Namibia FAM 2008
NatureFriend Safaris has
been kind enough to offer an incredible Namibian Educational Tour. The
tour includes accommodations at five fantastic lodges, most meals, game
drives and other activities.
You will fly to each camp in a small bush plane, thus eliminating the
long drives, plus you will have a bird's eye view of one of the most
stunningly beautiful countries in the world. A fly-in safari tour like
this would normally cost over $3000 per person but it is being offered
to APTA members for $700 (N$4700).
If you plan to attend Indaba after the tour, SAA will provide special
airfare pricing for qualified agents. The tour is limited to 8 members
so if you are interested please call Pam Rathke at 720-746-0748 or email
her at pam.rathke@gmail.com. (This tour will be open to all APTA members
starting November 1)
*We are giving away a
Scholarship for this trip for more information and application click
here!
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NAMIBIA EDUCATIONAL TOUR
OFFERED BY: NatureFriend Safaris
DURATION: 8 Days, 7 Nights
DATE: May 3-10, 2008
PRICE: $700-Namibia Only
(Approximately $2100 for Namibia, Indaba and
all international and African flights. May 2-14)
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - May 3: Arrival / Windhoek
Transfer through Johannesburg and arrive in Windhoek at approximately
6:45pm. A NatureFriend representative will meet you at the airport and
transfer you to the Olive Grove Guesthouse. The guesthouse is a small,
up-market accommodation situated close to the Windhoek city centre in a
quiet, peaceful area. Each room has a large veranda with tables and
chairs for al fresco dining. The open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool
and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under
Namibia's open skies. The inside lounge is tastefully decorated, with
comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax. The
stunning open plan kitchen creates a homely feel while providing tasty
meals.
Olive Grove Guesthouse (BB) (www.olivegrove-namibia.com)
DAY 2 - May 4: Arrival / Windhoek
This morning, a NatureFriend representative will transfer you to the
airport where you will meet your pilot and commence on your flight to
the Etosha National Park. From the Mokuti airstrip you will be
transferred to Onguma Tented camp. The Tented Camp is situated on the
eastern side of Etosha, bordering Fisher's pan. Here you will be
afforded the opportunity of experiencing Africa in all her beauty and
diversity. The Onguma reserve covers an area of 20 000ha and
incorporates ecological substrata such as savannah, bushveld, omuramba
and dry pan. Age-old and well-worn migration routes, once used by
elephant and buffalo wander through Onguma's three dry riverbeds. Plains
game roam freely on the reserve and predators although not easy to spot
are nevertheless common residents of the area. Onguma also became part
of an innovative custodianship project relating to the black rhino. Six
black rhino were darted in Etosha National park and shipped to the
reserve. Here they are protected and monitored. More than 300 bird
species can be viewed at Onguma. The reserve boasts the biggest breeding
colony of white-backed vultures in Namibia. During the summer months
Onguma becomes a bird-watchers paradise with thousands of species
migrating to wetlands created by the seasonal rains.
Onguma Tented Camp (Full board + activities) (www.mowani.com)
DAY 3 - May 5: Onguma / Damaraland
After breakfast meet your pilot and commence on your flight to
Damaraland where you land at noon. Mowani Mountain Camp is set in the
Twyfelfontein Conservancy between the Ugab and Huab Rivers. Discover the
pool deck, lodged between the boulders where you can soak up the sun
whilst enjoying a refreshing drink and admire the breathtaking views
from your deck chair. Lunch is followed by siesta and an afternoon
excursion to the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. Return to the
camp for sundowners and dinner. Mowani is taken from the word Míwane,
meaning 'Place of God', and it is here, that you will find the true
meaning of peace and tranquility. From the moment you arrive at Mowani,
you will be spoiled with the services and attention of our excellent
staff that will go out of their way to make your stay as unique and
enjoyable as humanly possible. Mowani Mountain Camp consists of 12
luxury tents, all with en-suite facilities, decorated beautifully in
East African style. The luxury tents are a great source of relaxation.
