Discover the magnificent landscapes and incredible desert wildlife of Namibia!
Join me on a journey through Namibia, a vast and diverse landscape, to hand-picked locations, in search of the most beautiful landscapes and amazing desert wildlife! From the ethereal dunes of Sossusvlei to the rocky riverbeds of Damaraland, and ending at the Skeleton Coast, we get to photograph and experience some of the most spiritual places on this planet.
We drive comfortable distances and stay in somewhat luxurious, Wilderness Safaris permanent, tented camps throughout (except in Swakopmund at the luxurious Hansa Hotel). We access the Skeleton Coast, and fly back to Windhoek, in a light aircraft, giving us an aerial view of this wonderful country. Namibia gallery >
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING IS - R59 500 (for currency conversion go to www.oanda.com) for 11 nights, single travellers are welcome,a surcharge will be applicable
DATE IS LATE MAY 2012, specific dates will be secured in early 2012
Min 5 People, Max 7
DETAILED ITINERARY
From Windhoek, travel by vehicle approximately 205 miles to Kulala Desert Lodge in the 91430 acre private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, enjoying awe-inspiring views of the mountains and the desert floor. En route, we enjoy a lunch close to the Khomas Hochland escarpment, reaching onto sweeping vistas below.
3 nights Kulala Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37 000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic dunes of the Sossusvlei.
One of the most enduring impressions of the Sossusvlei area is the early morning light on the sea of vivid orange dunes, some as high as 984 feet. Nearby world-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous red sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes - the most well-known being Big Daddy or Dune 45 - have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously refashioning the contours of this red sand sea. The 'vlei' itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it transforms into a spectacular turquoise lake. From the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve we enjoy access to the Sossusvlei dunes through a private gate, for walks in the immense moving sands of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, game drives (by day and night) on our concession and stargazing. Photography of the dunes in the early morning and late afternoon is particularly stunning with rich reds and dark shadows completing the extraordinary vista that is the enormity of the Namib Desert.
Kulala Desert Lodge is situated within the arid Namib Desert on the private 91430 acres Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic red dunes of the Sossusvlei. The lodge comprises 19 thatched and canvas "kulalas" ("to sleep" in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each unit is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls are placed for guests to sleep under the myriad stars that Namibia's clear skies portray. The main area, with decor inspired by northern Africa, has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole - a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery.
Travel 224 miles by road north-west via the Kuiseb Canyon with its dark, craggy canyons and via a moon-like landscape of flat gravel plains (with stops along the way that include the Walvis Bay lagoon for some bird watching viewing inter-alia pelicans and flamingos). We arrive at the grand Hansa Hotel in Swakopmund in the early afternoon in time for lunch.
2 nights Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund
The afternoon is either at your leisure to enjoy the towns quaint mix of European and African culture, or we drive out to some of the coastal dunes in search of some more unique dune images and desert wildlife. On our second day we explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast, from the port towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to its incredible marine mammals. A private boat cruise at Walvis Bay and down the coast to Sandwich Harbour (weather permitting) provides a unique chance to see the diverse pelagic (ocean-going) birdlife, Cape fur seals and rare Heaviside's dolphins up close. This activity is rounded off with a private seafood lunch, before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before meeting for dinner. The grand three-star Hansa Hotel forms part of Swakopmund's architectural culture and dates back to 1905; it is said to be one of the oldest buildings in the town. It is ideally situated in the centre of Swakopmund within easy walking distance of town and the beach. The luxury of the hotel, its excellent cuisine and friendly service are well known and appreciated countrywide and overseas.
Travel approximately 300 miles, partly up the legendary Skeleton Coast (named for the numerous shipwrecks the treacherous shores have claimed over the years). From here we drive the back roads through the game productive Ugab riverbed, travelling north past the Brandberg Mountain - the second largest monolith on earth - to Damaraland. This all-day excursion with lunch en route ends with our arrival at Desert Rhino Camp.
3 nights Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp is situated in the enormous private Palmwag Reserve 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 reserve has a number of freshwater springs that support healthy populations of animals including desert-adapted back rhino and elephant as well as large populations of the rare Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok and greater kudu. On rare occasions, predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyaena may also be seen in the area. Bird life is prolific and diverse featuring most of Namibia's endemics. Welwitschia plants (ancient and highly unusual succulents) dot the plain in front of the camp. The speciality of the area is its growing population of the rare desert-adapted black rhino (the largest concentration in the world outside a national park), which are monitored and protected by the Save the Rhino Trust.
Desert Rhino Camp has eight comfortable canvas walled tents slightly elevated on wooden decking, each with an en-suite bathroom comprising dual hand basins, toilet and a spacious walk-in shower. The tented dining and lounge area offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains. Welwitschia (ancient desert adapted plants) plants dot the plain in front of the camp. On the second day, the highlight is rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle; other activities include day and night nature drives.
Enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over dramatic desert landscapes to the exclusive Skeleton Coast Research Camp situated in a private concession in the Skeleton Coast Park.
3 nights Skeleton Coast Research Camp
This is one of the most inhospitable but hauntingly beautiful places on the planet: desolate and uninhabited. It has everything, from roaring sand dunes, windswept plains, towering canyons and saltpans to seal colonies, bleached whale bones and shipwrecks. Full-day explorations in 4x4 Land Rovers will take all these in, picnicking on the way. Included are cultural visits to the remote villages of the Himba people.
Skeleton Coast Research Camp comprises 5 Meru-style tents nestled between granite rocks. Surrounded by pure wilderness, this camp is truly remote and the perfect setting for a serviced style of camping. The camp is outfitted with necessary comforts and equipment, essential elements to the old and relaxed manner of early explorers. Discoverer camping aims to bring the guest closer to nature, by means of a lively campfire, lanterns, wide-ranging activities and a warm atmosphere complimenting the comfort and added luxury of the lodges visited. Skeleton Coast Research Camp is specifically outfitted to ensure that old-style camping feel with a clear emphasis on necessary and simple comfortable interiors, creating a peerless wilderness experience.
Say farewell to the adventure as we return by air charter to Windhoek, arriving at approximately 4pm late afternoon.
WHATS INCLUDED?
All accommodation at permanent tented camps with en-suite bathrooms, all meals except some in Swakopmund, all transfers and activities as per the itinerary, tea/coffees, services of Jamie Thom, Professional Namibia Guide, all park fees for activities included on itinerary and transport in specialised safari vehicles.
The vehicle is a specially adapted land rover, with separate, comfortable seats and no benches. We have ample space for ourselves and our gear.
NOT INCLUDED
Restaurant meals (Swakopmund/Windhoek), visas, tips, curios, optional excursions, beverages (alcohol, soft drinks and bottled mineral water), Insurance to cover for cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, emergency evacuation.
International flights.
