Raw Namibia

This morning, depart towards Damaraland. Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. Some regard the highlight of the region as Twyfelfontein – Namibia’s first World Heritage Site and one of the largest collections of rock etchings in Africa. There are several sites worth exploring in the region and depending on how much time you have – Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, the Erongo Mountains with its granite formations and conservancy programmes, then Spitzkoppe offering incredible rock formations as well as rock paintings. Engage with local communities around the area including the Damara people and perhaps visit Damara Living Museum located close to Twyfelfontein Ultimately, this area is also home to free-roaming desert elephant, black rhino and desert-adapted lion (along with other species including giraffe, mountain zebra etc).

Upon arrival, immerse yourself with your first included shared activity – a night drive, where elusive African wildcats, genets, jackals and owls emerge under a canvas of stars.

The following day brings a once-in-a-lifetime experience – rhino tracking. Depending on the weather conditions, you will set off accompanied by your guide, to depart early in the morning (half an hour before sunrise) following coffee/tea and rusks, to meet the Rhino Rangers, who oversee the tracking and monitoring of the rhino. Enroute to meeting the rangers, you will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking highlights of a sunrise in the African bush. The rangers, along with your guide, will provide an initial introduction to the tracking procedure and the Black Rhino Custodianship Project itself. Afterwards, they will be tracking a Rhino allowing you to approach this iconic animal in its natural habitat. Following this unforgettable experience, drive back on an informative nature excursion to your lodge in time for a hearty brunch.

In the afternoon, join a nature excursion which combines game drives and walking safaris on an informative excursion to explore nature, spectacular wildlife, and archaeological sites where you can view magnificent rock engravings and paintings. Your guide will discuss your preferences with you allowing you to determine your desired level of activity. This activity includes a variety of walking trails, but if you prefer more driving, your guides will adjust the program accordingly. Eland, kudu, mountain zebra, and giraffes are some of the animals that can be seen. If you choose to be more active, you will climb up beautiful granite rock boulders and walk along a dry riverbed to learn the skill of reading and tracking animals to gain in-depth knowledge of the Small Big Five living in this unique ecosystem. For those with a particular interest in ornithology, you will be rewarded on these trips, as some endemic bird species of northwestern Namibia inhabit these areas and are commonly sighted. Endemic birds like the Damara Hornbill, Hartlaub’s Francolin, and White-tailed Shrike, or rare sightings in this region such as an African Jacana, Saddle-billed, or Woolly-necked Stork, can be observed. Reach a stunning location where well-earned refreshments await, providing the perfect ambiance to share tales of the remarkable sites encountered during the nature excursions. (B,D)

Overnight – Ohorongo Safari Lodge (2 nights)

Today you will continue toward the Cheetah Eco Lodge, part of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and enjoy an afternoon activity discovering the work carried out by CCF and protection of cheetah. (2.5-3hrs).

Founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker, the mission of the CCF is to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their ecosystems. Visit the museum and learn about the behaviour and biology of the cheetah, how their range and numbers have diminished, and the unique Namibian ecosystem that supports Africa’s most endangered cat species. The large modern Education Centre houses a museum that provides guests the opportunity to learn more about the behaviour and biology of the cheetah, and the Namibian ecosystem that supports Africa’s most endangered cat species. The excellent graphics and interactive displays in the centre bring the visitor through the history of the cheetah from pre-history to modern times and explain how their range and numbers have diminished. A small fee for visiting the centre is required (paid locally), and the funds go back into the conservation efforts of the CCF.

The Waterberg Plateau rises like an island, standing about 200 metres above the surrounding African bush and savannah, featuring striking brick-red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation. Designated as a reserve for endangered and protected species, it is home to 25 game species, over 200 bird species, as well as black and white rhinos, roan and sable antelope, and buffalo. (B,D)

Overnight – Cheetah View Lodge or similar

After breakfast, journey to Nhoma Safari Camp (510km, 5.5-6hrs), located near Tsumkwe in the eastern Kalahari region. Your visit starts with a half day activity on the first afternoon/evening – an introduction to the community along with activities in the village, traditional games and how the men prepare for their hunt. During the evening, a traditional healing dance is performed (note this may be performed any evening during your stay).

