Namibian Marathon & Wildlife Safari
Trip Dates: October 11 – October 24 2010
Duration: 14 days, 13 nights -trip begins and ends in Windhoek, Namibia (the capital)
Highlights: The 14-day Namibian Marathon & Wildlife Safari offers four of the most sought after destinations in Namibia. Starting in the capital city of Windhoek, tour participants will ease their way into the Namibian lifestyle before traveling west to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Here you’ll enjoy the colonial feel of this captivating town, nested against the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert. If you are up for adventure, run The Lucky Star Marathon along the south Atlantic and the dunes—an accomplishment you will surely never forget. It is here we will dip into our adrenaline lifestyle and live life to the fullest. If a relaxing vacation is more your style while others run the marathon, enjoy all the culture Swakopmund has to offer. But this is merely the beginning! Traveling northeast you will visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund near Waterberg Plateau, to meet and learn about Africa’s Big Cats. Then on to Etosha National Park for some concentrated Big Game (Yes, elephants, giraffe, oryx, springbok, kudu, and if you are lucky like a past Jermibia group, lions!) viewing where the trip will finish out, before heading back to Windhoek. Let Jeremiah Allen, author the brand new book Namibia: Discover the Real Namibia, be your guide through this amazing country, a captivating place where he learned the ins and outs of the Namibian landscape and lifestyle while living there for nearly 3 years.
Namibia is Stable & Safe, with Fantastic Infrastructure
*Namibia has one of southern Africa’s best infrastructures. Since its Independence in 1990, the country has remained stable, grown productive, and peacefully elects heads of state every five years. Crime is low and water is drinkable. These reasons, along with the many others, mainly wildlife, Namibia is a much sought after African destination.
Group Size & Price:
Pricing based on a per person basis: US $2,823
*The Safari is limited to 10 people. It is open to the public until it is filled or reserved exclusively for your own group of friends or family.
This is a self-drive / Escorted Safari when there is more than 4 people signed on.
Guarantee: Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 4 people. Park entrance fee’s covered in cost.
Not Included in price: Airfare, Petrol fuel for vehicles, personal expenses, drinks, ALL meals not included, and free-time sightseeing and activities (sandboarding, kayaking with seals, quad bikes, skydiving, etc.), and marathon registration fee.
*Rooms based on double occupancy. Single occupancy available for additional costs.
Vehicle: 4×4 double cab Nissan or Toyota (generally diesel fuel)
Vehicle has: 1x roof tent; 1x mattress; 2x pillows; 2x sleeping bags; 2x towels; 1x lamp; 1x table cloth; 1x camping fridge/freezer; 1x camping table with 2x chairs; 1x fully equipped kitchen box for 2 persons; 1x bbq grid; 1x large storage box; 1x gas cooker w/cylinder; 1x water container; 1x extra spare wheel; 1x tire pump; 1x shovel; 1x hatchet; towing rope; battery jumper leads; secondary battery; second jack; spare fanbelts; toolkit.
Reserve a spot by September 1, 2010 -When final payments and confirmation will be made- An initial payment of US $800 will be asked when reservation is made - Contact Jeremy
English is the Official Language of Namibia
Itinerary
October 11: Depart the U.S. October 12: In Flight: It is an easy flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, then a short flight on to Namibia. There are two general flight routes to Namibia. Either first to London – Johannesburg-Windhoek, or Washington D.C. -Johannesburg- Windhoek.
October 13: Arrive to Windhoek –Welcome to Namibia, Africa! The group will settle in and the day will be open for relaxation and your choice to explore the capital, beginning to settle into our adventure.
The Capital City Windhoek = Modern, Small, Great Introduction!
Dinner at Joe’s Beer House (Enclosed within thatched fencing, the place has a very African theme. The tables encircle the main bar, while artifacts and game horns glitter the walls. Joe’s offer’s Namibian fare of African game, as the menu features ostrich, springbok, oryx, kudu, crocodile, and zebra) to pump the group up for journey ahead in a grand entrance to Africa and it’s wonderful food culture.
Accommodation: Two options are listed in case availability is limited. First choice is option A, if option A is completely booked; the tour will stay at option B.
A) Chameleon Guesthouse
- Chameleon Guesthouse offers a range of accommodation that is spacious with en-suite bathrooms having off street parking and a continental self serve breakfast included.
- The swimming pool, bar, self catering kitchen and Internet computer is conveniently located next door at the Backpackers Lodge. Centrally located the Guesthouse is within a few minutes walk of shopping centres, banks, restaurants, post office and the City Centre.
