Raw Namibia
12 Days Starting and ending in Windhoek, Namibia
Visiting: Waterberg Plateau, Khaudum National Park, Nhoma, Nyae Nyae Pans, Okonjima Nature Reserve, N/a'an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary, Khomas Region
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4145
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
- Spend time at the Cheetah Conservation Fund for a cheetah drive
- Engage with the Nhoq’ma community within the traditional area of the Ju’hoan San or Bushmen - try your hand at traditional games and learn how the men prepare for a hunt
- Be foot-guided by Ju’hoan hunters in search of berries, tubers and honey, as well as tracking animals including antelope.
- Game drives at Onguma National Park
- Stay at the Na'an ku sê Lodge, where you can engage in activities like rhino and elephant tracking and meerkat experiences.
- Learn about hunting, setting game traps and tracking animals in the veldt with the San Bushman
The ultimate conservation experience for cat lovers and those with a fascination for nomadic cultures! Whether it be cheetahs or leopards, bushmen or hunter-gatherer tribes, we have a journey that will provide you with a life-changing experience as you contribute to the conservation of Namibia's cats and diminishing traditional tribes.
Walk with caracals and join San Bushmen around their evening fire and listen to their traditional stories about the stars, animals, galaxies and the universe. Go on a bush hunt with the Ju'hoan hunters, collecting bush foods of berries, tubers, honey and small animals.
We invite you to join us on this incredible journey through the soul of Namibia's rich wildlife and raw culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Cheetah Conservation Fund
Location: Waterberg Plateau
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Cheetah View Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Welcome to Namibia! Upon arrival into Windhoek, you will be met by your guide and driver, making your way straight to the world-class research and conservation facility of the Cheetah Conservation Fund for your first cat activity – a cheetah drive or sundowner drive on the CCF reserve is included for later this afternoon. Founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker, the mission of the CCF is to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their ecosystems. Visit the museum and learn about the behaviour and biology of the cheetah, how their range and numbers have diminished, and the unique Namibian ecosystem that supports Africa’s most endangered cat species.
The Cheetah Conservation Fund is located in the spectacular Waterburg Region that incorporates the Waterberg Plateau National Park and the farming districts from Outjo and Otjiwarongo to Grootfontein and Tsumeb in the west.
The Waterberg Plateau rises like an island some 200m above the surrounding African bush and savannah with brick-red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation. Established as a reserve for endangered and protected species it is home to 25 game species, over 200 species of birds, black and white rhino, roan and sable antelope and buffalo. (L,D)
Overnight at Cheetah View Lodge or similar
Distance and Journey Time: Windhoek – Cheetah View (approx. 310km) approx. 3.5 – 4 hours.
Day 2 - Nhoma Safari Camp, Khaudum National Park
Location: Khaudum National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Nhoma Safari Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after breakfast you will make your way to Nhoma Safari Camp, located close to Tsumkwe in the east Kalahari region.
Your visit starts with a half day activity on the first afternoon/evening – an introduction to the community along with normal activities in the village, traditional games and how the men prepare for the hunt. During the evening a traditional healing dance is performed (note this may be performed any evening during your stay). The other days are filled! One day will involve a bush walk/hunt where guests accompany three or four Ju’hoan hunters, collecting bush foods on the way – berries and tubers, honey, small animals and when possible tracking larger antelope. Traditional medicines are pointed out along the way – the walk does not follow a fixed route and the intensity/duration of the hunt can be adapted. The making of fire by various methods and other survival techniques, such as rope making and setting traps are demonstrated during the course of the day.
A further day will be spent at nearby Khaudom – one of Namibia’s least visited parks – this wild and remote national park is an area of dry woodland savannah growing on old stabilised Kalahari sand dunes, interspersed with flat clay pans and river-beds. There are teak forests and false mopane trees. Watch out for elephant, tsessebe, roan, wildebeest, hartebeest, giraffe as well as other antelope. Lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena are the main predators though you may also see wild dog – one of the most endangered species! Another day is dedicated with a visit to Nyae Nyae Pans and huge baobab trees south-east of Tsumkwe and exploring this region – the pans themselves are about 18km south of Tsumkwe and attracts game. The conservancy stretches 9,000km2 around Tsumkwe and communities are given the right to manage their wildlife and tourism in a sustainable way Tented accommodation.
