TRAVEL PARTNER Expedition Africa 2024 Namibia
GONDWANA COLLECTION NAMIBIA
Travel Namibia with us
The Gondwana Collection Gondwana Collection will be Expedition Africa Namibia official travel partner. WEBSITE FOR VIEWING ONLY, DO NOT MAKE ANY BOOKINGS ON THIS SITE FOR THE EVENT
For all travel requirements pre- and post-event please contact: travel@gcnam.com for your customized travel solution for your Namibian adventure. Please use reference EA2024NAM as your booking reference to receive event discount.
ENSURE TO RESERVE ACCOMMODATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE – HOTELS ARE NEARLY FULL.
REGISTER FOR YOU GONDWANA CARD FOR ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT IF YOU ARE A SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZEN – https://gondwana-collection.com/card
Lodges and Camps: More than 20 properties have been carefully constructed by Gondwana Collection Namibia over the last two decades, ranging from secret luxurious refuges for two to comfortable unique lodges to rustic camping offers. Built in close proximity to Namibia’s natural wonders and managed sustainably.
Rental cars – Namibia2Go: Experience Africa like never before. Discover what makes Namibia so special and as it should be, with Namibia2Go. Easy. Hassle free. Unforgettable.
Gondwana Travel Centre: The Gondwana Travel Centre specialises in showing of all the highlights and lesser-known secrets of the Southern African region. As Custom Design Safari Specialists we can tailor-make any itinerary to suit your individual needs.
Family and supporters are welcome to join their teams on their visit to Namibia.
NAMIBIA tourist ATTRACTIONS
WINDHOEK: Acquaint yourself with the vibrant Namibian capital and its fascinating contrasts. Whether historic or modern buildings, cultural offerings that show African roots and European influence, quiet parks or places full of life – Windhoek offers unique experiences. Take a tour around Windhoek’s must-see landmarks, including the beautiful Christuskirche (Christ Church), Parliament Garden, Alte Feste and the Independence Memorial Museum, all conveniently located in the heart of the city. Delight in visit to the bustling Katutura Township, where you can explore the Oshetu Community Market or Soweto Market for locally produced products. Take a well-deserved break in one of the restaurants and cafés; refresh yourself with an award-winning Namibian beer and try a typical Namibian dish, like kapana or biltong. Namibia’s capital has a lot to offer. Take a discovery tour and experience some relaxing and yet stimulating days at The Weinberg hotel. Or get to know Africa’s unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes at Okapuka Safari Lodge. Go on a safari just out of town yet deep in the African bushveld, and you are almost guaranteed sightings of all indigenous antelope species, giraffe, and, most importantly, white rhino.
KALAHARI DESERT: Colours run riot in the Kalahari Desert where yellow grass and dark green acacias are accentuated against burnt-orange sand and the blue of an infinite sky. And when the sun prepares its farewell for the day, it draws on all the hues of the celestial prism. This is the time between day and dream when magic hovers and the fiery colours of sand dunes brighten and deepen. Life pauses catching its breath. And so does everyone else, standing atop a dune, watching this earthly show in vibrant colour. The magnificent landscape is home to hardy desert-adapted gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, black-backed jackal, the massive kori bustard and the rambling nests of social weavers that have skilfully mastered thermodynamic principles and life in the desert. It is also home to the Kalahari Anib Lodge and Kalahari Farmhouse – and luckily, their guests. Experience the beauty of the Kalahari on a sunset drive at Kalahari Anib Lodge and appreciate abundance of a different sort at the Kalahari Farmhouse where artesian water blesses the desert, creating a lush secret garden and nurturing the salad greens on Gondwana’s own farm. The Kalahari; it dances to a different beat. Feel the magic.
THE AUS MOUNTAIN – WILD HORSES – KOLMANSKOP: There is something extraordinarily special about the landscape around Klein-Aus Vista. It’s where streaks of Namib sand merge with the bleached grasses of the Pro-Namib in a sensuous slow dance of splendour. The lodge, nestled in the rocky Aus Mountains, is famed for its extensive and lovely vistas, best seen from one of the mountain bike or hiking trails, a viewpoint above the campsite or from the secluded Eagle’s Nest Chalets. Contributing to the scenery, the Wild Horses of the Namib remind us of unfettered freedom and appeal to our soul to embrace the wonderful adventure of life in its entirety. Desert Horse Inn is imbued with the energy of the horses, adding a spirited component to the warmth of the family-owned lodge. As the pastel landscape transforms into desert on route to Lüderitz and the coast, there is the abandoned diamond mining town of Kolmanskop to visit where disintegrating houses are a photographer’s playground, a desert town to discover and fascinating promontories to explore. Set your GPSs for Klein-Aus Vista. Indulge in a dream of freedom.
