The journey starts at Windhoek International Airport at 10:30 or 15:50. If your international flight arrives late in the afternoon, you need to spend a first night in Windhoek.
The safari ends at Windhoek International Airport at around 3pm. Should you require an earlier arrival in Windhoek for your international flight, we can book an earlier flight at a higher price.
On this fly-in safari you spend three nights in the Namib Desert to experience the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei. You then fly over the Namib, along the coast to the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia's prime beach destination. However be warned, the sea is usually quite cold. Your next flight takes you to the rugged Damaraland, where the team of Desert Rhino Camp will show you the wild rhinos that survive in the area. Hoanib Skeleton Camp, your next camp, is located in the wild and remote Kaokoveld. The Hoanib River attracts all kinds of desert wildlife such as desert adapted elephants, lions, cheetah, brown hyena, giraffe, oryx and more. From here you will be able to do a day trip down to the Skeleton Coast and visit the seals and the area around Moewe Bay, a truly unique excursion. In the far north, where the Kunene River forms the border with Angola, Serra Cafema lies romantically on the bank of the river - your base to visit the local Himbas and a super nice spot to relax and unwind a bit. To complete your journey to Namibia, Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve, Namibia's prime wildlife destinations await.
Flight to Little Kulala
Accommodation
Little Kulala offers eleven climate-controlled rooms (it's very hot in the Namib region from November onwards!) with en-suite facilities, extra outdoor shower, private plunge pool, veranda with outdoor lounge, and a skybed where guests can spend a romantic night under the clear, starry sky.
The camp places great emphasis on natural materials, and the colours of the linen, cotton and mohair fabrics blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The Kulala Camps stand out for their fantastic location close to the Sossuvlei dunes and with exclusive access to the park.
Sossusvlei is the area most associated with Namibia: Red dunes as far as the eye can see (up to 380 m high, coloured red by the clay-rich sand) and dead trees in the Vleis or pans, decaying slowly at the will of the arid climate. The Vleis were created by the Tsauchab River, which probably once flowed to the Atlantic some 50 km away. The whole Sossusvlei region is quenched with water during those very rare years when a good amount of rain falls, prompting bushes and flowers to spring up everywhere.
Sossusvlei is also the place most commonly associated with Namibia. Its red dunes stretch as far as the eye can see (up to 380 m high, coloured red by the clay-rich sand) and the desiccated trees in the vleis (salt and clay pans), which decay slowly due to the arid environment, are typical of the region. The vleis were created by the Tsauchab River, which most probably flowed into the Atlantic 50 km away. Very rarely, a torrential downpour will see the vleis disappear under water – a spectacle that very few get to see. .
The Namib itself is a product of the Orange River in the south, which carries the red sand of the Kalahari to the ocean. The Benguela Current takes the sand north, where the prevailing winds have blown it back inland over millions of years, forming the Namib Desert.
Sossusvlei is situated in the Namib Naukluft Park and thus subject to very strict regulations. The park opens its gates at sunrise and all visitors are required to leave again by sunset. The distance between the park entrance and the Sossusvlei car park, however, is a good 60 km, most of which is tarred. From here it’s only possible to reach the second car park, right next to the Sossusvlei, in a 4x4, on foot or using the shuttle service. There are also other vleis in the area in addition to the Sossusvlei, including Dead Vlei, with its famous dead trees, and somewhat further away, the so-called Hidden Vlei, which requires a good trek to get to.
The most famous dunes are Dune 45 (170 m high), which is located 45 km from the entrance to Sossusvlei, and then Big Daddy, the largest dune, and his partner, Big Mama. Visitors are of course allowed to scale the dunes, and the effort is worth it. The way up is quite strenuous – but this also means that the way down is easy!
On landing (wherever the wind has taken you) there is a champagne breakfast waiting for you.
Flight to Swakopmund
Travel by road to Strand Hotel
Accommodation The new Strand Hotel has set a new standard in Swakopmund. Uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole and surrounded on three sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean its 125 rooms and suites make this hotel one of the larger ones in town, but of those certainly the one with the best seaside location. All rooms have tea & coffee stations, mini-bars, hair-dryers, TV’s, free Wi-Fi Internet access, telephones and air-conditioning.
The Strand Hotel offers its residential guests and all casual visitors three exciting restaurants. The Farmhouse Deli is good for coffee, cake, sandwiches and fresh salads. The Brewer & Butcher welcomes beer and meat lovers. The Ocean Cellar caters for guests who prefer seafood, sushi, oyster and a glass of fine white wine.
The Strand Hotel is destined to become the social epicenter of Swakopmund for locals and tourists alike.
Swakopmund was the centre of German colonial rule, and relics of this chapter of its history can be found around every corner. Most noticeable of these is the long jetty, which stands witness to the German’s activities in this area and their attempt to create a usable port. Unfortunately, Swakopmund turned out to be wholly unsuitable for the task. Walvis Bay is a natural bay just 30 km south. It was occupied by the English as early as 1795, and later became a fish-processing industrial town under South African rule.
