Upon arrival at the Windhoek International Airport meet with an Eagles Rock Tours representative, who will brief you on your tour and consign all pertinent travel documents. After you have taken possession of your vehicle depart for your first destination, Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge, where you arrive after a leisurely 3-hours drive. Check in, relax and prepare for an optional sunset game drive (not included). Dinner and overnight.
Whole day hike with lunch picnic - an early start offers the possibility to watch the sun rise while enjoying a cup of coffee on top of a dune. The hike leads through the red Kalahari dunes typical for the area, alternating with tree savannah. In the afternoon arrival at the cosy but luxurious dune camp with view deck and swimming pool, chalets with private bathroom and hot shower and shading lapa, all on top of a dune. This is where the braai will be served and the night will be spent.
Shortly after sunrise, the day begins with breakfast on the terrace of the camp, where antelopes and giraffes eventually can be seen at the water hole. The hike (duration 1 - 1.5 hours) leads back to Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge. Shower facilities are available before departure. Then your next destination awaits you at the Fish River Canyon. Drive via Mariental and Keetmanshoop to Fish River Lodge on the western edges of the canyon. Arrive in the early evening. Check in, relax and prepare for dinner.
The next day i s dedicated to a full day trekking excursion on the bottom of the canyon.
Fish River Canyon trekking excursion
You should arrive at the Tok Tokkie Trails base by 14h00, where our friendly team will welcome you with some refreshments. You can refill water and pack your small daypack for the personal items you would like to take along on the walk. Your luggage will be transferred to the overnight camp by vehicle. The trails starts with a visit of the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET), a non-profit, donor sponsored trust, which aims to develop environmentally responsible citizens of Namibia. (www.nadeet.org). A short scenic drive takes you to the starting point of the Tok Tokkie Trail. Today, you will walk over a slope strewn with mysterious “fairy circles” and over rolling sand dunes to the first overnight camp. The dunes are not the massive ones encountered at Sossusvlei, but small, vegetated dunes that have a unique beauty of their own. At camp, relax with a sundowner, marvel at the magnificent scenery and start “feeling” the desert before dinner is served. For most the first night spent out in the desert will be unforgettable. If the sky is clear and moonless, you will quickly understand why NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the few International Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Walking time: 1 – 2 hrs, sleeping out in the open on stretcher beds
Early morning tea or coffee is served before sunrise followed by a light breakfast so that you can set off in the cool of the early morning. The highlights of the walk are the breath-taking views of the dunes and plains as well as the “coming alive” of the desert as the guide allows you to feel, smell, taste and see the oldest living desert in the world. The “morning news”, as written in the sand is always fascinating and with some luck and the guide’s trained eyes, you may spot some of the desert specials (golden mole, dancing white lady, barking gecko, dune lark, flightless wasp just to name a few). You walk over a mountain saddle before descending gently to a dry riverbed. During the course of the day your guide will explain some wonders of the Namib to you – how the fascinating desert flora survives, how insect and reptile life adapts to the harsh environment and how mammals can survive here without water. Birding is surprisingly good and you may be lucky enough to see one of Namib endemics, the dune lark.
Larger animals you might come across include bat-eared fox, oryx, springbok and ostrich. As we realize that our survival depends on the water that has been deposited for us, this will probably heighten our admiration for the plants and animals that dwell here. For lunch we will stop at a shady spot where you can enjoy the treats prepared by our chefs and fill up your water bottles. There is plenty of time to relax, have a siesta and reflect on all you have seen. As the heat recedes you start walking again up and over the dunes to your second overnight spot. The scene in front of you is a sea of endless dunes and “fairy circles” against a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery. Photography is spectacular! The shadows on the dunes create an ever-changing palette of colours shortly before sunset. A sundowner and a delicious dinner after a long and enjoyable day are indeed welcome. You might hear some barking geckos, owls or just deafening silence. Walking time: Morning: 4 – 4.5 hrs / Afternoon: 2 – 2.5 hrs. Sleeping out in the open on stretcher beds.
Once again you are woken in the soft light shortly before sunrise. Coffee and breakfast is served before you set off through the dune field. The soft and rolling dunes are interspersed by camel thorn trees, which provide welcome shade for a rest. Today’s walk is easy and you arrive at Tok Tokkie farmhouse at approximately 11:30. Walking time: Morning: 3 – 3.5 hrs Please note! Sometimes the trail is walked the other way around and the landscape will be seen at different times of the day than described above. This is at Tok Tokkie Trail’s discretion. From here continue to Sesriem and the Desert Quiver Camp, your home for the next two nights.
The next morning is an early start to see the sun rise from amidst the dunes. Climb Dune 45, walk to Dead Vlei and enjoy the red dunes of Sossusvlei. on your way back visit the Sesriem Canyon, a 36-meter deep and 2 km-long gorge cut in the limestone conglomerate by the Tsauchab River on its way to Sossusvlei. Return to base and relax during the hot hours of the day. In the early evening you have the opportunity to participate in a sundowner drive to see the sunset settle over the western horizon from an elevated spot, while sipping your favourite drink. Return for dinner after dark.