Walk away from the camp with a group of hunters and a guide for two nights of pure bush experience. This is the most adventurous it will get. Food and water will be provided and tents will be put up in the base camp. Meals will be cooked in groups over the fire. Guests can explore the untouched wilderness and have the great opportunity to experience the culture in a unique way. Take time to learn about nature and wildlife with the guidance of the San hunters. Evenings will be entertained with traditional storytelling. The activity will be only offered during the dry season (April- September). It has great potential for nature lovers who would like to have deeper immersion in the nature wisdom and culture of the bushman.
Nhoma Safari Camp is a small activity-orientated tented camp, situated in the northeastern corner of Namibia on state-owned land. The camp was built by Arno Oosthuysen with the help of the Nhoq’ma community within the traditional area of the Ju’hoan San or Bushmen (as they are commonly known in Namibia). Your stay in the Camp allows the community to generate income, which in turn buys food and supplies not provided by the surrounding environment. Without the camp and the economy it creates, the community would have had to have left their ancestral land and moved to settled areas such as Tsumkwe.
Your safari tent, shaded by large Zambesi teak trees, provides basic luxuries such as comfortable beds and an en-suite bath room with hot water. Meals and drinks are provided in a central dining area consisting only of a large thatched roof. With only a handful of tents spread out along a vegetated dune, enjoy 180-degree views over the Nhoma omuramba (fossil river bed). The vegetation of this part of the Kalahari is classified as a woodland savannah and is a far cry from the image people have of the Kalahari! (B,L,D)
4 nights Nhoma Safari Camp
Distance and Journey Time: Cheetah View – Nhoma (approx. 510km) approx. 5.5 – 6 hours.
Day 3 - Bush Walk/Hunt
Location: Nhoma
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Nhoma Safari Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will set out on foot guided by Ju’hoan hunters. With no fixed trail to follow, you will explore the land in search of berries, tubers and honey, as well as tracking animals including antelope. Spend time with these hunters and learn about traditional bush medicines, rope making, setting traps and survival techniques that have been handed down through the generations. (B,L,D)
Walking Time: Approximately 4.5hours
Difficulty: Walk from a nearby camp, Terrain is flat but can be sandy and depending on the time of year the weather can be hot with little shade
Day 4 - Khaudom
Location: Khaudum National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Nhoma Safari Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after breakfast you will make your way by 4×4 to the vast, wild and remote Khaudom National Park. With teak forests and false mopane trees, this dry woodland savannah sits on ancient stabilised Kalahari sand dunes, interspersed with flat clay pans and riverbeds. Fenced on only two sides, this park allows animals to follow their migratory routes to the water of the Kavango River. Large numbers of animals can be found throughout the park including elephant, tsessebe, roan, wildebeest, hartebeest, giraffe and antelope. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas are the main predators, and the park is also home to one of the most endangered species, wild dogs. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Nyae Nyae Pans
Location: Nyae Nyae Pans
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Nhoma Safari Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after breakfast you will visit the Nyae Nyae Pans, a large complex of beautiful salt pans within the 9,000sq kilometre conservation area that surrounds Tsumkwe, where local communities are given the right to manage their wildlife and tourism in a sustainable way.
Nyae Nyae is home to scattered villages, prehistoric dunes, huge baobab trees and nomadic game. The vast array of wildlife includes numerous antelope species, elephants, spotted hyenas and wild dogs. Dozens of waterbird species including rare wattled cranes, slated egrets and even flamingos migrate to its waters during the rainy season. (B,L,D)
Day 6-8 - Okonjima Plains Camp, Okonjima Nature Reserve
Location: Okonjima Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Old Traders Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, our journey takes us to Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation’s sanctuary. Nestled between Windhoek and Etosha, the renowned Okonjima Nature Reserve spans 22,000 hectares, enclosed by a 96-kilometer fence completed in 2010. Home to the AfriCat Foundation, this sanctuary offers captive carnivores a chance to reintegrate into the wild within a protected area amidst commercial farmlands. The reserve also features a secure zone encompassing Plains Camp, Bush Camp, Bush Suite, the Omboroko Campsite, and the PAWS Environmental Education Centre, spanning 2,000 hectares.
