Itinerary

Day 1

Saturday, 21 February 2009
Windhoek
On arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport you will be met by a company representative and transferred to the capital city, Windhoek. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure in Windhoek to view the historical landmarks of this cosmopolitan city or to do any last minute shopping for your tour.

Windhoek is often described as a city with a “continental” atmosphere due to its architecture (historical buildings dating back to the German colonial rule), cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions. Windhoek portrays the colour, sounds and tempo of a modern African city with its displays of African drums and woodcarvings on the pavements, which contrast with the elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones. Sidewalk cafes offering Namibian style breakfasts (Frühschoppen), which can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally brewed draught beer. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving snacks, the city has a wide range of a la carte restaurants offering German, French, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Italian, African and Chinese cuisine.

During the evening Guesthouse Terra Africa hosts a small, exclusive get-together affording you the opportunity to get to know each other before venturing off into the desert.

Accommodation: Guesthouse Terra Africa (Bed & Breakfast)
Located between several of the African Embassies the landscape has a spectacular mountainous view of the surrounding area. At Terra Africa, your hosts will provide guests with exceptional hospitality and service in a relaxed atmosphere, where one can prepare for all the experiences that an adventure through Namibia guarantees you. Your stay at Terra Africa is made more memorable by the incredible culinary specialties provided. The guesthouse is beautifully decorated using various pieces of African art and rare jewellery from your host’s private collection. The gardens surrounding the house offer various themes using original trees and plants from the Namibian landscape, as well as a sparkling swimming pool, all of which attracts an interesting variety of indigenous birds.

Day 2

Sunday, 22 February 2009
Kalahari Desert
After a leisurely breakfast bid the city farewell as you head out in a southern direction via the small settlements of Uhlenhorst and Stampriet.

Stampriet is a water rich oasis situated on the banks of the Auob River and the gateway to the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert in south eastern Namibia. Stampriet is well known for its Artesian wells and majestic palm trees that grow in the area. Stampriets' history dates back to1898 when Stampriet was a small trading post in the outback of German South West Africa. Many historical battles were fought and events took place in the immediate vicinity of Stampriet.

Early afternoon arrival at the lodge situated in the western Kalahari Basin where the red dunes meet the deep blue sky, the sun sets in an explosion of colour and where some of the last few Bushmen roam in freedom and harmony with the land.

During the late afternoon depart the lodge on a scenic sundowner drive with a very special dinner awaiting you afterwards.

Accommodation: Suricate Tented Kalahari Lodge (Full Board)
Suricate Tented Kalahari Lodge is situated on a red sand dune overlooking a pan system that forms part of the upper Auob wetlands. It is here that one can experience all the romance, all the adventure of the early safari expeditions but with style. The Lodge comprises twelve luxurious walk-in-style tents, well secluded in the Kalahari savannah. Each tent offers a private deck and an intimate open air bathroom with hot and cold running water, flush toilet and shower. A cosy African-style lounge overlooking the vast grassy pans of the Auob River or the pool deck is the perfect setting for drinks and meals.

Day 3

Monday, 23 February 2009
Kalahari Desert
Early this morning participate in a guided walk with Bushman trackers and learn about their desert survival secrets and hear the history of the ancient San people.

A hearty breakfast is served on your return and the rest of the morning and early afternoon is spent at leisure lounging around the pool or in the refined lounge overlooking the waterhole.

During the late afternoon depart the lodge in open 4x4 vehicles for a game drive on the reserve. The expanse of the reserve is characterized by lofty ancient parallel red dunes sparsely covered by unique vegetation. Grassy plains peppered with centuries old camelthorn trees commonly known as “dune streets” or valleys separate the dunes providing refuge for diverse animal and bird life indigenous to the Kalahari. The stark splendour of this Kalahari Thirstland will find a special place in your heart.
Accommodation: Suricate Tented Lodge (Full Board)

Day 4

Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Namib Outback
The journey continues in a south-westerly direction passing through Mariental and a stop-over in Maltahöhe for lunch.

