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Best of Namibia & Botswana
There can be no bigger contrast in Africa than the arid desert expanse of Namibia, and the lush wilderness of the neighbouring Okavango Delta. This safari will take you to some of the most special landscapes on the continent, and some of its best wildlife destinations. We strongly recommend bringing several spare memory cards!
-
2 nights
-
3 nights
-
3 nights
-
2 nights
-
3 nights
13 Nights, 14 Days
- Single supplements and child discounts may apply
- Price varies with seasonality and room options
- Indicative price is for low season
Itinerary
- 2 nights in Sossusvlei-Namibrand at Little Kulala
- 3 nights in Damaraland & Skeleton Coast at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
- 3 nights in Kaokoland & the Kunene at Serra Cafema Camp
- 2 nights in the Okavango Delta at Wilderness Safaris Jao Camp
- 3 nights in the Okavango Delta at Wilderness Safaris Vumbura Plains Camp
Snapshot
Namibia has some of the most unique scenery in Southern Africa, if not the world. But what it lacks is the classic ‘bush’ experience that most people conjure up when thinking about an African wildlife safari. If you can’t choose between the two, why not do both?
This safari starts off in Sossusvlei, a landscape of towering red dunes that rise out of the cracked white clay of sand-smothered ancient lake beds.
It then traverses up the Namibian coast to Damaraland and then the Kaokoland. The rocky landscape of Damaraland bears the evidence of man’s bleak struggle against this harsh land in the form of 6000-year old petroglyphs, and a series of ‘modern’ (by Damaraland standards) rock paintings. Kaokoland is home to the nomadic Himba people and is the most rugged and remote region in all of Namibia.
The second part of this safari jumps countries and heads off to two locations in the Okavango Delta, for a completely contrasting wilderness experience. The first stop is in a permanently flooded section of the delta, making for a complete change from the desert. Here most field trips are water-based, either by boat or in mokoros, with the occasional stop to explore an island on foot.
The last leg of the safari heads off to the north-east edge of the delta. This section is characterised by bigger, permanent channels. Field trips are a mix of water-based, mostly off boats rather than mokoros, and land-based. This area is renowned for varied and high densities of game and excellent predator sightings.
Overview
2 nights in Sossusvlei-Namibrand at Little Kulala
For most visitors it is the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and the NamibRand Nature Reserve that define Namibia. And no matter how many photos and documentaries you have seen, nothing prepares you for the splendour of a sunrise or a sunset in this unique environment. Namibia’s second most popular destination after Etosha, this dramatic southern section of the country is a must do for all first-timers to the region. These wide desert landscapes beg to be explored from the slow comfort of a balloon ride, but getting close and intimate with its many creatures, large and small, is equally rewarding. So is a few days spend in total solitude in a landscape as old as the ages.
3 nights in Damaraland & Skeleton Coast at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Rugged, wild and remote, Damaraland is known for its dramatic geology. Bounded by the Skeleton Coast, the Kunene and Kaokoveld and the Etosha National Park, the landscape is breathtakingly colourful and diverse. The vast open-air gallery of 6 000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the sandstone rock at Twyfelfontein is Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, and one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. The region is also a treasure trove of rock paintings. Despite the harshness of the environment, the wildlife is plentiful thanks to ephemeral river systems. In addition to magnificent oryx and other plains game, desert adapted rhino and elephant migrate throughout the region. Tracking these wonderful animals, by vehicle or on foot, is a truly exhilarating experience.
3 nights in Kaokoland & the Kunene at Serra Cafema Camp
This arid, mountainous region in the north west of Namibia, is sandwiched between the Skeleton Coast and the Etosha National Park, and bounded in the north by the Kunene River. It is the most rugged, remote part of the country – most of it only accessible by 4x4 or fly-in safaris. Watercourses such as the Hoanib and Hoarusib rivers have gouged deep, rock-walled valleys through the rugged mountains. These form the migration routes for the desert-adapted elephant and rhino for which the area is famous. In this harsh climate you don’t get large concentrations of game. But, even in the dry season, several natural springs support a surprising diversity of plants and animals, with regular sightings of Hartmann’s mountain zebra, spotted hyena, oryx and even, occasionally, desert-adapted lion.
