Roncook Safaris - Namibia Cultural Tour

On arrival at Hosea Kutako international airport you are met by an English speaking guide who will be your guide through out the tour.

The carnivore feeding tour is our most popular activity! Join our exciting and informative full carnivore feeding tour for a once in a lifetime wildlife experience. During the course of this tour, you will visit and watch lions, leopards, wild dogs, baboons, caracals and cheetahs as they are fed by our qualified guides. You will hear stories about how each animal came to Naankuse and learn more about their behavior in the wild. This activity is an excellent opportunity for fantastic up-close photographs.

The Ancient Skills Academy is our new activity hosted on the Naankuse Grounds. When visiting the academy, you will experience a variety of ancient San activities: tracking in the veldt, fire-making with traditional San fire sticks, seeking out plants used for medicinal purposes, hunting and setting game traps, as well as traditional dances and singing!

Tours occur daily at 10:00 with a minimum of two people for this child-friendly activity.

This wonderful activity lets you follow in the footsteps of San

Bushman hunters! Learn about tracking and hunting, and of

course, any meat obtained (if it’s a lucky hunting day) goes back

to the San Bushman community.

Depart via Rehoboth, the city of the colored People, where we will stop for a short visit at the Museum, which will give us insight of their history and their tradition. Through to the Kalahari Desert with its ever changing Fauna and Flora and the fascinating red Sand dunes we will arrive in the afternoon at the Lodge.

Later on we depart on an Afternoon Game Drive. Game drives are the most popular activity at the Intu Afrika Game Reserve because of the high density of animals that live here and because of the different landscapes one can lose themselves in.

The sparse vegetation allows one to easily spot the plethora of game that live in the reserve and the high density of the game enhances our notion of respect for nature and will delight any traveller wishing to reconnect with Mother Nature.

Let our guides explore this 10 000 hectare paradise in the Kalahari with you as they are extremely clued-up on the fauna and flora of the area and have many interesting anecdotes to share with our guests.

The reserve is home to Zebra, Oryx, Wildebeest, Springbuck (including the black Springbuck), Waterbuck, Kudu, Blesbok, Tsessebe, Eland, Ostrich, Giraffe and even a lioness and there are many interesting bird species to discover whilst enjoying one of the two and a half hour game drives on offer. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and zealously share their passion for the animals, the plants and the area. The lone lioness whose partner succumbed to illness last year is a sight to behold in the Kalahari which is their natural habitat. She is enclosed in a 1000 hectare electrified camp.

After a 2-hour drive, the guides set out a lavish display of snacks and drinks for our guests to enjoy as they watch the sun set.

One of the most interesting and exciting activities on Intu Afrika is an hour long ‘Bushman Walk’ in the Kalahari landscape that is conducted at the guests requests and can be booked from any of the lodges on the Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve.

The term ‘Bushman’ now referred to as the San people, refers to the nomadic hunter-gatherers indigenous to this area. The San People know the Kalahari Desert better than any other human beings and have survived the dry conditions for generations. They have studied nature and know where to find food and water in the harsh conditions of the unrelenting and unforgiving desert landscapes. They are hunter-gatherers, hunting with bows and arrows, trapping small animals and eating edible roots and berries and they eagerly demonstrate this to guests.

What makes this phenomenal experience is the click language that the San use to express themselves and with dramatic illustrations, guests are able to communicate with and understand the interesting information the San people share.

Depart via Mariental into the direction of the Sosussvlei. En route visit the Duwisib Castle which was built in 1908 by Baron von Wolf . Via the Zaris Height. Enroute the breathtaking social weaver nests in the acacia trees are a spectacular sight along this route. Arrival late afternoon at a Lodge in the Sossusvlei area.

