| To observe Namibia
from the air is an awe-inspiring
experience: the vast expanses of moving,
rippling sands, the great blue skies and
grey of the ocean extending to the horizon.
This safari explores four distinct regions:
the sands and red dunes of Sossusvlei; the
icy, life-filled coasts at Swakopmund and
Walvis Bay; the stark plains of Damaraland,
with their desert-adapted elephants; and the
amazing wildlife abundance on the savannah
of Etosha.
Days 1 & 2:
Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp
The safari departs by light
aircraft from Eros International Airport,
close to the centre of town in Windhoek. We
depart in the morning no later than 10h00
and it is a one-hour flight down to
Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, where we spend
two nights.
Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is situated
20km from Sesriem, the Park's entrance to
the Sossusvlei dunes. Towering dunes rise
dramatically, more than 300 metres above the
surrounding plains. The camp's location
provides access to Sossusvlei, yet also
offers privacy and exclusivity. It has been
built just below the top of a mountain,
using rock, brick, timber and thatch and
provides cool refuge from the desert. There
are 9 guest units, ensuring personal service
and attention. Each unit is superbly
appointed and has a panoramic view
overlooking the plains below, its own plunge
pool as well as an en suite bathroom with
hot and cold running water, shower and flush
toilet. The main living area (comprising
dining room, bar and lounge) is under
thatch. Activities centre round early
morning excursion's in 4x4 vehicles to the
magnificent Sossusvlei dunes and the "vlei"
itself. Afternoon activities are enjoyed on
the property where guests can spend time
taking in the desert scenery with its unique
fauna and flora`.
Days 3 & 4: Damaraland Camp, Damaraland
The early morning flight takes
guests over the Namib and over Sossusvlei
itself for an alternative view of the dunes
from the air and then due west to Meob Bay
on the Skeleton Coast. The desert and
Skeleton Coast scenery is spectacular, where
the dunes and the desert meet the Atlantic
Ocean. The flight up the coast takes you
over the site of the Eduard Bolen shipwreck,
past Conception Bay and the wreck of the
Shaunee, over Sandwich Harbour and its
famous lagoon and will land at Swakopmund
Airport. You are then transferred to Walvis
Bay Harbour for a boat trip (weather
permitting) which will allow you the
opportunity to view seals and usually
schools of dolphins swimming alongside the
boat. You may also see turtles, sunfish,
penguins, as well as a wonderful quantity
and diversity of birdlife. The group will
return to Walvis Bay Harbour and following a
delicious seafood lunch, be transferred by
road to Swakopmund to enjoy a tour of this
charming town. In the afternoon you depart
from Swakopmund for a scenic flight further
up the Skeleton Coast, past the Cape Cross
Seal Colony, before turning east to fly up
the Huab River Valley to Damaraland Camp
(Doro Nawas is occasionally substituted) for
two nights.
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, the camp is
situated where the rare desert-adapted
elephant roams, alongside gemsbok (oryx),
springbok, ostrich and other hardy desert
animals. Rare succulent plants somehow
manage to eke out an existence in this harsh
countryside. 10 large Meru-style walk-in
tents with en-suite facilities provide
accommodation. The stone living area
combines dining room and pub and an open
fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. There is a
swimming pool next to the bar. An open
campfire and outdoor 'boma' are enjoyed
during calm evenings and stargazing is
superb thanks to the crystal-clear night
skies.
Days 5 & 6: Ongava Tented camp, Ongava
Game Reserve
We fly by light aircraft today
from Damaraland to Ongava Tented Camp (Ongava
Lodge is occasionally substituted), for a
further two-night stay. Highlights are the
game drives into Etosha National Park as
well as night drives, nature walks and hides
on the private reserve.
Ongava Tented Camp, built of stone,
canvas and thatch, accommodates 16 guests in
eight large comfortable Meru-style tents all
with en-suite facilities, open air showers
and private verandas. The family unit sleeps
four. Activities at this comfortable camp
typically take place around the main area
with its relaxing bar and swimming pool
fronting onto a much-frequented waterhole.
Activities include game drives into
the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where lion,
elephant, cheetah, gemsbok, springbok, and
hartebeest can be seen at many of the
waterholes in the park. In addition, night
drives and walks are offered on the private
reserve. A special encounter is white rhino
tracking - Ongava holds one of the largest
rhino custodianships for the Namibian
government in the country and is one of the
few private game reserves in southern Africa
that give one the chance to see both black
and white rhino
Day 7: Windhoek
We depart Ongava by light air
charter back to Windhoek where the safari
ends at either Windhoek Eros or Windhoek
International Airport. The safari generally
ends at about 13h00. |