2 nights in the Okavango Delta at Wilderness Safaris Jao Camp
3 nights in the Okavango Delta at Wilderness Safaris Vumbura Plains Camp
The Okavango Delta, with its glittering channels and watercourses, is a massive inland delta that covers over 15 000km2. The summer rains that are the lifeblood of the delta, fall in the highlands of Angola and take about four months to complete their journey, lazily meandering their way down the 1 200km watercourse to arrive in the Delta and slowly spreading through the wetlands just in time for winter. There is less than a 2 metre difference in elevation across the Delta, which means that once the water gets there, it fans out extensively. By June each year, the flood basin has normally swelled to three times its normal size. There are an estimated 200 000 large mammals in the Delta, mostly elephant and buffalo, Herds of 250 000 zebra make the 240km march to the Makgadikgadi every year, returning home to the Delta for the winter feast. The predators follow this age-old pattern instinctively. Lions, leopards, hyena, wild dog, cheetah and jackal smack their lips at the inevitable return of the great herds, waiting patiently for their moment to pounce.
Detail
Little Kulala is a superbly luxurious desert retreat, beautifully positioned to maximise views of the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei. Taking inspiration from the magnificent Dead Vlei, interiors make use of neutral colours, organic textures and natural light to reflect the soothing pastel tones of the desert.
Fanned out on either side of the main area, Little Kulala’s 11 climate-controlled, thatched ‘kulalas’ are raised on wooden decking. Each suite has a private plunge pool, and offers incredible dune views from the flat rooftop. For romantic stargazing, a bedroll can be made up on the roof of your suite for an unforgettable night under the dark desert skies. A family suite is available, and children over 8 years are welcome.
Scenic guided nature drives through the 37 000 hectare reserve offer the possibility of seeing oryx, springbok, ostrich, jackal and hyena, but please bear in min that sightings are not guaranteed. The main focus is the scenic landscape and the panoramic vista of the Namib Desert.
The balloon safari (closed 15 January to 15 February) offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.
Sossusvlei-Namibrand
The red dunes of Sossusvlei form a dramatic backdrop to the vlei (dry pan), with it’s cracked, white clay floor and skeletal, dead camelthorn trees. The pan was created when the shifting dunes of the Namib smothered the Tsauchab River. A bird’s eye view of the wind-honed ridges and curvaceous lines of the sea of dunes is an unforgettable experience so it’s worth taking a sunrise balloon ride, a scenic flight or a hike up one of the high dunes. And leave time to explore the Sesriem Canyon, carved through the layers of conglomerate rock by the Tsauchab River, near the entrance gate.
The Namibrand Nature Reserve, to the south of Sossusvlei, offers a very different, more exclusive experience. One of the largest private nature reserves in southern Africa, it showcases a fascinating variety of game species in a brilliant setting. Majestic oryx, kudu, giraffe and endearing bat-eared fox set against the red and golden dunes are a photographer’s dream. Intriguing ‘fairy circles’ create polka dots on the landscape and the dunes harbour a rich array of endemic lizards, scorpions, beetles and spiders that are revealed on guided tours. Overnighting in the carefully designed lodges and camps in the reserve is an incredible treat. Thanks to efforts to conserve its exceptional night skies, the reserve was recognised in 2012 as Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, so is the perfect place to view the twinkling stars.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is located in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld. It is only accessible by light aircraft. It sits in a broad valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the dry Hoanib River. Gravel plains, rugged mountains and large, yellow sand dunes draw a scenic circle around the camp. Flanked to the east and west by craggy hills, the camp looks out over a desolate, starkly beautiful landscape, yet offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay. It is the perfect location for a series of unforgettable experiences, such as game drives to one of the greatest concentrations of desert-adapted elephant and lion, or scenic flights over the famous Skeleton Coast.