Comfortably hidden in your own private hide-away, you will be pampered
by crisp white linen, en-suite bathrooms, and of course your own wooden
deck offering an open view of the wonderful Damara landscape. Mowani
Mountain Camp - Std Tent (FB & activities) (www.mowani.com)
DAY 4 - May 6: Damaraland
Spend the day exploring Twyfelfontein and surrounding area. Return to
the Camp for lunch and leisurely afternoon by the pool. Alternatively
join a game drive down the riverbed in search for the rare Desert
elephant. Mowani Mountain Camp - Std Tent (Full Board & Activities)
DAY 5 & Day 6 - May 7 & 8: Damaraland/NamibRand Nature Reserve
After breakfast board the plane for a short stop over in Swakopmund
where plane is going to refuel. Continue your trip to Wolwedans Boulders
Camp. On your way enjoy a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast, where
you will see the highest Dunes in the world and get to see a glimpse of
the famous Sossusvlei. Situated 45 kilometers south of Wolwedans and
hugged by massive granite rocks, Boulders Camp is the latest addition to
the Wolwedans collection. Sleeping a maximum of eight quests in four
spacious tents, Boulders is undoubtedly the exclusive camp at Wolwedans.
The main area sports a dining and lounge tent, a breakfast deck and open
fireplace. Close by is an awesome sundowner spot overlooking the vast
beauty of the reserve. From Boulders Camp you will explore the deep
south of NamibRand Nature Reserve. Guided scenic drives, or two to three
hour walking safaris treading along the ancient hunting grounds of the
bushmen, will happily fill your days. Revel in the incredible landscape
around you and Wolwedans' commitment to care for guest and nature alike.
Wolwedans Boulders Camp (Full Board & Activities) (www.wolwedans.com.za)
DAY 7 - May 9: NamibRand Nature Reserve / Okahirongo
Awake
in the pristine desert dawn and soak in the atmosphere and landscape
from your bed whilst enjoying early morning tea. After breakfast, you
bid farewell to the Namibian Nature Reserve and continue via a stop over
in Swakopmund to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge. The lodge offers a
sophisticated desert experience for a maximum of 18 guests.
Accommodations comprise seven luxury chalets with en suite bathrooms
overlooking the magnificent surroundings, a choice of indoor and open
air shower and a spacious private gazebo with a queen size sun bed. You
can enjoy your stay by lazing around the swimming pool, reading a book
in a cool comfort of the library, or relaxing in one of the two open-air
lounges. The menus change daily, a delicious fusion of Italian and
African cuisine. Dinners are served by candlelight in one of the two
dining rooms or around the swimming pool or in the fire-lit traditional
Namibian boma. During your stay at the Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, you
can explore a true untouched wilderness area. The activities include:
elephant tracking, twice daily game and scenic drives, night drives,
morning desert walk, and a visit to the local Himba village.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge (FB & Activities) (www.okahirongolodge.com)
DAY 8 - May 10: Okahirongo / Windhoek / Durban or home
After breakfast board the plane for your return flight to Windhoek
(Eros) where you will arrive at approximately 10h15. Upon arrival, a
NatureFriends representative will transfer you to the International
airport for your flight home or to Durban for the Indaba Convention. In
Durban, a shuttle will take you to your hotel. For the next three nights
you will be staying at the Protea Umhlanga Hotel with other APTA Indaba
participants. (www.proteahotels.com)
DAY 9 & 10 - May 11 & 12: Indaba
Enjoy the next two days exploring this incredible conference. Develop
new contacts and visit old ones at Africa's largest convention of
suppliers, accommodations and agents.
DAY 11 - May 13: Durban, Johannesburg and home
This morning you will be transferred to the Durban airport for your
flight to Johannesburg then to the States.
DETAILS:
NAMIBIA COST: The per person cost based on double occupancy and a
minimum of four participants is $700. The price includes the Namibia
internal flights, meals and activities indicated on the itinerary. A
single is not available unless no other participant can be found.
INDABA & INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: SAA is offering a special Indaba
discounted international airfare for qualifying agents. 2008 SAA Indaba
participant prices are not yet available. (But the estimated cost based
on last year's rates for three nights lodging, international air from
NYC or IAD, domestic air to Windhoek and Windhoek to Durban is $1400.
The special airfares are only available to those attending Indaba.)
REQUIREMENTS: You must be an APTA member and an active agent selling
Africa. No companion tickets available.
SIGN-UP: The deadline to sign-up is January 1. The tour will be opened
to all APTA members starting November 1. Since there is a maximum of 8
participants, please contact Pam Rathke as soon as possible to secure
your place on the trip. 720-746-0748 or pam.rathke@gmail.com
| Here are some great Namibian Links for more detailed information: |
For some very background & good maps of the different parks and camps: http://www.rhinoafrica.com and scroll to the Namibian Maps
General information on Namibia: http://www.namibian.org
AND for our sponsor's website: http://www.naturefriendsafaris.com