Affordable Nature
Namibia

For a truly unique safari experience, venture to southwestern Africa and the country of Namibia - shaped by two of Earth’s most unforgiving forces…desert sands and arid mountains. Yet wildlife not only exists here, it thrives under adaptive regiments unseen anywhere else on the continent. People, too, have carved a rich and fascinating culture out of these landscapes. In the Nama language, Namib means vast.  Discover the ‘namib’ beauty of Namibia from its magnificent landscapes to its unique wildlife. Bushwalking and drives reward you with the wildlife treasures that inhabit this sometimes rough and harsh terrain.  Most importantly, be a part of ecotourism in action as you experience first-hand the valuable work being done both by the Cheetah Conservation Fund and the Cape Griffon Vulture at REST.

Days 1/2 - New York/Johannesburg
Board your overnight flight. The next day arrive in Johannesburg where you are escorted to your airport hotel. AIRPORT GRANDE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft)

Day 3 - Windhoek
Return to the airport for your flight to Windhoek, Namibia, located in a basin between the Khomas Highland and the beautiful Auas and Eros mountains. After settling in, enjoy a tour of this charming city with its mix of modern and turn-of-the-century architecture. The rest of your day and evening are at leisure.  SAFARI COURT HOTEL. (B)

Days 4/5 - Damaraland
Begin your exploration of Namibia as you drive to central Damaraland, with spectacular views of the Etendeka Mountains to the north and the red sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein in the south. On a small, rocky outcrop with spectacular views of tabletop rocks, small canyons, dry riverbeds and grassland vistas sits your unique lodge that co-exists in harmony with the surrounding scenery. Explore the San rock engravings created on the red sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein. Go in search of desert-adapted elephant that roam dry riverbeds to witness their unique and playful behaviors, including sand baths. Burnt Mountain is a fascinating formation of metamorphized shale burnt millions of years ago that dazzles with shimmering colors when hit by sunlight. The ancient Petrified Forest complete with petrified bark, growth rings and wood grain was established here 260 million years ago. Birdlife is abundant with regular sightings of Secretary Bird, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Booted Eagle and the endemic Rupell’s Korhaan. In 4x4 vehicles, search for herds of steenbok, kudu and gemsbok. In the evenings, relax under the dazzling African skies twinkling with stars.  DORO NAWAS CAMP. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 6/7/8 - Etosha National Park
Discover the rich wildlife of Namibia at the Ongava Reserve adjacent to Etosha National Park, home to your luxury tented camp. Spend the next three days exploring Ongava Private Reserve and Etosha, Namibia’s premier park and one of Southern Africa’s most important wildlife reserves, established in 1907. Part of the Kalahari Basin, the park is dominated by a massive mineral pan of flat saline desert that originated over 12 million years ago, surrounded by Mopani woodland and savannah grassland. Currently, it holds water for only a brief period each year attracting scores of wading birds, including flamingo and pelican. This is big animal country where elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest, Burchell’s and Hartmann’s zebra and the rare black rhino roam the forbidding terrain. Abundant antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala share the precious grasslands with ostrich and Kori Bustard with lion, leopard and cheetah well-hidden nearby. ANDERSSON CAMP. (B,L, D Daily)

Days 9/10 - Otjiwarongo
Drive to Otjiwarongo to gain first hand knowledge of the inspiring efforts of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and their dedication to stabilize and increase the population of the endangered cheetah.  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. The clash between farmers and cheetahs is one of the more critical issues that contribute to the reduced population. 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. Also visit REST (Rare and Endangered Species Trust) whose objective is to research and provide logistic support for Namibia’s endangered species. The Trust’s primary focus is the Cape Griffon Vulture currently Namibia’s most endangered species. Interaction with the researchers and scientists at REST will allow you to learn about their efforts to develop and facilitate solutions to aid local, national and international communities in protecting the Cape Griffon Vulture. Duties permitting, you will meet with the founder, American Maria Diekman. Your lodge, modeled on traditional Ovambo homesteads, will charm you with its use of  traditional Ovambo items – earthen pots, voluminous storage baskets or original wooden figures – which all serve as decoration to emphasize the African theme, and lend a very special charm to the lodge. FRANS INDONGO LODGE. (All Meals Daily)

Days 11/12 - Johannesburg/New York
Your incredible journey to Namibia has come to an end as you embark on your flight to Windhoek, where you board your flight home via Johannesburg. (B, Meals Aloft)  

Pre-Extension to Sossusvlei and Swakopmund
Begin your exploration of Namibia with the stunning scenery of the Namib Desert region at Sossusvlei.  For over 80 million years, the parched and desolate beauty that is the Namib Desert has endured endless orange dunes blown into razor sharp ridges by the sand-shifting wind.  The immense rich ochre of the Sossusvlei sand dunes are the second highest in the world. Travel through the geological wonders of Kuiseb Canyon, the best place to see the ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis plants that live for centuries. Arrive at charming Swakopmund and the elegant décor of your historic hotel, built in 1905. Next day, walking trails allow you to discover Namib Naukluft Park, a mountainous region that rises up from the gravel desert plain dominated by the Naukluft Massif and high plateaus split by deep gorges. Also enjoy a boat excursion on Walvis Bay to see the resident seal colony. 

Post-Extension to Cape Town, South Africa
Discover the amazing culture and wildlife of Cape Town. Go to the top of Table Mountain and to the tip of the Cape of Good Hope. Explore rare flora at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Africa’s only penguins at Boulders Beach. Toast your good fortune at wineries nestled below the Boland Mountains and explore quaint villages filled with architectural gems. Tour New Rest, an informal settlement with your township guide and see the strides made since Apartheid, and take a ferry to Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for his beliefs.

Your Safari Includes:

• Internal flights as indicated in itinerary. 
• Superior accommodations throughout or similar.
• All meals as specified.
• All wildlife viewing by private 4x4 open vehicles, driven by professional driver/guides.
• Complimentary bottled water in vehicles and at meals.
• All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• All park entry fees.
• Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.

For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes, Inc. at (800) 647-1244