The camp comprises seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit, each with a stylish en-suite bedroom with shaded outdoor deck. Set in one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world, great care was taken to ensure a minimal impact on the environment.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a joint-venture between Wilderness Safaris and the local community of Puros.
Damaraland
Damaraland is a mosaic of dramatic landscapes. The beautiful burnt orange granite domes of the iconic Spitzoppe and Erongo mountains define the landscape of the southeast. The red rocks of Twyfelfontein, the spectacular basalt slabs of the Organ Pipes and the multi-coloured rocks of Burnt Mountain dominate the central area. Further north, black basalt, flat-topped mountain ranges are surrounded by wind blown grasslands, studded with acacia trees.
The vast open-air gallery of 6 000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the sandstone rock at Twyfelfontein is Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, and one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. The full spectrum of the country’s wildlife, including giraffe, rhinoceros, seals and ostriches is represented among the 5 000 engravings, along with human figures and the famous ‘Lion Man’, a long tailed lion with human toes.
The region is also a treasure trove of rock paintings, the most famous of which is the White Lady of Brandberg, a somewhat faded depiction, surrounded by animals, just north of Uis. The hour-long hike to the White Lady is straightforward, and trips to view the less accessible, extra-ordinarily well-preserved paintings of the Brandberg massif can be arranged for fit enthusiasts.
There’s also plenty for those of a cultural bent. The Damara Living Museum offers visitors an insight into the lives of the Damara people, traditionally hunter-gatherers who, along with the Bushmen, are among the oldest inhabitants of Namibia; while the charming town of Omaruru, the gateway to the Erongo Conservancy, is home to a vibrant community of artists.
Serra Cafema is located on the banks of the Kunene River in the remote Hartmann’s Valley in the extreme northwest of Namibia. Nestled amongst shady Albida trees, it is an intimate, peaceful riverside camp, and offers a perfect mix of rustic and luxury elements.
Serra Cafema’s spacious riverside Meru tents are set on elevated decks, and their wood, canvas and thatched design draws inspiration from the local Himba people. Expansive viewing decks overlook the Kunene river and the Serra Cafema mountains. The honeymoon tent is a particular favourite, and family accommodation is also available.
The Hartmann’s Valley lies at the border between Namibia and Angola, and forms part of the vast Marienfluss Conservancy. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, creating a lush oasis along its banks – a winding band of green surrounded by the lunar-like landscape of the Namib Desert. In rainy years, the valley becomes a grassy expanse, but it is generally sandy flatland, broken only by a few tough grasses, toxic euphorbias, mysterious 'fairy circles' and sheer granite inselbergs.
Undoubtedly one of the most remote camps in southern Africa, rushing rapids in the desert make this a surreal experience, with the sounds of the river just below the camp lulling you into dreamland after a day of desert exploration.
Kaokoland & the Kunene
The Kaokoland is the most rugged, remote part of Namibia, and most of it is only accessible by 4x4 or fly-in safaris. It is best explored on guided excursions to help unlock the secrets and mysteries of survival under this sun baked landscape.
More adventurous types can track rhino and elephant on foot, or go rafting on the Kunene River. The magnificent Epupa Falls, one of Namibia’s most popular tourist attractions, is a highlight of a visit to the north, and the nearby rock pools and lush vegetation provides some relief from the otherwise harsh environment of the region.
The Kunene is the ancestral home of the pastoral Himba people who live in scattered settlements throughout the far north west. Distinguished by their natural beauty, intricate hairstyles, distinctive jewellery and body adornments, they have clung onto their traditions, and can be easily recognised by the red colouring of their skin, produced by the application of a mixture of red ochre and fat that protects against the harsh desert sun.
Jao Camp has been crafted to high standards of comfort and luxury. It is secluded, with very few other people around, and has high densities of game, great cuisine, great service, and a world-class wine cellar.
Jao Camp has 9 luxurious tented suites, including a specially designed family unit, and a romantic honeymoon suite. Each of the 9 rooms has an inside and an outside shower, and air conditioning for the warmer summer nights. The suites are under a permanent thatched roof, and each suite has a private sala lounge set in the shade of ancient trees, a perfect place for a midday nap, quiet time with a good book or just to enjoy the adorable sight of the family of mongooses that have decided to make the wooden walk ways surrounding the camp their home.
