Explore the stark yet stunningly beautiful desert and dunes of Sossusvlei, the seaside and activity town of Swakopmund, the dramatic landscapes of Damaraland and the nomadic Himba people in the north as well as one of the most famous and prolific game parks of Southern Africa – Etosha National Park. This safari also includes a visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund so a real must for animal lovers, while enjoying the luxury of accommodation throughout the tour.

Please note that the 18 June 2012 departure includes Erindi Game Reserve as opposed to the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

Windhoek to Sesriem/Namib Naukluft Area. You will be collected from your hotel and we depart from Windhoek at around 08h30am. Driving through the rugged Khomas Hochland mountain range we descend to the desert floor via the Gamsberg Pass, an imposing flat topped mountain and one of the highest points in Namibia, which provides a dramatic back drop for our roadside lunch.

After a short stop at Solitaire, we arrive at our lodge and can enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool or wandering in the area.

Overnight in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms with dinner taken in the restaurant. (B,L,D) Approx distance 320kms

Swakopmund.  Early morning departure from camp stopping at the quaint town of Solitaire before continuing through the desert with its endless views across the pastel-coloured gravel plains to the port town of Walvis Bay. We visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where we may see the many species of birds including greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers and the endemic damara tern before a short stop at the salt farm.

We continue onto Swakopmund, full of historic buildings and where your guide will assist those wishing to book optional adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad biking, scenic flights, parachuting, dolphin cruises to name but a few, which you have time for this afternoon and tomorrow.

Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre. This evening’s meal is a group dinner in a restaurant at client’s own expense (B,L) Approx distance 300kms

Swakopmund to Twyfelfontein and Damaraland.  We leave after breakfast and head north along the Skeleton Coast seeing the gravel plains and desert opening up around us with the ocean crashing down onto the shore. We arrive at Cape Cross Seal colony where your senses are assaulted by noise and smell, this area is home to a breeding colony of Cape Fur Seals and you will have a chance to get up close and personal to them. During the breeding season over 100,000 are crammed onto the beach fighting for space.

We turn inland and drive past Brandberg, the highest point in Namibia and a huge massif rising up over the plains to Twyfelfontein. The Twyfelfontein area, a very vulnerable and delicate ecosystem, is renowned for some of the best examples of Rock Paintings and Engravings in Southern Africa. Interesting rock formations and the remainder of prehistoric volcanic action can be seen in the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain, among the most prominent geographic features. The fauna and flora of Damaraland include; plants such as Welwitschia, Moringa and a variety of Commiphora species and animals such as the Desert Elephant, Rhinoceros, Giraffe, Springbok, Oryx and Ostrich living in total harmony with the community and the communal farming activities of the Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy.

The lodge, situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy has en suite double rooms, reception, lounge, curio shop, dining room (open), bar and swimming pool. The development was done to minimise the visual impact on the environment and blends into the mountainside with the use of thatch roofs, natural stone and paint colours blending with the surrounding rock formations. We visit the rock etchings with a local guide who will explain the history and importance of these etchings.

Dinner in the restaurant (B,L,D) Approx distance 310kms

Etosha Region. An early departure this morning after picking up some fresh supplies, we bid the Himba farewell and head south east to Etosha National Park.

We arrive at our lodge early afternoon and have our first game drive this afternoon. We will visit a few waterholes and look out for species such as lion, elephant, rhino, zebra, giraffe and many more, including over 300 species of birds.

We leave the park at sunset to return to our lodge located 2kms from the park gate. Overnight in twin bedded permanent tents with al fresco en suite facilities. A magnificent buffet dinner is served in the restaurant. (B,L,D) Approx distance 370kms

Waterberg Plateau.   An another early breakfast and departure from our rest camp to take advantage of searching for the animals that are generally more active around first light. We game drive across the park, enjoying a visit to the famous Etosha Pan where you can view endless vistas and skies, with the occasional shimmering shadow of a distant animal crossing the pan and a short visit to the Fort at Namutoni camp.

From here we leave Etosha behind us driving to the Cheetah Conservation Fund and their educational centre. Maybe if we are lucky we will also see the cheetah feeding. This international and highly recognised conservation programme promotes the protection of these great predators to ensure their ongoing survival. Namibia has the largest wild population of cheetah as many live on farmlands where there is conflict between them and humans. This project helps to educate the people to the benefits of not killing the cheetah and trains dogs to protect the livestock from predator attack.

From here we continue to our lodge where you can climb to the top of the plateau (time and light permitting) to be rewarded with a spectacular view over the surrounding plains.

Overnight in twin rooms with bathroom facilities and a last night braai (BBQ) prepared by your guide. (B,L,D)  Approx distance 290kms plus game drive in Etosha

Please note that the 18 June 2012 departure will today visit Erindi as opposed to the above daily itinerary.

Erindi Game Reserve.  An early departure from our rest camp to take advantage of searching for the animals that are generally more active around first light. We game drive across the park, enjoying a visit to the famous Etosha Pan where you can view endless vistas and skies, with the occasional shimmering shadow of a distant animal crossing the pan. From here we continue onto Namutoni where we will stop to enjoy brunch. From here we leave Etosha behind us driving to Erindi Game Reserve one of Southern Africa’s largest private game reserves. Home to hippo, wild dog, lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and many more plains and unusual species, here you can a game drive en-route to the lodge.

Overnight in twin rooms with en-suite facilities with dinner in the restaurant.  (B,L,D) Approx distance 290kms plus game drive in Etosha

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka freephone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information.

No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.

At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original.

Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

Many nationalities are able to obtain visas at the local borders or point of entry. It is important that you obtain the appropriate information about your visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please also consult your relevant embassy for all details on whether to obtain visas in advance or locally.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS FOR THEIR TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about malaria and malaria tablets. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$200-300 per week for meals, personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware there may be days when you will spend virtually nothing at all and others when you will exceed your budget.

Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). These should be carried in a mixture of denominations. In some cases your crew will recommend you only change a small amount of money at one time. 

Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes.

Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques.

Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa.

Please do NOT rely exclusively on using ATM’s. They are not always widely available or reliable though this situation is changing.

How much should I take?· 

• The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack or light case is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. 
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
• The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

English is widely spoken in the countries we visit in Africa but you might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute.

Print film is available in most of Africa, however quality may fluctuate and your choice will be limited to 100 or 400 ASA. Therefore, if you intend using black and white or slide film it is better to stock up before you leave - as a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Filters and other accessories should also be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable.

Important – Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.

Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

40 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EJ
Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664
Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE