Namibia

Namibia, A Land of Contrasts

Namibia is a country of spectacular and varied scenery, friendly people, an appealing climate and stunning wildlife. Situated in south-western Africa, the country borders Angola and Zambia to the north, South Africa to the south and Botswana to the east. Although nearly 4 times the size of Great Britain, Namibia's population is only 2.2 ­million. 

Almost 15% of Namibia’s land is protected in reserves and national parks, designated to conserve plants and animals. Etosha National Park is undoubtedly the most famous. A mecca for wildlife, Namibia offers some of Africa’s best game viewing. Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, Jackal and Hyena, Rhino, Elephant, Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Eland, Springbok, Impala. Over 500 species of birds breed in Namibia’s diverse conditions including the Ostrich and the endangered Damara Tern. Plant life is varied too. Approximately 200 endemic plant species are present including one of the world’s botanical curiosities, the Welwitschia mirabilis, a two-leaf plant that on average is 500-600 years old.

Following our first-hand research we designed a wonderful 17-day itinerary visiting many of Namibia's highlights. As usual, we've selected the best accommodations and covered just about everything you'll need including park entry fees, excursions and all gratuities. 

For more details follow the tour information links shown above.

Photo credits: Cheetah viewing © AfriCat/Okonjima. Namib Naukluft dunes © Namibian Wildlife Resorts. Cheetah © AfriCat/Okonjima. Deadvlei © Namibian Wildlife Resorts. Elephants in Etosha National Park © Namibia Tourism.

Our Inside Track

Many visitors to Namibia join a standard tour booked in the UK but actually operated by a Namibian company. These tours tend to feature whistle-stop itineraries, multi-language commentaries, tourist class accommodation and limited content with lots of optional extras. That's not our style. We prefer to do our own research and contract suppliers direct, so Richard Furlong visited Namibia to inspect accommodations and meet local guides and experts.

Following this first hand experience we've designed a quality itinerary covering plenty of ground but at a leisurely pace, staying two or more nights in all but one location. With Furlongs you'll also enjoy better accommodations and meals, and benefit from excursions and sightseeing included in your tour price. Park entry fees and gratuities are also covered. We plan meticulously and organise discreetly, which means you enjoy your holiday free of any day-to-say niggles. Proprietors, Richard and Dawn Furlong will personally escort the tour.

While Namibia is promoted as an all-year-round destination, there are certain times of the year more comfortable than others in our opinion. Many tourists visit from July through to October but during this period accommodations can be over-stretched and wildlife viewing congested. The unbiased advice from local guides is to visit between April and June. By this time the heavy rains are normally well finished and daytime temperatures average a pleasant 25C. Humidity is generally low. The landscape colours are particularly attractive in these months, there's plenty of opportunity to view big game, and there's fewer tourists about.

Following highly successful tours in Namibia in 2010 and 2011, we are delighted to announce a choice of two departures for 2012.

2012 Tour Dates

Tour 1: Wednesday 25th April to Friday 11th May 2012
Tour 2: Wednesday 16th May to Friday 1st June 2012

Following two sold out tours in 2010 and another in 2011, we are now taking bookings for two escorted tours of Namibia in 2012. Both these tours will follow our tried and tested 17-day itinerary. We have limited capacity and we recommend you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Itinerary - 17 days

Day 1 - Depart UK
We fly with South African Airways, departing London Heathrow early evening. Flight ­connections from ­regional UK ­airports to Heathrow are available. Dinner is served in flight. (D)

Day 2 - Arrive Namibia
We land in Johannesburg and transit to our Namibia flight. Our main luggage is checked through so we don’t need to clear ­customs or ­immigration. The onward flight to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, takes around two hours, and on arrival we’re met by our local guide and we transfer by private coach to our deluxe accommodation at the WINDHOEK COUNTRY CLUB RESORT. This full service hotel is located on the outskirts of town and provides well appointed bedrooms, a restaurant, bar, gardens and a swimming pool. Breakfast is served in flight and dinner this evening is included at our hotel. (B,D)

Day 3 - Windhoek to Sossusvlei
We head south-west through an upland region of rolling hills ­dissected by deep river valleys. We’ll pass the table-top Gamsberg Mountains as we ­traverse from the interior to the Namib Desert. On route we’ll spot for wildebeest, kudu, gemsbok and impala. It’s a great drive and a perfect introduction to Namibia’s stunning scenery. Close to the Namib Naukluft Park we stay two nights at SOSSUSVLEI LODGE. (B,D)

Day 4 - Namib Naukluft Park
We take advantage of our prime location and enter the park at sunrise. The sand dunes are breathtaking and the colours in the early morning are amazing. We'll walk across the dunes and visit a dry pan area known as Deadvlei. Later, we visit Sesriem, a 30 metre deep canyon carved by the Tsauchab River. This afternoon, some free time before a ­delicious BBQ dinner. (B,D)

