Exploring Undiscovered Namibia - Namibia

Days 1-2: Windhoek and Sossusvlei

You will be met upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport and transferred to Olive Grove boutique guesthouse for overnight. Nick Bay will host a welcome reception and give you a taste of the Namibian adventures to come. The following morning, we depart early from Windhoek and drive through the Khomas Hochland mountains and down into the iconic Sossusvlei region, a driving time of approximately five hours.

The first two nights are spent on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a 91430 acres tract of land near the spectacular sights of Sossusvlei, bordering the expansive Namib Naukluft Park. The camp, comprising dome tents under the shade, is perfect for taking in the Reserve’s expansive vistas and stark beauty and enjoys views into the Namib Naukluft National Park. Dining under the star-filled Namibian skies and watching a blood red sunset punctuated by the cacophony of barking geckos are a few highlights, as is spending unrushed quality time at the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, known for their red coloring in the early morning sunlight, accessed through our private gate which is closer to the dunes than the main park entry gate. Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok can be seen on the reserve, as well as smaller creatures like bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal and Cape fox. Other activities include day and night scenic drives and walks, and optional early morning ballooning, horse riding or camel rides (the last three at extra cost). Overnights Kulala Adventurer Camp. Drive time: 5 hours, 211 miles

Accomodations: Kulala Wilderness Camp

Day 4 and 5: Swakopmund and Skeleton Coast

We depart camp early, driving through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains before arriving in Walvis Bay and then finally driving up the skeleton coast into the quaint town of Swakopmund, a drive of about 5 -6 hours.

On day 4, we explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast, from the port town of Swakopmund to its incredible marine mammals. A private “Dolphin and Seal” catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay (weather permitting) provides a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful bay and coastal habitat. The cruise takes in the Oyster Platforms, where we observe oyster cultivation and enjoy fresh tasting before moving on to Pelican Point to see the lighthouse. Three species of dolphins may be encountered, namely the rare endemic Heaviside’s dolphin, dusky and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Aside from spotting diverse pelagic birdlife, pelicans and flamingo, and cape fur seals, the massive sunfish, leatherback turtles, southern right and humpback whales can be seen in season. Overnights Hansa Hotel.

Accomodations: Hansa Hotel

Day 6-8: Damaraland

We continue our journey by road to Damaraland, west of the Brandberg Mountain (the second largest monolith in the world after Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, Australia), stopping for lunch at Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp. The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) has been involved with rhino conservation since the early eighties, and has been singly responsible for helping these rare animals survive and thrive, so that today this area boasts the largest concentration of black rhino anywhere on the planet outside of a national park. Community game scouts employed by the Trust as monitors are our trackers and guides.

Once in the private area around Damaraland, we are in the heart of the rocky desert, an ancient glacial landscape. Damaraland boasts a varied and breathtaking assortment of desert-adapted species including one of the highest concentrations of desert elephant and black rhino, and a surprisingly high diversity of wildlife including Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, giraffe, gemsbok, and springbok, with occasional cheetah sightings. Our activities range from nature walks, mountain biking, viewing the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein (a World Heritage Site) to day and night nature drives, exploring the mountains, hills and ephemeral river beds and springs. Looking south from camp toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland offers its guests endless vistas and one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river sand canyon providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. Overnights Damaraland Adventurer Camp. Drive time: 8 hours, 200 miles

Accomodations: Damaraland Camp

Day 9 -10: Etosha National Park

Drive to Ongava Game Reserve on the boundary of Etosha National Park to experience big game viewing in this iconic salt pan. Etosha supports the highest density of wildlife in Namibia. The salt pan (largest in the world) is speculated to be a remnant of an ancient glacial lake maintained by scouring winds across its surface and sporadic ephemeral flooding. Springs along the edge of the pan attract and quench the thirst of a dense and varied conglomeration of wildlife, savanna and desert species co-exist like impala and springbuck. On day 9 we embark on a full day game drive into Etosha, exploring the southern roads of Etosha Pan from Okakeujo through to Halali. Herewe stop for lunch and relax in the cool shade watching the game coming in to drink at the waterhole) as wemeander our way among springs enjoying the endless vistas and mirages of the pan itself.

On the southern boundary of Etosha National Park lies Ongava Game Reserve, a prolific 74,130 acre private concession. It supports large concentrations of wildlife: lion, cheetah, black rhino, white rhino, springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, Hartmann's mountain zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland and the largest population of the endemic black-faced impala outside of Etosha. Andersson’s Camp is our comfortable eco-friendly base for exploration of the Etosha landscape. To further enhance our Etosha experience and while accommodated on the private Ongava Reserve, we enjoy night game drives and walks including a floodlit waterhole near camp. If available during our stay, we will meet the Ongava wildlife researchers studying the lion and rhino populations. Overnights Anderson’s Camp. Drive time: 5 hours, 205 miles

Accomodations: Andersson's Camp

Day 11 & 12: Optional Extension: Cheetah Conservation Fund Experience

As an extension to your Wildland Anniversary trip, travel to the world-renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) for a behind-the-scenes look at the research, conservation, education initiatives which are part of the daily life of cheetah conservationist Dr. Laurie Marker. Our group will stay on the grounds of CCF’s field research centre in the luxurious and spacious Babson House, designed in a colonial, “Out of Africa” style reminiscent of the 1940’s. We’ll spend the day with one of the CCF researchers and some of CCF’s resident non-releasable cheetahs or 'cheetah ambassadors' as we learn about cheetahs, their habitat and conservation issues directly from the wildlife researchers. In the evenings, share sundowners on a private veranda while admiring the views of the ever-changing colors of the spectacular Waterberg Plateau. Overnights at Babson House.

Day 13: Depart

Driving south, we return to Windhoek, arriving at 1pm in time for departing flights. Please make sure that your departing flight is booked no earlier than 3:30 PM. Drive time: 6-7 hours, 260 miles

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