FISH RIVER CANYON: The Fish River begins its journey in the Naukluft Mountains, seeking its lover, the Gariep or Orange River in the south. It flows steadily at first, dropping over two waterfalls before reaching the Löwen River and plunging into the canyon on its serpentine route to the end of the gorge at Ai-Ais. Sometimes, the Fish River is calm and quiet, and at other times it hurtles through the canyon walls in a rush of water. In this way it makes its rendezvous with the Gariep and carves out the canyon’s chasms, as it has done for over a hundred million years. Not far from where the blue-green river of the Fish River meanders through the canyon gorges are Canyon Lodge, nestled gracefully amongst the granite boulders, and Canyon Village, set against a sweeping backdrop of rock. Slightly nearer to the main viewpoints is the Canyon Roadhouse, a ‘must-do’ stop to fill up on smiles and pay tribute to the good old days of the automobile. Feel the magnitude of Earth-time in relation to the fleeting brush of human life on the canyon rim. And take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike through its pristine depths, overnighting in specially chosen camps. Away from civilization, the canyon grandeur is yours alone. This unique privilege is offered by the Gondwana Collection, nature and time.
THE NAMIB – SOSSUSVLEI – SESRIEM: This ancient desert tried to call attention to itself for 50-80 million years. It grew to 2000 kilometres long and nearly 200 kilometres wide, assembled lofty sand dunes and sculpted a range of artistically designed dunes in various shapes. It harboured flora and fauna in its sands and called the soft mist from the ocean to sustain them. It even welcomed the diamonds that had washed down the Orange River and into the Atlantic into its generous arms. And, no-one gave it a second thought. Finally, we are willing to receive the magnificence of the Namib Desert. Diamonds were discovered in the early 1900s, the Namib Sand Sea was proclaimed a World Heritage site in 2013 and thousands of visitors annually pay homage to the magnificence of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. If there is a place in Namibia where Gondwana lodges are not lacking, it is where the Namib tells its endless stories in breathtaking pictures, forms and colors. Here where the red sand ocean leads a hopeless battle for day-to-day survival against the burning sun, we have created unique havens of unforgettable moments: The Desert Grace, Namib Desert Lodge; Namib Dune Star Camp and Desert Whisper. The deep breath of incomparable luck.
SWAKOPMUND: Between the golden dunes of the Namib Desert and swells of the icy Atlantic Ocean, the seaside resort town of Swakopmund goes about its business – in a rhythm all of its own. With its Namibian residents, bustle of tourists, historical buildings, nature based adventures and city pleasures, Swakopmund is an experience like no other – with something for everyone to enjoy. And amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, The Delight Swakopmund is a fresh breeze in the desert. Few destinations can compete with the natural diversity of Swakopmund. Take a trip into the Living Desert, skydive over the Namib or sandboard down impressive dunes in the morning. Join a dolphin cruise, kayak amongst seals, give deep sea fishing a try, or simply take a leisurely walk along the beach in the afternoon. A myriad of experiences await you. For all its outdoor appeal Swakopmund also offers the city-lover plenty to enjoy. Dine in picturesque restaurants along the seaside promenade where eisbein and sushi can be equally savoured. Amble through old-fashioned streets as you browse vibrant curio-shops and take in the colonial history around you. Stroll through time in the museum, enter an ocean wonderland at the National Marine Aquarium, or climb to the top of Woermann Haus for a prime view of the town.
KUNENE – TWYFELFONTEIN: Kunene is a large stretch of African savannah with rounded granite domes, table-topped mountains and ephemeral rivers that thunder down their ancient courses after heavy summer rainfall to be quickly absorbed into underground aquifers for safe storage. These veins of life are wildlife havens and highways where wild rhino, lion and desert elephant roam. The landscape intensifies into red stone in dry summers and bleached grassy stretches in more abundant seasons, but at the end of the day it always softens into dramatic pastel beauty. Experience the dazzle of Kunene from Palmwag Lodge & Camp set amid the palms on a tributary of the Uniab River, which attracts the famed desert-adapted elephant. Explore the 582 000-hectare Palmwag Concession, a vast conservation area with spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife, for an exhilarating African adventure. Eastward is Twyfelfontein where hunter-gatherer groups congregated in the dry season, their shamans chiselling prayers into the sandstone rock; where rock was fashioned into organ-like structures, as if attempting to play divine music to the endless blue sky; and where ancient forests rested after tumultuous journeys down rivers, fossilising over the aeons. It is also where Damara Mopane Lodge is found, nestled in a green forest of heart-shaped leaves. Relax on your stoep at this enchanting lodge, between sunflowers and passion fruit and at the end of the day watch the sun sink into the mopane woodland. Above the world, everything falls into perspective. Life is indeed good.
