Best of Namibia, Botswana & The Falls with private aircraft

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 hyena and birdlife. Sundowner stops in scenic parts of the reserve are a highlight.

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World-famous Sossusvlei is the name of an enormous clay pan, flanked by a field of famous towering sand dunes that flush red in the early morning sun. Close to the Sossusvlei pan is Dead Vlei, another pan where water once flowed. However, all that remains now are the skeletons of camelthorn trees that reach up out of the cracked earth. An exclusive-use gate provides direct access at sunrise to the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei and the evocative panoramas of Dead Vlei.

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Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

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 sunset.

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

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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 provides a revealing stroll along a productive dry riverbed.

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After dark, another realm of the Namib awakes. Walks reveal some of these captivating critters such as dancing white lady spiders and numerous scorpion species which fluoresce under UV light.

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Delight in a sleep-out experience under the starry starry skies of the Namib and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa on the bottom deck of your accommodation.

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The Namib is known for its clear night skies, and with no light pollution it is the ideal spot from which to learn about the incredible formations of the stars and planets. Our guides are also known to dabble in astronomy and will guide you through the constellations.

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) certifies as a Dark Sky Reserve “a public or private land, possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and public enjoyment.” NamibRand was accorded Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve status in 2012, after it expanded its conservation role to include preserving the star-filled night-time skies that shine above its dunes and mountains. Lauded as one of the darkest locations ever designated by the IDA , the reserve is described as one of the nighttime environments that have little to no impact from light pollution and artificial light.

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The hot air balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly unique bird's-eve view experience of the remote wilderness below. Soar above the magnificent sand dunes and roaring desert, with a champagne breakfast being served upon landing.

* Optional activity at extra cost, and weather permitting.
* Unavailable for the periods 15 January to 15 February (inclusive), and 25 December and 01 January.

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Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Explore further into the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, while enjoying the thrill of riding a quad bike. A guide leads these eco-sensitive excursions, allowing you to take in the incredible views and to catch a glimpse of the denizens of the desert, including the likes of oryx, springbok and bat-eared fox, as well as fascinating avian desert specials such as the endemic dune lark.

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Explore the natural wonders of Namibia and take in the majestic landscapes riding electric powered fat-wheeled bikes. An exciting way to explore the stunning open plains with your guide.

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Access to various activities and their routes in and around Wilderness Little Kulala taking in the scenic beauty of the stunning panoramic landscape of Kulala Wilderness Reserve – includes both Guided or Self-Guided trails for hiking, running and cycling. Spectacularly scenic viewpoints offer a chance to stop and take it all in.

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Informative nature drives in open game vehicles allow guests to experience the true Namib in its unbridled glory. A broad spectrum of wildlife, from desert-adapted oryx, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra are familiar sightings. While walking provides unique opportunities to see the smaller denizens of the desert, from the famous fairy circles to the desert chameleon.

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For a truly remote experience, the vast expanse of the Marienfluss Valley offers a much-needed sense of space and enables new interpretation of the concept of beauty. A safari at Wilderness Serra Cafema will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Namibia and its wildlife..

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One of our highlights, guided quad bike excursions through the fragile environs, is conducted with the utmost care along specifically allocated pathways, so as to tread lightly on the dunes and preserve the unique and delicate habitat of this landscape.

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In this isolated area, the Himba people continue their traditional semi-nomadic way of life and, when they are in the area, guests have an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and customs.

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Boating on the wondrous Kunene River provides our guests with the opportunity to venture through the lush riverside oases. Nile crocodiles and water birds seem out of place in this surreal, lunar-like landscape.

* Seasonal and water levels permitting.

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Wilderness Serra Cafema’s prime location means that it has a unique combination of water and desert birds.

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Guided afternoon/evening game drives take place on the private Ongava Game Reserve. The reserve has a diverse range of wildlife and is famed for its population of rhino and lion, as well as other game such as the endemic black-faced impala.

Each reservation at Horizon includes a private vehicle, ensuring an exclusive and intimate safari experience. This personalized service allows guests to explore the landscape at their own pace, with the freedom to fully enjoy the beauty of nature.

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Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Ongava

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Ongava

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Ongava

Ongava Game Reserve Credit: Tom Hazel

A full- or half-day guided morning game drive in the Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area (with a packed lunch on full day), allows you to see the massive salt-pan and perennial springs that provide the water required by the Park’s high-density big game population. Each reservation at Horizon includes a private vehicle, ensuring an exclusive and intimate safari experience. This personalized service allows guests to explore the landscape at their own pace, with the freedom to fully enjoy the beauty of nature.

