| A unique way for reasonably
fit guests to experience the wilds of
north-western Namibia: a combination
mountain bike and vehicle safari, taking in
wildlife and spectacular desert scenery on
the way. The famous desert-adapted elephant
and black rhino can be seen, while the
spectacular wonders of Damaraland
captivate cyclist and hiker alike. Relish
that sense of achievement that is a part of
pedalling one's way through the vast,
changing landscapes and relax at the day's
end, to evening drinks in the cool desert
air. A support vehicle is in accompaniment
in case cycling becomes too arduous for
some!
Days 1 & 2:
Save the Rhino Camp,
Ugab
After arrival in Windhoek, we
are met by our guides and drive to the
stunning monolith of Brandberg, on the banks
of the Ugab River. We enjoy a warm-up ride
of 40 kilometres to the Save the Rhino
campsite, our Adventurer campsite that is
pre-erected under the shade of immense
acacia trees. On Day 2 we cycle to the old
zinc mine, enjoying steep climbs, thrilling
downhills and exhilarating challenges on the
route. Our afternoon is spent relaxing at
the camp and exploring the wildlife-rich
Ugab riverbed.
Day 3: Damaraland Camp, Damaraland
Today we embark on the longest stage -
a route of 90km through changing habitats to
Damaraland Camp. This also creates a
wonderful opportunity to find elephant and
rhino en route, as well as to view gemsbok,
springbok and giraffe.
Situated on the northern face of the Huab
River valley and looking south toward the
imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland
Camp offers its guests endless vistas. Early
morning mists generated by the clash between
the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert
air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland
along the river sand canyon, providing
sustenance to the flora and fauna of the
region. This comfortable and friendly camp
offers walks and drives in one of the best
wilderness areas in Namibia. Although
wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland
Camp is situated where the rare
desert-adapted elephant roams, alongside
gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and other hardy
desert animals. Rare succulent plants
somehow manage to eke out an existence in
this harsh environment. Damaraland Camp
accommodates guests in 10 comfortable tented
rooms, with en-suite facilities including
flush toilets and showers with hot and cold
running water
Day 4: Palmwag
Campsite, Palmwag Concession
Damaraland has a desolate, volcanic
landscape with small rock-strewn plains
where long-ago glaciers once moved. Our 80km
ride traverses this incredible panorama and
is the heart of black rhino country,
creating a highly rewarding ride that has
the possibility of seeing this endangered
animal.
Day 5: Desert
Rhino Camp, Palmwag Concession
After a short exciting ride of
40 kilometres through black rhino country,
we enjoy an afternoon tracking rhino on foot
with the specialist Save the Rhino trackers.
We end with sunset drinks, taking in the
isolated beauty of Damaraland.
Desert Rhino Camp is situated in the
450 000-hectare private Palmwag Concession
in north-west Namibia, between Etosha and
the Skeleton Coast - few places on the
planet can offer this level of privacy and
wilderness experience. This private
concession has a number of freshwater
springs that support healthy populations of
animals including desert-adapted black rhino
and elephants as well as large populations
of the Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe,
gemsbok, springbok and kudu. The predator
population is the largest outside of the
Etosha National Park with over a large lion
population, cheetah, leopard, and brown and
spotted hyaena. Birdlife is prolific and
diverse, with most of Namibia's endemics
present.
Desert Rhino Camp has eight large East
African-styled "Meru" tents each with an
en-suite bathroom comprising hand basin,
flush toilet and a classic bucket shower
that is filled with hot water whenever
needed. The tented dining room offers
uninterrupted views of the desert and
mountains. Welwitschia (ancient
desert-adapted plants) dot the plain in
front of the camp. Guests can also enjoy
full day outings, with a picnic lunch, on
the reserve. Desert Rhino Camp is a joint
venture between Wilderness Safaris and the
"Save the Rhino Trust" - a non-profit
conservation organisation that has been
working in this area for 20 years. The Trust
has been singly responsible for helping to
ensure that these rare, desert-adapted black
rhino survived the slaughter that went on
throughout other parts of Africa in the late
20th century. Today this population of black
rhino is growing in numbers and the area
boasts the largest concentration of rhino
anywhere on the planet outside of a national
park. Community game scouts who were
employed by the Trust to help with the
patrolling and monitoring all these years
are now seconded to the camp and are the
trackers and guides.
Day 6: Transfer
to Windhoek
After breakfast we transfer by road to
Windhoek and bid farewell to the adventure. |