Upon arrival, ease into the afternoon by the waterhole, a tranquil start. During your stay, you will take part in a mix of diverse activities, such as visiting the AfriCat Foundation’s Carnivore Care Programme, tracking leopards, pursuing pangolins (optionally exchanged for an endangered species game drive), and engaging in thrilling game drives. Specialist activities, such as night drives, can be arranged onsite.
Leopard Tracking
The Leopard ‘experience’ will take you out into the Okonjima Nature Reserve, allowing you to spend more time with our experienced guides and participate in the research data collection for our long-standing leopard project and newly introduced brown hyena programme. Some of our adult leopards are radio collared which enables the guides to track them with a specialised telemetry device contributing to frequent viewing, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience the fascinating behaviour and interactions between these two species while they compete for food.
Endangered Species Nature Drive
Embark on the Endangered Species Nature Drive, a comprehensive exploration dedicated to conserving threatened mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve. Assisted by the AfriCat Foundation’s research, encounter rare wildlife like the shy brown hyena, bat-eared fox, and rhino.
Game Drive
The Game Drive unfolds the conservation history of Okonjima over the past three decades. Wildlife is the focus of the drive and no telemetry devices are used to track any of the carnivores researched. Led by expert guides, you will get to appreciate the natural habitat of the nature reserve.
Pangolin Track (on foot)
For those intrigued by elusive pangolins, the Pangolin Tracking expedition offers a specialised encounter. Weather permitting, join guides or researchers on a silent, respectful night-time tracking expedition, gaining insights into the secretive life of these vulnerable creatures.
Night Drive
Beneath the night sky, join the nocturnal adventure of the Night Drive. Led by knowledgeable guides, uncover the hidden world of nocturnal wildlife, witnessing species rarely seen during the day as the African bush comes alive in the cool evening the African bush comes to life once again with bat-eared foxes roaming about, aardwolves on the hunt for insects, owls observing their surroundings from a height.
2 nights Okonjima Plains Camp
Day 9-11 - Na'an Ku Sê
Location: N/a'an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Old Traders Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, our final destination is Na an kuse, arriving in time for lunch. Your guide will drop you here and the lodge staff will now take care of you. During your stay you can join a meerkat excursion or take part in a bush walk; enjoy a walk with caracals, and join either rhino feeding/tracking or elephant tracking and/or K9 experience. You will also join Behind the Scenes with Marlice; Naankuse works actively with the Bushman and provides considerable support – including providing a school – if it’s during term time we can include a visit here, (BLD/BLD) 5 activities/shared are included. Approx 5.5 hours drive Rhino Tracking (Wildlife Tracking): Get on your walking shoes, grab your binoculars, and spend an afternoon with a ranger and tracker in search of rhinos. Rhino tracking offers a great opportunity to learn about the habits and characteristics of this threatened species, the issue of rhino poaching, and ongoing conservation efforts. Daily 10h00 or 15h00. or Elephant Tracking (Wildlife Tracking): Want to see the majestic elephants roaming playfully in their natural habitat? Go on an amazing elephant safari and enjoy the wildlife. An encounter with these iconic African animals will teach you about how intelligent and compassionate they actually are. Besides being a magnificent opportunity to explore nature, you will also learn much about the issues surrounding elephants’ conservation. Daily at 10:00 or at 15:00
K9 experience: Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you delve into the world of K9 dog training at our remarkable K9 Training Centre. Experience the thrill of working alongside our skilled trainers and their four-legged companions. Engage in interactive sessions where you’ll learn more about K9 training first-hand. Discover the art of obedience, scent detection, and search and rescue techniques to guide intelligent and agile canines through a series of stimulating exercises.
Activities on offer:
Caracal Experience
Take a walk with our habituated caracal and our guides. During this walk you will get to see how these animals behave in the wild, stalking birds and small mammals as they regain their natural instincts and hone their hunting skills. You will also experience the serenity of the Namibian veld and no doubt be accompanied by a wide variety of bird species.
Behind the Scenes with Marlice van Vuuren
Follow in Marlice’s footsteps and get an intimate view of the workings of a wildlife reserve and sanctuary. In this in-depth activity, you will gain insight into the real N/a’an ku sê world, the inner workings of sanctuary life and the myriad of animal species currently being cared for. Enter the riveting world of research carried out at N/a’an ku sê, and gain intimate knowledge into the field of human-carnivore conflict mitigation. Become smitten with our gorgeous sanctuary orphans and bond with the baby baboons (there’s nothing like it). Become fully immersed in Marlice’s magical world!
