14 NIGHTS CLASSIC NAMIBIA

A relaxing walk with the Bushman (San), sharing with you their ancient survival skills and secrets from their forefathers.

Arriving at the traditional Bushman village, you will meet the family who will present you with how they used to store water in ostrich eggs , plants for medicinal use, setting up traps, the making of ostrich and bead jewellery, etc. This is really an experience, always to remember.

The guide will do the necessary translation in English, as the Bushman will be speaking in their language.

A game drive in the reserve with a variety of game such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, oryx, blue-wildebeest, eland and much more. The reserve has some of the highest dunes in this region, with views over the pans, characteristic to the Kalahari. Between the dunes, which are called streets, are the beautiful acacia trees. The Kalahari has more than 150 species of birds. The well-known suricate (meerkat) is also to be seen, although they are very scarce.

As the day draws to an end, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

This activity allows one the opportunity to come up close to the cheetah, great for taking photos. The guides will provide interesting facts about this incredible cat and the history of the cheetahs in their care

In association with CCF(cheetah conservation fund), bagatelle are the custodians of the cheetahs, which are kept in a 12 hectare enclosure. Unable to fend for themselves, the three orphans namely, Ralf, Etosha, and Tuano are fed and cared lovingly by them here at bagatelle.

After this, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

Bagatelle has a variety of horses suitable for children, beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.
Experience the Kalahari in silence with only the sounds of nature, on well trained quarter horses (cowboy horses) accompanied with a guide.

Enjoy refreshing drink in an ostrich egg shell on the dune, before heading back to the ranch.

After dinner, this drive offers the adventures one, the opportunity to look out with the aid of a strong spotlight, for various nocturnal animals such as aardvark, bat-eared foxes, porcupines, springhare, aardwolf, wild cats, birds, such as owls and so much more. This will be accompanied with hot gluwein/sherry in winter or something refreshing in summer.

A game drive, cheetah experience & sundowner on the dune

A game drive in the reserve with a variety of game such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, oryx, blue-wildebeest, eland and much more. The reserve has some of the highest dunes in this region, with views over the pans, characteristic to the Kalahari. Between the dunes, which are called streets, are the beautiful acacia trees. The Kalahari has more than 150 species of birds. The well-known suricate (meerkat) is also to be seen, although they are very scarce.

Cheetah experience allows one the opportunity to come up close to the cheetah, great for taking photos. The guides will provide interesting facts about this incredible cat and the history of the cheetahs in their care.

After this, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

EXPERIENCE THE NAMIB
DESERT ON HORSEBACK
For the more adventurous spirit, Desert Homestead Lodge offers a unique experience where guests can ride out onto the private reserve and sleep out in nature. The reserve is situated between the majestic red sand sea of the Namib Desert and the rugged Naukluft mountains.
Leaving the stables and lodge behind, an unforgettable journey set off through wide open plains riding over a varied terrain changing from soft, sandy, stretched open fields, to rockier mountain trails, through dry riverbeds, under social weavers nests and around camelthorn trees.
The experienced guide will eagerly tell more about the environment, fauna and flora. Riders are almost guaranteed to come across a herd or two of grazing Oryx, springbok, or Zebra and some varieties of smaller carnivores, such as Jackal and bat-eared foxes.
Riding takes place at a comfortable pace so that everyone feels comfortable. Slower riders can hang back while more experienced riders go for long stretched-out gallops over grassy plains while winding the way towards the tented Camp, where refreshments await for a truly remarkable sundowner with magnificent views. After watching the sunset over the majestic mountains it’s time to kick off the boots, relax and enjoy the Namibian night skies. While Dinner gets ready on the campfire true Namibian style a refreshing shower awaits.
Dinner is served next to the crackling fire whilst conversation is sure to revert to the day riding. Then it’s time to retire to the comfortable tent or even a stretcher outside, for those who prefer to sleep out in nature under starry skies to get some rest before the next day’s riding.
Riders will wake up the next morning to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon and eggs cooking over an open fire while watching the horses being prepared for the next stretch of riding. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to stretch the legs once again and set off on horses who eagerly await the rest of the adventure.