Before sunrise we will depart to the Sossusvlei. Driving up to the Parking area of Sossusvlei we will encounter magnificent shapes and colours of dunes and vegetation. With a 4x4 shuttle service you will be able to explore the heart of the dunes of which some reach up to 300 meters. A walk by foot is part of the dune experience. The word ‘Sossus’ means “Water gathering place” or ‘Place of Water”. Afternoon return to the lodge with a short visit at the Sesriem Canyon, which is a deep gorge formed by the waters of the Tsauchab River.

Optional: Drive to the petrified dunes N$ 465, 00 per Person

Drive via the Namib Naukluft Nature Park to Solitaire, the ‘one-horse-town’ with its small shop, well known for its famous “Apfelstrudel”. Through the Gaub Pass and Kuiseb Canyon we will experience a different Namib Desert. In the Namib Naukluft Park we will visit the unique Welwitschia plants in the Welwitschia plains and drive through the scenic Valley of the Moon.

In the afternoon we depart on the Mondesa Township Tour.

Your morning marine cruise begins at 09h00. On the ocean waves in a vessel of your choice (speedboat or catamaran) opportunities abound to observe sea creatures and landmarks alike. Cape fur seals are very curious creatures, dolphins too like to swim alongside your craft and overhead pelicans often swoop to give you a quick gander.

Cruising passed the going's on of Walvis Bay Harbour, spare a thought for the oyster farmers. This delightful sea food is known across the world for its superb taste, brought about by the nutrient rich Benguela current running along the Namibian coastline. Ahead lies Pelican Point and the iconic black and white lighthouse, your drop off point with a scheduled arrival time of 11h30.

Sandwich Harbour Excursion:

A 4x4 and guide will be waiting to transport you on your onward journey to Sandwich Harbour, a destination of great interest but with few visitors. 'Sandwich' was the first vessel to set anchor in the harbour in 1790. Today the harbour attracts mainly sightseers and local fishermen. Enjoy the stunning desert and ocean scenery of Walvis Bay Lagoon, the saltpans and the Kuiseb River Delta on your drive to Sandwich Harbour. Observe large flocks of flamingo and pelicans, as well as a decent variety of waders and terns. Weather and tidal behaviour permitting your guide will also take you to the picturesque Sandwich Harbour Lagoon, either by vehicle or on foot. Photographic opportunities abound from known lookout points and expect to return to Walvis Bay by 16h30. Lunch, drinks and permits are included in your trip.

Today our long Trip will take us along the coast, passing Wlotskas Baken, and Henties Bay into the Damaraland. Compared to Wlotskas Baken, Henties Bay has developed into a small holiday resort, whereas Woltskas Baken is still classified as a official camping place. The landscape of Damaraland and the areas adjoining is varied from massive mountain ranges to mopani parkland and savannah grassland. The large fascinating Euphorbias are dominant in this area. Many fascinating geological formations and rock paintings at Twyfelfontein will be the highlights of today. We visit the Burnt Mountain, with its unusual rock colours which give the impression the mountain has been burnt. Unusual rock slabs known as Organ pipes as well as the Petrified Forest, where 30 m long trees were washed along some million year ago.

Climb into an open-air vehicle and experience the rush of Africa. The lodge’s local guides share with their guests an intimate knowledge and respect for the land that they have built up over a lifetime. With new insight into local traditions, you will come to fully appreciate the geology, botany and wildlife of the area.

After a leisurely breakfast we will continue our drive to Opuwo.

The Kaokoveld, Kunene Region: A land vast and uninhabited, a wilderness in its own right where pockets of wildlife roam freely. This is also home to Namibia's last remaining nomadic tribe, the Ovahimba. Dictated by seasonal rainfall and constantly in search of new grazing for their cattle, the Himba remain nomadic and primitive. Their unique lifestyle and adaptability to survive the harsh Kaokoland environment has earned them their ethnic individuality.

The traditional Himba still prefer living the way their forebears hundreds of years before the colonial era or the appearance of westerners. Himba villages close to Opuwa town are accustomed to visitors wanting to learn and experience more about their culture and lifestyle. As part of our responsible tourism community programme, we at Opuwo Country Hotel have a standing arrangement with certain Himba villages to include them in our activity programmes. Our Himba guides escort guest and translate while guest photograph and inter act with the villagers.

