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NAMIBIA - Desert Experience Trail
The NamibRand Nature Reserve represents all facets of the Namib
Desert like vegetated red dunes in different shapes and colours,
endless plains and mountains. Covering an area of some 160.000 hectares
a number of former sheep farms were fenced off to create an area
where once again the wildlife could roam free in their natural habitat.
This desert experience trail shows the diversity of desert organism,
adaptation and scenery.
Day 01:
Walking time: 2 - 3 hrs
Pick up time at about 8h00 in Windhoek. Heading southwards we reach
"Die Duine House" at NamibRand Nature Reserve in the afternoon.
On a 2-3 hours walk we have enough time to get accustomed to the
red dune landscape in the soft afternoon light, before we reach
or first camp. Drinking water available at camp.
Overnight under a thousand stars; [LD]
Day 02:
Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs
The rising sun awakes us and we continue our trail up the "Kudu
Gorge" on the "Schafsberg" and enjoy a spectacular
view over the red sand dune area. We descent the "Schafsberg"
and reach our lunch spot where fresh water is available. Refreshed
we resume our trail until we reach the foot of the Weaver Mountain,
our second camp. To be able to see another dazzling sunset we climb
the mountain only equipped with a camera and some water. It is a
150 m high climb, quite steep and mainly consisting of loose gravel.
The panorama that awaits us up there compensates for the exhausting
walk. Drinking water available at camp.
Overnight under a thousand stars; [BLD]
Day 03:
Walking time: 3 - 4 hrs
Today we cross the gravel plains to reach the "Gorrasis Mountain".
At the foot of the mountain we fill up our water reserves, as there
is no water available at the camp. We climb up a 100m gorge to reach
our camp just in time for lunch. In the afternoon we explore the
surrounding area of the camp until darkness falls onto this part
of the Namib. Overnight under a thousand stars; [BLD]
Day 04:
Walking time: 6 - 7 hrs
With an early breakfast we prepare ourselves for the longest walking
day of the trail. We continue our climb from yesterday. The challenging
way, covered by loose gravel, winds itself up for 450m. Flora and
fauna changes compared to what we experienced on the dunes and plains.
Close to the summit we leave our backpacks behind and climb the
top only equipped with water and camera. We find a suitable spot
on the ridge of the mountain to have lunch. The descent requires
our absolute concentration, as it is steep, covered with loose gravel
and granite boulders. Once at the bottom another two hour walk across
the dunes finally takes us to the "Horseshoe Wilderness Area",
our camp for tonight. Exhausted and tired we fall asleep under the
starry firmament. Bucket showers and long drop toilets available.
Overnight under a thousand stars; BLD]
Day 05:
Walking time: 2 - 2.5 hrs
A short walk through the vegetated sand dunes leads us back to "Die
Duine House". We enjoy the luxury of a hot shower to refresh
ourselves before embarking on the long drive back to Windhoek. [BL]
Included in Package:
· One English speaking experienced nature guide/driver per
group
· Free door-to-door courtesy transport in Windhoek City area
only
· All transfers Windhoek - start/endpoint of hikes - Windhoek
· Program as stated above
· All meals as stated above; during the hike (B= cereals,
coffee/tea, L= bread, cheese, salami, D= light cooked meal by our
guide incl. coffee/tea, All crockery and cutlery
· Hiking permits
Not Included:
· sleeping bags, light iso mattress and back packs (recommended
55 litre plus), 1.5 ltr water bottle,
· Personal insurance (important: medical evacuation)
· Tips
· Alcoholic drinks and beverages
Climate:
The seasons in Namibia are reversed compared to those in Europe.
During the European winter months we have summer in Namibia and
vice versa. Winter and summer in Namibia differ from what we are
used
to in Europe, though. The winter in Namibia is the cooler dry season
which is characterised by high temperature changes and hardly any
rainfall. It can get very cold at night in the desert (June to August
down
to -5°C). During the day temperatures may rise up to 25°C.
The Namibian summer (January to end of March) is the rainy season
and it seldom rains during the other months. November and December
are very hot with temperatures over 30°C, so it is essential
to pack the suitable clothes. Rest assured that you will not encounter
a grey sky that will linger for weeks! So bring some Sandals, walking
shoes, light cotton clothes (Shorts and shirts), a jacket or fleece
pullover and long trousers. We have seen everything: from beanies
and gloves to bikinis!!
Cost: £830 per person
Scheduled tours - departures April - October every fourth Wednesday.
Private departures any day for a supplement.
Character of and requirements for the trails:
The trails are not difficult, but challenging. Fitness and good
condition is essential as the trails entail 7 to 8 hours walking
and you have to carry your luggage every day, including food and
water (all together approx.12 - 15 kg per person). As some of the
routes lead through rough terrain and over large boulders it requires
well balanced and secure walking. Please be aware of high temperature
fluctuations, which can reach a high of 35°C during the day
whilst sometimes plummeting down to -5°C at night, which can
cause additional stress to your heart and circulation. We recommend
you to prepare yourself for the trail with some fitness training.
Recommendation:
We urgently recommend that comprehensive insurance cover be taken
out before embarking on the tour to
· make provision for cancellation and curtailment
· medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation -
· loss or damage of personal baggage
We will not be held responsible for any costs arising from any
of the above events. Restriction of liability also applies if clients
were unaware of this policy.
FORCE MAJEURE:
It goes without saying that we do our utmost to conduct the tour
as described in the program; we cannot vouch for it, however. Unfavorable
weather conditions, organizational problems, unforeseen events or
other factors may force us to change the course of the tour. We
apologies for any inconvenience caused.
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Namibia can be visited at any time of the year. June - September
is the coolest and driest period
4X4 hire, Standard accommodation is shown - luxury is a higher
quality and full camping equipment is provided for that option,
meals and activities as stated plus maps, 24-hour support
and instruction.
Meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, taxes, trips, extras,
laundry service, additional tours, insurance, airline tickets
(where applicable), sleeping bags, hiking boots and personal
clothing and equipment.
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