This 11day trip is an excellent experience for Namibia novices, as we slowly, step by step, introduce you to AFRICA. Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is embedded in a valley surrounded by the Khomas Highland, the Eros and Auas mountains and 300 000 people from various indigenous tribes and nationalities cohabitate here, making Windhoek the melting-pot of Namibia. Even though old traditions and western lifestyles collide, people have learnt to cooperate with and respect one another. Since Namibia’s independence in 1990, Windhoek has grown into a blooming city. As however our length of stay is limited, we have to move on to the Etosha National Park, the longest distance to be covered in one day during this tour.

The Etosha National Park is situated in the northern central part of Namibia and covers an area of 22912 square kilometres. The name ‘Etosha’ is Herero and means ‘great white plain’, based on the salt plain situated within the park, which provides an attraction of a very peculiar type. Unless northern rivers overflow their banks the pan is dry. But once the pan is covered with water, it attracts rare species of aquatic birds; even flamingos that live along the west coast of Namibia, travel to the pan to breed.

Game-viewing can be done at the several permanent waterholes set in dolomite rocks and situated to the south of the pan. These waterholes are often fed artificially by means of boreholes and frequented by wild animals that come here to drink; more often than not can one witness a lioness stalking her prey. The sparse vegetation during the dry season is usually covered in a layer of white dust, but once the rain starts, everything starts to bloom and flourish. We shall travel through the Park from east to west and do game-viewing in the park itself or at the water-holes situated within the rest camps. Especially Okaukuejo is very popular as elephants and rhino can be watched at the flood-lit water-hole while they drink at night. Enjoy being a spectator in your personal adventure-play ‘Etosha’.

The Hobatere concession area is another treat, as a large variety of game and birds can be seen here, and even expert ornithologists will get their money’s worth here. Make sure that you are always geared with your bird reference book, as you might at any time be in for a surprise.

The more ‘serious' part of the journey commences with a visit to the Epupa Falls. The water of the Kunene River plunges over cascades to 30m below, runs through a turmoil of channels and tunnels and eventually gathers in numerous natural basins. Baobab and wild fig trees among others thrive in the gorges of the falls and a special touch is added by the characteristic Makalani palm trees. These provide shade for the interested birdwatcher who might be on the lookout for the African Fish Eagle, the Kingfisher and various lovebirds. Himba families dwell in this area, making a living by selling handmade souvenirs. This stage of the journey can definitely be regarded as a highlight, not only due to the cacophony of roaring waterfalls, chirping insects at night and the rustling campfire but also because of the interaction with other people and cultures.

Namibia is a rocky country, given its special character by the boulder-strewn wilderness, mighty mountain ranges and bizarre rock formations. Below the surface however lies a wealth of minerals and semi-precious stones. The San used rocks and boulders for their paintings and engravings, some of these dating back to 6 000 years ago. This artwork has been analysed by ethnologists, providing invaluable information regarding the Bushmen’s way of living at that time. Even today a visit to the rock art at Twyfelfontein bears witness to the myth surrounding these original inhabitants of Namibia. And in tune with the stony journey, gravel and tar roads take us to the end of our historic tour, either in Windhoek or Swakopmund.