CSC Namibia - WILD HABITATS - 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 dune-filled Sossusvlei region, a driving time of approximately five to six hours (330 kilometres / 205 miles). Lunch will be enjoyed en route.

As the perfect gateway to the impressive sights of Sossusvlei, Kulala Desert Lodge is a favourite among our travellers. Magnificent views of the famous dunes, surrounding mountains and vast open plains will be the setting during your stay. The camp comprises 23 en-suite thatched and canvas ‘kulalas’ and a veranda for you to enjoy the outstanding scenery. On balmy nights, sleep under the clear night skies on your rooftop and awaken to the rising sun. By day, enjoy the various activities or spot desert-adapted wildlife from the lounge and dining area overlooking a waterhole. To escape the midday heat a cooling plunge pool provides the ideal sanctuary.

 Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, characterised by huge dunes and flat valley floors.

 To showcase this vast and impressive landscape, we offer nature drives, walking, quad biking, horse riding and ballooning (last three at extra cost).

 You can witness sparsely distributed desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok, oryx, spotted and brown hyaena, and bateared

fox.

 One of the many fascinating bird species, the dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area.

Day notes

Depart camp early and drive through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains, eventually arriving in Walvis Bay before moving north into the quaint town of Swakopmund, a drive of about 5 – 6 hours (approximately 370 km / 230 miles). Discover the town of Swakopmund and bed down in an iconic hotel that forms part of city’s architectural culture.

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. Our 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 we are located in the centre of town giving you access to most of the local amenities, even our 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.

All suites and some rooms have air-conditioning.

 Breakfast and an à la carte dinner are served in our dining room.

 You can have lunch al fresco on our terrace overlooking the inner garden.

 Our rates include accommodation and Continental or English breakfast buffet and newspapers

Marine Desert Adventure on day 4

 Capture the breathtaking views of Walvis Bay from the ocean and look out for the Atlantic’s magnificent sea creatures.

 Explore the awe-inspiring Sandwich Harbour area of the Namib-Naukluft Park in a 4x4.

 Enjoy sumptuous oysters of the region while picnicking on a deserted beach or in the desert.

The day starts at 09h00 with a marine cruise, exploring Walvis Bay Harbour, old boat wrecks, and the chance of spotting life such as pelicans, dolphins and seals, and even whales and turtles in season. At around 11h30, your skipper will drop you off on a deserted beach at the jetty of Pelican Point, where your Sandwich Harbour 4x4 guide will meet you with a Land Rover. You will be taken on an excursion to see the Kuiseb River Delta, the saltpans and the wetlands just north of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon with the possibility of seeing their famed flamingos in one of southern Africa’s richest and unique wetlands. If vehicles cannot make it there due to tides, there is time to walk the four or five kilometres. Alternatively, you will get a chance to see the Lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots. En route, a light meal with snacks and salads, as well as oysters – some of the best in the world – and sparkling wine, are dished up. On the return drive, more giant dunes are crossed, including the big roaring dunes. You will arrive in Walvis Bay at approximately 16h30 after a fantastic day out.

Day notes

We continue our journey by road for approximately 5 hours (280 kilometres / 174 miles) partly up the legendary Skeleton Coast (named for the numerous shipwrecks the treacherous shores have claimed over the years). From here we drive the back roads through the game productive Ugab riverbed, travelling north past the Brandberg Mountain – the second largest monolith on earth – to Damaraland. This all-day excursion with lunch en route ends with our arrival at Damaraland Camp. A land of stark beauty, the area boasts a varied assortment of desert-adapted wildlife and incredible geological formations

Set in the Huab River valley, Damaraland Camp is situated in arguably one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Namibia. Endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys and stunning ochre-purple mountains will be the backdrop during your stay. Our staff will invite you into one of ten large adobe-style thatched units raised off the ground for sensational vistas. Each includes a walk-in dressing room, en-suite facilities and a deck from which to contemplate the desert.

Entertainment while at camp will be in our spacious living area complete with a swimming pool. An open campfire will keep you warm and you can dine traditionally in our boma under clear night skies.