Jao Camp is nestled on a large island in the heart of the private Jao concession, bordering the permanent delta, and overlooks the seasonal floodplain, where the wide variety of animals that occur here have had to adapt to the waterlogged conditions. Leopards have learnt to hunt the semi-aquatic letchwe in waist deep water, and lions swim to islands in order to ambush the large herds of buffalo. It is a fantastically exciting place to see animals behaving in ways seldom seen anywhere else in the world.
Vumbura Plains is an exceptionally luxurious eco-retreat of contemporary design, set on a forested island overlooking a vast floodplain in the northern Okavango Delta. Children 6 years and over are welcome at the North Camp, while South Camp is more couple-orientated. Connected by boardwalks, both camps at Vumbura Plains boast seven palatial open-plan suites each. Suites are set well apart and raised on wooden platforms. Each has its own open-sided sunken lounge, additional outdoor shower, private plunge pool and spacious viewing deck.
Vumbura Plains is located in the Kwedi, an unfenced private concession in the extreme north of the Okavango Delta and is renowned for varied and high densities of game. Predators include several resident prides of lion, as well as leopard, cheetah, African wildcat and African wild dog. There is good seasonal viewing of elephant, giraffe, impala, kudu, zebra, common waterbuck and reedbuck, tsessebe, wildebeest, and red lechwe, and the area produces some of the best sable antelope sightings in the whole of Botswana.
The Okavango Delta
Life in the Okavango Delta is governed by the rise and fall of floodwater, and access to different parts of the Delta varies with the season. June through to August is considered the best time for a safari, much of which is done by boat or canoe, as the water is at its highest. At this time of year the extent of the floodwater is at its most dramatic, and the animals will all have arrived in their droves. Hot, dry September and October are also good. The waters will have begun to recede and animals will crowd the waterholes.
The water of the Okavango River never reach the sea. Some drains into the neighbouring Moremi National Park, to the east of the Delta, and into Lake Ngami to the south. But the majority of the water is there to nourish the grasses and trees of the Delta, and to support one of the greatest concentrations of game in Africa. It is a seasonal rhythm, and when the floodwaters begin to ebb, many of the huge herds disperse, following the rains to greener pastures, only to return in the winter months in an endless repetition of one of nature’s greatest cycles.
The largest island in the Delta is known as Chief’s Island. It was formed by a fault line that uplifted an area over 70km long and 15km wide. In days gone by, it was reserved as an exclusive hunting area for the chief of the area, but now it provides the core dry land mass for much of the resident wildlife when the Delta is in flood.
Logistics
This safari commences and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Commercial flight, economy class, ORT International Airport in Johannesburg to Windhoek International Airport, Namibia
- Scheduled charter flight, Windhoek to Sossusvlei
- 2 Nights accommodation at Little Kulala in Sossusvlei
- Scheduled charter flight, Sossusvlei to Doro Nawas via Swakopmund
- Scheduled charter flight, Doro Nawas to Hoanib
- 3 Nights accommodation at Hoanib Skeleton Coast in Damaraland
- Scheduled charter flight, Hoanib to Serra Cafema
- 3 Nights accommodation at Serra Cafema Camp in Kaokoland & the Kunene
- Scheduled charter flight, Serra Cafema to Windhoek
- Scheduled charter flight, Windhoek International Airport, Namibia to Maun Airport, Botswana
- Scheduled charter flight, Maun to Jao Camp
- 2 Nights accommodation at Jao Camp in the Okavango Delta
- Scheduled charter flight, Jao Camp to Vumbura Plains Camp
- 3 Nights accommodation at Vumbura Plains Camp in the Okavango Delta
- Scheduled charter flight, Vumbura Plains Camp to Maun
- Commercial flight, economy class, Maun Airport, Botswana to ORT International Airport in Johannesburg
-
2 nights
-
3 nights
-
3 nights
-
2 nights
-
3 nights
13 Nights, 14 Days
- Single supplements and child discounts may apply
- Price varies with seasonality and room options
- Indicative price is for low season
Itinerary
- 2 nights in Sossusvlei-Namibrand at Kulala Desert Lodge
- 3 nights in Damaraland & Skeleton Coast at Desert Rhino Camp
- 3 nights in Kaokoland & the Kunene at Serra Cafema Camp
- 2 nights in the Okavango Delta at Wilderness Safaris Xigera Camp
- 3 nights in the Okavango Delta at Wilderness Safaris Little Vumbura
SNAPSHOT
Namibia has some of the most unique scenery in Southern Africa, if not the world. But what it lacks is the classic ‘bush’ experience that most people conjure up when thinking about an African wildlife safari. If you can’t choose between the two, why not do both?
