Photographic Safari: Expedition Namibia

Route: Keetmanshoop - Aus - Sossusvlei - Swakopmund - Skeleton Coast - Sesfontein - Etosha West - Etosha South - Onguma Game Reserve - Rundu - Mahango Game Reserve - Kwando River - Chobe River Front
Duration: 25 Nights / 26 Days

Day 1: Keetmanshoop

Welcome to beautiful Namibia!

After clearing customs, you will be met by a representative from the car rental company who will hand over your vehicle if you are visiting Namibia on a self-drive.

You will depart the capital for the south of Namibia to the town of Keetmanshoop. Your first overnight accommodation is quite some distance from the capital and thus this will only be possible if you arrive on an early morning flight allowing you +/- 5 hours for the 548km journey to Keetmanshoop.

Situated along the Trans-Namib Railway, in the Karas region of southern Namibia, the town of Keetmanshoop is known as the capital of southern Namibia. Founded in 1860, this southern Namibian town is a living slice of history. German colonial architecture is dotted around the town and the local museum, housed in an old church, provides an interesting insight into the town's heritage. Just a short drive out of town, the Quiver Tree Forest is a sea of spikes and twisted trunks, while the neighboring 'Giant's Playground' is an evocative expanse of strange rock formations. Both offer superb opportunities for photography, particularly at sunset.

Visitors can look forward to exploring the scenic and historic attractions of this amazing place and enjoy an array of wonderful activities.

Day 2: Aus

Today's drive is relatively short so if you would like to visit the Quiver tree forest for sunrise photography there is ample time.

When you are ready, depart into the Sperrgebiet towards Aus, a +/- 2-hour drive.

Perched above the plains of the Namib Desert and tucked away in the rocky Aus Mountains, the small village of Aus is located in the Karas Region in southern Namibia. The arid surrounding landscape is known for its unique botanical diversity. Aus serves as an excellent base from which to explore the area and to view the main attraction: the feral horses of the Namib Desert, which run wild and free in the sparsely vegetated plains. Catch a glimpse of these wild desert-adapted creatures at the water trough at Garub just twenty kilometers away from the village. Visitors can explore the Succulent Karoo with a visit to the beautiful Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, home to the most biodiverse desert in the world, and take a scenic hike to discover fascinating indigenous fauna and flora.

Don't miss the opportunity to camp under the clear Namibian night sky and view the vast desert landscape on horseback.

Just east of Aus, there are several lodges nestled in the granite-gneiss hills with magnificent views of the landscape. This is the area where the Namib Desert begins to merge with golden grasses, where wild horses roam free and people once gathered with diamond dreams.

Join on an afternoon Desert Tour in search of the Wild Horses of the Namib and/or relax on a scenic sunset drive making the best of light and landscape.

Day 3: Aus

Take a day trip to the town of Lüderitz which is just 120km away to visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop.

20km from Aus, on the way to or back from Lüderitz, visit the Garub water hole where the wild horses and several other animals of the desert plains can be found.

Kolmanskop

Amongst the sands of the Namib, the crumbling buildings of a small, once-luxurious town emerge from the drifting dunes. This ghost town is Kolmanskop, a reminder of the wealth of a time when diamonds could be picked by hand from the desert, and a remarkable photographic opportunity with few equals anywhere on earth.

Wild Horses of the Namib

Fighting for a life in freedom they hold an irresistible fascination: The Wild Horses of the Namib in south-western Namibia. For centuries their origin was shrouded in mystery. Their habitat, the barren plains around Garub on the eastern fringe of the Namib Desert, is no paradise; nevertheless, they have managed to adapt to the harsh conditions. Their forebears, once in the service of man, gained freedom for themselves: a life in the vastness of the Namib, away from human civilization, according to the rules of their own horse society. Perhaps this is the reason for the fascination of thousands of visitors every year. Plans for moving the herd to farms have been discarded by now: it has been decided that also in future the horses' place is in Namib Naukluft Park.

Day 4: Sossusvlei

Today you will embark on another +/- 5 hour drive to reach Sossuvlei.

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 meters-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei's tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

Day 5: Sossusvlei

The early bird gets the worm and, in your case, the best light!