B) Jan Jonker Holiday Apartments
- 16-exclusive self-contained 1- or 2-bedroom Apartments and Studios are fully furnished to the highest standards. We are proud to offer you independence and comfort in walking distance to the City Centre.
October 14: Windhoek to Swakopmund (Approximately 356km and 3 ½ hour car ride)
Depart Windhoek mid-morning. Stop over in Okahandja to look through Namibia’s best open-aired wood market. It is here the best souvenirs and memorabilia can be bargained, bartered, and purchased. The group will have lunch at a picnic ground along the way and arrive to Swakopmund by evening.
Okahandja Open Air Wood Market is a Fantastic Cultural Experience!
Accommodation: Villa Wiese Guest Lodge. Although we have tents, due to the Benguela Arctic current, Swakopmund is generally blanketed in a cool damp fog each morning, with howling winds, thus making camping managable, but miserable.
October 15: Today is a free day in Swakopmund. Swakopmund is a little resort town, nestled in the Namib desert along the South Atlantic ocean, with German colonial buildings, having one of the best infrastructures in Africa. It caters to visitors with an itch for adrenaline and fine cuisine. Tour group will decide on activities to do, either as a group or as individuals. Walk the town and catch sight of ‘old’ colonial Namibia, visit the beach, take a drive to dune 7, tour the moon landscape (at least ½ day and vehicle required), the choice is yours. The marathon runners will want to register for the race in Walvis Bay and prepare for the next mornings adventure.
Swakopmund, a Piece of Colonial Germany
Accommodation: Same as previous night.
October 16: Marathon. The marathon will take place in the early morning. Jeremy will drive runners to start line in Walvis Bay and prepare the others for scattered positions along the “runners route” (on the B2 road) to cheer on if they so desire. At least one vehicle will be reserved exclusively to transport the runners and their belongings to Walvis Bay.
Take Your Health on the Road with a Marathon!
The award ceremony will take place in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is open for relaxation, town activities, and open option (group decision) for a group dinner to celebrate athlete’s day’s accomplishment.
Accommodation: Same as previous night.
October 17: Today is another free day in Swakopmund. Jeremy will rally the troops to fill the day with adventure activities (sandboarding/sledding, hiking, kayaking, skydiving). A trip to Mondesa Township should be highly considered for a rich, “eye opening,” cultural experience. In fact, Jeremy will pay for your experience to Mondesa because it’s one of those things you simply can’t pass up on!
Mondesa Township is a Definite MUST!
The evening is set aside to prepare for our departure Swakop for the Waterberg Plateau and the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The group will get together for a SPAR supermarket shopping spree to prepare for our next several days of self catering, camping.
Accommodation: Same as previous night.
October 18: Say goodbye to Swakopmund and head to Waterberg Plateau (approximately 430km, or 5 hour drive) Lunch in Omaruru at the Kristall Kellerei, a winery producing 4,000- 6,000 liters of wine annually. The vineyard specializes in a white colombord and a red ruby cabernet wines.
Relax in Luxury Experiencing Fine Namibian Wine
Arrive at Waterberg camp by evening. Cook for ourselves, under the stars and breathe in the serenity of Namibia’s fresh open air.
Accommodation: Camping at Waterberg Camp, a Namibian Wildlife Resort (NWR). On location, there is a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, and washing/toilet facilities.
October 19: Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF): Full Day 24 km from Waterberg. Sack lunches.
Work with Cheetah!
CCF is a nonprofit organization run by American Dr. Laurie Marker, who is the winner of the 2009 Life Achievement Award for Conservation from the Zoological Society of San Diego, California. CCF Research and Education Centre has one of the largest concentrations of cheetah in Africa. Since 1990, when the project began, CCF has focused on cheetah conservation, working with commercial farmers, whose land is also home to the world’s largest free roaming cheetah population (numbering around 3,000 total cheetahs). The same land is shared with the farmers and their livestock. In 2000, CCF opened its doors to the public with a visitors centre and education centre. CCF strives to secure cheetah habitats to ensure a future for the animal through integrated programs of conservation, research, and education.
Accommodation: Same as previous night.
“I…really loved (the Cheetah Conservation Fund)!“ -Jill Nawrocki
October 20: Waterberg. Day treks, 9 in all. Unguided day treks are covered by park entrance fee.