This safari starts off in Sossusvlei, a landscape of towering red dunes that rise out of the cracked white clay of sand-smothered ancient lake beds.
It then traverses up the Namibian coast to Damaraland and then the Kaokoland. The rocky landscape of Damaraland bears the evidence of man’s bleak struggle against this harsh land in the form of 6000-year old petroglyphs, and a series of ‘modern’ (by Damaraland standards) rock paintings. Kaokoland is home to the nomadic Himba people and is the most rugged and remote region in all of Namibia.
The second part of this safari jumps countries and heads off to two locations in the Okavango Delta, for a completely contrasting wilderness experience. The first stop is in a permanently flooded section of the delta, making for a complete change from the desert. Here most field trips are water-based, either by boat or in mokoros, with the occasional stop to explore an island on foot.
The last leg of the safari heads off to the north-east edge of the delta. This section is characterised by bigger, permanent channels. Field trips are a mix of water-based, mostly off boats rather than mokoros, and land-based. This area is renowned for varied and high densities of game and excellent predator sightings.
Overview
2 nights in Sossusvlei-Namibrand at Kulala Desert Lodge
For most visitors it is the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and the NamibRand Nature Reserve that define Namibia. And no matter how many photos and documentaries you have seen, nothing prepares you for the splendour of a sunrise or a sunset in this unique environment. Namibia’s second most popular destination after Etosha, this dramatic southern section of the country is a must do for all first-timers to the region. These wide desert landscapes beg to be explored from the slow comfort of a balloon ride, but getting close and intimate with its many creatures, large and small, is equally rewarding. So is a few days spend in total solitude in a landscape as old as the ages.
3 nights in Damaraland & Skeleton Coast at Desert Rhino Camp
Rugged, wild and remote, Damaraland is known for its dramatic geology. Bounded by the Skeleton Coast, the Kunene and Kaokoveld and the Etosha National Park, the landscape is breathtakingly colourful and diverse. The vast open-air gallery of 6 000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the sandstone rock at Twyfelfontein is Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, and one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. The region is also a treasure trove of rock paintings. Despite the harshness of the environment, the wildlife is plentiful thanks to ephemeral river systems. In addition to magnificent oryx and other plains game, desert adapted rhino and elephant migrate throughout the region. Tracking these wonderful animals, by vehicle or on foot, is a truly exhilarating experience.
3 nights in Kaokoland & the Kunene at Serra Cafema Camp
This arid, mountainous region in the north west of Namibia, is sandwiched between the Skeleton Coast and the Etosha National Park, and bounded in the north by the Kunene River. It is the most rugged, remote part of the country – most of it only accessible by 4x4 or fly-in safaris. Watercourses such as the Hoanib and Hoarusib rivers have gouged deep, rock-walled valleys through the rugged mountains. These form the migration routes for the desert-adapted elephant and rhino for which the area is famous. In this harsh climate you don’t get large concentrations of game. But, even in the dry season, several natural springs support a surprising diversity of plants and animals, with regular sightings of Hartmann’s mountain zebra, spotted hyena, oryx and even, occasionally, desert-adapted lion.
