Anderson's Africa

DAY 01: CENTRAL HIGHLANDS/KALAHARI

Within minutes of leaving Hosea Kutako International Airport we are embraced by the compelling beauty of Namibia's wide-open spaces. On the drive to Eningu Clay House Lodge we will be introduced to a variety of birds, game, trees and grass species typical of this area where the ecosystem of the Central Highlands and the Kalahari meet. Another surprise is Eningu, which has been artistically inspired and uniquely styled out of clay to blend in perfectly with the russet-coloured sands of the surrounding Kalahari. This afternoon is spent relaxing beside the swimming pool or sitting on the roof top deck absorbing the peace, richness and contrasts of the surrounding bush savannah. As evening beckons a gentle stroll leads one to a nearby hide where sundowners are enjoyed whilst the sun goes down and the night comes alive. A delicious dinner is accompanied by a selection of South African wines.

DAY 02: WATERBERG PLATEAU

An early morning walk is followed by a wholesome breakfast. Our drive to the Waterberg takes us along quiet country roads through an area rich in cattle and game farms. Rising some 200m above a surrounding sea of bush and savannah, the Waterberg Plateau Park is recognisable from some distance away. It’s imposing, flamboyant red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation present an island of vibrant colour, which seems to glow at sunrise and sunset. This vast pristine wilderness is home to a huge variety of plant species, 240 bird species, and rare and endangered species of game. It is also an area steeped in history as it was in the foothills of the Waterberg where the Herero people lost their greatest battle to the German colonial forces at the beginning of the century. Our exclusive campsite provides a shady refuge beautifully situated under a dense canopy of leadwood, camelthorn and umbrella thorn trees. Kudu and the diminutive Damara Dik Dik frequent the area of the campsite, and leopard tracks have been seen on a number of occasions. A late afternoon walk for sundowners enjoyed at a vantage point on top of the Waterberg will afford you a truly magical view of the sandstone cliffs that are emblazoned with colourful splashes of lichen. Like a backdrop in the distance lie the flat plains of the Northern Kalahari.

DAY 03: WATERBERG PLATEAU

Today will be spent exploring the Waterberg Plateau on foot. In addition to bringing one closer to nature this is a wonderful way to observe and learn about the diverse bird and plant life that makes the Waterberg such a unique destination. An added bonus is the possibility that we may experience the thrill of seeing buffalo, and black or white rhino.

DAY 04: ETOSHA

Keeping to the country roads we make our way to our exclusive campsite at the private Fischer’s Pan Game Reserve, which borders the eastern perimeter of the world renowned Etosha National Park only a couple of kilometres away from the Von Lindequist Gate. In addition to its prime and secluded location our campsite is beautifully situated on the edge of a small vlei, which is surrounded by shady terminalia and tamboti trees. A variety of game, including leopard, roam at will in this area Afternoon game drive in the Namutoni area, which is characterised by the historic Beau Gestean fort.

DAY 05: ETOSHA

Etosha National Park covers 22 270 km of countryside ranging from dense bush to barren plains. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan, meaning "Place of Dry Water", a vast, dry silvery-white shallow depression of shimmering mirages. Along the southern edge of the Pan perennial springs feed waterholes, which attract an abundance of mammal and bird species thus providing rewarding and often spectacular game viewing. The day is spent game viewing in Etosha National Park.

DAY 06: ETOSHA

Today we make our way to the western side of Etosha National Park stopping en route at the numerous water holes to view game at close quarters. Late afternoon we arrive at Okaukuejo where our overnight accommodation is in bungalows. The highlight at Okaukuejo is a floodlit waterhole, which is frequented by elephant, giraffe, black rhino, and lion. Sundowners are followed by a barbeque and a further opportunity to view the antics of nocturnalvisitors to the waterhole.

DAY 07: SOUTHERN DAMARALAND

After a final early morning game drive we head for our private camp site in southern Damaraland. Between the Ugab and the Huab rivers lies a vast unspoilt wilderness with magnificent rugged scenery of rolling plains and distant mountains, a variety of desert flora and fauna, fascinating geological formations and a wealth of rock paintings and engravings which combine to form the unique attractions of Damaraland. Enjoy a late afternoon stroll amongst the boulders and kopjes that are the heart of this amazing land. Enjoy a sundowner as you reflect on the true meaning of peace and tranquillity.

DAY 08: SOUTHERN DAMARALAND

Early this morning we visit the San (Bushman) rock paintings and engravings at nearby Twyfelfontein. These spectacular engravings are thought to be the work of hunter-gatherers who lived in the area thousands of years ago. South of Twyfelfontein in a desolate landscape of volcanic rock lies the Burnt Mountain. Nearby a further geological curiosity is the formation of perpendicular basalt called the Organ Pipes. Other activities include nature walks and off road drives in search of the rare desert-adapated elephants and the elusive desert black rhino, which have adapted to the harsh elements of this region.

DAY 09: SWAKOPMUND

We head towards the coast and Cape Cross where the Portuguese seafarer Diego Cao became the first European to set foot on Namibian soil in 1486. Cape Cross is also home to more than 80 000 Cape Fur Seals. A special feature along the coast is the extensive lichen fields. Swakopmund is Namibia¹s premier seaside resort and resembles a Bavarian village with its many 19th century buildings hearking back to its colonial past. Hedged by the desert and the wild Atlantic, Swakopmund offers old world charm, a relaxed atmosphere and a host of activities. Our accommodation tonight is at the four star Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre which has been built in and around the impeccably restored historical station building. Dinner will be at a local seafood restaurant.

DAY 10: SWAKOPMUND

This morning at 08.30 we depart on a seal and dolphin cruise. This takes us through Walvis Bay harbour, the fishing factories and Russian trawlers. From here on to bird island, Pelican Point and back via the lagoon where a variety of birds such as pelicans, flamingos, and cormorants can be seen. A highlight is wild seals boarding the boat to be fed by hand. Fresh oysters, champagne and snacks are enjoyed at the seal colony where dolphins join the fun around the boat. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy a variety of optional activities such as quad biking, a scenic flight over the dunes and coast, and golf on one of the five registered desert golf course in the world.

DAY 11: NAMIB NAUKLUFT

After a leisurely breakfast we make our way to the Namib Naukluft Park where landscapes range from an impressive mountain massif to desert plains and high dunes. The afternoon’s highlight is a visit to the awe inspiring dunes of Sossusvlei, many of which are in excess of 300 m high, arguably making them the highest in the world. As the late afternoon sun plays on these fascinating dunes their colour can change from apricot to orange to a dark maroon thus creating wonderful photographic opportunities. Our exclusive campsite is surrounded by the huge Naukluft Mountains, a rugged range characterised by sheer cliffs deeply incised river valleys and rolling hills which are a sanctuary for Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, springbok and kudu. A feature of our attractive campsite is the ruins of an old police station which still huddles in the shade of ancient trees and takes one back to the time of the Schutztruppe.

DAY 12: NAMIB NAUKLUFT

Today we explore one of the most pristine gorges in the Naukluft. We set off by 4x4 as far as the plateau. From then on the rest of the journey is by foot as we hike through the gorge with its many quiver trees and rock pools, which are large enough to cool off in. An optional late afternoon activity is horse riding at a nearby guest farm.

DAY 13:

After breakfast we return to Windhoek via the Khomas Hochland stopping off at a guest farm for lunch.