Meerkat Experience
Take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter N/a’an ku sê’s very own “Meerkat Manor”, and spend a magical two hours witnessing the delightful antics of the bushveldt’s most beloved residents. Meerkats are early risers, emerging from their dens at approximately 6.15 AM. Hence you will be met at the main lodge building and then it’s off to enter a madcap meerkat world on N/a’an ku sê’s picturesque reserve. *Please note that even though we always do our utmost to ensure significant meerkat sightings, the animal kingdom plays by its own rules, thus sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Located just a 40-minute drive from Windhoek International Airport and nestled in the stunning African veldt, it’s perfectly situated to start or finish your trip to Namibia. With a range of enjoyable activities available, including various Carnivore Feeding Tours, and Cheetahs up Close there are a number of activities to keep you busy. The only charity lodge in Namibia, N/a’an ku sê is crafted from ecologically clean material including solid logs and glass to complement the beautiful wilderness setting, there are just six luxurious, individual chalets each with open bathroom/shower, air-con, tea/coffee station and a small private verandah. The main area has a dining area with stunning views, a bar and a swimming pool. There are also five beautifully appointed and fully equipped holiday houses available for hire. The lodge is a not-for-profit eco-tourism destination, where all profits are directed straight back into supporting their charitable projects – the Wildlife Sanctuary and Carnivore Conservation Research Project for Namibia’s vulnerable wildlife, and the Clever Cubs School and Lifeline Clinic for the San Bushman. By visiting N/a’an ku se you are directly contributing towards the protection and conservation of wildlife and helping to improve the lives of the marginalized San Bushman community. The lodge design incorporates the ethnic and rustic atmosphere of Africa, whilst offering luxury accommodation. Grass, wooden logs, stones, and mohair together with linen and bedding are a unique combination. Activities are focused around the game on the reserve. (B,L,D)
3 nights Na’an ku sê Lodge
Distance and Journey Time: Okonjima to Na Ankuse (Approx 260km) approx. 3.5hours
Day 12 - Departure
Location: Khomas Region
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Na’an ku sê Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
Return airport transfers are included in the tour package.
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11 nights accommodation
The tour includes 11 nights of accommodation at various lodges and camps.
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Meals
The package includes 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners.
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English speaking local guide
Services of an English speaking local guide are provided throughout the tour.
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Private transportation
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included for transfers.
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National Park fees
National Park fees are covered in the tour package.
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Safari vehicle
A safari vehicle is provided for game drives during the tour.
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Sightseeing
Sightseeing as per the itinerary is included in the tour.
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Local taxes
Local taxes are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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International and domestic flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel and medical insurance
Travel and medical insurance are not included in the package.
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Additional services and meals
All services and meals other than those indicated are not included.
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Program changes
Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program are not included.
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Personal expenses
All items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and tips are not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect at the Cheetah Conservation Fund?
At the Cheetah Conservation Fund, you can participate in a cheetah drive or sundowner drive on the reserve. You will also have the opportunity to visit the museum to learn about cheetah behavior, biology, and conservation efforts.
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What unique experiences are offered at Nhoma Safari Camp?
Nhoma Safari Camp offers a unique experience where you can engage with the Ju’hoan San community, participate in traditional games, and witness a traditional healing dance. You can also join Ju’hoan hunters on a bush walk to collect bush foods and learn about traditional medicines, fire making, and survival techniques.
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What wildlife can be seen in Khaudom National Park?
In Khaudom National Park, you can see a variety of wildlife including elephants, tsessebe, roan, wildebeest, hartebeest, giraffe, and various antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas are also present, along with the endangered wild dogs.
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What conservation activities are available at Okonjima Nature Reserve?
At Okonjima Nature Reserve, you can participate in leopard tracking, pangolin tracking, and the Endangered Species Nature Drive. These activities allow you to observe and learn about the conservation efforts for leopards, brown hyenas, and other threatened species.
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What can I expect from the Na’an ku sê Lodge experience?
At Na’an ku sê Lodge, you can enjoy activities such as a meerkat excursion, bush walks, and walks with caracals. You can also participate in rhino or elephant tracking, and experience the K9 training program. The lodge offers a behind-the-scenes look at wildlife conservation efforts and supports the local San Bushman community.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.