2 nights in the Okavango Delta at Wilderness Safaris Xigera Camp
3 nights in the Okavango Delta at Wilderness Safaris Little Vumbura
The Okavango Delta, with its glittering channels and watercourses, is a massive inland delta that covers over 15 000km2. The summer rains that are the lifeblood of the delta, fall in the highlands of Angola and take about four months to complete their journey, lazily meandering their way down the 1 200km watercourse to arrive in the Delta and slowly spreading through the wetlands just in time for winter. There is less than a 2 metre difference in elevation across the Delta, which means that once the water gets there, it fans out extensively. By June each year, the flood basin has normally swelled to three times its normal size. There are an estimated 200 000 large mammals in the Delta, mostly elephant and buffalo, Herds of 250 000 zebra make the 240km march to the Makgadikgadi every year, returning home to the Delta for the winter feast. The predators follow this age-old pattern instinctively. Lions, leopards, hyena, wild dog, cheetah and jackal smack their lips at the inevitable return of the great herds, waiting patiently for their moment to pounce.
Detail
Kulala Desert Lodge is situated on a huge, private area adjacent to the magnificent red dunes of Sossusvlei. It offers superb mountainous scenery, immense open plains, and some of the best night skies in the world.
The 23 thatched and canvas have been decorated to a north African theme. Each unit is raised on a wooden platform to catch the refreshing breeze on hot summer days, and has a deck on the flat rooftop for sleep-outs under the stars. The main area of Kulala Desert Lodge includes a shady lounge, bar, plunge pool and indoor dining area, with a well-designed wrap-around veranda overlooking the riverbed.
Early morning is the best time to explore and photograph the dunes and pans of Sossusvlei. Guests at Kulala Desert Lodge have access to this magnificent area through a private gate on the Tsauchab River. This is complimented by nature drives and walks on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, as well as quad biking and horseback safaris for the more adventurous. Hot air balloon flights are also a great way to enjoy the wonders of the desert.
Sossusvlei-Namibrand
The red dunes of Sossusvlei form a dramatic backdrop to the vlei (dry pan), with it’s cracked, white clay floor and skeletal, dead camelthorn trees. The pan was created when the shifting dunes of the Namib smothered the Tsauchab River. A bird’s eye view of the wind-honed ridges and curvaceous lines of the sea of dunes is an unforgettable experience so it’s worth taking a sunrise balloon ride, a scenic flight or a hike up one of the high dunes. And leave time to explore the Sesriem Canyon, carved through the layers of conglomerate rock by the Tsauchab River, near the entrance gate.
The Namibrand Nature Reserve, to the south of Sossusvlei, offers a very different, more exclusive experience. One of the largest private nature reserves in southern Africa, it showcases a fascinating variety of game species in a brilliant setting. Majestic oryx, kudu, giraffe and endearing bat-eared fox set against the red and golden dunes are a photographer’s dream. Intriguing ‘fairy circles’ create polka dots on the landscape and the dunes harbour a rich array of endemic lizards, scorpions, beetles and spiders that are revealed on guided tours. Overnighting in the carefully designed lodges and camps in the reserve is an incredible treat. Thanks to efforts to conserve its exceptional night skies, the reserve was recognised in 2012 as Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, so is the perfect place to view the twinkling stars.
Perched amongst the rolling, rocky hills of the Palmwag Concession, raised Meru-style canvas tents face out onto the sweeping valley, dotted with euphorbia and ancient Welwitschia plants, and across to the surrounding Etendeka mountains.
Raised on wooden decks, each of the 8 spacious Meru-style canvas tents offers privacy, comfort and unrestricted views, and features an authentic en-suite bucket-shower. Accommodating only 16 guests, the remoteness of this exclusive, eco-friendly camp is perfectly balanced by its character-filled atmosphere, unmatched hospitality, and exceptional rangers, trackers and guides.
The Palmwag Concession extends for about 5 000km² between Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast in northern Damaraland, a semi-desert area that is home to a surprisingly high variety and density of wildlife. The Reserve’s freshwater springs support the largest free-roaming black rhino population in Africa, as well as healthy populations of desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu, and predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyena.