Trekking at Waterberg is stunning. The area offers 9 day treks, which are open throughout the year, as well as guided and unguided night treks. The day treks can be done without prior reservation. You should bring warm clothes for the early mornings and nights, water containers, and binoculars are also great to have. Once on top of the plateau, you have exited civilization and entered the pure serenity of the wilderness – dung and spoor of both species of rhino, giraffe, and plains game amongst many others are clearly visible. It is important to walk slowly; it could be devastating to suddenly surprise a rhino or buffalo. These animals will charge if surprised or frightened. If an animal does charge, hold you ground until the last possible second then step to the side. And when in absolute doubt, climb a tree (that is if there is no leopard in it!) and wait for the animal to move on its way.
Relax with a Mild Hiking Excursion in a Game Reserve!
The early morning and evenings are best for seeing wild game. The trails are well marked. Nights can reach sub zero temperatures, so warm clothes are a must.
Accommodation: Same as previous night.
October 21: Depart Waterberg to Etosha Okaukuejo.
The group will stop in Otjiwarongo SuperSPAR supermarket to load up on food.
Arrive in Etosha. Our initial entrance will be exciting, thus deserves a proper stroll to appreciate the game we encounter. The abundance of wildlife will be instantly apparent. We will then settle in with park officials, collect our camping passes and settle in for the evening. The group will cook dinner over an open braai pit with an option to enjoy the game congregating at the lit waterholes.
Visit a Top African Game Park!
Etosha is one of Africa’s best game parks, next only to the parks in the Serengeti of Tanzania. In 2007 the park celebrated its first 100 years of existence. Viewing Africa’s large game populations against the Etosha Pan backdrop is like no other found in Africa.
The Etosha Pan, the parks definitive feature, is an immense, shallow depression of some 5,000 km² of dry, white sun beaten mud. Mirages shimmer in the far distances while game animals stride across the desolate lands looking completely out of place. Throughout most of the year the area is dry, giving rise to the name ‘the great white place of dry water.’ Nevertheless, when the rains begin, the oshanas in Owamboland drain into the pan and the area becomes an important breeding ground for flamingos.
There are a total of 114 species of mammals, including the rare and endangered black rhino, cheetah, and black-faced impala. The only animals aren’t found in Etosha are the hippo and crocodile. Almost every other animal can be found roaming the park. There are also about 340 different species of birds including the ostrich and secretary birds.
It is almost guaranteed to see lion when visiting Etosha. It is the leopard that is a rarity, and if you are extremely lucky you may even be witness to a predator kill.
Incredible Photographic Opportunities to Spice Up Your Home!
Group participants can choose to cook themselves with the food they purchased in Otjiwarongo, or the camp grounds have fine cuisines offered serving all three meals of the day.
Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp
“The African photo safari we experienced with Jeremy was amazing! I never thought I would enjoy Africa so much!“-Carole Sue
Okaukuejo Camp, the oldest of all 3, is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting.
The camp provides modern, luxurious toilet/shower facilities, a braai pit, and electrical outlets. Etosha camp grounds are becoming rather swanky geared towards an equal balance of comfort/luxury, and rustic turn of the century game safari. A restaurant/bar and swimming pool and curio/supply store and post office are available.
October 22: Okaukuejo to Halali
The group will be encouraged to take an early morning game drive, as this is the best time to spot the more elusive of animals, such as a pride of lion. Breakfast can be had over game viewing and/or upon return to camp. The group will pack up and begin another game drive, heading towards our next camp, Halali. Lunch can be had along the way and/or once at the camp. Once arrived at Halali camp, the group will settle in and again prepare for an evening game drive. This day, as you can tell, is entirely about viewing Africa’s wildlife! A perfect opportunity of photographs that will forever blow your mind.
Halali Camp The newest of the three camps and the most relaxed, in a stretched mopane woodland setting. The rooms have en-suite toilet/shower. Camping has toilet/shower facilities, braai areas, and electrical outlets. There is also a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and the Tsumasa Trail up a small dolomite hill to the summit. A small floodlit waterhole was built about 300 meters behind the camp attracting elephants and rhinos along with other game animals.
Unlike Anywhere Else in the World!
Accommodation: Halali Camp
Strategically located halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni, Halali is situated at the base of a dolomite hill, amongst shady Mopane trees. A flood-lit waterhole which is viewed from an elevated vantage point provides exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the day and into the night.
October 23: Halali to Windhoek
This will be our last morning game drive. Once back at camp the group will have breakfast and leisurely exit Etosha N.P. and make our way to Windhoek (approximately 400 km and 5 hour drive).
