Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa
|
Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa |
|
SPIRIT OF THE NAMIB This adventurous 10 day safari explores the beauty and diversity of the vast Namib Desert. From the craggy mountains and game-rich bushveld of the north, to the remarkable Skeleton Coast and towering Sossusvlei dunes in the south. A combination of charter flights and overland driving provides both a birds-eye view and an in-depth experience of the contrasting landscapes of Namibia. A unique feature that sets this safari apart from the competition is that the majority of the safari is conducted on private concessions, well away from the high volume areas of National Parks. A maximum of eight guests are accommodated on this fully serviced safari, which is accompanied by a guide and two camp staff. Adventurer camps are specifically outfitted to create a wilderness camping feeling while providing essential camp comforts. [ ITINERARY ] - [ DATES AND RATES 2008 ] - [ DATES AND RATES 2009 ] - [ CONTACT US ] Days 1 & 2: Andersson's Camp, Etosha Region On arrival in Windhoek we transfer by light aircraft to the 66,000 acre Ongava Private Game Reserve, adjacent to the Etosha National Park. Our stay at Ongava is the game-viewing highlight of the safari, and we will enjoy the benefits of staying on a private reserve adjoining Etosha National Park, with easy access into the Park itself.  Activities include game drives into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok, and Hartebeest can be seen. In addition, walks and night drives are enjoyed on the private reserve. Ongava boasts resident White and Black Rhino, affording guests wonderful opportunities to see both species at close quarters, and perhaps track them on foot. Accommodation is at Andersson's Camp, a resurrected farmstead fronting on a thriving waterhole. The camp consists of twenty tented guest units, raised on decks for enhanced views and each with full en-suite bathroom facility. This eco-sensitive lodging provides an authentic, safe, and down-to-earth base for exploring Etosha National Park. Day 3: Palmwag Lodge, Palmwag  After an early breakfast, we depart westwards by road in the direction of Palmwag concession in the vast Damaraland region. On this vast concession, and over the next four nights in Damaraland, we search for the desert-adapted elephant and black rhino. Special activities include tracking these desert giants on foot and by vehicle. In addition, our guides expose the sheer magnificence of nature's survival strategies in this arid environment, through interpretive walks and game drives focusing on a diversity of topics from birds and insects to geology and the medicinal uses of plants. Accommodation at Palmwag consists of five Meru-style tents, built on individual platforms, with solar power and en-suite bathroom facilities. Days 4&5: Hoanib Camp, Kaokoland  With an early start, our journey continues with a full day drive to the the Hoanib Valley. Here, in an area seemingly parched and desolate, we enter one of Namibia's richest desert wildlife areas. The rugged mountains and canyons of the ephemeral Hoanib River provide a last refuge for some of the continent's most unique wildlife: fully seventy-five per cent of Namibia's endemic species inhabit this remote valley. We also continue our search, on foot and by vehicle, for the legendary desert elephant and members of the last free-roaming black rhino population on Earth.  Hoanib Camp is a simple, relaxed haven from which to explore this wilderness area. The camp is powered by solar energy, and features just five walk-in tents, each with real beds and en suite flush loo and bucket shower. The tents are comfortably furnished, and styled with burnt orange interiors, wood and brass, recreating the early explorer style of accommodation. Day 6: Damaraland Camp, Damaraland  Departing early, we drive via Gai As Spring en route to the award-winning Damaraland Camp, with its spectacular views across the rocky desert to the Brandberg Monolith. Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and warm desert air drift inland along dry riverbeds, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. Although wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland Camp is in the heart of desert elephant territory. Other common sightings include gemsbok (Oryx), springbok, Ostrich and other hardy adapted animals. Day 7: The Stiltz Lodge, Swakopmund  After an early breakfast, we travel to Twyfelfontein where we take a guided walk with local Damara guides to view the San petroglyphs - prehistoric rock etchings, strewn over the rock face. Continuing south we cross the dry Ugab Riverbed and then start heading westwards towards the famed Skeleton Coast. As we get closer to the coast we pass through lichen fields strewn over the gravel plains, one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. After our packed lunch and a brief siesta, we make for The Stiltz Lodge in the quaint town of Swakopmund, arriving in the late afternoon. 