Day 5 - Namib Naukluft Desert
We follow the Namib Desert north to reach the Atlantic coast at Walvis Bay. Half an hour ­further we arrive in Swakopmund, a town characterised by a wealth of well-preserved German colonial buildings. German is still widely spoken here and typical German cakes and confectionery can be enjoyed in the town’s cafes. The town’s well-known ­historic ­buildings include the old Railway Station and Magistrate’s Court. We stay here for two nights at the HANSA HOTEL. (B,D)

Day 6 - Walvis Bay / Swakopmund
Walvis Bay is the centre of Namibia’s ­fishing industry and its major port. The ­nearby ­wetlands are internationally renowned for large concentrations of waders, flamingos and shore birds, and the large natural ­harbour welcomes ­dolphins, seals, pelicans, turtles and sun fish. Included this morning is a ­guided harbour wildlife cruise aboard a ­privately chartered catamaran. This afternoon, free time in Swakopmund. Time to shop! (B,D)

Day 7 - Swakopmund to Damaraland
Heading north we pass the ­dramatic Erongo ­Mountains and head for DAMARALAND. This region is named for the Damara herders who inhabit the area. Here we stay two-nights at VINGERKLIP LODGE. (B,D)

Day 8 - Vingerklip
The Damaraland region is famous for its ­magnificent scenery and our lodge is named after one of Namibia’s most dramatic rock formations, a 35m high pillar of rock called VINGERKLIP or ‘finger of stone’. Join an escorted walk to the base of Vingerklip this morning. There are also self-guided trails and bird watching ­opportunities. Plus ­wonderful gardens and enticing swimming pools. (B,D)

Day 9 - Damaraland to Etosha
North to ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, we enter by the Anderson Gate for a two-night stay at OKAUKUEJO RESORT. Staying inside the park brings great benefits, not least your ­opportunity to view wildlife at the waterhole long after the park gates are closed to day visitors. (B,D)

Day 10 - Okaukuejo, Etosha
An included game drive with our private coach and guide, plus options to join ­alternative or additional game drives if you wish. It may also be possible to visit the Etosha Ecological Institute from where the research and management of the Park’s nature ­conservation are directed. (B,D)

Day 11 - Etosha National Park
Departing Okaukuejo we drive east alongside the usually dry Etosha Pan. We’ll be watching for game en-route, and the ­potential is good, with big cats, rhino, ­elephant, giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu, and wildebeest all possible. We’ll stop at Halali Resort around lunch time and then ­continue to NAMUTONI RESORT for our two-night stay. (B,D)

Day 12  - Namutoni, Etosha
Namutoni is situated inside the park at the east end, near Fischer’s Pan which often holds water for much of the year. Enjoy our ­included game drive with our private coach and guide, plus options to join ­alternative or additional game drives if you wish. (B,D)

Day 13 - Central Highlands
Leaving Etosha from the Von Lindequist Gate we drive south via Tsumeb and Otavi, ­passing the Central Namibian Mountains and Waterberg Plateau. About an hour south of Otjiwarongo we find OKONJIMA, our home for the next three nights. (B,D)

Day 14 - Okonjima / Africat
Okonjima is privately owned by the Hanssen family and home to AfriCAT, a non-profit organisation set up to conserve and protect threatened cheetah, leopard and other wild cats. Today we’ll observe some of the ­programme at work and learn more about these beautiful animals. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - Okonjima / Africat
Okonjima activities during our stay include game-viewing via radio-tracking, cheetah or hyena tracking on foot, a bushmen trail and viewing from a nocturnal hide. There are also bird watching and nature trails. (B,L,D)

Day 16 - Depart Okonjima
Some free time at Okonjima before we drive south to Windhoek for our ­mid-afternoon flight via Johannesburg and onward to the UK. Dinner is included in flight. (B,D)

Day 17 - Arrive UK
Flying overnight, we arrive in Heathrow early this morning. (B)  

Our hand-picked, tried and tested lodges and resorts ...

The Windhoek Country Club Resort is a luxury, full service hotel on the outskirts of Windhoek. Bedrooms are spacious and well appointed, and public space includes a restaurant, gardens and swimming pool.

Sossusvlei Lodge is situated on a private 40,000 hectare reserve directly adjacent to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Accommodation comprises individual bungalows, part brick and part luxury tent. Each has en-suite ­facilities and a terrace overlooking the savannah. Lodge facilities include a restaurant, bar, terrace, floodlit water-hole, small swimming pool and shop. The lodge’s adventure centre offers optional nature drives, sundowners, and scenic flights.