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Etosha Nationalpark Credit: Ongava

Etosha Nationalpark Credit: Ongava

Etosha Nationalpark Credit: Ongava

Offered seasonally and subject to an available walking guide, the guided nature walks through the reserve will proudly showcase the abundant array of life, from the unusual plants to the arid-adapted animals with a chance of potentially approaching white rhino.

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Guided Nature Walk Credit: Ongava

Guided Nature Walk Credit: Ongava

Guided Nature Walk Credit: Tom Hazel

Guided Nature Walk Credit: Tom Hazel

A hide is a fantastic place to while the hours away up close and personal with wildlife slaking its thirst at a waterhole. This arid environment where little water occurs makes this a popular drinking spot for game.

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Ongava Hide Credit: Ongava

Ongava Hide Credit: Ongava

Ongava Hide Credit: Ongava

Ongava Hide Credit: Ongava

Guests can interface with science and research across the Ongava Game Reserve and part of this experience is an immersion into the world of natural history and science at the new Ongava Visitor Centre. With dozens of in-depth displays that feature information on the geology, animals, plants and ecological functioning of this fascinating region, guests are encouraged to meander through the self-guided exhibition area.

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Ongava Information System and Visitor Centre Credit: Ongava

Ongava Information System and Visitor Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker

Ongava Information System and Visitor Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker

Ongava Information System and Visitor Centre Credit: Stefan Redecker

Explore the Mombo Private Traversing Area with game drives revealing the rich wildlife of the locale, from predators to prey. This is a truly bountiful hunting ground for leopards, and large prides of lions.\

* Please note that as the camp is located within the Moremi Game Reserve, night drives are not possible at Wilderness Little Mombo.

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Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Credit: Wilderness

Experience a sumptuous brunch with our out-of-camp experience so that you may spend as much time out in the bush as possible. Enjoy excellent food in the beautiful natural surrounds after an exhilarating game drive.

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Spend time at our hides, for exceptional bird and animal viewing. Ideal for keen photographers who have the patience to sit quietly and wait for wildlife to wander down to the waterhole. Most productive for game viewing in the drier months for an up close and personal perspective.

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Whilst visiting Wilderness Little Mombo is therapy in itself, thanks to its sublime wilderness location, the camp offers a holistic health and wellness experience. Delight in a signature treatment and enjoy the rejuvenating indulgence of the relaxing Sanctuary spa.

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Credit: Wilderness Unwind together with a Couples Connect treatment in the specially designed double suite.

Credit: Wilderness Highly trained therapists anticipate guests' every need.

Credit: Wilderness The Sanctuary invites guests into an experience that nurtures both body and spirit, while remaining in harmony with the environment that inspires it.

For those looking to exercise, there is a gym where you can work up a sweat whilst enjoying a view filled, more often than not, with wildlife.

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With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. Drives do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon, but full day drives are also quite common at a guest’s request. Picnic brunch can be delivered, and the vehicles are stocked with cold drinks. The camp has two custom built Land Cruisers specially designed for our conditions and photography (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors) with seven individual bucket seats.

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Zarafa Camp Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Zarafa Camp - Safari Drive Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Zarafa Camp Birdlife Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Zarafa Camp Wildlife Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Zarafa Camp Wildlife Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Zarafa Camp Wildlife Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Zarafa Camp Wildlife Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Zarafa Camp Wildlife Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Talk to the managers to arrange a good time and location for a walk. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good

walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.

The HES Zib, Zarafa’s special pontoon boat, is an utterly unique experience. The 275 sq. foot deck is complete with couches, a dining area and bar where guests can comfortably enjoy floating brunch or sundowners while watching hippos and elephants in the water. It is also an exceptional platform for birding. (Water-level dependent)

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Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Each of Zarafa’s guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a DVD on guest’s departure. Each suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well. For stargazers, each room comes with its own telescope for use on each suite's private deck.

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Photographic Equipment Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Dhow Suite Photographic Equipment Credit: Great Plains Conservation

A full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.

Fly-fishing and rod/reel kit is available for those who want to try their cast at the local fish (except January and February when there is a moratorium on fishing).

Explore the lagoon and channels around the area by flat-bottomed power boat. (Seasonal and water level dependent)

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Credit: Great Plains Conservation

The Spa at Zarafa is located between suite 4 and the Dhow Suite. The Spa offers guests two treatment

areas and with a range of treatments available. Spa treatments are at an additional cost.

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Spa at Zarafa Camp Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Spa at Zarafa Camp Credit: Great Plains Conservation

Spa at Zarafa Camp Credit: Great Plains Conservation