From Desert Quiver Camp travel the short distance to Naukluft Camp in the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park. the drive takes about an hour. Check in and prepare for your first hiking excursion. You have the choice between three hiking trails: The Olive trail (10 km), the Waterkloof trail (17 km) and the rock pool trail (2 km). Your two days of hiking here will be a memorable experience.
Today you cross the plains desert from east to west on your way to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Stop over at Solitaire to enjoy the a piece of famous apple pie from the Moose Mc Gregor Bakery that made Solitaire well known beyond the country's borders. Shortly before the coast visit the barren Moon Landscape of the Swakop River Canyon, and its oasis of Goanikontes where you can have lunch if so wanted. Arrive in town and Casa al Mare in the afternoon. Check in, refresh and set off to explore the town.
The next morning is an exhilarating experience as you participate in a kayaking excursion in the bay of Walvis Bay. A boat will take you to Pelican Point, where you get off and take possession of your kayak. The guide will pilot you to the seal colony at Pelican Point, where this frolicky beasts play splash around you. With a bit of luck you will spot dolphins as they come and inspect your kayak. After some time on the water return to the beach, where an oyster- and champagne based brunch will be served. Then return by car to visit the lagoon and marvel at the thousands of flamingos that forage the lagoon floor for food.
Return to Swakopmund and spend the afternoon at your own leisure.
Your first visit today will be the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, the biggest breeding colony on the southern African Atlantic coast. Stop over at the Zeila shipwreck close to Henties Bay. From Cape Cross take the Brandberg West scenic road to Uis and arrive at Brandberg White Lady Lodge in the early evening.
The next morning take a local guide and walk for two hours to visit the famous White Lady rock painting in the Tsiseb Gorge. Return to lodge around lunch time. In the afternoon participate in an elephant tracking excursion in search for the famous and rare resident desert elephants that during the winter and early summer months roam the ephemeral Ugab River. This activity will last until after sunset, when you return to base for dinner and overnight.
Twyfelfontein and the rock engravings are only a stone throw away. the drive to Twyfelfontein will take about three hours. Check in at the Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp and then visit the engravings, Namibia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. In the afternoon you participate in another elephant tracking excursion. Return to base after sunset and prepare for dinner and overnight.
Meet at Palmwag Lodge on the Uniab River at the normal pickup time and point for Etendeka Mountain Camp. Hand your luggage over to the driver who will safely deliver your luggage to the River Camp. Start your walk from Palmwag Lodge into the Etendeka Concession for approximately 2 to 3 hours to your 1st overnight camp. The scenery is incredible as you access the concession on foot and look out onto the pristine rocky plains set against the Namibian sky. Your experienced guide will give you a sense of what awaits as he identifies desert plants and trees. Keen birders and photographers should have their binoculars and cameras on hand.
After your first night under the stars wake up early to the sounds and smells of the wilderness. Enjoy a full cooked breakfast, pack your travel snacks and water bottles into the backpacks provided and start your walk to Hill Camp. The route is spectacular and your guide will be able to identify animal spoor and share information about the history of the area. Stop en route for refreshments and aim to reach Hill Camp by early-afternoon for a late lunch and siesta. The distance of this walk is between 15km and 20km and should take about 6 to 7 hours, including stops, depending on the groups fitness level.
Hill Camp is situated on the top of Crystal Mountain with spectacular views and an abundance of crystals and exquisite rock formations. In the afternoon you will be able to do a short sundowner walk around the plateau. Guests will enjoy a simple but delicious and wholesome dinner around the fire. Settle in on your sleeping platform perched on the edge of the mountain and enjoy the night under the stars.
- Guests after an early rise, enjoy breakfast and embark on a 5 to 6 hour walk around Crystal Mountain and down into the valley below. Return to camp for lunch, afternoon siesta followed by a short sundowner walk in the afternoon. Overnight at Hill Camp.
A short walk down to Etendeka Mountain Camp where you have the option of picking up the scenic nature drive back to Palmwag Lodge or opt to stay an additional night at Etendeka Mountain Camp.
Continue your journey to the iconic Etosha National Park and arrive at Dolomite Camp in the western part of the reserve around lunchtime. Commence the afternoon with a first game drive until sunset, when you have to be in the camp for the night.
have an early breakfast as today you have a long drive to traverse the entire park to reach its eastern border with sunset. Game viewing throughout the day is rewarding. Exit the park in the early evening and check in at Onguma Bush Camp for the night.
On the last leg of your tour return to the central region of the country and check in at the Waterberg Valley Lodge. here you have a last opportunity to undertake some hiking on the plateau and in the forested slopes of the mountain.
All good things have to end and so today you drive to airport for your return flight back to Italy.
End of services.
