and restaurants.

The source of Swakopmund's continental atmosphere is the graceful art nouveau buildings. Eleven of these charming old buildings are national monuments.

There is plenty to see and do. Tour operators offer tours featuring the unique landscapes of the Namib. There is sheltered bathing at Palm Beach, the town has an Olympic-sized, heated indoor swimming pool, and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. The tannery, which manufacturers the well known kudu leather shoes, can be visited, as well as the local brewery, which produces some of Namibia's fine beers. The Swakopmund Museum captures the colourful past and also highlights the desert flora and fauna, as well as the marine life, of the area.

There is excellent rock and surf fishing along the stretch of beach, which extends northwards. This area, a 200 km by 25 km strip along the beach from Swakopmund to Ugab River is known as the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area. Henties Bay, a resort village named after Major Hentie van der Merwe who started recreational fishing there in 1929, still attracts keen fishermen from far and wide.

The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is situated north of Henties Bay. Here the Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus, the largest of the world’s nine fur seal species flourish in the cold waters of the Benguela Current. During the breeding season as many as 200,000 gather at Cape Cross. Along the coast are numerous islets and isolated parts of the shore, which they use as nurseries for their young. This area is also of historical significance as the Portuguese navigator, Diago Cao, planted a cross at this point in the year 1486.

TWYFELFONTEIN

Twyfelfontein - south of Khorixas - has one of the most extensive accumulations of pre-historic rock paintings and engravings in Namibia. Predominantly portrayed are lions, giraffes and elephants. Furthermore, there are numerous abstract objects, about which no definite knowledge is available. Although the exact age of the drawings is unknown, it is estimated that they are between a few hundred and several thousand years old. Experts believe that the drawings were done by hunting Bushman, who were in wait for wild animals at the waterholes and perhaps attempted to secure their good luck by engraving the rocks. In the year 1918 about 100 kilometres further south in the Tsisab gorge at the Brandberg the most famous rock paintings were discovered. A well known French historian named the painting 'the white lady'. He thought the figure resembled a lady of Greek or Egyptian origin. However, nowadays scientists agree that the painting portrays a young man. The lower part of his body is painted in white, a magical hunting spell, as was customary to the Himbas and the Hereros.

SKELETON COAST PARK

Covering more than a million and a half hectares, it is a strange landscape of fog-bound coast, gravel plains and mirages. Its singular, eerie atmosphere is compounded by shipwrecks and abandoned mines. This vast area extends for 500 km from the Ugab River in the south the to the Kunene River at the Angolan border. Its relentlessly stark beauty is highlighted by unexpected waterholes where a surprising number and variety of hardy desert animals gather.

NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK

The Namib-Naukluft National Park, covering over 49 768 km is not only the largest nature conservation area in Namibia, but it is rated as the fourth largest in the world, as well as being the most unusual. Landscapes range from an impressive mountain massif to desert plains and high dunes, from deep gorges to an estuarine lagoon.

For the connoisseur of scenery, atmosphere and the unusual, there is nothing quite like the Namib. It has an essence of timelessness, and, depending on the time of day there is a shift of moods, a play of light and shadow, giving desert landscapes entirely new tints and textures. The nature ranges from vast plains where herds of oryx, springbok and zebra roam, to the eerie landscape of the badlands, known as the "valley of the moon" in the Swakop River valley. Also in the valley is the small oasis of Goanikontes, its vivid green vegetation in startling contrast to the harsh desert landscape.
Examples of that hardy survivor of the desert, the Welwitschia mirabilis, can be seen along this route. One very large specimen which is specially protected is estimated to be 1 500 years old.

SESRIEM

West of the Naukluft Mountains, the Tsauchab River disappears dramatically down a steep gorge in the plain. Approx. 1 km long and 30-40 m deep, its pools of water on its gravel bed in an otherwise arid region, attracts many birds and animals. Sesriem derives its name from early pioneers who tied lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools.

