Namibian Pegmatites and Industrial Minerals

Taking place on: 6 - 12 September 2014

Tour Leader(s)

Judith Kinnaird, Paul Nex and Gabi Schneider

The pegmatites and industrial mineral deposits to be visited during this excursion in central Namibia are but a small example of the wealth of minerals available in the country. During the field excursion participants will have the opportunity of visiting several pegmatites from zoned Li types to tourmaline-bearing, see a marble works and salt industry, visit a uranium deposit, a wollastonite industry, a monazite-bearing carbonatite dyke and experience the wonders of the Crystal Gallerie

ACCOMMODATION VENUES

AMEIB RANCH

Ameib is a superb holiday paradise, meaning "The Green Face" offer many safari opportunities. Photographers will discover the challenging scenes amongst sculptured rocks and the breathtaking landscape. Those interested in Namibia's history will delight in the discovery of rock art and paintings. The highlight is the White Elephant in the Phillip's Cave, a superb example dating back hundreds of years. The walking trails over the ranch offer game spotting and the study of indigenous birds from close-up. As you daydream around the sparkling pool or the camp, the outside world passes by; you will really appreciate Ameib, natures' beautiful paradise.

BEACH LODGE SWAKOPMUND

Located 50-metres from the oceanfront and featuring a roof terrace with a pool, Beach Hotel Swakopmund offers bright, airy accommodation with a balcony and modern décor. There is à la carte restaurant, sun terrace and a bar. The stylishly furnished rooms and apartments are equipped with air conditioning,

The Large rooftop terrace has a swimming pool, cocktail bar and stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean, the Namib Desert and the city centre.  The National Marine Aquarium and Swakopmund Lighthouse are within 2 km away. Local activities include swimming and horse riding.

ITINERARY

Day 1, Saturday
Arrive                     Windhoek
Travel                     Windhoek-Okahandja-Karibib-Usakos
Accommodation  Usakos area: Ameib Ranch             
Karibib marble works, Karibib mineral shop, Erongo scenery/walk

Day 2, Sunday
Travel                     Usakos-Karibib
Accommodation  Usakos area: Ameib Ranch
Rubikon pegmatite, Otjua pegmatite

Day 3, Monday
Travel                     Usakos-Karibib
Accommodation  Usakos area: Ameib Ranch
Usakos wollastonite, Usakos tourmaline mine, Otjua tourmaline Eureka carbonatites

Day 4, Tuesday
Travel                     Usakos-Karibib
Accommodation  Usakos area: Ameib Ranch
Navachab gold mine and metamorphic minerals

Day 5, Wednesday
Travel                     Usakos-Spitkoppe-Henties Bay-Swakopmund
Accommodation  Beach Lodge Swakopmund
Klein Spitzkoppe dimension stone quarry, mineral dealers on main road, Coastal salt pans

Day 6, Thursday
Travel                     Swakopmund-Rossing
Accommodation  Beach Lodge Swakopmund
Rossing uranium mine, rose quartz locality 
Crystal Gallerie, or Swakopmund sightseeing

Day 7, Friday
Travel to Windhoek for return flight to Johannesburg

Minimum participants:  15

Maximum participants:  20

A decision will be made whether this tour is taking place or not by 31 May 2014.

Cost: R19 000

- Persons to have correct currency prior to trip
- Persons are responsible for their own visa & travel insurance
- Persons to ensure they have the required vaccinations before entering South African & Namibia, depending on their country of origin or place of travel prior to the conference