Namibia Exploration: Small Group Adventure

You will be met by your guide and begin your journey by driving 340 kilometres (211 miles) through the Khomas Hochland mountains and down into the iconic Sossusvlei region. The driving time is approximately five hours.

Kulala Adventurer Camp, Sossusvlei

Set on 37 000 hectares of land near the spectacular sights of Sossusvlei, the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve is home to Kulala Adventurer Camp.

The camp, comprising 6 “maxi” dome tents set in shade, is perfect for taking in the Reserve’s expansive vistas and stark beauty. It enjoys views into the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Dining under the star-filled Namibian sky and watching a rose-red sunset, punctuated by the cacophony of barking geckos, are just a few of the highlights, as is spending unrushed quality time at the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, known for their red colouring in the early morning sunlight. These dunes are accessed through a private gate which is conveniently located right at the entrance to the dune corridor. This avoids queuing at the main entrance gate and gets you into the park for sunrise ahead of the rest of the vehicles.

Did you know?

• Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok can be seen on the reserve, as well as smaller creatures like bateared fox, black-backed jackal and Cape fox.

• Activities include walks, and day and night scenic drives.

Included: All meals, daily activities and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

On Day 2, explore the iconic red dunes and be awed by the desert-adapted wildlife surviving in one of the world’s oldest and most arid deserts.

Depart camp early and drive through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains,eventually arriving in Walvis Bay. From here you will continue north onto the quaint town of Swakopmund. This is a drive of about 5 – 6 hours (approximately 370 km / 230 miles).

Discover the town of Swakopmund and bed down in an iconic hotel that forms part of city’s architectural culture.

2 nights at the historic Hansa Hotel

Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund

Namibia’s oldest hotel, and consistently one of the best, the Hansa has retained its 100-year-old charm while providing faultless service and comfort. The bedrooms are spacious and tastefully appointed, with a blend of modern luxury and antique décor. Interesting photographs from the past adorn the walls along the carpeted passages.

A short walk will bring you to the heated Olympic-sized indoor public swimming pool, the museum, lighthouse and Kristall Galerie, as well as several good restaurants if you wish to try an alternative to the Hansa’s tasty fare.

Included: Bed, breakfast and one dinner [excludes dinner on the second night]

On Day 4, explore the dramatic Atlantic coast with a “Dolphin and Seal” catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay (weather permitting)

Highlights

• The catamaran cruise (weather permitting) provides a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful bay and coastline.

• Learn about the oysters cultivated in the bay.

• Spot wildlife from the boat, including dolphins, seals, birdlife and perhaps even turtles and whales, depending on the season.

• Taste some of fantastic seafood delicacies of the area.

Explore the dramatic Atlantic coast and its amazing marine mammals from the port towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

The cruise takes in the Oyster Platforms, where you learn about the oysters cultivated here – including tasting the delicacies – before moving on to Pelican Point to see the lighthouse, and an area in which three species of dolphins may be encountered, namely the rare endemic Heaviside’s dolphin, dusky, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

Aside from spotting diverse pelagic (ocean-going) birds, pelicans, flamingos, and Cape fur seals, massive sunfish, leatherback turtles, southern right and humpback whales can be seen in season.

This activity is rounded off with a private seafood lunch, before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Continue the journey by road to Damaraland, west of the Brandberg Mountain. This area boasts the largest concentration of black rhino anywhere on the planet outside a national park. This drive is 320 kilometres (200 miles) and approximately 8- hours in duration.

The area boasts a varied assortment of desert-adapted wildlife and incredible geological formations.

Damaraland Camp

Set in the Huab River valley, Damaraland Camp is situated in arguably one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Namibia.

Endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys and stunning ochre-purple mountains will be the backdrop during your stay.

Staff will invite you into one of ten large adobe-style thatched units raised off the ground for sensational vistas. Each includes a walk-in dressing room, en-suite facilities and a deck from which to contemplate the desert.

Entertainment while at camp will be in the spacious living area complete with a swimming pool. An open campfire will keep you warm and you can dine traditionally in the boma under clear night skies.

Included: All meals, daily activities and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Explore Damaraland on included excursions and activities

• Damaraland Camp and the local Damaraland community have an award-winning partnership that led to the creation of the Torra Conservancy.

• The Torra Conservancy is one of the driest, most desolate yet beautiful regions in all Africa. Its landscape is characterised by dramatic hills interspersed with sweeping valleys and ephemeral riverbeds.

• Day game drives, sundowner drives, guided walks (on request) and cultural visits will make up your activities here.

• Despite its aridity, a surprisingly high diversity of wildlife is found here, including the fascinating desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok and occasional cheetah.

• Birding is excellent with White-tailed Shrike and Benguela Long-billed Lark common finds.

Drive approximately 404 km (251 miles, and a 5-hour drive) to Ongava Game Reserve on the boundary of Etosha National Park.

Etosha remains the highest density wildlife area within Namibia, its fame justly acknowledged. We will have the opportunity to explore both the Ongava Game Reserve as well as Etosha National Park.

Ongava Tented Camp

Tucked away in the foothills of a dolomite hill, Ongava Tented Camp is one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets. You will be captivated by the bustling waterhole in front of camp, as the animals file through to quench their hard-earned thirst.

Your accommodation will be in one of the eight delightfully rustic en-suite Meru-style tents, built on a raised wooden deck which stretches out over the wilderness.

The stone, canvas and thatched main area, with its relaxed swimming pool completes this intimate camp.

Bordering the iconic Etosha National Park and set within its own wilderness haven, you can expect unrivalled game viewing, complemented by the tranquility of a private reserve.

Included: All meals, daily activities and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Explore Ongava and Etosha on game drives with an expert guide.

Did you know?

• Ongava Game Reserve was formed in 1991, when its shareholders converted four unproductive cattle ranches into a highly productive reserve, now home to large concentrations of wildlife.

• Etosha National Park takes its name from the world-famous Etosha Pan, one of the largest saltpans in the region. Around the pan, the topography ranges from broad swathes of mopane and tall tree canopies of woodland to open plains and dolomite hills.

• Game drives in both reserves deliver a wide variety of wildlife, including the endemic black-faced impala. Their predators, in particular lion, are never far away.

• Ongava is home to one of the largest black, and white, rhino populations in Namibia thanks to a successful reintroductionprogramme.

• Birdlife is prolific, with 340 species recorded.

Driving 420 kilometres (260 miles) south, we return to Windhoek at 13h00 and bid farewell to our adventure.

Note: flights should not be booked before 1530 hrs.