Expected Safari Experience Overview:
- Accommodation Lodges, hotels and rest camps in Etosha National Park
- Activities Safaris, game viewing, visits to settlements of the Bushmen, Herero and Himba tribes
- Destinations Okahandja, Tsintsabis, Ovamboland, Opuwo, Etosha National Park and Windhoek in Namibia
What you can expect from this 7 day Tribes of Northern Namibia cultural safari tour:
A diversity of locations and cultures in Namibia await you on this 7 day safari tour. You will travel from Windhoek and drive towards the North of Namibia exploring and learning about the traditions and ways of the Herero people. You have an opportunity to visit the Bushmen and you will partake in a 2½ hours walk, learning about interpreting wildlife behaviour.
Up in the North you will meet the tribe of Ovamboland, the most densely populated region of Namibia, approximately 600 000 people. Lastly, you will travel through the western part of Etosha National Park for excellent game viewing opportunities. You will be accommodated in lodges or hotels on the duration of this tour.
Day 1: Tsumeb, Namibia
In the morning departure from Windhoek to the north. At Okahandja - the former tribal center of the Herero people and old mission station - visit some Herero graves, the cemetery of the German Schutztruppe and the Kavango woodcarver's market. Via Otjiwarongo and Otavi drive to Tsumeb.
The 'Cultural village', being an Open Air Museum, invites tourists to get an insight into the rural life of Namibian tribes. It displays the life of the majority of Namibians and tells about their history and culture, shows their work and skills in arts and crafts. A visit to the Mine museum is also planned. Lunch will be served en route. Overnight at Makalani Hotel. Dinner. Breakfast.
Day 2: Tsintsabis, Namibia
After breakfast depart to Treesleeper Camp near Tsintsabis. It is home to the Hei//omn Bushmen, the former habitants of Etosha and its surroundings, and the !Kung Bushmen. Until recently the Bushmen practiced a lifestyle of hunting and gathering. They will show you their traditional way of life in a 'Historic living Village'.
After a light lunch proceed to Farm Hedwigslust, the home of the Ombili foundation. Attempts are made to teach Bushmen (350 are living on the farm) to get used to sow, maintain and harvest - become 'farmers' and no longer hunters because their base of living, game, is extinct. As the Ombili foundation is financing this project through donations, a gratitude of app. N $ 50.00 is very welcome. Overnight at Mokuti Lodge. Dinner. Breakfast.
Day 3: Ovamboland, Namibia
Drive north to Ovamboland, the most densely populated region of Namibia (approximately 600 000 people). The Owambo are divided into 8 sub-tribes. First stop will be the Nakambale Museum at Olukondo, which represents the present and the past of the role of the Finnish Mission, the church and the local cultures in Namibia.
Visit the Ngonga homestead; observe a demonstration of wheat crushing, basket weaving, hair-plaiting, traditional dancing and music, etc. A traditional lunch will be served. Afterwards proceed to Oshakati via Ondongwa. Overnight at Oshakati Country Lodge. Dinner. Breakfast.
Day 4: Ovamboland, Namibia
Travel through the western Ovamboland. The landscape is characterized by flat, sandy plains dotted with Makalani palms, savannah grasslands and Mopane woodlands. Different attractions will be visited. Continue to Opuwo via Ruacana. Lunch packs en route. Overnight at Opuwo Country Lodge. Dinner. Breakfast.
Day 5: Opuwo, Namibia
Today a typical Himba settlement will be visited. The Himba, a sub-tribe of the Herero - are nomads who are still living their old tradition and culture. Their cattle are their wealth and so they are roving around the area to feed them. That's why there are several deserted settlements to be seen along the way.
A local guide, accompanying the group, will negotiate a visit to a 'Kraal' with the headman of the tribe and will explain the lifestyle and the culture of the Himba. Afterwards return to Opuwo and proceed in southern direction to Hobatere Lodge at the western border of the Etosha National Park. In the afternoon a game drive will take place. Lunch packs en route. Overnight at Hobatere Lodge. Dinner. Breakfast.
Day 6: Etosha National Park, Namibia
Travel through the western part of Etosha National Park. The Oryx and many other antelopes prefer this region. West of Okaukuejo is well known for 'Sprokieswoud', (Phantom or Fairy Forest), the only location where the African Moringa tree grows in a flat area.
Lunch packs en route. After lunch game viewing continues. At the floodlit waterhole wildlife can be viewed throughout the day as well as at night. Overnight at Okaukuejo Restcamp. Dinner. Breakfast.
Day 7: Windhoek, Namibia
You will enjoy a short game drive in the morning before leaving the Etosha National Park. You will return to Windhoek via Outjo, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja. Lunch en route. You will arrive in Windhoek in the afternoon.
Included:
- Overland trips and all sightseeing as per itinerary
- Overnight in double rooms in hotels/lodges and rest camps
- All entrance fees as per itinerary
- Full board throughout the tour
- English speaking tour guide
- Multilanguage is possible
Not Included:
- Expenses for personal belongings e.g:
- Drinks and telephone calls
- Tips for tour guide
- Tips in restaurants
Group Size:
- Minimum - 2 persons
- Maximum - 14 persons
