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Okapuka, meaning “small animal” in Herero lives up to its name already at first glance. The iconic game drive, however, will take your breath away as you might encounter most of Namibia’s beautiful and diverse wildlife right here. Just out of town yet deep in the African bushveld, you are almost guaranteed sightings of all indigenous antelope species, giraffe, ostriches and, most importantly, white rhino. Okapuka Safari Lodge takes you on a nostalgic African journey, reflecting both the majestic tranquility of our mysterious continent and the exciting wildlife.
Guests will meet with a representative from their accommodation in Windhoek to start the journey to the coast. Swakopmund, a quaint village nestled between the roaring Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, awaits. Known for its cool, misty climate, Swakopmund boasts old German architecture, spacious streets, and an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. The Delight Hotel, a breath of fresh air amidst the desert landscape, offers a delightful retreat for your stay in Swakopmund.
One of the standout features of The Delight is its delectable breakfast selection. Indulge in a glass of champagne and freshly squeezed orange juice, along with savoury Walvis Bay oysters, before embarking on your day's adventures. Whether you opt to explore the town or partake in an exciting activity, Swakopmund offers a plethora of options. From Living Desert tours to kayaking in the Walvis Bay lagoon, dolphin cruises, sandboarding, quad-biking, and even skydiving, there's something for everyone. After a day of exploration, unwind at one of Swakopmund's popular restaurants, or simply relax and soak in the serene ambience.
Following a day filled with fun and exploration, our journey continues northwards towards Henties Bay along the scenic coast, before turning inland towards Uis and the majestic Brandberg massif. Keep an eye out for the vibrant Herero women and their colorful stalls as you near the Ugab River. Our next destination is the Petrified Forest, a fascinating testament to the Earth's geological history.
Our overnight stop awaits at Damara Mopane Lodge, situated 30km east of Khorixas. Nestled amidst the landscape in a semi-circular labyrinth design, the lodge surprises with its tranquil ambiance. Each chalet boasts its own garden adorned with fresh vegetables, sunflowers, and the occasional scarecrow. Take a leisurely stroll up the koppie in the late afternoon to witness the sunset and soak in the expansive views over the mopane woodland, before returning to the lodge to indulge in the tantalizing aromas of dinner.
Today's itinerary includes a captivating visit to Twyfelfontein, renowned for its remarkable collection of ancient rock engravings. This area was once frequented by groups of hunters and gatherers who gathered at the rock pools during the dry season. Their shamans would carve prayers into the sandstone rock, seeking rain, healing, and luck for their hunts. Thanks to the desert environment, these engravings have been preserved for millennia. Additionally, we'll explore geological wonders like the Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain. To immerse ourselves in local culture, we'll visit the Damara Living Museum. Be sure not to miss the sunset walk to the deck for a refreshing sundowner drink and breathtaking views of the landscape.
Today, our journey takes us deep into the heart of the country as we head towards Etosha National Park via Outjo, ensuring we arrive in time for an afternoon game drive. Before reaching Etosha, we'll make a stop at a Himba village to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Once in Etosha National Park, we'll have the opportunity to witness the abundant wildlife that thrives in this natural haven. After our adventure, we'll return to Etosha Safari Camp for dinner. This relaxed and welcoming camp features a unique restaurant inspired by traditional shebeens, where guests can enjoy live music and local cuisine. Join in the lively atmosphere before retiring to your comfortable room under the starlit sky of Etosha.
Discover the wonders of Etosha and its numerous waterholes, where wildlife congregates to quench their thirst. Each season unveils its unique beauty in this extraordinary conservation area. Embark on a full-day drive to witness the diverse African wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. As the day draws to a close, return to the warm hospitality of Etosha Safari Camp for your final night of the tour.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the camp before embarking on a scenic drive southwards towards Windhoek. Along the way, we'll make a stop at Okahandja's renowned woodcarver's market, where you can browse and shop for unique souvenirs. Finally, your guide will accompany you to your chosen accommodation in the capital city of Windhoek, ensuring a smooth and comfortable end to your journey.
Additional Information:
Should the group require a guide in a different language, a supplement will be charged.
Windhoek Departures: First and third Thursday of every month
Child Policy: No children under the age of 10 years
Minimum number of Travellers: 1 (4 adults on non-scheduled departures)
Maximum number of Travellers: 7 persons per vehicle (larger groups on request)
Departure from Windhoek: 08:00 AM, it is highly recommended to have a pre-night in Windhoek to join the tour on time.
Arrival in Windhoek: After 03:00 PM, it is highly recommended to have a post-night in Windhoek
August 15, 2024
Sara has been amazing
Sara has been amazing. I threw so many requests at her and nothing was too much to handle. Sara has helped me put together a trip of a lifetime for our family.
August 6, 2024
Dream African experience
Booking our dream trip to Africa with Sara was the best thing that we could have done. Sara made the experience so enjoyable. She worked extremely hard at filling all of our requests and really tailored all of the experiences to our liking. The best stress free investment we have made. I would give Sara six stars if I could!
August 5, 2024
wonderful safari expert
I worked with Sara Van Coillie of Safari.com. She was phenomenal and very responsive. Sara really knows all the options and details for various safaris. I had a limited budget, but Sara found me creative solutions which allowed me to have a wonderful safari experience. I highly recommend you contact Sara at safari.com. Thank you!
Sep 11, 2024
SANPARKS booking.
Very prompt and efficient response and service.
Sep 11, 2024
Fadiel did a great job
Fadiel did a great job helping us plan and customize our trip. His follow up was timely and consistent.
Sep 10, 2024
Quick reactions to requests
Quick reactions to requests. Very efficient.
Sep 9, 2024
First Time Safari
Mel provided an amazing itinerary and took our feedback and adjusted accordingly. She was very helpful and would strongly recommend her to anyone new to the process.
Sep 9, 2024
It was a great experience dealing with…
It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.
Sep 8, 2024
Keith went above and beyond…
Keith went above and beyond expectations arranging our holiday safari travels (for one vegan and one mobility-impaired traveller, no less:-). Safari.com is lucky to have Keith on board. He helped us feel confident in our choices, keeping us up to date with options, and finessing holiday scheduling issues with aplomb.
Sep 5, 2024
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it…
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it was a pleasure booking through her.
Sep 3, 2024
Knowledgable and responsive
Jayson created a fantastic itinerary within budget and answered questions promptly. Super helpful. I can't wait to get going!
Sep 2, 2024
Although we didn’t end up booking…
Although we didn’t end up booking through Safari.com the service we received was great and they were really helpful.