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In October 2007, the opening of the post frontier of Mata-Mata was officially inaugurated by the Presidents of Namibia, South Africa and Bostwana. This new direct access from Namibia to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was a highly anticipated event since it allowed us to create a wonderful expedition from the Red Sands of the Kalahari to the huge Namib Dunes. During this expedition which starts in the South-African Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, you will discover the Kalahari animal life present in the Nossob and Aub riversides, as well as some Ouedi surrounded by red dunes sprinkled with ancient acacias. Once back in Namibia, we will head for the Fish River Canyon which is the second largest in the World after the Grand Canyon in Colorado. Heading north we will observe the Namib wild horses of the Garub region to end our trip in Sossusvlei’s high dunes. Accommodation during the whole journey will be in comfortable lodgings. Nevertheless, do not hesitate to contact us for alternative formulae e.g. lodges and camping sites.

Highlights:

• Animal life of the Kalahari and the imposing dune landscapes
• Observing predators such as black mane lions
• Splendid panoramas of the Fish River Canyon
• Wild Namib horses
• Southern natural beauties of Namibia
• High dunes of the Namib Desert

EXPEDITION PROGRAM

Day 1: Windhoek – Bagatelle
Welcome at the airport with immediate departure for an overnight stay in the Namibian Kalahari in the comfortable chalets at Bagatelle Dune Lodge. Dinner at the restaurant.

Day 2 to 6: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
A half a day drive will take us to the frontier post of Mata-Mata where we will penetrate into the South-African Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Five days are just right for exploring the South-African Kgalagadi. At the centre of characteristic southern Kalaharian landscapes, sprinkled with red dunes, live an abundant animal life. Along the Nossob –fossilized river which has an average drain once a century (last dating 1963)- it is quite common to meet large herds of Cape moose, oryx, springbok, wildebeests and red Hartebeest.
Adding to the usual predators like black mane lions, there is every chance that you see cheetahs and leopards as well as the shy brown hyena. But one must not neglect the interest of small animal life such as Meerkat, Bat-eared Foxes, honey Badger or African wild cats: observing them is always a great moment. Exclusive chalets nestled in the wild bush at Urikanus, Grootkolk and Bitter Pan during days 2, 3 and 4. Bungalows at Nossob and Twee Rivieren on the following nights.

Day 7: Keetmanshop – Canyon Hostel
We will then leave the Kgalagadi to the south of Namibia. At the end of the border pass at Rietfontein, we will drive in direction of Keetmanshoop to a small southern town where we will stop for the night at the hostel. Late afternoon we will visit the Kokerboom Forest which is said to be the biggest quiver trees concentration (aloe dichotoma) on the continent. This will be an ideal moment for photographic amateurs. Return to the hostel after the sundown. Dinner at the restaurant.

Day 8 and 9: Fish River Canyon
On the way to Gondwana Nature Park, a huge private reserve situated at the edge of the Fish River. We will settle for two nights at the Canyon Lodge in comfortable bungalows with full board. During the two days, we will explore the Fish River from different angles. This canyon is the second biggest in the world (60 km long on 8 km large and 550 meters deep). You will be given the opportunity to explore on foot this tremendous area in which live mountain zebras, klipspringer, springbok and large kudus. As an option you can also take a flight over the canyon from the lodge.

Day 10: Klein Aus Vista
In the late morning, we will arrive at Aus which is a small location dated from the German colonial era. We will settle at Klein Aus Vista, a lodge which offers a beautiful panorama of the southern Namib Desert. This spot stands at the limit of the diamantiferous region. In the late afternoon, we will drive in 4X4 vehicles up to the water point of Garub to observe the gathering of wild horses. Return to the lodge after the sundown. Dinner at the restaurant.

Days 11 and 12: Namib Desert – Sossusvlei Desert Camp
Using the D 707 road, we will drive north on one of the most beautiful southern gravel roads. Along the Namib-Naukluft Park, we will catch sight of the first dunes of the Namib Desert. It will take us a day to reach the Desert Lodge near Sesriem which constitutes the starting point of the highest dunes in the world. We will spend two nights in comfortable chalets. On the first morning, we will depart at sunrise to discover the high dunes of the Namib Desert: a surreal place where dune forms and a panel of orange colors compose a unique symphony sometimes disturbed by the movement of an oryx, an ostrich or a springbok. For the most courageous there is the possibility of a climb of a 250 meters high dune. From the top, an ocean of dunes is offered to you as far as the eye can see.

Day 13: Khomas Hochland – Amani Lodge
Return to the Namibian capital through the Khomas Hochland Mountains. To start our gradual return to civilization, we will first stop at Amani Lodge on the heights surrounding the capital at the beginning of the afternoon. A warm welcome at Amani is guaranteed. Beds in comfortable chalets and dinner at the restaurant.

Day 14: departure
Free time to visit the capital city according to the time of departure. Transfer to the airport.

TRANSPORT
We travel along around 3700 km of asphalt and good condition gravel roads aboard 4X4 Land Rover Defender or Toyota Land-Cruiser, all equipped with 12 V fridge, 12 V cigar lighter plug to charge cameras, video cameras etc (if you bring adaptor cables).

LODGING, MEALS AND DRINKS
This 13 night journey is composed of:
-5 nights in comfortable lodges (days 1, 8, 9, 10 & 13)
-1 night at a hostel day 7
-5 nights in fully equipped exclusive chalets (days 2, 3, 4, 11 & 12)
-2 nights in bungalows at Nossob and Twee Rivieren Camps (days 5 & 6)

-Contact us for nights in camping.

This journey is full board except the last day at Windhoek which will be up to you and your budget. Dinners at the restaurants in lodges, hostel, and picnic lunch in the bush and in the desert are included. Your guide will serve you well cooked fresh meals in the exclusive chalets (days 2, 3, 4, 11, 12) and in the bungalows at Nossob and Twee Rivieren (days 5, 6). Drinks are not included.

PRICES ON REQUEST

Prices include:

• welcome and transfer from the airport by your host
• transport in 4X4 vehicles + petrol
• a Francophone guide
• meals & lodging as mentioned above
• excursions and visits as mentioned in the program as well as park entrance fees
• 15% VAT

Prices exclude:

• International Air flight ticket
• table and extra drinks
• tips and personal expenses
• cancellation insurance, repatriation and lost luggage’s cost
• the optional flight over Fish River Canyon day 9

Do not hesitate to contact us, we will be glad to adapt this journey to your budget on request.

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