A special kind of ecotourism. Special because our programs are not packaged tours where the visitor simply joins a pre-existing group - your host deals with you on a one-on-one basis. You are invited to state your special interests and preferences. These programs are generally  fully customizable - except in instances of actual, scheduled events, such as this hike.

Also special because you communicate with your host directly via e-mail - before the trip takes place. On arrival, you are met by your host, personally.

When: Due to climatic conditions, only possible between 01 March and the third Friday in October of each year. Trail starts on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays of the first three weeks of each month, during season.

Length of tour: The actual hiking trail needs eight days to complete, but a half-hike of four days can be considered. With either of these, two days before and after must be added to allow for travel to- and from the hiking venue. In other words, either 12 days or 8 days.

Number of guests: An absolute minimum of three guests per hike (Ministry of Environment & Tourism will not allow a hike to take place with less than three participants), to a maximum of six guests.

Fee: The full 8-day hike (12-day safari), based on the minimum requirement of three guests, will be US$140 per person per day. From four guests and upward, the fee changes with intervals from US$120 for four guests, to US$95 for six guests, per person per day – excluding airport taxes and airfare to- and from Namibia. All airport transfers, hiking fees, permits, transport & fuel, accommodation on arrival and departure days, plus all meals other than while on the hike are included. On the day of arrival, hikers will have sufficient time to stock up on provisions and personal meal preferences for the hike. (This used to be included in the price, but various dietary needs and individual food allergies have proven this to be a futile attempt). The fee for the half-hike is available on request. [The offered fee for this proposal is only valid until 17 October 2008].

 BACKGROUND NOTES:

• Weather – Although the days during season are warm and sunny, the daily – demanding - hiking activity could result in a hot rather than warm experience. Nights are cold and low temperature sleeping bags are recommended.

• Routes and accommodation – A scenic route will be travelled from Windhoek to the Naukluft Mountain, and the shortest, direct route used on return. Accommodation on the night of arrival will be at a B&B in Windhoek, and the night before departure, at a Game Lodge en-route to the airport. The night immediately preceding the hike, as well as the night of day eight of the hike, will be in the old farmhouse of the original farm, Naukluft. Every night during the hike will be spent in open-sided shelters. Cold water showers will be available while on the hike. 

• The Naukluft Mountain – The entire Naukluft Mountain, and immediately surrounding area, is a National Nature Reserve. It was originally proclaimed with the express purpose of protecting the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. The highest point of the Mountain is found at Die Valle, and is 6386 ft above sea level. No campfires, or ANY other fires, are allowed on the hiking trail OR at the overnight shelters – only in the main camping area at the base camp where the hike starts and ends. Hot food preparation must be done on hiking/camping gas- or kerosene units (supplied). Refuse bags will also be supplied to return all empty containers, used gas canisters, packaging materials and waste to the base camp. Besides general wildlife of Naukluft – listed below - hikers will experience one of the highest concentrations of bird life in southern Namibia. While hiking along the trail, guests will hear unusual sounds interspersing with the birdsong, listen carefully, your progress is being monitored by dual-lens “security cameras” from high on the cliff faces - troops of Chacma Baboons (Papio ursinus), and the sounds are their barking alarm calls! The other sound to be heard clearly all along the route, is that of the Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis), most probably disturbed while basking on a rock in the sun. Although these animals are small, furry creatures – about 20 inches in overall length – their closest African relative is the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana). Their world relatives are the Dugongs, and in a super order, the Manatees. Animals other than Zebra found here today include Kudu; Gemsbok (Oryx); Klipspringer; Duiker; Steenbok; Baboon; Leopard; Black-backed Jackal; Bat-eared Fox; African Wildcat; Caracal and Aardwolf. This area has beautiful geologic structures of horizontally folded igneous rock, quartzite, dolomite and shale. Naukluft truly represents untouched nature!