Specialising in tracking the desert-adapted black rhino, Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare insight into rhino conservation. The camp is unfenced and not suitable for children under 12 years, while only those 16 years and older may track rhino on foot, due to the risk factor.
Desert Rhino Camp is a community-supportive, collaborative venture between Wilderness Safaris and the Save the Rhino Trust.
Damaraland
Damaraland is a mosaic of dramatic landscapes. The beautiful burnt orange granite domes of the iconic Spitzoppe and Erongo mountains define the landscape of the southeast. The red rocks of Twyfelfontein, the spectacular basalt slabs of the Organ Pipes and the multi-coloured rocks of Burnt Mountain dominate the central area. Further north, black basalt, flat-topped mountain ranges are surrounded by wind blown grasslands, studded with acacia trees.
The vast open-air gallery of 6 000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the sandstone rock at Twyfelfontein is Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, and one of the largest and most important rock art concentrations in Africa. The full spectrum of the country’s wildlife, including giraffe, rhinoceros, seals and ostriches is represented among the 5 000 engravings, along with human figures and the famous ‘Lion Man’, a long tailed lion with human toes.
The region is also a treasure trove of rock paintings, the most famous of which is the White Lady of Brandberg, a somewhat faded depiction, surrounded by animals, just north of Uis. The hour-long hike to the White Lady is straightforward, and trips to view the less accessible, extra-ordinarily well-preserved paintings of the Brandberg massif can be arranged for fit enthusiasts.
There’s also plenty for those of a cultural bent. The Damara Living Museum offers visitors an insight into the lives of the Damara people, traditionally hunter-gatherers who, along with the Bushmen, are among the oldest inhabitants of Namibia; while the charming town of Omaruru, the gateway to the Erongo Conservancy, is home to a vibrant community of artists.
Serra Cafema is located on the banks of the Kunene River in the remote Hartmann’s Valley in the extreme northwest of Namibia. Nestled amongst shady Albida trees, it is an intimate, peaceful riverside camp, and offers a perfect mix of rustic and luxury elements.
Serra Cafema’s spacious riverside Meru tents are set on elevated decks, and their wood, canvas and thatched design draws inspiration from the local Himba people. Expansive viewing decks overlook the Kunene river and the Serra Cafema mountains. The honeymoon tent is a particular favourite, and family accommodation is also available.
The Hartmann’s Valley lies at the border between Namibia and Angola, and forms part of the vast Marienfluss Conservancy. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, creating a lush oasis along its banks – a winding band of green surrounded by the lunar-like landscape of the Namib Desert. In rainy years, the valley becomes a grassy expanse, but it is generally sandy flatland, broken only by a few tough grasses, toxic euphorbias, mysterious 'fairy circles' and sheer granite inselbergs.
Undoubtedly one of the most remote camps in southern Africa, rushing rapids in the desert make this a surreal experience, with the sounds of the river just below the camp lulling you into dreamland after a day of desert exploration.
Kaokoland & the Kunene
The Kaokoland is the most rugged, remote part of Namibia, and most of it is only accessible by 4x4 or fly-in safaris. It is best explored on guided excursions to help unlock the secrets and mysteries of survival under this sun baked landscape.
More adventurous types can track rhino and elephant on foot, or go rafting on the Kunene River. The magnificent Epupa Falls, one of Namibia’s most popular tourist attractions, is a highlight of a visit to the north, and the nearby rock pools and lush vegetation provides some relief from the otherwise harsh environment of the region.
The Kunene is the ancestral home of the pastoral Himba people who live in scattered settlements throughout the far north west. Distinguished by their natural beauty, intricate hairstyles, distinctive jewellery and body adornments, they have clung onto their traditions, and can be easily recognised by the red colouring of their skin, produced by the application of a mixture of red ochre and fat that protects against the harsh desert sun.
Xigera Camp is one of the most private camps in the Okavango Delta. It is situated on a magnificent forested island, overlooking crystal clear waterways, and is surrounded by deep channels and lush vegetation. Its 10 luxury tented suites have been built on raised platforms right into the lush riverine forest, and each tent commands beautiful views of the floodplains from its raised verandas. Tents are connected to the main living areas with a series of walkways and bridges.