Opuwo, meaning "finished" or "up to here and no further" Opuwo is the gateway to the Kaokoveld, the small town is the administrative hub of the Kunene Region. It has a few shops, filling station, school and houses. The airfield in town is managed by Opuwo Country Hotel and offers refueling and a transfer services to and from the Hotel. Opuwo Country Hotel is situated on a hilltop just outside of town providing luxury and standard accommodation with air conditioning, swimming pool, bar and restaurant, and camping sites, your ideal base from where to explore Kaokoland.

After breakfast - Himba Excursion: 3 hour guided excursion to traditional Ovahimba villages to experience their culture and traditions.

In the afternoon you depart for Owamboland. In the far reaches of the north of Namibia lies a beautiful stretch of land. Its atmosphere is that of stunning scenery, lush vegetation and true African culture. Dotted with tiny villages and wide open plains, Owamboland is quite the opposite from the dryness of Namibia’s southern and western areas. In 1871 the Finnish Missionaries descended on the area and built the first church. It was headed by Martti Rautanen for 46 years. The local communities called him "Nakambale" which means "the man with the hat". In an effort to spread the good news he translated the bible into the local Ndonga language. Owamboland is covered with large pans that are inundated with water during the rainy season. Named oshanas in Owambo, these pans stretch far and wide across the open plains. Waving makalani palm trees tower above the ground and the people herd their cattle and goats across the greenery. Local artistry is well practiced with numerous projects and roadside stalls selling intricately weaved baskets, pottery, beautiful jewelry and wood carvings depicting the wealth of Namibian fauna. The little towns, of which Oshakati and Ondanga are the largest, portray true African style. Traditional ways are still adhered to and there are seven kingdoms that exist among the local people, each with its own leader or king. The King Nehale Gate offers access from the north into the Etosha National Park. Named for King Nehale Lya Mpingana, it commemorates their brave attack on the small German fort of Namutoni in 1904, forcing the soldiers to abandon their safe haven. Although wildlife is not as abundant due to the presence of people, the area still retains the air of an African wilderness. Owamboland is the most densely populated of all Namibia’s biomes and the people are warm and friendly. The land encompasses 4 of Namibia’s 13 regions namely Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati.

In the morning participate in the traditional chores such as pounding mahangu; open fire cooking; cattle –herding; basket weaving and clay-pot making. You will have the opportunity to participate in pottery and basket making activities. One of our experienced crafters will assist you to create a gift that you can take away. Learn and participate the Owambo traditional chores around the homestead and other homesteads in vicinity of Ongula.

Later in the afternoon we depart for Grootfontein.

tour to visit Bushmen and their living museum is conducted by your expert guide Joern. Time spent in his company becomes a genuine cultural highlight of your Namibian holiday as he has an outstanding knowledge on all things San. He speaks their language so your questions and their answers will be translated fully. For many 'a better ambassador for the case of the bushman' couldn't be found. A 60min drive gets you to the Ju'/Hansi Education Centre.

A 1hr bushwalk follows where you will learn how they hunt, light a fire, make jewellery with an explanation of how the San assemble weapons including a string and bow. The Medicine Dance is the final performance of your Bushman Excursion. The Bushman Excursion leaves at 9.15 am (if you are not staying at Fiume the night before the tour - plan to arrive by 9am) and departs the Education Centre at at around 14h30. You will be back at the lodge at around 15h30 (pre booking essential). Sandwiches and refreshments supplied

Drive back to Windhoek, via Okahandja with a short shopping stop at the woodcarvers market. The tour ends in Windhoek . A Farewell Dinner is planned for this evening. Dinner would be at Joe's beerhouse

At leisure in Windhoek followed by a transfer to the International Airport on time for your departure flight.