This experience can be tailored. There are three different offers.
The ‚Namib Night‘ begins in the afternoon and consists of two stages of riding and one overnight stay in tents. The ‚Desert Experience‘ begins early in the morning and has three stages slightly
longer riding with an overnight stay in tents.
‚Stars of the Namib‘ with five stages of riding and two overnight stays (Namib Outpost / tented camp) offers a very intense experience for horse lovers, coupled with the exploration of nature in the Namib Desert. Riding to the next destination is done during the cooler time of the day while enjoying some lunch and downtime during the heat of the day.
Horses vary from very tame and easy to ride -even if for those who have never ridden before-, to ones that are just as easily manageable, but willing and able to give a more exciting ride.
Beginners are just as welcome to join on this adventure as more experienced riders.

SOSSUSVLEI EXCURSION
• Drive to the Sossusvlei dunes in a safari 4x4 vehicle accompanied by a Guide with in-depth knowledge of the area
• Departure seasonally, depending on national park opening hours. Activity is possible in the early morning or afternoon (in the morning preferably for photography – departing before sunrise. In the afternoon preferably for experiencing the dunes more in private, fewer visitors will be there)
• Minimum of 2 guests or single supplement applicable; small groups only (maximum of 6 guests per vehicle)
• Activity duration is approx. 1⁄2 a day (approx. 6 – 7 hours)
• Rate includes a picnic in the dunes, guide, water, entrance fees

SUNDOWNER DRIVE
On the Witwater Reserve – 7000 ha.
• A relaxing way to end the day and enjoy beautiful views and a sundowner with drinks and snacks
• Starts in the afternoon and lasts 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours, departure times change seasonally; guests are back at the lodge just before dinner
• Minimum of 2 guests or a single supplement applicable, max. 6 guests per vehicle
• Includes sundowner-drinks and snacks

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

• Quad biking
• Hot air ballooning
• Scenic flights
The team at Desert Homestead Lodge will be happy to organize all activities of other providers in the area.
The reception team informs the guests in detail about the start and departure times, depending on the season, as well as about meeting points, equipment, clothes etc. of the activities of the next day during the dinner.
For participation in afternoon activities, check-in is necessary until 2 p.m. In the case of a later arrival, it is not possible to guarantee a performance or attendance due to the different start times.

Marvel at the rich vegetation with the possibility to encounter desert adapted elephants in the dry Aba-Huab River valley. Our experienced field guides will take you on an exciting nature drive, filled with interesting facts pertaining to the area, its history and wildlife. Be on the lookout to spot birds of prey, antelope, fairy circles, Welwitchia Mirabilis and many other interesting geological formations. Our guides have an excellent record for tracking down herds of free roaming desert adapted elephants and will do their best to meet up with these magnificent giants. Ample time is allowed to take pictures and exchange information about endemic fauna and flora.

The nature drive returns over valleys of savannah, small dunes, the dry river bed and interesting geological formations. A stop at Welwitchia Hill allows guests to disembark the vehicle and enjoy a lovely sundowner in an unspoilt nature setting. Take as many pictures as you like of the sun setting across the desert-like savannah plains and distant mountains. This is Africa at its best.

After the sundowner, guests return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner.

Guests are required to meet their guide at Reception 15 minutes prior to departure time for a meet and greet session. The guide will give a general introduction of the tour and highlight specific safety and environmental regulations that need to be adhered to. Guests are encouraged to make use of this opportunity to inform their guide of specific fields of interest such as photography, birding, animal behaviour, etc. The guide will structure the tour to focus on these areas of interest.

Departure time:15h00

Included:Mineral water, soft drinks, beers and sparkling wine.
Duration:3.5 – 4.0 hours

Guests are advised to have sufficient protection against the sun and to take warms clothes along during winter times.

Bookings can be made in advance, or at reception.

A trip to the Rock engravings & paintings, The Burnt Mountain and The Organ Pipes accompanied by a resident guide. Many of the rock formations are the products of prehistoric volcanic action. Fascinating plants in the area include the Welwitschia Mirabilis, the Moringa and a variety of Commiphora species.