The heart of Xigera is the central fire deck, and at night guests gather for fireside cocktails to watch the twinkling fireflies that transform the river by night. After dinner, the star deck is the perfect place to lie back and observe the heavens. Xigera Camp is completely solar powered in order to minimise its ecological footprint on this pristine environment.
The area around Xigera Camp never really dries up, and most of its acitvities are water based. The majority of the game viewing is done by makoro or small boat, or on foot on some of the many islands that dot this watery landscape.
Little Vumbura is an intimate camp on the north-eastern edge of the Okavango Delta and lies in the shade of an ancient forest of ebony and African mangosteen. It is surrounded by water, giving it the feel of a luxurious private island. With access to large rivers from the floating jetty, all the water-based activities are excellent. Boat cruises have an extensive reach into the waterways of the delta, and makoro rides afford a more intimate interaction.
Each of the 6 tented suites has been designed to blend in with the landscape, and there is a beautiful view from each of the spacious en-suite tents. The main area of the camp is friendly and charming and has extensive leisure areas from which to enjoy the sights and sounds of the delta.
The vast open plains around Little Vumbura, and the mosaic of tree islands and meandering water-ways attract enormous herds of buffalo, inevitably followed by prides of lion – lots of them. The area is well known for some of the best interaction between these two perpetual nemeses, creating some of the most exciting game viewing on offer. The mixed habitat draws almost every species of animal that occurs in the delta, including the rare sable antelope.
The Okavango Delta
Life in the Okavango Delta is governed by the rise and fall of floodwater, and access to different parts of the Delta varies with the season. June through to August is considered the best time for a safari, much of which is done by boat or canoe, as the water is at its highest. At this time of year the extent of the floodwater is at its most dramatic, and the animals will all have arrived in their droves. Hot, dry September and October are also good. The waters will have begun to recede and animals will crowd the waterholes.
The water of the Okavango River never reach the sea. Some drains into the neighbouring Moremi National Park, to the east of the Delta, and into Lake Ngami to the south. But the majority of the water is there to nourish the grasses and trees of the Delta, and to support one of the greatest concentrations of game in Africa. It is a seasonal rhythm, and when the floodwaters begin to ebb, many of the huge herds disperse, following the rains to greener pastures, only to return in the winter months in an endless repetition of one of nature’s greatest cycles.
The largest island in the Delta is known as Chief’s Island. It was formed by a fault line that uplifted an area over 70km long and 15km wide. In days gone by, it was reserved as an exclusive hunting area for the chief of the area, but now it provides the core dry land mass for much of the resident wildlife when the Delta is in flood.
Logistics
This safari commences and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Commercial flight, economy class, ORT International Airport in Johannesburg to Windhoek International Airport, Namibia
- Scheduled charter flight, Windhoek Sossusvlei
- 2 Nights accommodation at Kulala Desert Lodge in Sossusvlei
- Scheduled charter flight, Sossusvlei to Doro Nawas via Swakopmund
- Scheduled charter flight, Doro Nawas to Desert Rhino Camp
- 3 Nights accommodation at Desert Rhino Camp in Damaraland
- Scheduled charter flight, Desert Rhino Camp to Doro Nawas
- Scheduled charter flight, Doro Nawas to Serra Cafema via Hoanib
- 3 Nights accommodation at Serra Cafema Camp in Kaokoland & the Kunene
- Scheduled charter flight, Serra Cafema to Windhoek
- Scheduled charter flight, Windhoek International Airport, Namibia to Maun Airport, Botswana
- Scheduled charter flight, Maun to Xigera Camp
- 2 Nights accommodation at Xigera Camp in the Okavango Delta
- Scheduled charter flight, Xigera Camp to Little Vumbura
- 3 Nights accommodation at Little Vumbura in the Okavango Delta
- Scheduled charter flight, Little Vumbura to Maun
- Commercial flight, economy class, Maun Airport, Botswana to ORT International Airport in Johannesburg
Itinerary
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