You will depart for Sossusvlei for some sunrise photography opportunities. Waiting for the sun to rise over Deadvlei, watch as the dunes transform from indiscriminate mounds of sand to chiseled ribbons of flushed red and dancing shadows. If your feeling energetic visiting the likes of Dune 45, Big Daddy and Elim Dune.

Escape the heat and awaiting crowds by returning to the Lodge for lunch.

Due to the extreme afternoon temperatures, Deadvlei is usually empty in the afternoons, so if you want to experience this place at its best (alone and silent) then brave the heat and visit in the afternoon.

You will also be permitted to stay within the park until just after sunset if sunset photography is on your to-do list.

Choosing the right month of the year to visit Sossusvlei is of utmost importance. Deadvlei is often crowded during peak season from May to August and one hardly experiences the complete silence and emptiness it has to offer. Temperatures could reach some 45 degrees during November to February so if your sensitive to heat, best to avoid these months too. During March and April tourism is still relatively low and after a good rain season, there may still be some greenery among the dunes.

The best time to photograph the dunes is early morning and late afternoon, this is when the dunes cast shadows and images do not look flat as they do in the middle of the day with fewer shadows, the color of the sand is richer and the heat haze reflecting off the earth's surface do not affect your images.

Day 6: Swakopmund

After breakfast, you will check out of the Lodge and make your way towards the Atlantic Ocean visiting the German coastal town of Swakopmund.

This road is in notoriously bad condition. We suggest departing as soon as possible and taking your time to drive the 350km road to Swakopmund.

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

Day 7: Swakopmund

Swakopmund caters to all sorts of adventures.

We recommend joining our team of specialized guides for an Eco Dune Tour better known as "Living Desert" tour for some macro photography and the opportunity to photograph desert-adapted wildlife up close and personal.

Alternatively, enjoy a morning boat cruise to photograph some marine wildlife with some local oysters and champagne and join our team in the evening for a Night Walk.

For dinner, try your hand at some typical local German cuisine.

Activities are generally sold out quite quickly and we recommend pre-booking to secure your spot on any activity.

Recommended

Morning: Catamaran Charters
Afternoon: Batis Birding Safaris Eco Dune Tour
Evening: Batis Birding Safaris Night Walk

Catamaran Charters

The Catamaran Charters Team invites you aboard the 45ft Royal Cape Sailing Catamaran Silverwind, or the 60ft Simon Sailing Catamaran Silversand, or the 40ft Admiral Motorised Catamaran Silvermoon, to enjoy an adventure-packed tour to Pelican Point and Walvis Bay's beautiful bay area.

The chances of encountering dolphins, whales, turtles, seals and Mola Mola (sunfish) make the search for the marine big 5 and adventurous tour by enjoying sparkling wine, fresh oysters and other mouth-watering snacks aboard the spacious and comfortable catamarans.

Batis Birding Safaris Eco Dune Tour

This excursion takes place along the eastern part of the major dune belt which lies between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. A wide selection of desert animals can be seen during the excursion, including the Namib sand diving lizard, web-footed gecko, Namaqua chameleon, Peringuey's Adder, red-capped larks, Gray's larks, and Stark's larks.

The excursion explores an area known as the "Horse Graveyard" where the mass slaughter of South African military horses marked the turning point of Namibia's involvement in the First World War. The excursion offers excellent photographic opportunities.

Batis Birding Safaris Night Walk

The night walk offers a glimpse into the nocturnal theatre of the unique eco-system of the Namib gravel plains. Various animals roam the desert at night and those who go on the night walk can expect to see various species of geckos, spiders, gerbils, and scorpions.

Day 8: Skeleton Coast

Literally meters from the Atlantic Ocean, you will find Cape Cross. Around this idyllic oasis lies infinite ocean and desert, littered with the eerie remains of man's past endeavors. Nearby, rocky outcrops provide a perfect playground for a large colony of Cape Fur Seals. Visitors can self-drive or even walk to the colony ensuring they first visit the Ministry Office to complete entry requirements. Stretching from the Swakop River to southern Angola, the Skeleton Coast is known as the 'Land God Made in Anger' and is remoteness at its best. Thousands of miles of sandy desert dotted with shipwrecks meet with the cold waters of the Atlantic and somehow an amazing array of wildlife and flora manages to survive in this harsh but beautiful environment. Ocean fog creeps over the shoreline caused by the warm dry air of the Namib Desert colliding with the cold Benguela current. This otherworldly area is home to a diversity of wildlife including seabird colonies, Cape fur seals, zebra, gemsbok, desert-adapted elephant, lion and much more. Surfing enthusiasts are drawn to these powerful waves and photographers flock from around the globe to snap a shot of this eerie shipwreck graveyard and for the unrivaled maritime photographic opportunities. This coast is desolate but breathtakingly beautiful.

