Tribes of Northern Namibia

9 days—Tribes, Waterfalls, Wildlife, Namibia

$1462-1573 USD

Safari summary

First stop is a tourism project with a strong focus on the culture of the Bushmen (San), the first inhabitants of southern Africa. It is shown how difficult life is for the Bushmen. You can enjoy traditional dances and songs.
The journey continues to a farm where approx. 350 San live. The Ombili Foundation has a school, a community center, cattle, gardens and craft workshops. For nearly 15 years now, this foundation has been working hard teaching Bushmen the integration into today's era.
Next it is the Etosha National Park.
After the park you will learn more about the culture of the Ovambo. Continuing through the so-called 4-O region, past palm savannahs, Mopane- and baobab trees, to the Epupa Falls. The Epupa Falls are located in the north-west of Namibia in the Kunene River, which forms the border between Namibia and Angola.
Another highlight of the tour: the Himba people (nomadic herdsmen, hunters and gatherers)! Visit a traditional Himba village and experience the hospitality of the people and their way of life.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	April, May, June, July, August, September, October
	Countries	Namibia
	Parks	Etosha

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: In the morning departure from Windhoek to Tsumeb. At Okahandja, a former mission station and the tribal centre of the Herero people, visit some Herero graves, the cemetery of the German “Schutztruppe” and the Kavango woodcarver’s market. Via Otjiwarongo and Otavi continue to Tsumeb. Dinner/ Bed and Breakfast at Makalani Hotel.

Day 2

Etosha

Day 2: After breakfast depart for the “Treespleeper Camp” near Tsintsabis. It is home to Hei//omn Bushmen, the former habitants of Etosha and surroundings, and the !Kung Bushmen. Until recently the Bushmen practiced a lifestyle of hunting and gathering. They will show you their traditional way of life in a “historic living village”. After a light lunch or lunch packs (not included) proceed to Farm Hedwigslust, home of the Ombili foundation. The aim of the foundation is to teach the 350 Bushmen living on the farm to become self-sufficient as farmers, to sow, produce and harvest crops as an alternative to hunting game, which has become extinct. The Ombili Foundation relies on donations to finance this project. A gratuity of approximately N$ 50.00 is much appreciated. Dinner/ Bed and Breakfast at Mokuti Lodge.

Day 3

Day 3: Continue further north to 4-O region, the most densely populated region of Namibia (approximately 600 000 people). The Ovambo consist of 8 sub-tribes. The Nakambale Museum at Olukondo is the first stop, depicting the past and present role of the Finnish Mission, the church and the local cultures. Visit the Ngonga homestead and observe the different demonstrations on wheat crushing, basket weaving, hair braiding, possibly traditional dancing and music etc. A traditional lunch will be served. Proceed to Oshakati via Ondangwa. Dinner/ Bed and Breakfast at Oshakati Protea Hotel.

Day 4

Day 4: Travel through the Omusati region. Flat, sandy plains dotted with Makalani palms, savannah and Mopane woodlands characterize the landscape. Stop at different attractions. Continue to Opuwo via Ruacana. Dinner/ Bed and Breakfast at Opuwo Country Hotel.

Day 5

Day 5: Early departure in the direction of the Epupa Falls. The Epupa Falls (also known as Monte Negro Falls in Angola) are created by the Kunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia, in the Kaokoland area of the Kunene Region. The river is 0.5 km wide and drops in a series of waterfalls spread over 1.5 km, with the greatest single drop being 37 m. The name "Epupa" is a Herero word for "foam", in reference to the foam created by the falling water. The falls are a major visitor attraction in Namibia, because of the largely unspoiled environment, with fig trees, baobabs, makalani palms and coloured rock walls framing the Falls. Lunch packs en route. Dinner/ Bed and Breakfast at Omarunga Lodge.

Day 6

Day 6: After breakfast we visit a typical Himba settlement. The Himba are a sub-tribe of the Herero people. They are the only tribe still practicing their ancient tradition and culture. They are nomads who roam the area in search of grazing for their cattle. A number of deserted settlements will be seen along the way. A local guide will accompany the group in order to negotiate a visit to a “Kraal” with the headman of the tribe and will explain the lifestyle and the culture of the Himba people. Return to the Lodge. In the afternoon take part in a guided excursion to the Falls. Enjoy a nice sundowner afterwards. Dinner/ Bed and Breakfast at Omarunga Lodge.

Day 7

Etosha

Day 7: Very early in the morning we are heading southwards. Via Opuwo, the journey takes us to the westernside of the Etosha National Park. Lunch packs en route. Dinner/ Bed and Breakfast at Dolomite Camp/ Etosha National Park.

Day 8

Etosha

Day 8: Travel through the western part of the Etosha National Park. Oryx and other antelopes favour this region. West of Okaukuejo is the well known “Sprokieswoud”, Phantom or Fairy Forest, the only place where the African Moringa tree grows in a flat area. Game viewing continues till late afternoon. At the floodlit waterhole wildlife can be viewed throughout the day and night. Dinner/ Bed and Breakfast at Camp Okaukuejo.

Day 9

Etosha

Day 9: Leave the Etosha National Park after a short game drive in the morning. Return to Windhoek via Outjo, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja. Arrive in the capital during the afternoon.

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