Desert Odyssey- A Journey of a Lifetime

Description

Tour Details:

Itinerary & Experiences

Day 1 – Kalahari

 The Kalahari is an exceptionally beautiful living desert boasting expansive semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The endless sand dunes of the Kalahari compose the largest continuous expanse of sand on earth. Visitors can enjoy the clear night skies for a spot of stargazing, excellent game viewing, nature walks, horse riding and thrilling 4×4 adventures through this magnificent desert. Commonly spotted wildlife includes water buffalo, black-maned Kalahari lion, antelope, ostrich, meerkat and countless bird species.

Day 2- Keetmanshoop

 Situated along the Trans-Namib Railway, in the Karas region of southern Namibia, the town of Keetmanshoop is known as the capital of southern Namibia. Founded in 1860, this southern Namibian town is a living slice of history. German colonial architecture is dotted around the town and the local museum, housed in an old church, provides interesting insight into the town’s heritage. Just a short drive out of town the Quiver, Tree Forest is a sea of spikes and twisted trunks, while the neighbouring ‘Giant’s Playground’ is an evocative expanse of strange rock formations. Both offer superb opportunities for photography, particularly at sunset. Visitors can look forward to exploring the scenic and historic attractions of this amazing place and enjoy an array of wonderful activities.

Day 3- Luderitz

 Sandwiched between the rugged and stark Atlantic Coast and the arid Namib Desert, the town of Luderitz is set in an incredibly unique geographical setting. This seaside town is something of an anomaly frozen in time – a piece of 19th-century Bavaria bordering the pinkish sand dunes of the Namib Desert. Lutheran churches, German bakeries, and colonial buildings boasting German art nouveau architecture are dotted about the settlement, while its windswept beaches are home to flamingos, ostriches, seals and penguins. The nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, which has been taken over by the desert dunes, is one of the most fascinating area attractions, located approximately 10 kilometres from Luderitz central. Visitors can also take a trip to discover the wild desert-adapted horses located near the small town of Aus.

Day 4- Sesriem

 As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)

Day 5- Dune 45, Dead Vlei & Sossuvlei

 Dune 45

Named for its location 45 kilometres past the town of Sesriem, Dune 45 is renowned for its elegant shape, which – along with its position close to the road – have earned it the distinction of ‘most photographed dune in the world’. If you’re not keen for the strenuous hike to the top of Big Daddy, Dune 45 is a more forgiving alternative, standing at only 80 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient.

Dead Vlei

This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer’s dream.

Sossuvlei

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, clay pan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

Day 6 : Swakopmund

 Set along Namibia’s spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

Day 7 : Eros Mountain

 Situated northeast of Windhoek in Central Namibia, the Eros Mountains neighbour the capital city of this spectacularly scenic country. The terrain is characterised by steep rocky ridges, vast valleys and sharp peaks. The Eros Mountains lie at an impressive 2000 metres above sea level, and those who are feeling adventurous can look forward to summiting Ludwigkop Peak, the highest point of the range. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities such as: horse riding through the magnificent mountain scenery, hiking through the undulating hills and soaking up the remarkable views. Commonly spotted wildlife include: baboons, deer, a variety of bird species and an array of other fascinating creatures.

Day 8 : Ghanzi

 Situated 300 kilometres southwest of Maun and just north of the Trans-Kalahari highway, which runs from Lobatse in Botswana to Walvis Bay in Namibia, the small town of Ghanzi is sometimes referred to as the ‘Capital of the Kalahari’. It serves as the administrative centre of the Ghanzi district which covers a vast area of cattle ranches and farmland in the west of Botswana. The Ghanzi area has a number of lodges which focus on cultural tourism as well as wildlife viewing – here you can experience the fascinating world of the San Bushmen as they explain to you how they forage, hunt and find water in this harsh environment.

Day 9 : Jwaneng (Kalahari)

 The Kalahari is an exceptionally beautiful living desert boasting expansive semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The endless sand dunes of

the Kalahari compose the largest continuous expanse of sand on earth. Visitors can enjoy the clear night skies for a spot of stargazing, excellent game viewing, nature walks, horse riding and thrilling 4×4 adventures through this magnificent desert. Commonly spotted wildlife includes water buffalo, black-maned Kalahari lion, antelope, ostrich, meerkat and countless bird species.

Day 10 : Road Trip to Johannesburg

 Road trip to Johannesburg.

Dates

Friday, 23 October – Sunday, 01 November 2020

Price and Payment Plan

From Johannesburg:

• R14 186.00 per person sharing.

What’s Included

• Transport from Johannesburg on an Overland Truck
• 9 nights’ tented & Hotel/ Lodge accommodation
• Meals as stipulated below;
• Professional Guides
• International Travel Insurance

Excluded:

• Beverages – alcoholic and non-alcoholic
• Meals not stipulated in the itinerary
• Personal expenses i.e. telephone calls, data charges, laundry, etc
• Tips for drivers and guides
• Any other personal expenses beyond what is include above

 Terms and Conditions

• All prices are per person on a shared basis
• Clients travelling alone may be required to share accommodation. Otherwise, if you prefer single person allocation you are required to inform us when making a booking so that you can be informed of the extra per person charge for accommodation
• Prices are subject to change without prior notice
• Our Cancellation policy apply in case of a unfortunate withdrawal from the tour.

What to expect on an Overland Expedition?

An Overland Expedition is probably the most authentic way to travel through the vast distances of this awesome continent and really feel it’s heart.

It’s usually the most affordable way to travel and due to the semi-participatory nature of the tour also a great way to make life-long friends. You can choose how involved you want to get, but you find a lot to talk about while helping prepare meals. You will also be taught to put up your own comfortable 2-man tent with your travel buddy – but you should be very good at it by the end of your overland adventure. The tents and sleeping mattresses will be provided, just remember to bring your sleeping bag and pillow. Some of the campsites on an African overland tour may be in extremely unique locations and you may even get an opportunity to bush camp.

Our Overland Expeditions offer a choice of camping or lodge accommodation and there are also lots of opportunities en-route to participate in adventure activities, safaris and make great new friends.

Overland tours are typically done in customized Overland Trucks which are specially designed for comfort and excellent viewing of game and the stunning landscapes you will come across while on the road.