Cape Cross Seal Colony

This colony of Cape Fur Seals is one of the largest in the world, home to approximately 80 000 to 100 000 of these so-called 'seals', which are in fact a species of sea lion. Day trips to the colony are offered and the seals can be viewed from a walkway at a distance of roughly 200 meters.

Day 9: Sesfontein, Damaraland

Today you will depart along the Skeleton Coast towards onto the fridge of Kaokoland. The immediate surrounding area of Damaraland has many rich and interesting activities including desert-adapted elephant and Himba settlements within easy reach.

Sesfontein, meaning 'six fountains', is home to six natural springs creating a lush oasis rising up from a barren landscape. Set in the Hoanib Valley and surrounded by mountains, Sesfontein is a harshly beautiful town dotted with acacia and mopane trees interspersed with spiky-leafed fan palms. The town serves as a good base from which to launch an exploration of the surrounding Kaokoveld. An old fort, constructed at the end of the 19th century, has been refurbished and converted into a comfortable lodge rich with atmosphere and makes a great base to explore the southern reaches of the Kaokoveld. Don't miss a trip to a local Himba village to learn about local customs and traditions and observe how these communities live in peaceful coexistence with wildlife and the natural surrounds.

Day 10: Sesfontein, Damaraland

In addition to the outstanding natural beauty of this location, there are many other tours and attractions for guests. For example:

Search for desert elephant in the Hoanib river area

Rhino tracking

Nature walks in the Hoanib river beds and the area surrounding the lodge.

Opportunities to view the smaller creatures, birds and beautiful sceneries by foot.

Meet the indigenous, nomadic Himba tribe in their villages to the north of the camps.

Half-day Birding drives with local experts

Rock Art Excursions in Kaokoland and Damaraland

Recommended

Desert Elephant Experience

Desert Elephant Experience is a full-day guided tour where visitors will be transported in 4x4 vehicles down to the Hoanib Riverbed, where the elephants frequently roam. Other wildlife that can be spotted include baboons, giraffe and a variety of birdlife. The day tour includes lunch and soft drinks.

Day 11: Sesfontein, Damaraland

Himba Cultural Excursions

Damaraland and the Kaokoveld, as well as southern parts or Angola, are home to the Himba, one of the last truly traditional tribes on the planet. These friendly people are closely related to the Herero and lead a semi-nomadic life as herdsmen, breeding mainly cattle and goats. The community living among the majestic Makalani palms at Palmfontein invites visitors to learn more about their proud and ancient lifestyle and traditions. Visitors will be able to see their cone-shaped homestead made from palm leaves, mud and cattle dung and learn more about their unique customs and techniques. Due to the nomadic lifestyle of the Himba, the trip is not offered all year round.

Rhino Tracking

Khowarib Rhino Tracking is a full-day guided tour where visitors will be transported in 4x4 vehicles into the Palmwag Conservancy, which is home to one of the largest free-roaming populations of desert-adapted black rhino in Africa. Other wildlife that can be spotted includes mountain zebra, southern giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, klipspringer, black-backed jackal and small spotted genet. The full-day tour includes lunch and soft drinks.

Day 12: Hobatere concession, Etosha West

Today you will make your way towards Hobatere. The lodge is situated in a concession area of 8 808 hectares, which is home to a rich diversity of game, including elephant and lion. With conservation in mind, the lodge is actively involved in promoting the peaceful co-existence of man and nature. Thatched roofs keep the well-appointed chalets cool and offer shade against the heat of the African savannah. Hobatere offers a walk on the wild side and is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.

Situated in the western part of Etosha National park, Etosha West is a new addition to this world-famous wildlife sanctuary. Formerly a restricted area the wilder western region accessed through Galton Gate, has previously had limited access, today it is open to all visitors who wish to discover the secluded reaches of this spectacular park. Visitors to Etosha West can look forward to exploring the magnificent scenery of this remote north Namibian landscape characterised by lush undulating terrain and a reddish-brown soil, which is a stark contrast to the white dusty clay soil of Etosha East's flat expansive plains. The area boasts numerous waterholes attracting elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and a variety of buck. Don't miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the rare Hartmann's Mountain Zebra and black-faced impala.