Arrive to Windhoek by evening. The group will have dinner and drinks at the wine bar, celebrating their journey! The Wine Bar A great place to watch the sunset, the Wine Bar recently went from serving only drinks and small platters to a full restaurant. With its new chef Brian Prinz, the menu has expanded considerably to include pasta, mutton, and oxtail dishes. He also plans on building a new braai pit, thus extending his menu yet further. The indoor seating is beautiful and outside tables equally spectacular, with a patio offering guests a wonderful panoramic view of the entire city. Come here to relish in the best of South African wines, dine, or to simply shop at their wine shop.
Memories That Last a Lifetime
“Jeremy,
It wasn’t until I met up with you that I started to experience the real Africa. Africa, as I found out, has so much more to offer than the standard safaris that most people go on. Traveling with Wild Safari Africa I experienced not only the safari side of Africa but also the people side of Africa, and that turned out to be way more exciting and adventurous than I ever could have imagined.
Your knowledge and understanding of the people and clans of southern Africa is absolutely amazing.
I have been to over 35 countries, but I can honestly say that this trip with Jeremy and Wild Safari Africa was the most exciting and unique trip I have ever been on.” -Chad Galloway
Accommodation: Two options are listed in case availability is limited. First choice is option A, if option A is completely booked; the tour will stay at option B.
A) Chameleon Guesthouse
- Chameleon Guesthouse offers a range of accommodation that is spacious with en-suite bathrooms having off street parking and a continental self serve breakfast included.
- Full linen is provided, including towels.
- The swimming pool, bar, self catering kitchen and Internet computer is conveniently located next door at the Backpackers Lodge. Centrally located the Guesthouse is within a few minutes walk of shopping centres, banks, restaurants, post office and the City Centre.
B) Jan Jonker Holiday Apartments
- 16-exclusive self-contained 1- or 2-bedroom Apartments and Studios are fully furnished to the highest standards. We are proud to offer you independence and comfort in walking distance to the city centre.
October 24: Prepare for departure and our journey back home. Either the vehicles will be arranged to be dropped off at the airport, or transportation for the group will be arranged.
Reserve YOUR spot by September 1, 2010 -When final payments and confirmation will be made- An initial payment of US $800 will be asked (to lock in your spot!) when reservation is made - Contact Jeremy
Your Safari Guide: Jeremy Allen
Check Out Jeremy Allen’s Namibia Travel Guide
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“In May of 2008 I went on a Wild Safari African tour of the entire Namibian country with Jeremy. Before I went and left for the African continent I was very afraid and nervous about issues including safety, health, and logistics of a tour in a foreign country who did not speak my language… And when I went on this tour with Jeremy it was safe, affordable, and most importantly everything was taken care of for me! So I just got to sit back, relax, enjoy the sites and take tons of pictures! I had the time of my life and made memories that will last an entire lifetime. I came home with a camera full of pictures and experiences I will hold on to forever. If you are looking for a safe and affordable and fun experience in Africa Jeremiah Allen is the best man for the job!”-Jason “Wally” Waldron
“When an area is so remote that even google maps doesn’t seem to know much about it, you know it is just begging for a real insider to reveal the wonders there. Allen is the man for the job.“ -Kelly Cook
“Our trip to Namibia, was hands-down, the best trip ever with the help of this book (Namibia: Discover the Real Namibia). Could not have been possible without the great travel tips provided. It’s a must buy for anyone looking to make inroads with locals and take the ‘less traveled’ route.“ -Ari Zandman
“Traveling with Jeremy was definitely an exciting and enlightening experience. Not only was our tour unique and varied but we saw and experienced a number of amazing things in a relatively short period of time. Jeremy was great to travel with, knowledgeable in local customs, and adept at handling the myriad minor details that come with international travel. Namibia is an incredible country and we were able to engage with so much of it–from traditional homesteads to a vibrant capital city, from sprawling deserts to wild game parks, everything was fresh and exciting.“ –Lisa Wasilewski
*Disclaimer: Although Namibia boasts one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s greatest infrastructures, like any kind of travel, things can go wrong. Though not often, flat tires and unexpected obstacles may cause for quick changes to the tours plan. This is rare, and because it is Africa we will be dealing with African time which may be slow, inefficient, and make no sense at all. This is why you have chose to tour with Jeremy, he’s used to this “nonsense” and can handle each situation accordingly and efficiently. Wild Safari Africa reserves the right to alternate the itinerary since arrangements are made up to a year in advance. Changes will enhance and improve the Safari.Something that should be mentioned, but not deeply thought about. Cheers!