Located in the centre of Swakopmund, the Hansa Hotel dates back to 1905 and forms part of the rich architectural culture of the city. This 4-star full service hotel features comfortable rooms, a charming lounge, small garden, plus an excellent restaurant. Shops and attractions are nearby.

Vingerklip Lodge is situated in Namibia’s central region and surrounded by amazing landscapes and rock ­formations. The lodge features thatched cottage-style accommodations, a central restaurant and bar, two ­swimming pools, beautiful gardens and wonderful views.

Okaukuejo & Namutoni Resorts in Etosha
Okaukuejo and Namutoni are located inside Etosha National Park. Both resorts are managed by a government concessionaire and offer ­modern ensuite accommodations which were refurbished in 2007. Both resorts have a floodlit water hole for game viewing plus restaurant facilities, a shop, post office and swimming pool. Residents have exclusive access to water-hole viewing in the early morning and during the evening and night, when the park gates are closed.

Okonjima - Main Camp Lodge
The newly refurbished Main Camp Lodge has a lounge, reception and restaurant, and outside there’s a pretty ­garden, an open fire-place and a ­swimming pool. Depending on our final numbers we may have exclusive use of Okonjima’s Main Camp. Eight ­original garden bedrooms are ­situated close to the lodge and ten more spacious view rooms (built in the last few years) are ­located just a short stroll away. All rooms have ensuite facilities. The view rooms overlook the bush and mountains and are subject to a supplementary charge. Okonjima is home to the AfriCAT Foundation, the world’s leading cheetah and ­leopard rescue and release ­programme. Visitors are able to observe some of the programme at work and learn more about these amazing and beautiful animals. Leopards are frequently seen, giving you opportunity to observe these magnificent predators from a hide, or radio-tracked from purpose built game viewing vehicles. Other Okonjima activities include cheetah or hyena tracking on foot, an informative bushman trail, bird watching and visits to a nocturnal hide.

Photo credits: Entrance to Sossusvlei Lodge © Sossusvlei Lodge, Vingerklip © David/Jenny Jones (Guests in 2009), Okonjima Main Camp lapa © Okonjima.

2012 tour prices

£3,740 per person sharing twin or double bedded accommodation.
£4,240 per person on a sole occupancy basis.

Deposits and payments

The first deposit upon booking is £500 per person. A further deposit of £500 per person is payable on 14th October 2011, and the balance of your holiday costs is payable 90 days before departure.

What's Included?

As with all Furlongs holidays we’ve included all the ­essentials and much more besides:-

• International economy class scheduled flights with South African Airways including in-flight meals. 
• 1-night at Windhoek Country Club.
• 2-nights at Sossusvlei Lodge.
• 2-nights at Hansa Hotel Swakopmund.
• 2-nights at Vingerklip Lodge in Damaraland.
• 4-nights in Etosha (Okaukuejo and Namutoni Resorts).
• 3-nights at Okonjima.
• Airport transfers.
• Tour transportation and ­sightseeing by private coach.
• Local English speaking guide accompanies the tour throughout.
• Breakfasts and ­dinners daily.
• Full board at Okonjima.
• Excursion to the Namib Dunes.
• Visit to Sesriem Canyon.
• Walvis Bay Harbour Wildlife Cruise.
• Damaraland Vingerklip Guided Walk.
• Etosha Game Drives from Okaukuejo and Namutoni.
• Okonjima activities: Introduction to the AfriCAT Foundation, leopard viewing, cheetah or hyena tracking, ­bushman walk, nocturnal hide.
• Daily entry fees for the Namib-Naukluft Park and Etosha National Park.
• Current ­airport and prepaid taxes.
• Standard gratuities.
• Comprehensive travel tickets.
• Tour ­personally ­escorted by Richard and Dawn Furlong.

Accommodation choices 

At three of the destinations there is a choice of accommodation. At Okaukuejo Resort in Etosha National Park the tour price includes a twin, double or ­sole occupancy room. These rooms are ­located near the resort’s main facilities, ­reception and restaurant. Also available are spacious Bush Chalets, ­featuring a ­double bedroom, bathroom, and lounge. Bush Chalets are set in pairs and located between the main buildings and the waterhole. We also have a few Waterhole Chalets which feature a double bedroom, bathroom and terrace and are located in pairs and closer to the Okaukuejo waterhole. Supplements for these optional room types are shown below. These supplements are not per night, they are the total amount to add to the holiday price.

• Okaukuejo Bush Chalet: Add £30 per person to the tour price.
• Okaukuejo Waterhole Chalet: Add £45 per person to the tour price

At Namutoni Resort in Etosha National Park the tour price includes a twin, double or ­sole occupancy room situated off wooden boardwalks near the old Fort, swimming pool and waterhole area. Also available are spacious Bush Chalets, ­featuring a ­double bedroom, bathroom, and lounge area. Bush Chalets are situated in a private area not far from the waterhole. There are no Waterhole Chalets at Namutoni. The supplement for Bush Chalet accommodation is shown below. This supplement is not per night, it is the total amount to add to the holiday price.