Day 13: Hobatere concession, Etosha West

Hobatere offers the visitor the opportunity to experience game drives in open vehicles with knowledgeable and experienced rangers. In both the morning and afternoon drives the guests will have all the benefit of enjoying an exclusive wildlife-rich area, whilst bird-watching enthusiasts can also applaud the variety of species found in this concession.

Join a Night Drive from 20h00 in search of the elusive nocturnal animals and end the drive at their Boma, where you can relax with a drink and a bush dinner.

Day 14: Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South

Today you will travel to Namibia's favorite wildlife destination, the Etosha National Park.

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise.

Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson's Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.

Okaukuejo, located 17 km from the southern entrance of the Etosha National Park, is famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting.

Accommodation is basic but the waterhole is a must!

Please note: Single-use plastic is not permitted inside the park and will be confiscated upon entering.

Day 15: Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South

Spend this day exploring Etosha.

When visiting the Etosha National Park the trick is to choose a good watering hole and be patient. Who knows what you are likely to encounter, but mid-day is hot and animals need to quench their thirst so instead of looking for the animals, wait and let them come to you.

Important: Please refrain from leaving your vehicle inside the park and obey all rules & regulations.

Day 16: Onguma Game Reserve

Make your way through the park keeping an eye out for wildlife sightings.

The roads are not in the best condition so take the day to make the 157km drive to the east and stop along several watering holes to take in everything.

Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher's Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve features over 34000 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The seasonal rains attract thousands of migrating birds to the Fisher's Pan wetland area. The neighboring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including four of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park to view the abundant game in the largest national park in Namibia.

There is a lovely flood-lit watering hole right great for nocturnal sightings.

Day 17: Onguma Game Reserve

Chose to spend this day either further exploring Etosha or stay on Onguma and spend their day in the Onkolo hide.

Activities

Onguma Onkolo Hide

Onguma Onkolo Hide features Onguma's fabulous new water-level hide which affords guests an opportunity to sit and enjoy nature unobserved. There is a small ablution facility nearby, benches from which to view the surroundings and lots of windows and vantage points for creative camera angles.

Day 18: Rundu

After breakfast depart for the north of Namibia.

Bordering Angola, on the banks of the Okavango River in northern Namibia, the town of Rundu serves as the capital of the eastern Kavango region. Rundu is renowned for its local woodcarvers' market as well as the numerous woodcarvers' huts dotting the side of the road. The town provides a great stopover to refuel for visitors heading to Katima Mulilo as well as an excellent base from which to explore the magnificent surrounding areas. Visitors to Rundu can enjoy the beautiful surrounds including the magnificent Popa Falls and Mahangu Game Reserve. Other popular activities include great game viewing, excellent bird watching as well as kayaking on the spectacular Kavango river.

Day 19: Rundu

Take this day to recuperate and enjoy the surroundings.

Experience the water world of the Kavango on a romantic boat trip as the sun goes down.

Day 20: Mahango Game Reserve

Depart for the Mahango National Park.

Bordering Botswana, the small Mahango Game Park provides a convenient stopover between Rundu and Katima Mulilo. It forms part of the beautiful Bwabwata National Park. The park's landscape is characterized by woodlands, vast floodplains of the Okavango River basin known as omurambas and the Kavango River. It is home to a reported 99 species of including a large number of elephants, lion, leopard and a variety of antelopes including the red lechwe, sable and roan. This park is an excellent destination for avid bird watchers boasting over 400 species and provides the perfect spot for visitors to catch a glimpse of crocodile and hippo in the Kavango River. Other popular activities include night game drives, wildlife safaris, and watching the African sunset over the floodplains.

Day 21: Mahango Game Reserve

After the return of the Breakfast cruise, guests can relax for about 2-2.5 hours. At approximately 11.45 board the new boat and enjoy the scenery for about 2.5 hours guests will be spoiled with different snacks. These appetizers are prepared on the boat and guests can enjoy sparkling wine, cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, whilst relaxing and enjoying the Kavango River. After the cruise (at about 15:00) guests are taken on the Buffalo game drive into the Mahangu Game Park for another 3.5 hours and will enjoy a Sundowner at the end of the tour. Drinks, as well as chips, nuts, Biltong and dry sausage, will be served. Guests will be returned to the lodge in a smaller boat and can prepare for dinner.