Rock engravings: The engravings have very few depictions of humans; by far the majority of the engravings at Twyfelfontein depict animals and their spoor. The rock engravings at Twyfelfontein revealed a deeper understanding of the world to the hunters and the gatherers that lived there in the past.

Organ Pipes: These masses of perpendicular dolerite pillars are located down the riverbed and formed by the intrusion of volcanic rock dolerite about 120 million years ago.

Burnt Mountain: Located a couple of kilometers from the Organ Pipes and visible from the road. The Karoo limestones which formed the mountain were deposited around 200 million years ago. About 120 million years ago, the same period the Organ Pipes were formed, volcanic lava intruded the limestones and metamorphism giving the mountain its distinctive colour.

Departure time: 08h00 (after breakfast)
Included:Mineral water & soft drinks
Duration:Approximately 3 hours

1. Traditional Life in the village:
Experience the daily routine in a traditional museum, including traditional blacksmith (making of weapons and tools), tanning of leather (production of traditional clothes), jewellery and crafts, dancing, singing and traditional games, Holy Fire and fire making and more.

2. Bushwalk:
Follow us on a bushwalk where the women collect plants from the bush for food, perfume and medicine and where the men show you how to set up traps, snares and how they used to hunt in the old times.

3. Traditional Life & Bushwalk:
Combines programs 1 & 2 for the complete traditional Damara experience.

Children policy
0 - 2 yrs free of charge
3 - 12 yrs half price

Guided morning and afternoon hiking trails are available. During these trails you can encounter fascinating plants in the area, including the Welwitschia mirabilis, the Moringa and a variety of Commiphora species.

Morning trails will start 30 minutes before sunrise. Afternoon trails start approximately 1 hour before sunset to allow guests time to get back to the Lodge before dark.The duration of the walk will be determined by the guide, considering the speed and capabilities of each guest.

A minimum 2 guests & maximum 10 guests per guide.

This is a drive to the Adam & Eve Rock to view engravings and a small bushman painting before continuing to the Real Adam & Eve painting. The story behind the paintings & engravings will be explained by the guide.

Departure time: Mornings only - Please enquire at reception for the departure time.
Included:Mineral water & soft drinks
Duration:Approximately 1.5 hours
Distance:20km & then a 10 minute walk to the site & again 10 minute walk to the parking
Elevation: 12 meters

Meet the Himba people of Kaokoland with our guide / interpreter on an excursion to a traditional Himba village. Interact and photograph one of the last remaining nomadic tribes of Africa. You will have time to ask questions while your guide answers and explains the Himba`s intricate traditions, customs and beliefs.

- Morning departure is at: 8h00.
- Afternoon departure is at: 14h00 during summer and winter.
- Mineral water is included.
- Duration is approximately 3 - 4hrs.
- Private Himba excursions have to be booked in advance to ensure vehicles and guide availability.

Epupa Falls Excursion
(The road might become inaccessible during parts of the rainy season between Dec to April)
This is a full day excursion, which departs at 08h00 from the lodge after breakfast. The excursion is conducted in a 4x4 vehicle. Driving time is approximately three hour to reach Chief Kapika’s village. After visiting the village you will continue for another 35 km to Epupa Falls where you will enjoy your picnic lunch packs on the bank of the Kunene River while marvelling at the white water rushing over the Falls. Return to the lodge just before sunsets.

- The activity includes bottled water and picnic lunch packs.
- Not included – are extra soft or alcoholic drinks. Please request the lodge to pack extra if you wish to have a larger choice.
- Minimum number of guests per tour are 4 x full paying adults.
- Maximum number of guests per tour per day are 6 per vehicle.

Baobab Tree - Africa’s Tree of Life
This succulent absorbs and stores water during the rainy season to be able to produce a nutrient-dense fruit in dry seasons.
This mystical tree, believed to predate even mankind, is a symbol of life, hope and positivity during tough times, as it proves that it can withstand any harsh seasons while baring flowers and fruits.
They live up to around 3000 years, grow tall up to 25m and can have an impressive circumference stretching up to 40m.