KAOKOLAND – EPUPA FALLS – HIMBA: Kaokoland, one of the last vestiges of unspoilt wilderness in Africa where the word ‘remote’ still has meaning. Here, in the extreme north-western corner of Namibia, where the semi-nomadic Himba live traditionally in the barren expanses as they have done since time immemorial; where gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and giraffe wander freely and desert-adapted elephant meander through the dry riverbeds; time seems to stand still. This arid, wild and sparsely-populated area stretches from the ephemeral Hoanib River northwards to the Kunene River bordering Angola. The 1200km-long Kunene River originates in the Angolan highlands and tumbles down rapids and waterfalls as it rushes through the Baynes Mountains towards its rendezvous with the Atlantic Ocean. In its haste, it tumbles down the forty-metre rocky gorge at Epupa Falls in a dramatic and magical celebration of life, astounding all with its antics. Baobabs cling to rocky slopes amid the rainbow spray of this small and feisty African waterfall, which is embraced by a belt of makalani palms that resounds with the twittering of rosy-faced lovebirds. Epupa, an enchanting African haven of wonder, is where the blessings of the green-fringed perennial Kunene River, the cascading torrents and the local Himba merge to create an exceptional Kaokoland adventure. Take a guided walk in search of crocodiles, join a rafting excursion (seasonal), visit a Himba village and hop aboard the sunset drive to a hill above the falls to raise a glass to the magnificent scenery and the joys of travel as the sun raises its golden goblet in salutation.
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK: At sunrise the gates open to the ‘Great White Place’ or ‘Place of Dry Water’, as the Owambo people have called the heart of the country since time immemorial. Unlike its name, however, the 22 912-square-kilometre national park is a place of sanctuary and abundance. With a variety of vegetation types, from thorn bush and woodland savannah, stands of makalani palms and the ‘phantom’ moringa trees (sprokiesbome) to the chalky white pan, Etosha National Park is home to myriad species of wildlife. One-hundred-and-fourteen mammal species are found in the park including the antisocial black rhino and the endemic black-faced impala. Waterholes are dotted along the southern section of the pan providing effortless viewing. Unequalled Earthly experiences can be garnered here: watching a family of elephants silently appear and hurry excitedly towards the water, lions lazing contentedly in the shade of a bush, elegant giraffe loping across the road and a herd of handsome zebra nuzzling each other affectionately. At the end of a full Etosha day, while some are still racing the sun, others are lounging on the sundowner deck of Etosha Safari Lodge or Etosha King Nehale or enjoying a drink at the Oshebeena Bar at Etosha Safari Camp, contemplating Etosha marvels and the thrill of being in the African wilderness. Anticipation is already mounting for the new day. Here, at Gondwana’s lodges, just ten kilometres from Andersson Gate, a new adventure begins with every dawn.
OKAVANGO: Balancing the semi-arid stretches and deserts of Namibia are the refreshing water worlds of north-eastern Namibia. Rising in the Bié Plateau in central Angola, the Okavango River has its own agenda. Lured by African magic, it has no intention of rushing to the sea but meanders into the southern interior. Flowing in a south-easterly direction, it enters Namibia in the Kavango region, forming the border between the countries, before widening into the fanlike channels of the Okavango Delta where it ebbs into desert sands. This vein of life blesses us with a serene ribbon of green along its journey. Fish eagles fly from the trees affirming their African spirit and sluggish crocodiles laze on sandy banks. Rural Africa and the river world merge and play melodic harmonies here. The sounds of cows mooing, children laughing and dug-out canoes gliding through the river fuse with the chiming of reed frogs, bird calls and the gentle lapping of water. Perfectly positioned on the southern bank of the Okavango River, Hakusembe River Lodge radiates peace. A lush river oasis, it lies 16km from the bustle of Rundu. The thatched chalets provide ideal retreats and the verdant garden, a paradise to relish. An enchanted destination in the Kavango, Hakusembe is a convenient place to pause and rest en-route to the Zambezi and the rushing waters of the Victoria Falls.
ZAMBEZI – CAPRIVI: The lure of wild Africa is felt as you drive into the north-eastern corner of Namibia. Once called the Caprivi strip and later the Caprivi region before claiming its full African heritage, the Zambezi region is a step into the heart of the continent. A tree-filled expanse dotted with villages and elephant caution signs welcome you. Unusually, this corridor containing the Bwabwata National Park is a protected home to both wildlife and people, ushering in a concept of coexistence, stewardship and synergy. Two smaller national parks, the Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara, lie along the Kwando waterway that becomes the Linyanti and Chobe rivers as it flows eastwards. This is also where you’ll find some of our lodges. Namushasha River Lodge & Villa looking out onto reeds and the Kwando River, Chobe River Camp in the vast flood plains of the Chobe River and Zambezi Mubala Lodge & Camp on the mighty Zambezi. They are a wilderness havens where the lethargic sound of hippos grunting floats through the air intermingling with birdsong. Every part of the day has its own magic here, whether taking a midday siesta or joining a boat cruise along the waterways and a drive into a national park. Return to the lodge to be welcomed with smiles and sweet sherry. Savour the last streaks of sunset from the deck before darkness descends and the delicious supper aromas can no longer be ignored.
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