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NAMIBIA - Naukluft Mountain trek.
6 days (from/to Windhoek)
The name Naukluft, is derived from the Afrikaans and means 'narrow
ravine', and is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Naukluft
Mountains are well known as a hiker's destination, including day
hikes like the Waterkloof and Olive Trail, but also a four-day and
an eight-day trail for the more advanced and fit hikers. The trails
are open from first March to the third Friday in October on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays of each week. The accommodation at the overnight
stops on the trail consists of stone built shelters and a hut. No
showers are provided.
Day 01:
Pick up time at your accommodation in Windhoek at about 10h00.
Heading southwards we reach the Naukluft Mountains in the afternoon.
Overnight in bunk beds at "Hikers Haven", the old farmhouse
at
Naukluft. Overnight at Hikers Heaven; [-LD]
Day 02: Walking time: 6- 8 hrs; 200m
The trail starts at the hut and except for two fairly steep ascents,
the first days hike covers easy terrain. Much of the trail follows
a zebra path with an easy gradient and we are rewarded with spectacular
views of the
wide valley some 300m below. The overnight stop, "Putte Shelter"
takes its name from the nearby well, which is equipped with a hand
pump, enabling us to obtain water. About six hours are required
to hike today's 14km section. Those who still have enough energy
left can take a short to watch the spectacular sunset. Overnight
at Putte Shelter; [BLD]
Day 03: Walking time: 7- 9 hrs; 120m, ¯400m
Our second day's hike mainly traverses the undulating plateau and
once again it takes about six hours to complete the 15km stretch.
About three hours after setting off, we reach "Bergpos"
where we descend down the spectacular "Ubusis Kloof".
This descent is very difficult and several chains have been anchored
at critical points for ease and safety. "Ubusis Hut" used
to be a holiday cottage before the land was acquired
for the park and will be a pleasant surprise to us. Overnight at
Ubusis Hut; [BLD]
Day 04: Walking time: 6- 7 hrs; 300m, ¯100m
Our day starts with backtracking to Bergpos - all the exhausting
way up again, followed by an easy route across the plateau to the
"Adlerhorst Shelter". We might be lucky enough to see
Mountain Zebra or Kudu,
which are often spotted in the area. We cover about 12km which will
take us 4 to 6 hours. There is a possibility to watch the sunset
over the desert approx. 1 hour from the shelter. The descent from
here is easy and one can get back to the shelter before darkness
falls. Overnight at Adlerhorst Shelter; [BLD]
Day 05: Walking time: 7- 8 hrs; 150m, ¯350m
The fourth day of our trail to Tsams Ost covers about 17km and
initially traverses fairly level terrain before branching off into
a beautiful gorge carved by the Tsams River. After following the
"kloof" for some distance the trail leaves the river and
climbs steeply to bypass a waterfall before winding down to the
river again where we will see an enormous "Moringa Tree".
A number of beautiful springs are passed shortly before reaching
the gravel road leading to "Tsams Ost Shelter". Transfer
by vehicle to one of the "guest farms or lodges" in the
area. A nice shower and bed is waiting for us and we have time to
relax and recall the pleasures of the last days. Overnight at one
of the Guest arms or Lodges in the area; [BLD]
Day 06:
Drive back to Windhoek [B--]
INCLUSIVE IN THE 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 (incl. one night guest house accommodation
- double room basis, single room on request)
· 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 INCLUSIVE:
· 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!!
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.
Scheduled departures 2010:
May - September on first Wednesday every month. Private departures
on any day for a supplement.
Cost: £835 per person
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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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