ETOSHA ACCOMMODATED

You will be collected at your Windhoek accommodation between 08:00 & 08:30 Travelling north, you pass through some of the country’s best established commercial farmland and stop at quaint towns along the way, arriving at Anderson Gate by mid-afternoon. After entering Etosha we game drive our way through to Okaukuejo, Etosha’s main rest camp and resort where we will check in and set up camp. Originally the site of a German fort built in 1901, Okaukuejo now houses the Etosha Ecological Institute, founded in 1974; the round watchtower is a remnant of the fort. After your evening meal there are still more chances to see Etosha’s big game at a floodlit waterhole, situated on the boundary of our camp and easily reachable within a minute or two on foot. The waterhole has been described as one of the “best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa” and the ideal venue to witness peculiar animal politics. Black rhino, Africa’s tallest elephants, lion and numerous species of antelope are regular visitors during the cool, dry season. Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities. Meals : LD Overnight: Okaukuejo Rest Camp (en-suite standard room)

A full day’s worth of game driving awaits and we leave early to enjoy the cool morning air, making our way to Halali camp, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way we visit several waterholes and are afforded splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan, a shallow depression that is dry for the greater part of the year, but fed by moisture from perennial springs on the fringes. The pan covers about 25 percent of the park. The game viewing is excellent throughout the year and we have the chance to spot a few new species that are not normally seen on the Okaukuejo side of the park. We stop at Halali camp for a rest and a leisurely lunch and there is time to visit the waterhole and to make use of the swimming pool and bar facilities before continuing to the eastern side of the park and our camp next to Fort Namutoni. The lodge centres on an old German Fort overlooking the King Nehale waterhole; an elevated decked walkway provides excellent opportunities for enjoying the surrounding scenery, wildlife and the spectacular sunsets. The Fort has been developed into a hub of activity, offering two restaurants, a relaxation lounge, a bar, crafts boutique, curio shop, jewellers and bookstore. Accommodation is provided in comfortable double rooms or bush chalets Meals: BLD Overnight: Namutoni Rest Camp (en-suite standard room)

Be prepared for the long, scenic transit back to Windhoek. We pass through towns and rural areas, stopping in the small town of Okahandja, the home of Namibia’s largest wood carving market. The stalls operate on a local co-operative basis and offer a vast array of truly Namibian souvenirs. We are due back in Windhoek late afternoon/ early evening and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return. Meals : BL