Wings Over Namibia & Botswana

The 37 000-hectare (91 429-acre) private Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers visitors exclusive wildlife-viewing opportunities which include the likes of gemsbok (oryx), bat-eared fox, brown hyaena and birdlife. Enjoy a coffee or sundowner stop in scenic parts of the reserve as a highlight.

World-famous Sossusvlei is both the name for the area in general as well as an enormous clay pan, flanked by immense sand dunes. Nearby, at the foot of some of these dunes the skeletons of trees dominate the landscape, where once water flowed. This is known as Dead Vlei.

This fascinating geographical formation is well worth a visit. The result of millions of years where water carved its way into the earth, Sesriem Canyon is today three kilometres long. Views from the top are breathtaking while walks through the canyon reveal distinct geographical layers which were laid down over aeons.

Walking trails focus on becoming immersed in this remote area, as well as its scenic beauty and the fascinating, and surprisingly, diverse array of insects, reptiles and rodents which make this dry and harsh region their home. The Tsauchab River Trail takes a stroll along the dry riverbed close by the camp.

Set out in the late afternoon for a nature drive and complete your excursion in a remote and dramatic spot on the reserve, sipping a gin and tonic while watching the sun set over the distant mountains or sweeping dunes.

Ideal for introducing your family to the natural wonders of Namibia, take in the sweeping scenery riding electric powered fat-wheeled bikes. A fun way to explore the spectacular open plains with your guide.

Private rooftop area for sleep-outs accessed by wooden stairs behind the tent. Sleep-out under the twinkling skies of the Namib and be lulled to sweet slumber by the magical night sounds of Africa.

The balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing site.

* This activity is at additional cost and is closed from 15 January to 15 February.

Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing desert-adapted wildlife including the iconic black rhino, elephant, giraffe, antelope, Hartmann's mountain zebra – and possibly even the area’s predators such as lion and leopard.

Discover the details of the desert and learn more about the lesser-known flora and fauna that survive in this incredibly harsh environment. Adaptation is a necessity for desert wildlife and walking through this arid environment offers unique insights on this phenomenon. Marvel at the miracles that withstand this seemingly inhospitable landscape.

* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

Typically set out in the morning by vehicle, following behind the Save the Rhino (SRT) monitors as they track one of their charges – the remarkable desert-adapted black rhino. Due to the vast terrain, long distances can be covered, with other wildlife to be seen along the way. Once a rhino has been located, tracking by foot can take place depending on the position and/or location of the rhino. It is impossible to feel anything other than amazingly fortunate when in the company of such incredible Perissodactyla.

* Note: Rhino tracking remains the key focus and purpose at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, a standard activity included on a FI rate basis and available to all guests.

Travel amongst rolling, rocky hills with scattered euphorbia, ancient welwitschia plants, scrubby vegetation, and isolated clumps of trees through the 450 000-hectare (1 111 974-acre) Palmwag Concession and search out the fascinating desert-adapted wildlife of the region. During this full day spent exploring vast tracts of this famed conservation area, a scenic spot will be set up to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna found in the Palmwag Concession. Key species to look out for include Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and possibly even Herero chat with some focused searching. Verreauxs' eagle are often sighted above the rocky hillsides.

The Qorokwe Concession is defined by the Gomoti Channel in the east, while a large part of it lies across the Santantadibe River to the west. The safari traversing area comprises typical Okavango Delta habitats: seasonal palm-dotted floodplains, wooded islands, tranquil waterways, and dry woodland areas. This variety of habitats, plus the fact that the Qorokwe Concession has permanent water all year round, allows for a unique diversity of wildlife and outstanding game viewing during every season. Concentrations of larger predators may include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, and African wild dog. While various plains species typically seen are herds of giraffe, zebra, red lechwe and gnarled buffalo bulls.

Scan the bushveld during an evening drive for magical nocturnal mammals such as civets, genets, bushbabies, and owls.

A walking safari offers you the exciting opportunity of coming across big game on foot, as well as observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle. Step out in the wilderness with our skilled guides, and feel the thrill of being at one with nature.

* On request and seasonal (during the transition season of March to June, flora in the area flourishes, giving predators ample coverage, thus, making walking conditions unfavourable.

There is no better way of viewing the Delta and its wildlife than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe).
Float along a crystal-clear waterway as you search for painted reed frogs, and beautiful waterlilies.

* Water levels permitting.

Seasonal boating excursions allow you to explore the more distant waterways, and the deep clear channels.

* Water levels permitting.

The camp itself overlooks a lagoon which is a magnet for avian wildlife. Or venture further afield to continue with excellent birdlife viewing which varies throughout the year, depending on water levels and season. These may include African hawk-eagle, ground hornbill, scarlet-chested sunbird, red-billed hornbill, and Gabar goshawk. Time to tick off a lifer.

Take a delightful picnic and explore on a full day excursion to the spectacular and productive area of Gomoti Plains, where wildlife abounds.

* On a minimum two night stay.

Viewing wildlife on a game drive is a thrilling experience. The varied woodland habitats and ancient floodplains along the Linyanti fault line make the Linyanti an essential part of any Botswana itinerary. Some of our guests have described it as utterly breathtaking. A safari to Africa is worthy of being on every travellers' must see destination.

Catch sight of nocturnal creatures on a night drive along the channel. An intriguing opportunity for you to see animals that you may never have heard of and are more unique, such as genets, civets, and bush babies. The other exciting element of night drives is the chance of seeing cats at their most active.

On request, nature walks with skilled, armed guides are wonderful ways of getting close to nature and observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle.

There are two hides in the vicinity of Kings Pool from which to view and photograph animals and birds. One is located at the western end of camp and the other is an original underground hide, with the water at eye level making for a unique camera-friendly perspective

End the day with sundowners, relaxing on the elegant, colonial-style Queen Silvia barge floating down the Linyanti River. While the camp and its lagoon take their name from King Gustaf of Sweden who honeymooned here in the mid 1900s, the name of the barge romantically commemorates his wife. The newlyweds fell in love with the beauty of Botswana – a feeling that was mutual as the country fell in love with them too, and Botswana fondly named Queen Silvia the Dancing Queen!

* Water levels permitting.

Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment is on offer on a catch and release basis.

* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

Birding is outstanding at Wilderness King's Pool, with the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve an internationally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA), particularly for birds of prey like Dickinson's kestrel and water birds, from fish eagles to herons, and African skimmers. In the summer months, southern carmine bee-eaters nest near camp. Keep your binoculars close at hand!

Massages are available for you to enjoy in the privacy of your tent. A range of beauty treatments created to restore your body’s natural balance and soothe away your stresses.