Nhoma Safari Camp, a small, tented camp on state-owned land, was established by Arno Oosthuysen in collaboration with the Nhoq’ma community. Your stay supports the local economy, ensuring the community can remain on their ancestral land. Your safari tent, shaded by Zambesi teak trees, offers comfortable beds and en-suite facilities with hot water. Meals are served in a communal dining area under a thatched roof, with stunning 180-degree views of the Nhoma Omuramba (fossil riverbed). Experience the unique woodland savannah of this Kalahari region, a delightful contrast to traditional perceptions of the desert landscape. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Nhoma Safari Camp

Today you will set out on foot guided by Ju’hoan hunters (4.5 hrs.). With no fixed trail to follow, you will explore the land in search of berries, tubers and honey, as well as tracking animals including antelope. Spend time with these hunters and learn about traditional bush medicines, rope making, setting traps and survival techniques that have been handed down through the generations. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Nhoma Safari Camp

This morning after breakfast you will make your way by 4×4 to the vast, wild and remote Khaudom National Park, one of Namibia’s least visited parks. With teak forests and false mopane trees, this dry woodland savannah sits on ancient, stabilised Kalahari sand dunes, interspersed with flat clay pans and riverbeds. Fenced on only two sides, this park allows animals to follow their migratory routes to the water of the Kavango River. Large numbers of animals can be found throughout the park including elephant, tsessebe, roan, wildebeest, hartebeest, giraffe and antelope. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas are the main predators, and the park is also home to one of the most endangered species, wild dogs. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Nhoma Safari Camp

After breakfast, our journey takes us to Okonjima (260 km,3.5hrs), home of the AfriCat Foundation’s sanctuary. Nestled between Windhoek and Etosha, the renowned Okonjima Nature Reserve spans 22,000 hectares, enclosed by a 96-kilometre fence completed in 2010. Home to the AfriCat Foundation, this sanctuary offers captive carnivores a chance to reintegrate into the wild within a protected area amidst commercial farmlands. The reserve also features a secure zone encompassing Plains Camp, Bush Camp, Bush Suite, the Omboroko Campsite, and the PAWS Environmental Education Centre, spanning 2,000 hectares.

The following few days will be filled with incredible experiences. The leopard ‘experience’ will take you out into the Okonjima Nature Reserve, allowing you to spend more time with your experienced guides and participate in the research data collection for the long-standing leopard project and newly introduced brown hyena programme. Some of the adult leopards are radio collared which enables the guides to track them with a specialised telemetry device contributing to frequent viewing, giving you the opportunity to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience the fascinating behaviour and interactions between these two species while they compete for food.

Embark on the Endangered Species Nature Drive, a comprehensive exploration dedicated to conserving threatened mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve. Assisted by the AfriCat Foundation’s research, encounter rare wildlife like the shy brown hyena, bat-eared fox, and rhino. The Game Drive unfolds the conservation history of Okonjima over the past three decades. Wildlife is the focus of the drive, and no telemetry devices are used to track any of the carnivores researched. Led by expert guides, you will get to appreciate the natural habitat of the nature reserve.

As the sun starts to dip, set off on your game drive. Led by knowledgeable guides, uncover the hidden world of nocturnal wildlife, witnessing species rarely seen during the day as the African bush comes alive in the cool evening the African bush comes to life once again with bat-eared foxes roaming about, aardwolves on the hunt for insects, owls observing their surroundings from a height.

Ombu Village is placed on Farm Ombu on the way to Okonjima Nature Reserve in Namibia. The village seeks to document and preserve the heritage and culture of the Ovaherero in the form of a living museum, reflecting on the past whilst informing the present. Consisting of a traditional homestead, the village comprises 9 houses with distinctive original designs and building methods dating back to 1880, and other periodic designs over the last 150 years. An on-site curio shop offers a variety of Ovaherero traditional, handcrafted arts and crafts items which are bought from artisans in nearby villages. (B,D)

Overnight – Okonjima Plains Camp

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)