Swakopmund offers a perfect break between the safari experiences of the northern Namibian bush, and the great dunes of the Namib Desert. With its eccentric coastal atmosphere, its desert location, and its Bavarian architecture, it is a vibrant combination of Africa and Europe. The Stiltz, as its name implies, is built on stilts, with wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the red iron-rich beach dunes, and also the Swakopmund River mouth. Each of the eight simple yet elegantly furnished thatched bungalows is linked by wooden walkways to the main restaurant. With its proximity to the central part of town, the lodge is well sited for easy access to the hospitality and history of Swakopmund. Days 8&9: Kulala Discoverer Camp, Sossusvlei After an early breakfast, we enjoy a sea kayaking excursion on nearby Walvis Bay Lagoon, with an opportunity to see dolphins and seals along with large numbers of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl. We enjoy a seafood lunch served on the beach, and then travel inland to Kulala Discoverer Camp on a private Sossusvlei concession.  Accommodation at Kulala Discoverer Camp is in walk-in Meru tents. The classically designed tents re-create the early explorer style of accommodation, with a veranda and an en-suite bathroom area (including flush loo, brass bucket shower, basin, mirror, and water jug). Furnishings include leather and teak director chairs, separate bedside tables with 12v reading lamps, canvas hanging wardrobes, bathrobes, and comfortable beds. All amenities (conditioning shampoo, soap, shower gel and body lotion) are elegantly displayed for use. The evening camp is lit by paraffin lanterns and a good campfire.  On Day 9 we awake very early and travel north along the Tsauchab Riverbed to the towering dunes surrounding Sossusvlei. At Sossusvlei the Tsauchab River is swallowed by a sea of orange dunes, some as high as twelve hundred feet. This early morning drive into the Vlei allows one to experience and photograph the morning light on the dunes. Afternoon activities are enjoyed on the private concession. Day 10: Transfer to Windhoek After breakfast we transfer by road to Windhoek, with a picnic lunch en route. Windhoek International Airport marks the end of this great African adventure.
Single Supplement US$235 per person subject to availability of accommodation. If a guest is willing to share and we can match with another guest of the same sex, the single supplement will not be charged. However, if there is no suitable match, we will have to charge the single supplement. * Group Size - Minimum two guests, maximum eight. * Age Limits - There is a minimum age limit of 12 years. A medical certificate of full health is required for guests over the age of 75 years. * Camera battery charging facilities: A 12V cigarette lighter adaptor will be required (compatible with your camera make) on this safari for charging batteries while on game or transfer drives. 110/240V outlets are available at Andersson's Camp, Damaraland Camp and The Stiltz Lodge; however Hoanib and Kulala Adventurer Camp only have 12V electricity. INCLUDED •
Drinks (except premium brands) while on activity, and house wines with dinner.
NOT INCLUDED •
Visas or government stipulated entry and departure fees/ taxes
Single Supplement US$245 per person subject to availability of accommodation. If a guest is willing to share and we can match with another guest of the same sex, the single supplement will not be charged. However, if there is no suitable match, we will have to charge the single supplement. * Group Size - Minimum two guests, maximum eight. * Age Limits - There is a minimum age limit of 12 years. A medical certificate of full health is required for guests over the age of 75 years. * Camera battery charging facilities: A 12V cigarette lighter adaptor will be required (compatible with your camera make) on this safari for charging batteries while on game or transfer drives. 110/240V outlets are available at Ongava Homestead, Damaraland Camp and The Stiltz Lodge; however Hoanib and Kulala Discoverer Camp only have 12V electricity. INCLUDED •
Drinks (except premium brands) at Palmwag Lodge, Hoanib Camp, Damaraland Camp,
and Kulala Discoverer Camp NOT INCLUDED •
Visas or government stipulated entry and departure fees/ taxes To find out more about the Spirit of the Namib Safari, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA 1-888-227-8311 or email us. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Photo Credits: Michael Poliza, Wilderness Safaris