Did you know?

 Wilderness and the local Damaraland community have an award-winning partnership that led to the creation of the Torra Conservancy.

 The Torra Conservancy is one of the driest, most desolate yet beautiful regions in all Africa. Its landscape is characterised by dramatic hills interspersed with sweeping valleys and ephemeral riverbeds.

 Game drives, guided walks and cultural visits will make up your activities here.

 Despite its aridity, a surprisingly high diversity of wildlife is found here, including the fascinating desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok and occasional cheetah.

 Birding is excellent with White-tailed Shrike and Benguela Long-billed Lark common finds. Included: All meals, daily activities, laundry and drinks (excluding premium import brands)

Day notes

We drive into the Huab riverbed to search for desert-adapted elephants, before heading north to the mountainous and rocky paradise of the massive Palmwag Concession. The speciality of the area is its growing population of the rare desert-adapted black rhino (the largest concentration in the world outside a national park), which are monitored and protected by Save the Rhino Trust.

At Desert Rhino Camp you will take part in a thrilling and exclusive conservation success story. Tracking Africa’s unique and endangered desert-adapted black rhino is an unforgettable experience. To set the scene, you will be shown into one of the eight en-suite Meru-style tents elevated off the ground. You can absorb the panoramic views over the rolling, rocky hills beyond from the privacy of your veranda. Full day excursions are on offer; otherwise, between activities, relax in our tented living area. Evening meals are taken around the fire pit. As a wonderland of unusual plant life, fascinating wildlife and sparse wilderness, Desert Rhino is begging to be explored. 5

Did you know?

 We work closely with Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) which is almost singlehandedly responsible for the preservation of desertadapted rhino in the area. A portion of guest revenue goes to SRT.

 The impressive flat-topped Etendeka Mountains dominate the scenery. Dry river-courses like the Uniab River cut through the rocky landscape below, dotted with odd-shaped bottle tree, ancient leadwoods and unique Welwitschias.

 Other than tracking rhino, you can fill your days with game drives, walks and cultural visits.

 Along with the rhino you may see desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok and kudu as well as cheetah, leopard and spotted hyaena.

 Birdlife is varied with endemics such as Bokmakierie and Ruppell’s Korhaan.

Day notes

This morning we drive to Doro Nawas airstrip for our light aircraft transfer to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is located on the Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld. Exclusivity is taken a step further as the camp comprises only seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit. The camp looks out over stunning yet rugged scenery and offers you all the luxuries and amenities needed for an unforgettable stay. A bewitching and splendid part of the planet, you can unravel the enigmatic history of the original Strandlopers (Beachcombers), their stone circles lying in hidden valleys, studying the ancient Welwitschia plant, viewing the herds of desert-adapted wildlife, to savouring the endless landscapes unfolding - untouched - for hundreds of kilometres.

Did you know?

 The area has a historic coastline, mountains, vast plains, and dry riverbeds inhabited by incredible desert-adapted plant and animal life.

 Despite the arid environs, there is a chance of seeing desert-adapted wildlife on day activities from camp.

 Other activities include nature walks, game drives, dune drives, use of hides, exploratory day excursions with picnic lunches and coastal visits (weather permitting).

 Set in one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world, the camp is eco-friendly and has minimal impact on the environment.

Day notes

We fly to Doro Nawas airstrip this morning before driving to Ongava Game Reserve on the boundary of Etosha National Park.

Set on the slopes of the unpronounceable Ondundozonanandana Mountain, Ongava Lodge overlooks a productive waterhole and the impressive landscape beyond. Settle into one of the 14 en-suite chalets built within a web of mopane trees with a deck stretching out over the vast plains. In between activities, refreshments will be served in the thatched main area or at the swimming pool. In the evenings, dining under the stars while being entertained by wildlife at the waterhole will become a favourite pastime. Situated within its own private reserve, only a stone’s throw from the world-famous Etosha National Park, you can look forward to a fascinating journey with us.

Did you know?

 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.

Day notes

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