Desert Dune Safari - Namibia
Discover the diverse landscapes of Namibia.
Highlights
- The contrasting areas of Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Palmwag Concession and Etosha are explored in depth.
- The ultimate Skeleton Coast experience (subject to weather conditions) including remains of shipwrecks, Cape fur seal colonies and other desert-adapted wildlife.
- Exceptionally varied activities, including day and night, sea and land-based wildlife viewing, as well as flying, driving, and boating.
- Other unique excursions include rhino tracking, meeting Damara people, motorboat trip at Walvis Bay
Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Palmwag Concession, Ongava Game Reserve (Etosha), Torra Conservancy
Wildlife Viewing
Sea Adventures
Experience Overview
Namibia is a land of stunning landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife. This Exploration explores some of the most remote areas of this fascinating land; areas that have been rarely explored by others, making this a true journey of discovery. Like any trip to Namibia, the dunes of Sossusvlei are not to be missed and we therefore begin our journey here. We continue to Swakopmund to take in the amazing marine life just offshore, then on to the secluded and dramatic coastline of the Skeleton Coast littered with historic remnants of shipwrecks and the rugged and rocky landscape of Palmwag where the last free-roaming black rhino rove. The activities provide a wide range of differing experiences, from a dolphin cruise with a private beach lunch, to tracking rhino and climbing the Namib’s great dunes. Most of the journey is by road, but well-timed stops at local highlights, refreshments, snacks and lunches (where appropriate) all help to ensure optimal comfort. A highlight is meeting the local people of Namibia, many of whom work in the camps, while others you will have a chance to meet along the road, such as local fishermen and vendors.
Sample Itinerary
Kulala Wilderness Reserve
As the perfect gateway to the iconic sights of Sossusvlei, Kulala Desert Lodge is a favourite among Wilderness travellers. Magnificent views of the famous dunes, surrounding mountains and vast open plains will be the setting during your stay. The camp comprises 23 en-suite thatched and canvas ‘kulalas’ and a veranda for you to enjoy the outstanding scenery. On balmy nights, sleep under the clear night skies on your rooftop and awaken to the rising sun. By day, enjoy our activities or spot desert-adapted wildlife from our lounge and dining area overlooking a waterhole. To escape the midday heat a cooling plunge pool provides the ideal sanctuary.
Swakopmund
From meeting with pelicans to viewing playful seals, and if luck permits, leaping dolphins and shy turtles – all this and more on our daily morning educational dolphin and seal cruises.
We depart between 08h45 and 09h00 (check-in 08h30) from Walvis Bay Waterfront for a marine educational sightseeing tour in the bay area in search of the marine big 5: Whales, Dolphins, Mola, Leatherback turtle and seals. While serving hot coffee and tea, our initial route takes us past oyster farms as we approach Pelican Point with its landmark lighthouse and 60,000 resident cape fur seals. In season (July to November), larger mammals such as the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whales are often spotted, while other whale species, such as the Gray whale and the Pygmy Right whale have made appearances. Bottlenose, Heaviside and Dusky dolphins are regularly seen, as are Mola Molas and Leatherback Turtles. Accompanying our three catamarans throughout are a variety of seabirds, such as the Kelp Gull, Hartlaub’s Gull, Pelicans and Cape Cormorant.
Our journey from Pelican Point takes us past some of the more interesting ships and oil rigs in the bay as we serve fresh oysters with sparkling wine, savoury snacks and desserts together with light drinks, cooldrinks and water.
Torra Conservancy
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. Our 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 our spacious living area complete with a swimming pool. An open campfire will keep you warm and you can dine traditionally in our boma under clear night skies.
Palmwag Concession
At Desert Rhino Camp you will take part in a thrilling and exclusive conservation success story. Tracking Africa’s unique and endangered desert-adapted black rhino is an unforgettable experience. To set the scene, you will be shown into one of the eight en-suite Meru-style tents elevated off the ground. You can absorb the panoramic views over the rolling, rocky hills beyond from the privacy of your veranda. Full day excursions are on offer; otherwise, between activities, relax in our tented living area. Evening meals are taken around the fire pit. As a wonderland of unusual plant life, fascinating wildlife and sparse wilderness, Desert Rhino is begging to be explored.
Palmwag Concession
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is located on the Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld. Exclusivity is taken a step further as the camp comprises only seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit. The camp looks out over stunning yet rugged scenery and offers you all the luxuries and amenities needed for an unforgettable stay. A bewitching and splendid part of the planet, you can unravel the enigmatic history of the original Strandlopers (Beachcombers), their stone circles lying in hidden valleys, studying the ancient Welwitschia plant, viewing the herds of desert-adapted wildlife, to savouring the endless landscapes unfolding – untouched – for hundreds of kilometres.
Ongava Game Reserve
Set on the slopes of the unpronounceable Ondundozonanandana Mountain, Ongava Lodge overlooks a productive waterhole and the impressive landscape beyond. Settle into one of the 14 en-suite chalets built within a web of mopane trees with a deck stretching out over the vast plains. In between activities, refreshments will be served in the thatched main area or at the swimming pool. In the evenings, dining under the stars while being entertained by wildlife at the waterhole will become a favourite pastime. Situated within its own private reserve, only a stone’s throw from the world-famous Etosha National Park, you can look forward to a fascinating journey with us.
DAY 1-2
Kulala Wilderness Reserve
DAY 3-4
Swakopmund
DAY 5
Torra Conservancy
DAY 6-7
Palmwag Concession
DAY 8-10
Palmwag Concession
DAY 11-13
Ongava Game Reserve
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