Tribal Namibia Camping Safari
Duration
Highlights
Per Person Sharing
Departs
Safari Description
This diverse 10-day adventure through Namibia is a journey of discovery, blending thrilling wildlife encounters with rich cultural experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. Starting in the renowned Etosha National Park, you will explore vast landscapes teeming with iconic African wildlife, from majestic elephants and prowling lions to the elusive black rhino. As you journey north, a cultural shift awaits in Owamboland, where you’ll immerse yourself in the everyday life of the Owambo people—learning their customs, enjoying traditional meals, and engaging in authentic hands-on activities. This is not a polished tourism experience but a genuine insight into local life, making every moment memorable.
The adventure continues along the Kunene River, with stops at the seasonal Ruacana Falls and the dramatic Epupa Falls, where you’ll meet the Himba people, known for their distinct ochre-covered skin and timeless customs. You’ll then venture to the magical Ongongo Waterfall, a hidden oasis perfect for a refreshing swim, before experiencing the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein and tracking desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland. Finally, in the Erongo region, you’ll connect with Namibia’s First People—the San—learning survival skills passed down through generations. This journey offers a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and breathtaking scenery, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek to Etosha National Park
Wildlife, waterholes & iconic sunsets
After an early pickup at 07:00 from your accommodation in Windhoek, you’ll transfer to Chameleon Safaris’ headquarters for a short pre-departure briefing. From here, the journey begins northward through Namibia’s heartland, with a quick supply stop in Otjiwarongo. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch en route.
We enter Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier wildlife sanctuary, for our first exhilarating game drive on the way to Halali Camp. This vast park spans over 22,000 km² and is home to more than 100 mammal species, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes.
As the sun sets, we set up camp and enjoy a delicious dinner cooked over the open fire. Don’t miss a visit to Halali’s floodlit waterhole, where you may spot nocturnal wildlife like black rhinos and elephants under the stars.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Etosha to Ongula Village Homestead Lodge (Owamboland)
Cultural shift: wildlife to the Owambo way of life
Wake early for a final game drive and a visit to the shimmering Etosha Pan, a vast salt flat that can be seen from space. We exit the park via the King Nehale Gate and make our way into Owamboland, home to the largest ethnic group in Namibia—the Owambo people.
We arrive at Ongula Village Homestead Lodge, a cultural gem nestled among farmlands and homesteads, where tradition and community thrive. After setting up camp, enjoy a home-cooked Owambo dinner and prepare to step into a whole new world.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Discovering Owambo Culture
Hands-on heritage experiences
Start the day with a guided homestead tour, gaining firsthand insights into Owambo traditions, daily routines, and community life. Learn how homes are built, meals are prepared, the local brew is made, and stories are passed down through generations. Keep an open mind as this is not a polished tourism experience but a place where real people live and survive, and you have a rare insight into what is happening on the day you are visiting. The more open you are with people, the more they share back with you.
After lunch, you have the option to dive deeper into local life with cultural activities:
• Donkey cart rides – not for the faint-hearted
• Clay pot-making
• Traditional dance & drumming
• Agri-experiences exploring traditional farming
Enjoy dinner around the fire, sharing stories under the night sky.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Ongula to Kunene River Lodge (via Ruacana Falls)
Journey to the wild northwest
We break camp and continue west toward the Kunene River, which forms the natural border between Namibia and Angola. A highlight of today is a stop at the Ruacana Falls—an awe-inspiring (seasonal) waterfall and site of Namibia’s largest hydroelectric power station.
By afternoon, we reach Kunene River Lodge, a tranquil camp on the riverbank. After settling in, enjoy a sunset boat cruise (seasonal) on the Kunene. Your guide will prepare another hearty dinner over the fire.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Kunene River Lodge to Epupa Falls (Himba Visit)
Waterfalls & Himba hospitality
Enjoy a relaxed morning before heading through the dramatic landscapes of Kaokoland to reach the stunning Epupa Falls. After lunch and setting up camp, we visit a nearby Himba village to meet this semi-nomadic tribe known for their ochre-covered skin, intricate hairstyles, and traditional lifestyle.
This is a unique opportunity to learn about their customs, beliefs, and ways of life that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Return to camp to relax by the side of this iconic river, taking in the sounds of the waterfall, the sounds of village life all around and the smell of permanent water. Enjoy a sunset hike with panoramic views of the falls, followed by dinner around the campfire.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Epupa to Ongongo Waterfall Campsite
From ancient traditions to magical waterfalls
After breakfast, we head south toward Opuwo, a bustling frontier town and supply stop. We continue deeper into remote southern Kaokoland, arriving at the hidden gem of Ongongo Waterfall Campsite. You will be amazed to see this crystal-clear pool emerge in this dry and arid landscape.
Set in a secluded canyon, Ongongo—meaning “magical” in Herero—offers crystal-clear pools and gentle waterfalls for an afternoon of swimming, relaxing, and connecting with nature.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ongongo to Damaraland (Madisa Camp)
Rock art & desert mystery
Start the day with a morning swim before heading into the stark beauty of Damaraland. En route, your guide will stop to share insights into the unique flora of this arid region.
After lunch, explore the UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein rock engravings, home to over 2,500 petroglyphs created by ancient San people thousands of years ago.
By late afternoon, arrive at Madisa Camp, tucked among massive granite boulders. Settle in and enjoy a peaceful evening in the wild.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Desert Elephant Tracking in Damaraland
A safari like no other
Today is dedicated to seeking out desert-adapted elephants, a remarkable population that has evolved to survive in one of the harshest climates on Earth. Join a local guide in an open 4×4 for an exhilarating elephant tracking safari, learning to read the land, follow spoor, and hopefully encounter these majestic creatures.
Return to camp for a well-earned meal and enjoy your last Damaraland sunset.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Madisa to Erongo Region (San People Visit)
Meet Namibia’s First People
After breakfast, we journey to the striking Erongo Mountains, a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity and rich in cultural heritage.
After lunch at camp, we visit the Living Museum of the Ju/’Hoansi-San, where you’ll engage with the San people—also known as Bushmen—in a hands-on experience of their traditions. Learn to make fire, craft tools, track animals, shoot a bow and arrow, and enjoy their playful, engaging storytelling style.
Return to camp for a final night around the fire, sharing stories and reflecting on your incredible journey.
Accommodation: Twin-share tents with shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Erongo to Windhoek
Before returning to the capital, enjoy a guided walk to view ancient San rock paintings—one last glimpse into the world of Namibia’s earliest inhabitants.
On the way back to Windhoek, we make a short stop at the famous Wilhemstahl Road Stall where the carnivores can buy the freshest and best biltong and droewors (dried sausage) made on site by the farmer, for the vegetarians there are lovely fruit and vegetable farmstyle wares to take home and try. For everyone, there is the best coffee for 10 days and you will enjoy your first “real” cup of joe since starting your adventure. Our last stop will be at the Okahandja Craft Market for souvenir shopping before arriving at your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
