Namibia - Dunes & Damaraland Experience

Day notes

On arrival at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) you will be met by the dmAFRICA representative who will assist you with the arrangements for your light aircraft charter(s) to Little Kulala, located in the Sossusvlei region of Namibia.

On arrival you will be met by your guide for the short transfer to the Kulala Camp, where arrangements are for 3 nights in luxury Standard Kulalas & Family Kulalas accommodation including all meals, park fees, scheduled activities, bed levy, laundry, local drinks and house wine (excluding premier brands and selected wines)

Little Kulala, a luxurious desert retreat, is situated in the private 37 000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve - the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea with its towering red dunes and clear starry skies.

Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular towering dunes of Sossusvlei are through a private gate into the reserve. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, which itself is part of the Namib Naukluft National Park that stretches 400km south of Walvis Bay and is sandwiched between the west coast and the escarpment that runs parallel more than 100km inland. Its huge red dunes and flat valley floors make up the archetypical view of the Namib that is world famous.

Guided drives and walks are also offered on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve with incredible views, desert-adapted wildlife and plants. A balloon safari at extra cost offers a unique experience soaring silently above the desert before landing for a champagne breakfast.

Day notes

A full day of activities in accordance with your requirements.

Highlights

Little Kulala offers close proximity and private access to the dunes of Sossusvlei

Explore the dramatic Kulala Wilderness Reserve on quad bike, hot air balloon, nature drive or on foot

Dining under the sparkling clear Namibian skies is a speciality here

Day notes

Activities at Little Kulala include exploring the spectacular towering dunes of Sossusvlei as well as other fascinating geographical formations of the region. Guided drives and walks are also offered on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve.

Visit to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei

World-famous Sossusvlei is the name of an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous sand dunes that flush red in the early morning sun – as well as the name of the area in general. Close to the Sossusvlei pan is Dead Vlei, another pan where water once flowed, but now all that remains are the skeletons of trees reach up out of the cracked earth.

Visit Sesriem Canyon

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.

Nature drives

The 37,000 hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers visitors exclusive wildlife-viewing opportunities which include the likes of oryx, bat-eared fox, brown hyaena and birdlife. Drinks stops in scenic parts of the reserve are a highlight.

Walking trails

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 a fascinating dry riverbed.

Guided quad-biking

Eco-sensitive quad-biking through the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve will allow you to take in those incredible views and to catch a glimpse of the denizens of the desert.

The Sundowner tour

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 goes down.

Scorpion night walks

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

Star bed

Sleep out under the starry starry skies of the Namib and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa on the roof or your unit.

Star gazing

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 while our telescope will allow you to look closer.

Balloon safaris*

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.

Horse riding safari*

Ride through some of the most spectacular and unusual scenery on the planet on well-schooled horses. Watch the sun go down at a beautiful spot while sipping a drink and then canter back under the stars in time for dinner. *This activity is at additional cost and on request.

Day notes

After breakfast, at a time to be advised by the camp management, you will be transferred to Little Kulala’s airstrip for your light aircraft charter transfer(s) to Damaraland Camp.

You are met on arrival by your guide and transferred to the Damaraland Camp where arrangements are for 3 nights in tented accommodation both double and family units including all meals, park fees, scheduled activities, bed levy, laundry, local drinks and house wine (excluding premier brands and selected wines).

Situated on the northern face of the Huab River valley and looking south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland Camp offers its guests endless vistas. 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. This comfortable and friendly camp offers walks and drives in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. Although wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland Camp is situated where the rare Desert Elephant roams, alongside Gemsbok (Oryx), Springbok, Ostrich and other hardy desert animals. Rare succulent plants somehow manage to eke out an existence in this harsh countryside.

Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in 10 large en-suite adobe-style thatched units, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water. The stone living area combines the dining room and bar and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. There is a swimming pool next to the bar. Activities throughout the area are in 4x4 vehicles and on foot as well as mountain bikes.

Day notes

Activities at Damaraland Camp revolve around exploring the Haub River system, surrounding desert plains and ancient valleys framed by the Etendeka Mountains. Guided nature drives and walks are a feature as well as engaging with the communities of the area.

Nature drives

Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the dramatic scenery and fascinating wildlife of the region. Desert-adapted elephant are the highlight of the area, although the natural cycle of rainfall dictates the seasonal movements of wildlife along the Huab River.

Cultural activities

Learn about the uique heritage of the local peoples, which include Nama-Damara, Herero, Owambo, and the displaced Riemvasmaakers of South Africa. This activity allows you to respectfully engage with these communities and it also includes a visit to the local Bergsig School.

Guided nature walks

Learn more about the ancient geological past and present of Damaraland as well as about the unique plants, birds and reptiles that have superbly adapted to this arid area.

Rock art excursions

Damaraland is world-famous for its ancient rock art; guests on stays of three nights or more can take a day drive to visit some of these remains and marvel at the artists of ages past. *On request; extra cost

Damaraland Camp is situated in the Torra Conservancy – an inspirational community partnership – with sensational views of the surrounding desert plains, ancient valleys and distant peaks of the Brandberg Mountains. New technology blends with ancient construction methods to create innovative, eco-friendly luxury in the desert, with the camp’s 10 elevated adobe-styled, thatched units. A spacious, thatched living area is complete with a fireplace, bar, and swimming pool. An open campfire and outdoor 'boma' can be enjoyed during calm evenings.

Large game is not concentrated year-round here, with the natural cycle of rainfall dictating the seasonal movement of wildlife along the Huab River, which can be explored from camp.

Highlights

Owned and largely run by the local community, who have injected their own distinctive optimism and cheerful nature into the Damaraland Camp experience.

Superb stargazing in crystal-clear night skies from one of Namibia’s best safari camps

The Torra Conservancy supports healthy populations of rare desert-adapted elephant

Day notes

Transfer to the airstrip for your onward air charter flight(s) Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) for your onward departure arrangements.

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