• Namutoni Bush Chalet: Add £30 per person to the tour price.

At Okonjima Main Camp the tour price includes a twin, ­double or single Garden Room. Garden rooms are situated in the garden and courtyard area adjacent to the main lodge. Alternatively there are View Rooms, located a short stroll of the lodge. View rooms are more modern and considerably more spacious, and also have a view of the bush and/or mountains. All rooms have private facilities. The supplement for View Room accommodation is shown below, again this is the total amount to add, not a per night charge.

• Okonjima View Rooms: Add £90 per person to the tour price.

Optional activities

Not included in the tour price are items of a personal nature, or certain specialised activities that may interest a limited number of people, for instance sightseeing flights and extra game drives. Some of these optional activities will be bookable in advance and details will be circulated to all guests prior to departure. If you'd like more specific details now, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

This A-to-Z section gives you useful travel information about the Namibia tour including health advice, passport requirements and details about our airport services. If you have any questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact Richard or Dawn.

Airport Service

We offer discounted airport parking and airport hotel reservations, and ­complimentary transfers from our office in Kent - see below.

Departure Service

For this tour you may join us at London Heathrow or at our office near Tenterden in Kent. We operate a complimentary private coach transfer from our office to Heathrow at the beginning of the holiday, and from Heathrow Airport back to our office at the end of the holiday. You may park your car at our office for the duration of the holiday (parking at no cost but at your own risk). Transfer times will be confirmed once the flight schedule is finalised.

Flights

We’ve included economy class flights with South African Airways from London Heathrow. British Midland domestic connections to and from Heathrow are available at specially negotiated low add-on fares. Business class upgrades with South African Airways and British Midland may also be available, please contact us for further information. Current flight times feature a departure from Heathrow around 7pm on day one of the tour, and a return to Heathrow around 7am on tour day 17. Times are subject to change.

Health

Some of our Namibian destinations are remote so this tour calls for relatively good health. Some of the holiday excursions may involve ­walking trails, sometimes on uneven terrain. None of the included walks are overly long however, and naturally its up to you what you decide to do. If we've scheduled a walk and you'd prefer to sit and read a book, that's perfectly fine. Please consult your GP or local travel clinic for appropriate health information and vaccination advice for Namibia. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you may care to visit the websites of the NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo also publishes essential travel tips and up-to-date information about travelling abroad. You may 'phone them on 0870 6060290.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive and adequate travel insurance for this tour. We recommend "Holiday Extras Travel Insurance" which is underwritten by Fortis, but we are happy for you to arrange your own cover so long as it provides suitable cover. For details of the recommended insurance please call Holiday Extras direct on 0870 844 2742 and quote "Furlongs WZ679", or click here.

Meals

Breakfasts will generally be presented buffet style and dinners will be a mix of served meals and buffets. Menus will vary and we'll deliberately highlight local specialities. Naturally we'll be delighted to assist with any special diets you may have, but please note there is an emphasis on game, meat and fish dishes.

Money

The local currency is the Namibian Dollar. This is tied to the South African Rand, which is also legal tender in Namibia. Furlongs Travel offers clients a foreign currency service free of commission and full details will be circulated to guests. Most major credit cards can be used at our hotels and in Namibian cash machines. Debit cards are less widely accepted.

Passports and Visas

Before leaving for Namibia, you should ensure your passport is valid for at least six months upon entry and you must have at least one completely blank page for Namibian Immigration to use. Our flights transit in Johannesburg, South Africa, so we don't need to pass immigration control here. However if you may wish to visit friends or relatives or extend your holiday independently in South Africa, you should be aware that while the South African authorities state officially that only one blank passport page is required for entry, there have been reports that some officials insist on two blank pages. We therefore recommend you have a total of three blank pages if you propose to add a visit to South Africa to our Namibia tour.

British nationals can enter Namibia for a holiday or private visit of up to 90 days without a visa. 

Singles/Twin Shares

Many of the higher quality lodges and accommodations in Namibia have a limited number of rooms so, unfortunately, rooms for sole occupancy are strictly limited for this tour. A holiday single supplement also applies. If you are travelling alone but happy to share please advise us and we’ll try our best to arrange a twin-share for you.

Terms and Conditions

Reservations are ­subject to our ­standard terms and ­conditions. 

Water

In Namibia's capital Windhoek, and some other areas, tap water is treated and deemed safe to drink, however we'd recommend you drink bottled water at all times.