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Tok
Tokkie Trails
The beauty of a Tok Tokkie Trail is the fact that you experience so
many different aspects of the desert – from mountainous terrain to
sandy dunes. Walking is conducted at a leisurely pace and does
normally not exceed 12 km per day.
DAY 01:
You must arrive at the Tok Tokkie homestead by 13.30 (summertime)
and 12.30 (wintertime). As the drive from Sesriem is 110
kms and takes about ±1h30 it is important to keep
an eye on the time.
Upon arrival at the Tok Tokkie Homestead, you will be
introduced to your guide. Prior to departing on a short
scenic drive to the starting point of the trail you will
be given a daypack with a water bottle and some raisins
and a cup. All you have to do is add your camera, binoculars
and a book to read during the heat of the day and tomorrow
morning you will be given a lunch pack. In addition you
must pack a bag of your own with the clothes needed for
the duration of the trail - this bag will be transferred
to your overnight camp by vehicle.
From your drop-off point in the sand dunes it is a short
walk to your first overnight camp. The dunes are not the
massive ones that are encountered at Sossusvlei, but small,
vegetated dunes that have a unique beauty of their own.
Relax with a sundowner, marvel at the magnificent scenery
and start “feeling” the desert. Enjoy a wholesome
three-course dinner and unwind before falling asleep in
the open under a blanket of stars. Overnight
and dinner - sleeping out in the open (stretcher beds
and bed-rolls)
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Day
2:
Early morning tea or coffee is served before sunrise followed
by a light breakfast so that you can set off in the cool
of the early morning. The highlight of the walk is the
breathtaking view of the dunes and plains as well as the
“coming alive” of the desert as the guide
allows you to feel, smell, taste and see the oldest living
desert in the world. The morning news, as written in the
sand of the dunes is always fascinating and with some
luck, and the guide’s trained eyes, you may spot
some of the desert specials. (Golden mole, Dancing white
lady, Barking gecko, Dune lark, Flightless wasp to name
some). You spend a good part of the morning on the mountain,
before descending the other side to a dry riverbed.
During the course of the day your guide will explain the
wonders of the Namib - how the fascinating desert flora
survives by tapping underground water from the riverbed,
how insect life, which is prolific, adapts to the harsh
environment. Birding is surprisingly good and you may
be lucky enough to see one of Namib endemics, the Dune
Lark. Larger animals you might come across include bat-eared
fox, oryx, springbok, ostrich.
As the day heats up it is time to stop at a shady spot
where you can enjoy your lunch pack and fill up your water
bottles. There is plenty of time to relax, have a siesta
and reflect on all you have seen. As the heat recedes
you start walking – on and through the dunes to
your second overnight spot. The scene in front of you
is an endless dune sea and gravel plains with a backdrop
of magnificent mountain scenery. Photography is spectacular
as the shadows on the dunes create an ever-changing palette
of colours shortly before sunset.
A delicious dinner after a long and enjoyable day is indeed
welcome. The sound of barking geckoes, the occasional
cry of a hyena, the hoo-hoo of spotted eagle owls, and
more likely than not, the silence accompanies you through
the night. Overnight and dinner - sleeping
out in the open (stretcher beds and bed-rolls) |
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Day
03:
Once again you are woken in the soft light shortly before
sunrise. Coffee and breakfast is served before you set
off through the dune field. The soft and rolling dunes
are interspersed by camelthorn trees, which provide welcome
shade for a rest. Today’s walk is easy and you arrive
at Tok Tokkie homestead at approximately 10:30
When time allows a visit to the Namib Desert Environmental
Education Trust (NaDEET) Education Centre is also part
of the last mornings walk. NaDEET is a non-profit, donor
sponsored trust, which aims at developing environmentally
responsible citizens of Namibia.
NB
– sometimes this walk is turned around, so the landscape
will be seen at different times of the day. This is at
Tok Tokkie’s discretion.
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NOTES:
1) Group size is limited to or eight, self drive guests.
Larger groups will be taken only if the guests are travelling
together. This is part of what makes this a special experience.
2) Personal packs should not weigh more than 10kg. Keep
camera equipment light; a telephoto lens for animals and
birds, and a wide angle for scenery are recommended. Whilst
walking there are no facilities to charge batteries for
video cameras so be sure to have sufficient batteries
available.
3) Bathroom facilities comprise a long-drop toilet, bucket
shower and a hand basin at the overnight camps. During
the day toilet paper and matches are provided.
4) Fresh water for drinking will always be available.
5) Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will be provided
to ensure a healthy balanced diet; however, if you have
any special dietary requirements please be sure to inform
us in advance so that the necessary planning may be done
to ensure that you have an enjoyable safari.
6) Rates include all meals, the services of a guide and
“back-up” crew as well as the transfer to
the starting point. Tea, coffee and juice, beer wine and
soft drinks are freely available in overnight camps.
7) Although it is unlikely that you will come across the
back up vehicle during your walk, it is always in radio
contact allowing for a quick return to the guesthouse
in the unlikely event of an accident or medical emergency.
8) Your guide carries an extensive first-aid kit, with
a back up in the vehicle. All guides have a working knowledge
of first aid. |
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WHAT
YOU NEED TO BRING:
- Curiosity and good humour
- Camera equipment and binoculars
- Comfortable shoes for walking NOT new shoes, these will
cause great discomfort and spoil your walk
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
CLOTHING
NEEDED:
- Light and comfortable
- Jacket and pullover for cool evenings.
- Sport shoes or sandals for the evening
- A hat or cap is essential.
- Warm clothes in the winter months
NB:
Contact lenses are uncomfortable in the sandy and dry
desert. Please wear your glasses instead. |
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© Safaris Unlimited 2006-2009 |
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