Day 1: Windhoek

Guests arrive in Windhoek by air or road. Those driving will be informed where they are to meet the guide team and at what time. Those flying should arrange transfer into Windhoek (for own account). Guests should meet at the Kalahari Sands Hotel foyer for their collection at 17h00pm. Your first, Cunene River Expedition, night with the group will be in camping mode.

Day 2: Okaukuejo

Toyota minibuses are used for transport and have a luggage restriction (i.e. only soft bags please). After breakfast the group departs for Okaukuejo in the Etosha National Park.

Day 3: Etosha National Park

An early departure sees the group on the road to the Namutoni Camp on the eastern boundary of the park, via Halali where lunch will be organised. Many of the species found in the park will be seen, amongst them hopefully the rare and diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. Your Cunene River Expedition tour guides prepare the evening meal around the campfire.

Day 4: Cunene River

You set out after breakfast, heading North to Ruacana on the Cunene River. Your route takes you past numerous rural villages and through the 2 largest towns / cultural centres of Ovamboland, Ondangwa and Oshakati. The Ovambos are by far the largest tribe in Namibia. At Ruacana, where the Cunene first encounters Namibian soil, you may have the opportunity of viewing the Falls and Hydro-electric scheme, (time dependant) before continuing to your campsite on the river banks.

Day 5: Cunene River

After breakfast the gear is stowed in the back-up vehicles and rafts respectively. Safety and paddling instructions are given before departure. Rafts (or 2 man crocs) are used and everyone participates in paddling.  You spend approximately 6 hours per day on the water and the distances covered depend on flow and wind conditions. Provisions are carried on the boats for a picnic lunch at midday.

It must be stressed here that although there are some exciting rapids, this trip caters for those seeking an unusual wilderness experience on one of the remotest rivers in Africa. The charm of this participation safari is to be found in unique rugged scenery, fascinating flora, intriguing diversity of bird life and some great paddling. Your Cunene River Expedition tour backup vehicle will carry all the overnight equipment.