SOSSUSVLEI

This is a dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 325 m high surrounding a huge, dried up pan. Dunes extend as far as the eye can see and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges. During a good rainy season the Tsauchab River flows into the pan, which creates a haven for water birds. Even during the dry season, oryx, springbok and ostriches can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourses.

The Sossusvlei, Namibia's highlight in the heart of the Namib desert, is an enormous clay-pan, enclosed by mighty sand dunes. Some of the spectacular hills of sand reach a height of 300 metres, and therefore, belong to the highest in the world. Only after a heavy rainfall, which is very seldom in this area, does the vlei fill with water. However, as the clay layers are hardly impervious to water, a turquoise lake remains for quite some time.

The dunes of the Namib Desert developed over a period of many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were carried into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current. The surf pushed the sand back onto land and coastal dunes developed as a result, which were shifted inland more and more by the wind. Wind continuously restacks the sand of the huge shifting dunes of the Namib Desert. It tirelessly forces the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down in the wind shade. The leeward slope, therefore, is always considerably steeper than the windward side.

FISH RIVER CANYON

One of the natural wonders of Africa is the Fish River Canyon. The 161 km long, 27 km wide ravine with a maximum depth of 550 m is surrounded by high, forbidding cliffs, and is gashed into the plateau with startling abruptness. The awesome grandeur of the canyon is surpassed only by the Grand Canyon in the United States of America. A road running for 25 km along the eastern edge of the canyon leads to a series of viewing sites with splendid views of this grand, sombre and immensely powerful natural phenomenon.

WINDHOEK

Situated in Namibia's central highlands, Windhoek, the capital, is an attractive city surrounded by clusters of hills and the impressive Auas and Eros mountains. The height above sea level of 1650m is only slightly less than that of Johannesburg, South Africa, or Denver, the 'mile-high' city in the United States. The climate is typical of a semi-desert country, with hot days and cool nights.
 

Tree-lined Independence Avenue with its fountains and walkways provides a pleasant ambience of tranquillity and leisure to the heart of the city, with its continental style sidewalk cafes and beer gardens. Zoo park in mid-city, adds to the relaxed atmosphere with its lawns, spreading trees, shrubs and flowers.
 

The city is considerably enhanced by stately historic buildings in the German architectural style of the turn of the last century. Imposing modern buildings in the central business district echo the historical forms, shapes and colours of this architectural heritage. Old buildings which lend a singular charm to the city include the historic seat of government which is known as the Tintenpalast, meaning Palace of Ink, and the Christuskirche with its graceful spire which provides the city with a striking landmark. The white-walled Alte Feste, which was once a fort and now a museum, reflects the history of the country. Three German style castles designed by architect Willi Sander in the early 1900's add a romantic touch to the city.

Street vendors spread their wares on the pavements, reflecting Namibia's cultural heritage, in the form of woodcarvings, basketry and pottery.
Windhoek offers every modern amenity, including comfortable hotels and pensions, as well as restaurants offering Namibian style cuisine, which has developed its own particular flavour. Local venison like gemsbok, kudu and springbok is featured on the restaurant menus. Venison is also delicious when smoked or served as paté. Ostrich steaks, fillets and biltong (strips of dried meat) are also available. There is never a shortage of tasty meat dishes, as Namibia is a major producer of top grade beef and mutton. Seafood specialities from the West Coast include succulent rock lobster, oysters, and fish such as kingklip, sole and steenbras.

Like other spheres of life in Namibia, the German influence is also apparent in local foods, offering a wide selection of traditional sausages and polonies, various types of bread, and superb confectionery. Local beer is light and refreshing and brewed according to the traditional Reinheitsgebot (purity laws), using only natural ingredients.
Specialized shopping in the city includes distinctive jewellery ranges from classic to contemporary designs using local or imported gemstones, or designed for individual tastes by local goldsmiths. A special feature is individually designed hand-woven carpets and wall hangings made from karakul wool. A number of curio shops offer a wide range of African arts and crafts and there is a fine choice of Namibian semi-precious stones.