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17 Day Field Expedition
Namibia (south western Africa)
It’s stark beauty is portrayed by savannas, vast plains, mountains, canyons and deserts that attract the true nature lover. The initially perceived emptiness will soon reveal a multitude of life to those who look more carefully. Under the big blue skies a sense of peace and tranquility is all encompassing where you experience a feeling of getting away from it all.
The Expedition
This expedition explores many facets of Namibia’s wildlife and current conservation challenges. These include:
- Gain knowledge in managing wildlife populations from ecologists
- Participate in wildlife management techniques e.g. radio tracking
- Explore the oldest desert in the world and discover it’s unique ecology
- Enjoy adventure activities such as sea kayaking, dolphin cruise, dune ATV riding and more
- Learn more about “Desert” elephant conservation and human-wildlife conflicts
- Visit one of Africa’s largest national parks
- Observe the magnificent African wildlife and study animal behaviour
- Experience cheetah conservation up close
Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive in Windhoek
You will be met by your tour guide at the Hosea Kutako Airport outside Windhoek and transferred (½ hour drive) to the Naankuse Wildlife Center where we will stay for the next two days.
Accommodation: Camping (D) |
| Day 2-3 |
Wildlife Center
The main focus of the two days is on wildlife management and conservation. Lectures, field discussions and field work include game counting, radio tracking, animal distribution, and home ranges.
Accommodation: Day 1 Camping (BLD), Day 2 Backpackers Lodge (BL) |
| Day 4 |
Windhoek
Today is a free day to spend some time in Windhoek for general orientation, getting accustomed to Namibian culture and for shopping. Lunch and dinner will be on your own account.
Accommodation: Backpackers Lodge (B) |
| Day 5 |
Windhoek – Namib Desert
We will drive in a south-westerly direction traversing the Khomas Hochland before descending down the escarpment on an impressive mountain pass. As we reach the bottom of the escarpment the spectacular desert landscape unfolds before us. There is a good chance of seeing some wildlife along the way such as oryx, springbok, ostrich, baboons, mountain zebra and klipspringer. We continue to the camp, situated along the Kuiseb River where we will camp for the next two days (3 nights).
Accommodation: Camping (BLD) |
| Day 6-7 |
Namib Desert
For the next two days we will explore the desert environment, learn more about it’s ecology, and how animals and plants have adapted to this harsh environment. We will also participate in a field excursion to the unique Welwitschia plants and silt deposits.
Accommodation: Camping (BLD) |
| Day 8 |
Namib - Swakopmund
Today we will travel to Walvis Bay on the Atlantic coast. After a short lunch break on the beach we will continue towards Swakopmund. On the way we will discuss ecotourism and its impact on the environment. For the next two nights we will stay at a guesthouse. Laundry facilities are available for a fee.
Accommodation: Guesthouse (BL) |
| Day 9 |
Free day in Swakopmund
Today gives you an opportunity to participate in the many optional adventure activities on offer. Examples of activities are a dolphin cruise, sea kayaking, dune riding with ATVs, horse riding, sea fishing, scenic flights and more. The guide will discuss all the possible options with you to enable advance bookings before arriving in Swakopmund. Note: all optional activities and excursions are subject to availability and are made at your own expense and risk. A very good museum, the Namibian National Marine Aquarium and the Kristall Gallery are also worth visiting. Swakopmund, with its colonial German architecture and culture offers quality restaurants, coffee-bars, bakeries, gift shops, book shops and supermarkets. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.
Accommodation: Guesthouse (B) |
| Day 10 |
Swakopmund - Damaraland
Departing after breakfast, we will head north along the coast to Henties Bay. From here we turn inland and traverse the gravel plains of the northern Namib Desert towards the highest mountain in Namibia, the Brandberg Mountain. Just north of the mountain lies the camp where we will camp for the next two nights. We will visit one of the community projects in the afternoon and learn more about human-wildlife conflict.
Accommodation: Camping (BLD) |
| Day 11 |
Damaraland
We will drive through the general area searching for and observing desert elephants. This activity may take the whole day.
Accommodation: Camping (BLD) |
| Day 12 |
Damaraland – Etosha N.P.
Today will be a long drive to the Okaukuejo Camp in the Etosha N.P. We will stop in the town of Outjo for lunch (on own account).
Accommodation: Camping (BD) |
| Day 13-14 |
Okaukuejo Camp, Etosha N.P.
On the daily game drives, you will get up close to many antelope, zebras, and other species in their natural habitat. Your expedition leader will discuss animal behaviour, distribution, and current wildlife management issues.
Accommodation: Camping (BLD) |
| Day 15 |
Etosha N.P. - CCF
After breakfast we leave for CCF. We will stop in one of the towns for lunch (on own account) before continuing towards CCF. The afternoon will be spent visiting the Information Center and participating in a game count.
Accommodation: Camping (BD) |
| Day 16 |
CCF - Windhoek
In the morning we will observe a cheetah run, learn more about the guard dog program and visit a cheetah camp. We leave for Windhoek after lunch. Dinner will be at your own expense.
Accommodation: Backpackers Lodge (BL) |
| Day 17 |
Windhoek – Departure The group will be dropped-off at the airport for the return flight. (B) |
Expedition Leader
Wildlife ecologist Werner Dörgeloh was born and raised in Namibia, and practiced wildlife management in South Africa for 20 years through teaching and research. Now based in the USA, he teaches at a university in North Carolina and leads study abroad programs to Namibia. His extensive travel experience in southern Africa and his exceptional knowledge of the African savanna and its wildlife ensures a memorable experience.
Booking
| Duration: |
17 Days / 16 Nights |
| Departure Dates: |
June 04 – 20, 2012 |
| Tour Price: |
$4,100 per person sharing |
| Single Supplement: |
Not available for this expedition |
| Deposit: |
25% of tour price |
| Final Payment due: |
2 months prior to tour |
| How to Book: |
- Any person above the age of 17 years is encouraged to apply.
- Complete and submit the Booking Form electronically, or mail or fax it to the office of Eko Tracks. There is no specific booking date.
- Once we have received your booking form you will be pre-booked and be sent a confirmation letter.
- After receiving the deposit, your place on the expedition is secured.
- Full payment needs to be made 2 months prior to arrival.
- Eko Tracks will also send you a tour dossier with information about the passport, flight schedules, vaccinations, and a packing list to assist you in preparing for the trip.
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| Price includes: |
- Pick up & drop off of the group at the airport
- Group transportation within the country (except for taxis in cities)
- Three meals a day (unless specified differently)
- Tap drinking water
- Backpacker Lodge/Guesthouse while in cities
- Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag)
- Park entrance fees
- Camping fees
- Services of ecologist expedition leader
- Services of professional guide
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| Price excludes: |
- Air ticket
- Personal travel insurance
- Bedding
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses, gifts etc.
- Additional tours and excursions
- Gratuities
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