CSC Namibia - NAMIB EXPLORER - Scheduled Group

Day notes

You will be met by your Explorations guide and begin your journey by driving through the Khomas Hochland mountains and down into the iconic Sossusvlei region, a driving time of approximately five hours.

Set on 37 000 hectares of land near the spectacular sights of Sossusvlei, the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve is home to Kulala Adventurer Camp. The camp, comprising of 5 “maxi” dome tents under the shade, is perfect for taking in the Reserve’s expansive vistas and stark beauty and enjoys views into the Namib Naukluft National Park. Dining under the star-filled Namibian skies and watching a rose-red sunset punctuated by the cacophony of barking geckos are a few highlights, as is spending unrushed quality time at the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, known for their red colouring in the early morning sunlight, accessed through our private gate which is closer to the dunes than the main park entry gate.

Did you know?

 Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok can be seen on the reserve, as well as

smaller creatures like bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal and Cape fox.

 Other activities include day and night scenic drives and walks.

Included: All meals, daily activities and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Day notes

Transfer by road, a drive of about 5 – 6 hours (approximately 370 km / 230 miles) taking in spectacular scenery to Swakopmund, a picturesque town with an eclectic mix of European and African culture. Nights are spent at the Hansa Hotel, which forms part of city’s architectural heritage.

Namibia’s oldest hotel, and consistently one of the best, the Hansa has retained its 100-year-old charm while providing present-day service and comfort. Bedrooms are spacious and tastefully appointed, with a blend of modern luxury and antique décor. Interesting photographs from the past adorn the walls along the carpeted passages. Although it is located in the centre of town giving you access to most of the local amenities, even the street facing bedrooms are surprisingly quiet. A short walk will bring you to the heated Olympic-sized indoor public swimming pool, the museum, lighthouse and Kristall Galerie, as well as several good restaurants if you wish to try an alternative to the Hansa’s tasty fare.

‘Dolphin and Seal’ Catamaran Cruise

Highlights

 This catamaran cruise (weather permitting) provides a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful bay and coastline.

 Learn about the oysters cultivated in the bay.

 Spot wildlife from the boat including dolphins, seals, birdlife and perhaps even turtles and whales, depending on the season.

 Taste some of fantastic seafood delicacies of the area.

You explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast and its incredible marine mammals, from the port towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The cruise takes in the Oyster Platforms, where you learn about the oysters cultivated there – including tasting the delicacies – before moving on to Pelican Point to see the lighthouse, and an area in which three species of dolphins may be encountered, namely the rare endemic Heaviside’s dolphin, dusky and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Aside from spotting diverse pelagic (ocean-going) birds, pelicans, flamingos, and Cape fur seals, the massive sunfish, leatherback turtles, southern right and humpback whales can be seen in season. This activity is rounded off with a private seafood lunch, before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Included: Bed, breakfast and one dinner, [excludes dinner on the second night], dolphin and seal cruise.

Day notes

Travel by road 320 kilometres (200 miles) and approximately 8-hour drive up past Brandberg Mountain (second-largest monolith on earth) via Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp for lunch to Damaraland Adventurer Camp. Game drives and nature walks showcase the stark desert beauty and its fascinating desert-adapted wildlife and incredible geological formations.

Damaraland boasts a breathtaking assortment of desert-adapted species including one of the highest concentrations of desert elephant and black rhino. Other wildlife includes Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, giraffe, gemsbok, and springbok, with occasional cheetah sightings.

Damaraland Adventurer Camp is located in a special place in the heart of the rocky desert of Damaraland, an ancient, starkly beautiful landscape. Looking south from camp toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland offers you endless vistas and one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. 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 valley, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region, hence the high density of wildlife in the area. Accommodation is in 5 “maxi” dome tents pitched on timber platforms that allow for a small viewing deck where you can sit for hours and contemplate the surrounding beauty. Tucked away in and amongst the sandstone hills, each tent is surprisingly spacious with wooden beds with mattresses and cotton linen. En-suite bathrooms with toilet and shower are located at the back of each tent..

Activities range from day and night nature walks and viewing the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein (a World Heritage Site) to daytime nature drives, exploring the mountains, hills and ephemeral river beds and springs.

Included: All meals, daily activities and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Day notes

Transfer by road 330km (205 miles and a 5-hour drive) to Andersson’s Camp in the private Ongava Game Reserve on the boundary of Etosha National Park, the highest density wildlife area within Namibia. In the former and the latter, we experience the pinnacle of game viewing.

Located on the boundary of the world renowned Etosha National Park, Andersson’s Camp is the perfect point from which to explore the diversity of fauna and flora in this region. What’s more, this charming eco-sensitive camp is set within the privacy of its own reserve teeming with wildlife. Formerly an old farmstead, the camp is beautifully nestled in mopane scrub with the scenic backdrop of the low Ondundozonanandana mountain range. On arrival you will find your en-suite accommodation fronting onto a productive waterhole. Each of the 18 tents is raised on decks for enhanced views of the passing game..

Ongava Game Reserve was formed in 1991, when its shareholders converted four unproductive cattle ranches into a highly productive reserve, now home to large concentrations of wildlife.

 Etosha National Park takes its name from the world-famous Etosha Pan, one of the largest saltpans in the region. Around the pan, the topography ranges from broad swathes of mopane and tall tree canopies of woodland to open plains and dolomite hills.

 Game drives in both reserves will display a wide complement of wildlife including black-faced impala. Their predators, in particular lion, are never far away.

 Ongava is home to one of the largest black and white rhino populations in Namibia thanks to a successful reintroduction programme.

 Bird life is prolific with 340 species recorded.

Included: All meals, daily activities and local drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Day notes

Driving 420 kilometres (260 miles) south, you return to Windhoek at 13h00 and bid farewell to our adventure.