- Est. 3 to 4 hours trip
- Mornings & Afternoons
- Guided & Self drive options
- Mineral Water included

Pick-up at Opuwo run way at +/- 11h00 by Lodge transfer.
Arrive at Opuwo Country Lodge for a welcome drink and toilet stop. Depending on your time of arrival, lunch can be served before or after the Himba village excursion, which normally takes +/- 1 to 2 hours. The lodge will provide the pilot with a complimentary day room whilst clients are on the excursion, alternatively he/she may join the excursion at no extra charge. Transfer back to the Opuwo airstrip between 14h30 and 15h00 for your return flight.

- Light lunch is included in the price
- Duration of Himba drive will depend on your time of arrival. Departure time should not be later than 15h00. Late arrival will result in a shorter excursion.
- The excursion is based on a minimum of 2 guests per excursion.

Join one of our local Himba guides to visit a Himba village and learn how one of Africa’s remaining semi-nomadic people, live, work and worship. Through the guide’s interpretation you will be able to exchange information and be allowed to take photographs and film the Himba family as they go about their daily lives.

The activity is offered on a daily basis and normally departs after breakfast in one of our safari vehicles. Depending on your interests, you will be taken to a traditional Himba graveyard and the local primary school. Guests are back at about 11:30 in time to freshen up for lunch.

The Epupa Falls, a series of cascades that drop a total of 40 m over a distance of about 1,5 km, is just 800 m west of Epupa Camp, an easy walk. Originating from the Herero word for the spume created by falling water, Epupa is a fitting name for this fascinating sight.

To quote the Bradt Travel Guide, "Epupa Falls don't compare to Victoria Falls in scale, they are all the more beautiful for occurring in such an arid region." Nowhere else in the world do you find a waterfall contrasted with such wild arid desert landscape. Watching the Epupa Falls and its white mists of water against the red colours of the surrounding desert and mountains during sunset, with a sundowner drink in one hand and your camera or binoculars in the other, is likely to make up one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences during your trip to Namibia.

Every evening approximately one hour before sunset, we take you in our safari-style vehicle to the Epupa Falls and then to the top of one of the hills overlooking the waterfalls for a sundowner. Enjoy a gin and tonic or one of Namibia’s excellent beers while watching as the surrounding desert landscape explodes in colours and fascinating shadows. We return to the lodge in time to freshen up for dinner.

For those of our guests who want more than just to gaze at the Kunene River, we offer seasonal rafting trips twice daily, namely after breakfast and lunch between May and November. After taking you upriver in our open safari vehicle, our qualified guide will provide you with the equipment needed and brief you on the day's expedition. He will then lead you on a gentle cruise down the river with ample time to stop and enjoy the scenery, watch the birds and the crocodiles sunbathing on the banks, and take photographs. En route we will stop at one of the islands for refreshments.

For those who do not want to paddle or are a bit wary of the water, we have 8-seater rafts where our guides do the paddling and manoeuvring for you The greatest fun, however, is the 2-seater crocs, where you and your partner do the paddling. No advance rafting experience is required. Our guide will instruct you and also give you a safety briefing. Helmets, safety jackets and dry bags for cameras and other personal belongings are provided.

For bird lovers, we offer river birding trips where our expert guide will point out some of the 238 recorded species that inhabit the Kunene region, including Rufous-tailed Palm-Thrush (a permanent resident at our camp), Monteiro’s Hornbill, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Goliath Heron, African Fish-Eagle, various bee-eaters, kingfishers ranging from the Giant to the tiny Malachite Kingfisher, bulbuls, rollers (Purple, Lilac-breasted and European), Rosy Faced Lovebird, Golden, Spectacled and Lesser Masked-Weaver, and sunbirds, to name just a few. This is as close to nature as you will get, and truly a soothing way to spend your morning or afternoon.

Exclusive birding trips need to be booked well in advance.