The Mahango Game Park is a protected area in Namibia within Bwabwata National Park. It is situated at the country's eastern border with Botswana in the flood plains of the Okavango River basin, close to the Popa Falls on the river.

The Caprivi Strip encloses the western part of the park.

Day 22: Kwando River

Continue your travels into the Caprivi strip. Capture the spirit of the African bush while sipping sundowners from the beautiful overhead deck and experience the thrill of the hauntingly beautiful call of the African fish eagle.

Meandering through the spectacular Caprivi Strip in northwest Namibia, the Kwando River rises from the central Angolan highlands forming the boundary between Namibia, Zambia and Angola. The area surrounding the Kwando River is known for its protected game reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. It offers excellent game viewing with the perennial waters of the river attracting plentiful wildlife including large herds of elephant, hippos, crocodiles, red lechwe, turtles, zebra, impala, spotted-necked otters and over 400 species of bird. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stay at one of the many lodges set on the banks of the river and soak up the spectacular views of wild Africa. Popular activities include game viewing, bird watching, fishing, and camping.

Day 23: Kwando River

Experience comfortable drives in neighboring parks. Game drives leave in the morning and in the afternoon, usually to Mudumu Game Park, and include a relaxing break where drinks shall be served. On request, they can organize a day trip to Bwabwata National Park. Bush lunch and drinks are provided. The priority is for you to encounter wildlife!

If you would prefer another boat trip - this is a very relaxing trip while enjoying nature. It is a great way to see birds and if you are lucky you may encounter some hippos, elephants, buffaloes and more on the way. The boat cruise takes approximately 2 hours and departs twice a day: early morning and in the afternoon.

Alternatively, experience the local traditions. Just next door to Camp Kwando is the village where most of their staff comes from. The villagers have created a traditional village where they will present you with various fishing and hunting techniques, as well as their traditions in their everyday life. Most of it has been protected for the last centuries. During this visit, the Medicine Man of the village will show you how different dances were used against various illnesses or to cure other problems!

Day 24: Chobe River Front

Today you will depart Namibia to the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana. It is the best destination for serious game viewers. Situated in Kasane, Chobe Safari Lodge is close to where the borders of four African countries meet - Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia. If you are planning to visit the Chobe area, the majestic Victoria Falls or the Caprivi region, then Chobe Safari Lodge is the ideal choice of accommodation.

Along with many species of big game, Chobe National Park boasts the largest concentration of elephant in Africa, game drives and boat cruises offer visitors the opportunity to witness this amazing spectacle. On Botswana's, far northern border lie the Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe River systems that form a mosaic of lakes, islands, channels and floodplains. Part of this system is the Chobe National Park, renowned for its vast herds of elephant and buffalo.

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them. A visit to this area guarantees close encounters with an array of African wildlife. Visitors can look forward to some exciting activities such as: driving along the game-dotted river banks in a 4WD; cruising along the river in a motorboat, spotting rare birdlife and for a unique, luxury safari experience, hire a houseboat.

Day 25: Chobe River Front

Visit the legendary Victoria Falls from Chobe. On this day trip, guests will explore the mighty Victoria Falls and pass by the big tree (estimated to be 1000 years old) on a guided tour, have lunch at the Rain Forest Café or Mama Africa and later visit the Falls curio market for their shopping.

Alternatively, for more wildlife viewing - Game drives within the Chobe National Park offer the opportunity to view the abundant elephant and other big game species up close, and also the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators. Game drives depart three times a day (approximately 3 hour duration).

Alternatively, there is an option of booking a full or half-day drive with a picnic lunch.

Chobe River cruises have to be one of the finest game viewing experiences in Africa. With over 80 000 elephants in the park alone they are a very frequent sighting. Hippo, water birds, buffalo, crocodile and puku are also viewed from the river. Private cruises, led by our expert guides are available throughout the day to suit your individual needs.

Victoria Falls

Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travelers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two-thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or microlights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.

Day 26: End of Itinerary

After breakfast you will depart for the Kasane Airport, where you will leave your vehicle and check in on your international flight back home.