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PROPOSED ITINERARY:

For interest in the hike alone, this is NOT a customizable itinerary, as the hike is open and offered on fixed dates and has a set route and time frame. However, for any additional interests or added days – before or after the hike – this can be regarded as a “part” itinerary. A detailed itinerary will then be supplied, AFTER the necessary e-mail correspondence to establish the guest(s)’ personal interests and preferences.

Day 1: Meet your host at the airport on arrival. Transfer to Windhoek for a quick tour of its sights & sounds before settling into a comfortable B&B. Relax after the long flight and acclimatize to Namibia.

Day 2: Fresh, and with a hearty breakfast behind you, head to the central highlands, known as the Khomas Hochland, towards the very edge of the escarpment. Pause a while, and truly appreciate the immensity of the Namib desert at your feet. Descend towards the base camp of your mountain hike. Afternoon free to acquaint yourself with your immediate surroundings, final preparations and backpack arrangements for the hike, before dinner, prepared over an open fire.

Day 3: First day of hike. Two fairly steep ascents, otherwise easy terrain. About six hours needed for this first 8.75 miles section. First shelter, Putte.

Day 4: Second day of hike. Mainly traversing the undulating part of the plateau. Again about six hours needed for this 5 miles section. One steep descent down the spectacular Ubisis Kloof – several chains anchored to assist with this otherwise difficult to negotiate descent. Second overnight stop at Ubisis Kloof shelter.

Day 5: Third day of hike. Starts with a slight backtracking, then easy route followed across another section of the plateau. This section abounds with Kudu and Hartmann’s Zebra. Requires about four to six hours for a 7.5 miles section. Third stop, Adlerhorst shelter.

Day 6: Fourth day of hike. Fairly level terrain before branching off into the beautiful Tsams River Gorge. Climbs steeply at one point to bypass a dry waterfall. After finally winding down to the river, an enormous Moringa tree will be encountered (circumference close on 13 ft). total distance of section is 10.63 miles. Fourth overnight stop, Tsams Ost shelter. (This is where the half-hike ends).

Day 7: Fifth day of hike. Six to seven hours should cover this 10.63 miles section. From the previous shelter, the trail ascends steeply up Broekskeur, across undulating terrain to Fonteinpomp where water bottles can be topped up. Fifth shelter, Die Valle.

Day 8: Sixth day of hike. The trail leads to Die Valle waterfall, a magnificent sight, despite being usually dry. A short, steep climb to the top of this 650 ft high waterfall, then a narrow gorge, and down into the Arbeid Adelt valley. About six hours needed to cover this 10 miles section. Sixth stop, Tufa shelter.

Day 9: Seventh day of hike. Begins with a steep ascent with chain assistance to scale a waterfall. Three hours later, reach the top of the plateau and Bakenskop. You are rewarded with an Angel’s view! Magnificent vistas of a valley carved by the Tsondab River – 1850 ft below! Trail winds over Kapoklaagte where Springbok and Gemsbok (Oryx) can be seen. This 8.75 miles section requires about five hours. Last hiking route nightstop, Kapoklaagte shelter.

Day 10: Eighth day of hike. Section covers about 10 miles and needs about five hours. Follow Jeep track for about 2.19 miles, traverse a watershed, and descend into the Naukluft River by way of a tributary. On reaching the river, cool off in any of a number of crystal clear mountain pools. From the first pool, about forty minutes’ hike to the base camp. Unwind around a campfire while a bush dinner is being prepared for you over the open fire.

Day11: No particular rush this morning but unfortunately, all good things must also come to an end and today, after a camp breakfast, you have to return to Windhoek. But not to make the transition from the wilderness to civilization too harsh, you will be accommodated at a Game Lodge en-route to the airport. Should you so wish, you may join a scenic drive for a final view of our sunset on this, your last night in Namibia, Africa.

Day 12: Subject to flight departure time, you may have all morning to enjoy nature walks, or simply laze on a pool chair, viewing wildlife at the waterhole. Transfer to Namibia’s International airport to arrive in time for your departure flight.