Swakopmund is charming. The old part of town is very pretty and offers several cafes, bakeries and, of course, the unavoidable beer houses. Time appears to have stood still in many parts, and it’s difficult not to keep rubbing your eyes in wonderment at the mix of German and African.
There’s a lot to do if you stay at Swakopmund: take a day trip southwards along the coast to Sandwich Harbour, hop on a boat at Walvis Bay and wait for the seals and pelicans to greet you, Kayak with seals, jump on a quad bike for a ride through the dunes, or just take a stroll along the beach and enjoy a tasty meal in one of the great restaurants. Swakopmund’s most famous landmark, the jetty, has been renovated and now boasts the appropriately named ‘Jetty 1905’ restaurant at its end.
Travel by road to Swakopmund AirportFlight to Desert Rhino Camp
Accommodation
Desert Rhino Camp was created in collaboration with the ‘Save the Rhino Trust', an organisation dedicated to saving black rhino. These wonderful creatures have been widely protected from poaching and the rhino population in this area is the largest in Africa outside a national park! The partnership between the local communities, Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) and Wilderness ensures that Desert Rhino Camp remains one of the best places to see these imperilled animals in their pristine natural habitat.
Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp creates a sheltered haven within the occasionally harsh but always stunning desert environment. All six tents face the rugged desert landscape, featuring deep overhanging stretch fabric roof structures that offer protection from the desert sun while preserving the exquisite horizon views, within this breathtaking desert landscape. Soft interiors showcase stone, timber and leather, celebrating the classic explorer age, while seamlessly blending in modern style and sophistication. Each of the suites has its own stargazing deck, inviting quiet contemplation under the bountiful African sky.
Families are easily accommodated in the family tent consiting of two identical units, each with its own en-suite facilities. The family rooms sleeps four comfortably.
Access is either by air or visitors can leave their own vehicle at Palmwag Lodge and use the shuttle service for the 1-hour journey to camp.
Famous formations include Namibia’s highest mountain (Königsberg in the Brandberg Massif, 2606 m), the Vingerklip (a rock needle) and the Spitzkoppe (Namibia’s 700 m high Matterhorn). It is also well worth visiting Twyfelfontein to see the world-renowned rock engravings – a little touristic, but also a World Heritage Site.The remote west of Damaraland is particularly interesting. It includes the Palmweg Concession with its abundance of rhino, and the Torra Conservancy, which is also a haven for desert elephant.
Fog often forms over the cold water of the Atlantic at night, carrying much needed moisture to plants up to 20 km inland. Depending on the time of year, the fog disappears again shortly after the scorching Namibian sun rises. The densest fog can be found along Skeleton Coast during the winter months; the best weather can be found here from November to March (hot season).
Various rivers flow from east to west through Damaraland, but they are mostly dry and only flow during the wet season. The main rivers are called Huab, Ugab, Uniab and Koigab. The edges of these river valleys support trees such as mopane, camel thorn, ana tree and various shrubs, which in turn attract a list of animals from the surrounding area, including desert elephant, which has adapted to the region’s harsh and barren conditions. Other wildlife that can be spotted here includes oryx (gemsbok), kudu, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe and springbok. Visitors can also, but rarely, catch sight of lion, leopard and very shy rhino.
We love Damaraland because of its beautiful landscape. Spotting wildlife, such as desert elephant, just makes it all the more beautiful.
Flight to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Accommodation The exclusive Hoanib Skeleton Coast camp compromises just eight twin-bedded tents and one family unit. The tents are raised on platforms and include a private shaded outdoor lounge.
The central part of the camp compromises a big tent with bar, lounge, library and dining area. A second lounge and the swimmingpool area are located on either side of the main building. The fire pit in front of camp is the meeting point for pre-dinner drinks and early breakfasts.
The camp has views north towards the Hoanib river and is flanked east and west by rugged hills. The camp looks out onto a small waterhole that is often visited by elephant, oryx and other mammals.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is located on a private concession available only to the guests of the lodge. This huge area includes the Hoanib riverbed and its banks from Amspoort down to the ocean. Only guests of Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp are allowed to use this area on scenic drives and excursions.
The Hoanib river remains dry for most time of the year. However, once the first rains fall, usually not before November, the Hoanib can temporarily turn into a wild river.
The Kaokoveld covers an area of around 50’000 km², and includes the region between the Hoanib River and the Kunene River, which marks the Angola border; the Skeleton Coast National Park marks the western border. There is little to no infrastructure here, which means the Kaokoveld is one of the few true wildernesses still in existence. The few people you’re likely to come across in this region are the semi-nomadic Himba, who have learned to survive in this sometimes extremely arid environment.
The western part of the Kaokoveld, from Sesfontein up to the Epupa Falls, is less interesting for us. We stick to little-known tracks in the hinterland and never travel on tarred roads in the Kaokoveld. Riverbeds are our roads and the starry sky is the roof above us.
