Namibian Adventure

Day notes

Arrive at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport,( flights own arrangements - not included ) check through customs and immigrations and make your way through to the arrival hall.

Meet your pilot(s) in the arrivals hall and commence on your flight towards the NamibRand Nature Reserve and your accommodation at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.

Note: Depending on numbers or aircraft requirements we will be using Cessna C208 for max 10/11 seats or Cessna C210 for max 4 seats for all flights indicated in the program. For enhance version we can suggest a Pilatus PC12

Day notes

Final activity and breakfast at the lodge.

Depart to the airstrip for onward flight(s) which will take you to the coastal town of Swakopmund. The approximate flying time would be 1 hour and would include a scenic along Conception Bay.

Arrive at the Swakopmund Airport, transfer to the Hotel for lunch (own account) and an afternoon at leisure.

The Hansa Hotel was established in 1905 in the romantic town of Swakopmund. The Hotel’s reputation was built on providing luxurious and sophisticated hospitality, complimented by the highest standard of friendly, personalized service.

The name ‘Hansa Hotel’ is derived from the Old High-German word for group or team. It changed to ‘Hansa’ in the Middle Ages and became the common term after 1358 for a powerful association of German traders who traded with the rest of the world.

When Germany joined the colonial era of the European powers, ‘Hanse’ or ‘Hansa’ began to stand for a meeting place for travellers overseas, like the harbour or Swakopmund in the German colony of ‘German South West Africa’ - the colonial name for present day Namibia.

Day notes

Depart breakfast at 07:50 for your transfer to Walvisbay.

Check in for the Dolphin and Seal cruise at 08:30 and depart from the WalvisBay Yacht club and continue on the route, into the beautiful Bay area, a Shipwreck, Lighthouse, Oyster Platforms, different bird species, Seals and more Marine life.

In the Bay area, the Catamaran will move alongside the Oyster Platforms. Here your Guide will share more info with you about our own WalvisBay cultivated Oysters. Included in the tour is the tasting of these delicacies. The Catamaran will then proceed to the ever-growing Pelican Point to have a closer look at the lighthouse. The old supply railway tracks can still be seen from the years when the Lighthouse was still occupied by the Coastguards.

Moving around the Point, 3 different types of Dolphins may be spotted, namely: the Heaviside Dolphins-which are important as they are the only endemic Dolphins along the Namibian Coast. Dusky as well as Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins can also be seen on occasions. In season, the larger mammals like the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback Whales may be spotted and with a bit of extra special luck, the mighty Killer Whales (Orcas).

Sightings of the Mola Mola (Sunfish) and the Leatherback Turtles will also keep you on the lookout.

All this can be seen while comfortably relaxing in the Saloon, trampolines or on the deck, whilst enjoying a glass of Sparkling Wine and snacks.

The boat trip will end at approximately 12:30 and you will be transferred straight to the Swakopmund Airport where your two pilots and two planes will be waiting for you with your luggage.

Depart with the private charter aircraft(s) for an hours scenic flight to the Doro Nawas airstrip.

On arrival collected by 4x4 for the next few days safari through the Huab River in search for the desert adapted lions.

Dr Philip Stander has been working with carnivores for 28 years and has dedicated the last 13 years to the conservation of desert lions. These unique predators - there are only 100 to 130 in a 55 000 square kilometre area - live in the harshest of conditions in the Kunene Region. To survive in this extreme environment they need to cover vast distances. This inevitably brings them into contact with the people who live in this arid area. We are trying to find real solutions for the human/lion conflicts that arise when man and beast share the same area and resources.

Join Dr Stander wherever he is working. Usually this will take us through game rich areas with incredible desert scenery. There is no fixed itinerary. Our desert lions are not the semi- tame cats frequently encountered in national parks; they are awesome, shy and lords of their environment, and it is a privilege to see them.

Overnight will be spent in a comfortable mobile camp set up by Conservancy Safaris Namibia in the area where the action is, probably in the spectacular Huab Valley. Our brother and sister team, Sonia and Boas Hambo will ensure your comfort.

Day notes

Again, the lions dictate the day's movements. This means that while you monitor the lions your crew may need to break down camp and erect it elsewhere to keep on the trail.

During your time with Dr Stander you will learn how these animals have adapted to their harsh environment; how they differ from prides elsewhere and the distances they travel in one single night.

If Dr Stander finds lion at night, your routine will be adapted to fit the work. This could mean a late night or a very early morning: this is an expedition, not an ordinary tourist’s safari. Overnight in our mobile camp – and enjoy a hot shower and cold gin and tonic wherever our camp is.

Enjoy your last evening with us around a crackling fire. Immerse yourself in the sounds, scents and flavours of an African night, knowing that your presence is making conservation sustainable for the people and animals who share this vast region.

Overnight: Huab River Camping

Day notes

This morning transfer to the Doro Nawas airstrip and continue with your private air charters to Hartmann Valley Airstrip.

Upon arrival at the airstrip you will be met by a transfer representative for your transfer to Okahirongo River Camp for final 2 nights located in the remote far North of Namibia.

The Okahirongo River Camp is is built on high hills overlooking the Otupambua Rapids and the Kunene River and situated in the Marienfluss Valley in northwestern Namibia. Activities include a visit to a local Himba village where their traditions and pastoral mode of life is maintained despite the influence of the modern world. Each village comprises of several families who live in wooden huts covered in earth and dung. The camp also offers nature and scenic drives to the nearby mountains and red dunes, boat cruises with great birding and crocodile viewing opportunities. Early morning walks are very much recommended and a great way to explore the Marienfluss valley.

Scenic flights and day trips to the nearby Epupa Falls can be arranged at an additional cost.

Overnight: Okahirongo River Camp

Day notes

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

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