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| Viewing: Diamond Coast 5-day Hike |
Package ID: 884 |
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| Diamond Coast 5-day Hike |
A unique safari along the Diamond Coast of Namaqualand in South Africa. The hike takes place in the Namib Conservation Area. We set up the camps and one guide does the actual hike with you.
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Overview:
A unique safari along the Diamond Coast of Namaqualand in South Africa. The hike takes place in the Namib Conservation Area. We set up the camps and one guide does the actual hike with you. A real safari in an undeveloped, safe and malaria-free conservation area.
This safari can be altered or added on to any of our other safaris. Special arrangements can be made for those who find it difficult to walk. (We can arrange for a donkey-cart with driver!)
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
At 12:00h we meet at “De Brug” - our guest farm, on the banks of the Doring River about 275-km north of Cape Town. After a hearty lunch, we pack the vehicles for our expedition in the "Sperrgebied" – (the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years) We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenrivier-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. The total distance of 250 km is covered in about a 4-hour leisurely drive. Whilst you enjoy the beautiful secluded beach (famous for skinny-dipping), we prepare our safari-style dinner. We overnight in a cottage.
Day 2:
Early morning breakfast. We get ready to pack our daypacks with some refreshments. We now start the first of our 4 days of hiking.
The trail runs along the edge of the cold Atlantic Ocean and meanders through the dunes. The misty air from the Ocean added to the forbidden and dry Namib Desert has created a biological miracle – the Nama Succulent Biosphere.
After about 6 km of easy walking, we rest for a lunch-break and perhaps a swim. The afternoon walk is another easy 5 km to our little safari camp nestled amongst the rocks. Whilst the camp is being prepared by the guides, you can do a bit of angling or even some scuba-diving or just enjoy the sun and beach. Tonight we listen to the whispering wind and share a warm campfire. Our guides prepare a scrumptious culinary delight of traditional West Coast cuisine.
Day 3:
We follow more or less the same plan as on the previous day. Depending on the season, the tide and the interests of the group, we spend a leisurely day walking along this unspoilt and undeveloped coast. We enjoy lively discussions on the “wicked world out there” or we enrich ourselves by listening to the interesting talks of our tour-guides – natural history, culture, plants, the sea or the unique animal life of this part of Africa.
Another remarkable day ends with the sun setting on the wild Atlantic Ocean and our little camp-fire spreading its warmth and fragrance of a delicious meal cooking. Tonight we camp near “Koringkorrelbaai”. Here – about 50 years ago, the Nazi-trained hit man, Robey Leibbrandt, landed secretly. His mission – to kill the South African leader, Jan Smuts and to create a revolution in order to install a Nazi puppet-regime. His mission failed and the “Forth Reich” has stayed an illusive dream. The total hike for today is about 18 km.
Day 4:
Again, we follow more or less the same routine as the previous days. By evening, we should make our little camp near a fountain called “Strandfontein”. Another 18-km of easy walking through magnificent sand dunes and on wide open beaches. If we are lucky, we might even see some wild ostriches or a few antelope. During the flowering-season of June – September, we should have lovely wild-flowers carpeting the veld. If our luck holds, we should see some whales, dolphins and usually many seals.
Day 5:
Shortly after lunchtime, we should be at “Spoegrivier”. The magnificent caves and hollow kranses, whisper the stories of the old Khoisan settlement of more than 2000 years ago. Around our campfire we’ll discuss the long lost civilizations and wonder about the future of our planet. Again we’ll enjoy a magnificent African feast to get to bed whilst the stars watch from above. The hike for this day was about 16 km.
Day 6:
After a late morning and lovely breakfast, we depart for “De Brug”. We have a sumptuous meal at Vanrhynsdorp and then pop into Namakwaland Vineries for some wine-tasting. By 16:00h we should be at “De Brug” and it is time to say good-bye.
It is important to note that there is no toilet- or washing facilities available during the duration of the hike. We hike in a conservation area with no development. We supply limited amounts of water for washing. No reception for cell-phones, no shops – just you and me and the African veld!
You must supply your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel as well as snorkeling and fishing gear. (It can be hired).
Duration:
6 days
Total distance traveled:
600 km
Total distance hiked:
65 km
Vehicles used:
4x4’s with trailers.
Accommodation:
cottages and tents.
Total meals:
16
Number of guests:
Minimum 2 - maximum 20
Includes:
Accommodation, food, soft drinks, fees.
Excludes:
International Flights, Tips, laundry and items of a personal nature.
Price per person:
Price per person: R7, 600 per person for 2 - 3 persons.
R5, 000 per person for 4 - 20 persons.
NB:
1: We prefer to be paid in Rand seeing the volatility of the exchange rate
2: The vehicles used are luxury SUV's with air-conditioning and CD players.
3: Extra for the clients are bottled water, snacks or sweets, own shopping and the activities other than included in this itinerary.
4: This same route can be done at a slower pace where you, our guest can determine if you would like to stay longer in a specific area. Naturally this will increase the total price but not with much seeing the fact that all traveling costs has been covered already.
5: The price include local beers and wine limited to 5 glasses p/d
6: We can fetch your from and take you back to Cape Town or assist you with public transport arrangements.
Please complete the form below to request more information and check availability
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