If you like a combination of camping in remote places and staying in beautiful lodges, then our Kaokoveld Expeditions are perfect for you. Not only is the landscape fascinating here, we also often come across desert elephant, giraffe, zebra, oryx and sometimes even lion and rhino. This is one trip you will never forget.
Flight to Serra Cafema
Accommodation Eight elegantly furnished, thatched Meru-style villas sit nestled in the green belt along the banks of the Kunene River. The main building houses a dining area with large outdoor terrace, a river bar, gift shop, lounge/library and a swimming pool.
The camp is stylishly and luxuriously furnished and each of the en-suite rooms is equipped with a lounge, outdoor shower and fantastic terrace, where guests can relax and read on the sofa or in the hammock. The views over the lush green vegetation along the riverbanks and the sweeping desert landscape are breathtaking.
Running a large distance parallel to the coast, Hartmann Valley acts as the gateway to Serra Cafema. The airfield where guests arrive was built on a plateau, from where the road leads steeply (and full of surprises) down to the river. The surrounding area is a spectacular combination of sand dunes, rugged rocky outcrops and the broad grass plains of Hartmann Valley, lined with rolling hills and sprinkled with so-called ‘fairy circles'.
Flight to Andersson's Camp
Accommodation
Andersson's Camp is situated in the private Ongava Reserve close to Etosha National Park. The camp offers a very private safari experience with only seven double rooms and one family room. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor shower, air-conditioning and a private viewing deck with 180 degree panorama. The family room consits of two suites (each with it's own bathroom and entrance) that are linked by a short walkway.
The main building features great views of the waterhole in front of camp. Guests can watch the animals from the spacious and comfortable lounge. Should you wish to get even closer, a photographic hide not far from camp offers a water level view of the prolific wild and birdlife. There is also a library, a curio shop, a beautiful infinity pool and a photo lounge, where you can check your own photos and send them to friends (Wi-Fi available).
A highlight of Andersson's Camp is the Ongava Research Centre. Researchers and scientists have their working space here and you are invited to visit the exhibition area and attend the interactive presentations in the auditorium.
Ongava Tented Camp, Little Ongava and Ongava Lodge are also situated in the Ongava Game Reserve.
The Etosha National Park is one of the most important nature reserves in southern Africa. It exists since 1907 and covers an area of 22,270 km². The central and eastern sections consist mainly of various silvery-white shining salt pans, which have made Etosha famous. In the dry season the park, the animals and the vehicles are covered in a whitish haze of salt dust.
On the southern shore of the huge Etosha Pan (130 x 50 km) there are several waterholes, which magically attract the animals from the surrounding area during the dry season. The three large state camps Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni connect Anderson's Gate in the south with the von Lindequist Gate in the east. The western part towards Galton Gate is much more wooded and less frequented by visitors, but it also offers less trails to drive around and find wildlife.
Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier safari destination. Covering almost the same area as Switzerland, Etosha is one of the largest national parks in Africa. To the west of the park lay the silvery white salt pans and adjoining waterholes, which magically attract all kinds of wildlife during the dry season.
A visit to Etosha National Park requires careful planning in order to avoid disappointment. The park relies entirely on its artificial waterholes, which attract high concentrations of wildlife during the dry season. The animals leave the waterholes again when the wet season arrives, making them much more difficult to find. Etosha Pan itself can be under 10 cm of water, making it more attractive to bird lovers. Accommodation also needs to be selected carefully. The park is home to several state camps, which are usually and unfortunately not very well managed. Good accommodation can be found outside the park in private reserves, such as the Mushara and Onguma camps in the east, and more particularly, in the Ongava Private Reserve at Anderson's Gate in the south, which supports more game than the others.
Namutoni and Okaukuejo are the two main camps at the eastern von Lindequist Gate / southern entrance to Etosha at Anderson's Gate. The quieter Halali Camp is situated between the two. The camps are huge and offer chalets, camping pitches, petrol stations and large picnic areas. If you’re looking for a private experience, this is not the place for you. Most roads run between these three camps and take visitors to the various (mostly) artificial waterholes, which attract high concentrations of animals during the dry season.
The western part of Etosha opened to visitors in 2011. This part of the park is completely different to the region around the Etosha Pan; there are many more shrubs and trees and less traffic.
Flight to Windhoek
Basic Information
Individual journey. The journey will be planned on your preferred dates.
Duration 16 nights. Minimum age 6 years. Weight limit of luggage 20 kg.
Includes all transfers from Windhoek to the hotels/camps to Windhoek
- Little Kulala: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides. Includes guided excursion to the dunes of Sossusvlei and scenic balloon flight.
- Strand Hotel: Luxury Room. Breakfast.
- Desert Rhino Camp: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
- Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides. Includes day trip to the skeleton coast / Moewe Bay.
- Serra Cafema: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
- Andersson's Camp: Double Room. All meals, drinks (except premier brands), laundry service, twice daily shared activities with one of the camp guides.
Learn more about these areas
