May 26, 2008
“Eyes are never full” (Bantu proverb)
Day1-4:
Fly overnight to Windhoek direct and then on to NamibRand by light aircraft. It is the peace and quiet of this vast private nature reserve that will, I think, get under your skin. No dawn calls unless you want to visit the dunes at Sossusvlei but gentle days exploring the incredible landscapes. A single oryx crossing the dunes at sunset may be more captivating than the herds of plains game that you may also encounter: springbok, zebra, hartebeest, black backed jackal and even giraffe. You are free to walk amongst the dunes (no big animals here), fly in a balloon or take a scenic flight . Dunes camp is a comfy bush camp with good size tents, separate bathrooms all arranged on a large deck with loungers to gaze and read from.Two nights: full board basis, drinks included.
Day 4-7:
Today, is the start of a four-day journey along the Skeleton Coast and inland river valleys with such variety you will feel as if you have been away a week. You soon fly over the Sossusvlei dunes where colours and shapes play tricks with your eyes. On to the coast you skim the waves in search of the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck. The remains of old ox carts on the beach remind you of the hardships endured by the first diamond prospectors. Each night, you stay in a different camp as your safari progresses north. You land on the beach for a picnic. You learn about seismic movements amongst the Ugab formations which shaped the earth millions of years ago, the lives of bushmen who dwelt in the sand stone caves, and the Welwitschia Mirabilis tree, some of which are 2,000 years old. Later, you do crazy things in old land rovers on the crests of the roaring dunes, track desert-adapted elephants and visit Himba villages before landing close to the Hartman valley in an incredibly far-flung area touching the Angolan border. On the final morning, a boat trip on the Kunene river with prolific bird life, crocodiles and a few rapids. Three nights all inclusive.
Day 7-10:
Flying south and east you land at Okonjima, home of the Africat foundation. This lodge offers a fascinating and informative insight into the conservation of wild cats in farming communities. There are a myriad of activities to choose from here. It is one of the few places in Africa where you are almost guaranteed to get close to cheetah, leopard and lion. A comfortable stay for two nights with a pool to relax by… if you have time. Full board with activities.
On your last day you fly south to Windhoek for a connecting flight back to London overnight.
Detailed itinerary is available on request.
NB prices shown were current at the time of writing the newsletter and are not necessarily current now.
Please ask for an updated quote.
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