Archive of Past Programs

Note: This program is no longer available. Please see Domestic Trips and International Trips for currently available programs.

The Natural and Cultural Wonders of Namibia

Explore the landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of this southern African nation

With optional pre- and post-trip extensions to Cape Town, South Africa (July 8–11), and Botswana and Victoria Falls (July 22–27)

July 11–22, 2012

$9,995 (member*)
$10,195 (nonmember)

Deposit: $1,000
Balance due: April 11, 2012

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

Optional Extensions:

Cape Town, South Africa
July 8–11, 2012

Tuition: $2,695
Deposit: $500

Botswana & Victoria Falls
July 22–27, 2012

Tuition: $6,295
Deposit: $500

Stretching from the rugged Atlantic coast to the vast Kalahari Desert, the southern African country of Namibia abounds with spectacular landscapes and unique wildlife. Jagged shorelines, shimmering sand dunes, and deep canyons host an amazing array of plants and animals, some found nowhere else in the world. And since early humans first arrived some 750,000 years ago, this landscape has also been home to myriad peoples who have relied on its bounty for survival, including—today—the Herero, Himba, San (Bushman), and Nama.

Our Namibian journey takes us from the sand dunes of the Skeleton Coast, to beautiful Damaraland, to the Kaokoveld—the last true wilderness in southern Africa. Game drives, archaeological excursions, and a visit to a traditional village make this educational tour an unforgettable African experience.

Explore the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, the Kaokoveld, Opuwo, and the Caprivi Strip

Spend two days in Etosha National Park, home to more than 400 mammal and bird species, and enjoy game-viewing in the Erongo Mountains

Discover rock art that is thousands of years old, and visit a traditional Himba village, where people continue to preserve their ethnic identity and customs

Take an excursion into neighboring Botswana to explore Tsodilo Hills, renowned for its thousands of ancient San rock paintings

Scholar

Grahame Thomson is a longtime leader in wildlife conservation, ecotourism, and cultural tourism in southern Africa, with a special interest in archaeology and paleoanthropology. Through his association with leading academic institutions in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, Grahame has also assembled a select group of guest researchers and other scholars—see separate list (PDF).

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Wednesday, July 11
Arrival in Windhoek, Namibia; introduction; overnight, Olive Grove Lodge (D)

Thursday, July 12
Drive to Swakopmund via Kuiseb Canyon and Namib Naukluft National Park; evening lecture on conservation efforts in Namibia; overnight, The Hansa (B, L, D)

Friday, July 13
Skeleton Coast, including sand dunes; Namib Naukluft National Park; Erongo Mountains (wildlife and rock art); overnight, Ai Aiba Lodge (B, L, D)

Saturday, July 14
Drive through Damaraland to Twyfelfontein; view rock art and participate in game drive; overnight, Twyfelfontein Lodge (B, L, D)

For larger map, click here.

Sunday, July 15
Damaraland; full-day tour of community wildlife conservancies; overnight, Twyfelfontein Lodge (B, L, D)

Monday, July 16
Drive through the Kaokoveld to Opuwo (wildlife-viewing); overnight, Opuwo Country Lodge (B, L, D)

Tuesday, July 17
Explore Kaokoveld: visit traditional Himba village, wildlife-viewing; overnight, Opuwo Country Lodge (B, L, D)

Wednesday, July 18
Etosha National Park: wildlife-viewing; overnight, Dolomite Camp (B, L, D)

Thursday, July 19
Etosha National Park: wildlife-viewing; overnight, Oguma Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Friday, July 20
Popa Falls (bird-watching) and the Caprivi Strip (wildlife-viewing in savannah and riparian habitats); overnight, Ngepi Camp (eco-camp on banks of Kavango River) (B, L, D)

Saturday, July 21
Excursion to neighoring Botswana to explore rock art and other archaeological evidence in the Tsodilo Hills (located in the Kalahari Desert); Okavango River cruise; farewell dinner; overnight, Nguma Lodge (B, L, D)

Sunday, July 22
Drive to Maun for departures (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Optional Pre-Trip Extension to Cape Town, South Africa
July 8–11, 2012

Tuition: $2,695
Deposit $500 • Balance due: April 11, 2012

For more information, including complete description and itinerary, see the extension brochure.

Optional Post-Trip Extension to Botswana and Victoria Falls
July 22–27, 2012

Tuition: $6,295
Deposit $500 • Balance due: April 11, 2012

For more information, including complete description and itinerary, see the extension brochure.

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CST 2059347-50