Our guides can take you along the river or into the surrounding hills to explore the flora and fauna of Kaokoland and enjoy stunning views of the Kunene snaking its way through the dry desert landscape. During your hike you are likely to come across Bushman’s poison bushes with their beautiful but deadly pink flowers and large Euphorbia bushes, of which the poisonous milky-white latex has been used by the San and Himba for hunting for centuries. Also easily recognisable are the makalani palms, mopane scrub and the flat-topped umbrella thorn with the almost Mexican name: Acacia tortilis.

Depending on your interests, we offer guided walks to one of the following:

To and around the Epupa Falls down to a white beach below the Epupa Falls. The walk will take you through the village to the main fall where the Himba people often come to wash their clothes, bathe, or play in the shallow pools.

Into the surrounding hills to explore the fauna and flora of this riverine area and beyond.

The crocodile trail, a 3 km walk meandering eastwards along the Kunene River bank.

Birding walks at Epupa Falls and the surrounding area.

These walks can take up to three hours. In summer these are best undertaken in the early morning hours. The starting time depends on the guests and their interests.

Our guides can take you along the river or into the surrounding hills to explore the flora and fauna of the Kaokoland and enjoy stunning views of the Kunene snaking its way through the dry desert landscape.

During your hike you are likely to come across large Euphorbia bushes (whose poisonous milky-white latex has been used by the Himba for hunting for centuries), rose quartz crystals, mopane scrub, and the flat-topped umbrella thorn with the almost Mexican name: Acacia tortilis.

Epupa Camp joined the Straw Wars and now invites all Kunene Region lodges to join us in this plastic straw combat.

Bar staff and waiters agreed, although a plastic straw seems like a small piece of plastic, one does not really need it.

More important is to focus on our rivers and oceans to eliminate plastic as far as possible.
Even if this is just a drop in the ocean, our aim is to create awareness for the sake of our children’s planet.

Although we are a small remote tented camp, we meet many international travellers who can help us spread the message.

Our guests, once we have explained why we do not serve a rock shandy with a straw, appreciate our efforts.

So do not wait to draw the last straw!

From the Epupa Camp Team - in peace

Join one of our knowledgeable rangers on a morning or afternoon game drive to explore the concession area, learn more about the plant and bird life, admire the amazing termite mound structures among big mopane trees. If you are lucky, you might even spot a herd of elephants or our local pride of lions, while birding enthusiasts will appreciate the large variety of species. Ask our guides about the Namibian Lion Trust and their involvement with the Hobatere lions. 



Departure from the lodge: Morning drive at 07:00 in summer, at 08:00 in winter | Duration 2-3 hours | Afternoon drive at 16:30 in summer and at 15:00 in winter after coffee, tea and cake | Night drive after dinner at 20:30 in summer and at 20:00 in winter | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | Half-price for children under 12.

With the help of a non-intrusive spotlight our experienced guides will try to find some of those secretive nocturnal animals for you. Since it might become a bit chilly at times on an open game viewer, hot drinks will be served during the night drive.

Departure after dinner at 20:30 in summer and at 20:00 in winter | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

Get to know the Namibian bush and nature with the guidance from one of our highly experienced field guides. They will share the knowledge of their ancestors.

This game drive offers the opportunity to spot 25 different animal species. After an adventurous couple of hours, you will end the drive on one of our scenic mountain tops.

This adrenaline filled morning will give you an experience that will form part of you. Experience coming up close to the wild white Rhino and get a sense of these majestic animals.

This activity gives you the opportunity to explore nature on your own time. You will be dropped off at one of the look out points, with a snack basket and a radio. Once you are done, you just give the lodge a shout on the radio, and a guide will come get you.

Become one with nature, whilst roaming the plains of Otjiwa. Our professional guides will make you feel at ease on horseback.

After a hard day's adventuring, relax with a massage, either in the dedicated spa and wellness centre or in the privacy of your room.

Experience the culture and history of the Herero tribe. The Otjiwa guide will transfer you to the village, where the local guide will take you through the history and evolution of their culture, including dress and architecture. Enjoy lunch before returning to the lodge