The Discovery Journey to

Namibia

For a unique safari experience, look no further than Namibia.  Be a part of ecotourism in action as you witness the valuable work being done by Save the Rhino Trust, the Cheetah Conservation Fund and the Rare & Endangered Species Trust.  Discover the seemingly desolate beauty of its rugged landscape from wildlife drives in the Etosha pan, to trekking for rare desert elephant and rhino in Palmwag.  Drive along the legendary Skeleton Coast and see thousands of seals at Cape Cross.  Throughout, your accommodations will be as diverse as the landscape – from castles, to lodges, to tents.

Days 1/2 - New York or Atlanta/Johannesburg/Windhoek

Board your overnight flight.  The next morning connect in Johannesburg with your flight to Windhoek, Namibia, where you are escorted to your enchanting castle.  Unwind with a glass of sherry or Gluhwein, served by the fireplace in the wood-paneled elegance of the Ritterraum.  HOTEL HEINITZBURG. (Meals Aloft)

Days 3/4 - Otjiwarongo

Begin with a drive to Otjiwarongo to experience the traditional life of your host Namibian farm family by night, and by day the inspiring efforts of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).  In an effort to support this critically endangered cat, the Fund reaches out to the wild, where the cheetah’s struggle for survival is most crucial and this farm in Namibia provides a permanent base of operation.  Duties permitting, you will have a chance to talk to the director of CCF – American conservationist Laurie Marker, who has devoted her life to the preservation of the cheetah.  You will be guests of Maria and Jorg Diekmann.  Their cattle ranch is one of the properties cooperating with the cheetah conservation efforts.  Maria is also the founder of REST (Rare & Endangered Species Trust), founded in 2000 as a vehicle for research and logistical support for the preservation of Namibia’s endangered species, especially the Cape Griffon Vulture.  FARM STAY. (All Meals Daily)

Days 5/6 - Etosha National Park/Mushara Lodge

Drive to Mushara Lodge at the eastern gate of Etosha.  Mushara boasts great concentrations of animals, especially during the dry winter months, with wonderful views onto the salt pans which dominate the center of the park.  Of the 114 mammal species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as black rhino and black-faced impala.  Etosha’s current population of approximately 300 black rhinos represents one of the few growing populations in the world.  Your second day will include exciting wildlife drives into Etosha National Park.  MUSHARA LODGE. (All Meals Daily)

Day 7 - Etosha National Park/Ongava

Cross the park on your drive to Ongava, situated at the southern end of Etosha National Park.  You may see large herds of plains animals concentrated around the waterholes in the dry season.  Year round there is a proliferation of elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, springbok, oryx, kudu and the diminutive Damara dik-dik.  Birdlife is good with Ostrich and raptors in abundance.  The option of tracking white rhino on foot is available as are night drives.  ONGAVA TENTED LODGE.  (All Meals Daily)

Days 8/9 - Northern Damaraland/Palmwag Rhino Camp

Drive to Palmwag Rhino Camp, a mobile camp run in conjunction with Save the Rhino Trust in the rugged beauty of northern Damaraland.  The aim of the Save the Rhino Trust is to stop the horrendous slaughter of rhino, elephant and other wildlife.  Since the founding of the Trust over 20 years agoby the lake Blythe Lootit, poaching has drastically declined and the rhino population has more than doubled.  You can track rhino on foot or by vehicle, plus experience the magic of night drives.  The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park with prolific and diverse birdlife.  PALMWAG RHINO CAMP. (All Meals Daily)

Days 10/11 - Damaraland

Damaraland Camp is a rare venture which integrates the local villagers, the environment and sustainable ecotourism in a spectacularly remote setting.  Wildlife is not concentrated and the natural laws of good and water availability dictate the movement cycles of the elephant, black rhino, oryx, kudu, springbok and other species that have come to terms with life in a desert environment.  Best known for sightings of desert elephants, the opportunity to see them depends on their moves.  This camp is the result of several years of work with the ‘Riemvasmaker’ people of the area.  This joint philosophy now provides the blueprint for future community tourism projects in Namibia.  Enjoy the valley view from the roomy verandah of your walk-in tents.  DAMARALAND CAMP. (All Meals Daily)

Days 12/13 - Skeleton Coast/Swakopmund

Drive along the infamous Skeleton Coast, whose shores speak of countless shipwrecks.  The cold waters support a rich marine life.  At Cape Cross, see thousands of seals that inhabit the area.  Continue to charming Swakopmund, with its turn of the century German flair.  The next day take a cruise to Walvis Bay as heavyside and bottlenose dolphins race alongside to Pelican Point to see the seal colonies there.  Return to the elegant décor and fine cuisine of your historic hotel, built in 1905.  HANSA HOTEL. (B Daily)

Day 14 - Desert Express Train

All aboard the Desert Express Train en route to Windhoek.  Savor the endless vistas through large windows.  Disembark close to Kahn Valley for a guided tour.  Upon returning to the train, enjoy a sundowner in the elegant Spitzkoppe Lounge as you watch the sun set over the rugged terrain.  Dinner will be served in the spacious Welwitschia Restaurant before retiring to your compartment with private en-suite facilities.  (B, D)

Days 15/16 - Windhoek/Johannesburg/Atlanta or New York

Disembark the train and enjoy an early morning wildlife ride at the Okapuka Ranch.  Continue to the historical Windhoek Station where you transfer to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg.  Relax at the Premier Lounge before boarding your overnight flight to Atlanta or New York.  (B, Meals Aloft)

Your Safari Includes:

• Roundtrip air transportation from New York or Atlanta.  Roundtrip flights between Johannesburg and Windhoek per itinerary.
• Superior accommodations throughout or similar.
• All meals as specified.
• All wildlife viewing by private 4x4 open vehicles, driven by professional drivers/guides.
• All beverages while on wildlife drives and wine at dinner while in Ongava, Palmwag and Damaraland.
• Laundry service in Ongava and Damaraland Camp is included dependent on local water availability.
• All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• All park entry fees.
• Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.

2008 Dates	Price   Main Trip	Single Supplement Price/Main	Optional Extension	Price Extension	Single Supplement Price/Ext
Feb 23 - Mar 8	$6,895	$2,495	Cape Town	$1,995
May 10-24	$6,895	$2,495	Cape Town	$2,195
Aug 23 -Sep 6	$7,795	$2,495	Cape Town	$2,195
Oct 11-25	$7,795	$2,495	Cape Town	$2,395

*Prices do not reflect applicable departure taxes.

Call Today to begin planning your journey of a
lifetime (800) 627-1244