The sea to the Swamps

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nature drives showcase the magnitude of this wondrous lunar-like landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing unique desert-adapted wildlife. Morning or afternoon drives are available, as well as full-day excursions. Attractions include true desert oases found in the Hoanib floodplains; as well as habitats being home to desert-adapted elephants, gemsbok, giraffe, and springbok.

Guided nature walks from camp take in the magnificent surrounds, as well as offer a glimpse at vestiges of the Strandloper (Beachcomber) lifestyle from hundreds of years ago. A thought-provoking opportunity to study the smaller creatures that survive in this seemingly barren landscape, and be astonished at the fascinating plant life of the concession.

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

On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. This fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, which include Klein Oases Spring and driving through a dune field – while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colonies and shipwreck remains. Following a picnic lunch, the return flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.

* Typically, harsh desert conditions prevail in this area with regards to heat, fog rolling in from the sea, high winds and flooding rivers. On occasion, these conditions may affect the duration and routing of the excursion, with guests being driven both ways or – as is the case when it rains and the floodplains fill with water – flown both ways.

Operating within our concession area and on offer to all guests, these trips leave camp early in the morning, include a picnic lunch, and return to camp in the mid to late afternoon. It includes Mudorib Springs, exploring remote areas in the south of our allocated exclusive concession area, with the red basalt landscapes of the Damaraland. Amongst other general game species, guests have the chance of seeing Hartmann's mountain zebra and the desert-adapted rhino. In the northern and eastern area of the Hoanib, the valleys offer spectacular scenery.

* Subject to private vehicle availability, to guarantee this excursion a private vehicle needs to be booked and paid for.

At the Hoanib Research Centre, presentations by, and interactions with, wildlife researchers are possible when they are in camp. These valuable insights cover all current research being supported at Hoanib, in particular the vital work conducted by Dr Philip Stander and his team studying the unique desert-adapted lion. Learn about the tragic Vanishing Kings lion coalition, as well as the ancient stories and legends of the Skeleton Coast.

* Subject to the availability of researchers when in camp, and conducted in the research centre.

Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna of the northern Palmwag Concession, from soaring raptors to charming Namaqua sandgrouse; as well as other regular endemics including Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and Verreauxs' eagle.

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.

Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles. Bringing you closer to many thrilling interactions being played out in the wild, our knowledgeable guides are the vital link between guests and the intricacies of the natural world.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains’ unique community concession agreement means that many of the professional guides here grew up in this area, adding an extra layer of authenticity and cultural relevance to their expert tracking and identification skills. Swap your game drive for a nature walk, and marvel at the smaller things you may miss when travelling by vehicle.

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

After dark game viewing with filtered spotlights allow you to find intriguing nocturnal animals.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains truly an Okavango experience, and there is no better way of viewing game and exploring the channels than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). The wondrous wetland habitats result in a multitude of aquatic life, and these excursions reveal the fascinating smaller creatures of the Delta including colourful frogs and lively waterbirds.

* Water levels permitting.

Excursions by boat are another idyllic form of water wildlife exploration in the amazing paradise of the Okavango Delta.

* Water levels permitting.

Fishing is on a catch and release basis, and the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, is considered one of our best fishing areas as there is permanent water all year round. A limited supply of basic equipment is available at camp, whereas all fly fishing equipment is to be supplied by guests if required.

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

The birding at Wilderness Vumbura Plains is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. Search for some of the the hundreds of bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers, to carmine bee-eaters, and secretary birds. Or even the Pel's fishing owl! In the summer months many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.

As part of this unique collaboration, lightweight and compact OM-D photography equipment has been provided for guests to try out a number of the impressive features offered by Olympus. The picturesque vistas at Wilderness Vumbura Plains will amaze even the most seasoned safari explorers, and we hope that you will enjoy learning more about wildlife photography with our passionate guides.

* Olympus Photo Hub experience dependent on camera availability.

Children in the Wilderness (CITW) is a non-profit organisation supported by ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris, which aims to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa.

Insight, care and commitment are required to conserve Africa’s pristine wilderness and wildlife areas. If we are to ensure that these places continue to exist – in this generation and those to come – we need the rural children of Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives. Hence, our Children in the Wilderness programme: an environmental and life skills educational programme for children, focusing on the next generation of decision-makers; inspiring them to care for their natural heritage and to become the custodians of these areas in the future.

This is achieved in a variety of ways – from hosting Eco-Club programmes at local schools, to running camps at Wilderness Safaris and partner camps, for the children within the rural communities that live on the edges of the wild areas of Africa.