The Maltahöhe Hotel is the oldest surviving hotel in the country and the owners have wisely kept the old world façade and entrance since its opening n 1909. The original bar is still in tact and it is to this water-hole in the early years of the last century that Hansheinrich von Wolf, master of Duwisib Castle, would ride to sate his thirst and need for some manly company. There were occasions, legend has it, when being deep in the booze and high in spirits he would draw his 10,5m Reichs-Revolver and shoot at the bottles in the display shelves behind the bar. Being a gentleman to the end he would pay the bar accounts of his drinking companions and make good any costs of the joviality to the Inn-keeper. Still a good water-hole and the last for mile around you will be welcomed by owners Arno and Heike Rahn who will make you most welcome, but guns are neither welcome nor allowed in the bar.

Since 1919 tiny Helmeringhausen belonging to the Hester family has been more than just a homestead. The Agricultural Museum established in 1984 by the Helmeringhausen Farming Association acted as a highlight of the area. All sorts of interesting antique furniture and farming implements are displayed together with an old fire engine from Lüderitz.

During the evening you will be treated to a traditional Namibian braai (barbeque) in the bush. Meat, sausage and drinks galore!

Accommodation: Hotel Helmeringhausen (Full Board)
Hotel Helmeringhausen offers accommodation in well-appointed en-suite double rooms. Guests are pampered with special Namibian cuisines, excellent wines, a great swimming pool area and cosy bar. And after a long day of desert driving you will enjoy cooling down in our crystal clear swimming pool. An outdoor beer- & coffee garden amongst the existing lush garden contributes to the great atmosphere of this remote place. Light lunches and cold beer are offered to tired tourists after all the gravel travel, whilst shoppers can buy souvenirs at the curio shop.

Day 5

Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Namib-Naukluft Park
After a leisurely breakfast we head onto the Namib-Naukluft Park passing the Tiras Mountains and arriving at our next overnight destination in time for lunch.

Spend some time at leisure lounging at the pool or spoiling yourself to a Spa treatment at the in-house wellness centre. During the late afternoon a little adventure awaits you as you head out on a guided excursion on ATV’s (4-wheeler All-Terrain-Vehicles).

Accommodation: Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa (Full Board)
Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa is a harmonious blend of luxury and nature with each room offering a spectacular view of the Namib Desert. Guests are accommodated in luxury rooms with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, safe, mini bar and coffee & tea facilities. The lodge has a spacious restaurant sheltering guests against the harsh desert climate. A highlight at the lodge is our wellness centre which is specialized in massages, pedicures, manicures, aroma massages and de-stress treatments. In the large courtyard guests can retreat at the swimming pool sheltered from the desert in an oasis of palm trees.

Day 6

Thursday, 26 February 2009
Namib-Naukluft Park – Sossusvlei
An early start from the lodge to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best.

Sossusvlei presents one of the most spectacular images of Namibia. Sossusvlei literally means 'saucer pan' and is a shallow, dry pan located 60km from the campsite and surrounded by high, red coloured dunes shaped into spectacular forms. In occasional years of high rainfall, the pan is flooded with a shallow layer of fresh water, causing the desert to bloom and photographers to flock to the area. Here the sand is at its reddest and the dunes are higher than anywhere else in the Namib, some climbing up to 300m high. Sunset and sunrise are spectacular and it is well worth exploring the area at this time of day to experience the fantastic colours and light which floods the desert landscape.

At Dune 45, the more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of the world's most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2,6 kilometre round-trip walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the healthy visitors. Enjoy a champagne breakfast in the Vlei before returning to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa

Day 7

Friday, 27 February 2009
Departure
Your journey heads back to Windhoek via the Gamsberg Pass. The scenery is spectacular and will amaze you as we enjoy a picnic lunch on route.
Arriving back in Windhoek you proceed to the airport in time to meet your outbound flight.

General Information

Duration:

7 Days

Location Start:

Windhoek, Namibia

Location Finish:

Windhoek, Namibia

Payment Types:

Cash, Paypal, Cheque, Travellers Cheque, Payment Transfer

We Speak:

English

Extra Information

Inclusions -

• Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary

Exclusions -

• All expenses of a personal nature

Extras -

Optional Extras: • Balloon Safari over the desert • Scenic Charter Flights • Spa Treatments • Cape Town Pride 2009 extension packages
The 2009 Priscilla tour date was chosen to coincide with the Cape Town Pride ( which runs from the 20th February – 01st March 2009, with Parade Day being on the 28th February 2009.

Recommended International Fight Routing:
Air Namibia: London-Windhoek-Cape Town-London - (Free Stop over in Windhoek)