Ultimate Namibia & Botswana Private Safari

Day notes

Arrival in to Windhoek International Airport (WDH) commercial or private jet by early morning required.

Unique private flying safari -  Skeleton Coast for 3 nights / 4 days  -  2 x Cessna C210 aircrafts on private basis

Leaving Windhoek at 10h00 in the morning, following the Skeleton Coast from Conception Bay to the Huab Valley during the first day. The second day continues up the coast as far as the Hoarusib Valley and the third day as far as the Kunene river, being the northern border of Namibia. The safari ends in Windhoek on the fourth day, arriving just before sunset.

You will experience fascinating bird’s-eye views of shipwreck remains along the coast, diverse and ever-changing geological formations and the refuges of desert-dwelling animals such as the endangered black rhino and desert-adapted elephant. As our guest, you are taken on excursions by Land Rover to be introduced to the scenic and ecological aspects of the environment with its wide diversity of flora and fauna.

Accommodation consists of three fully equipped tented desert camps, which nestle into the natural environment. The first of these is in the lower reaches of the Huab River in the Erongo Region (Damaraland), the second under Camel thorn trees and Makalani palms in the Hoarusib Valley in the Kunene Region (Kaokoland), and the third on the north-western Namibian border overlooking the Kunene River.

Highlights are:

• A desolate coastline with adjoining roaring dunes
• Ugab rock formations
• Colorful red lava and yellow sandstone of the Huab environs
• Ancient Bushman rock engravings
• The living “fossil” tree, Welwitschia Mirabilis
• Visit to a settlement of the nomadic Himba people
• Panoramic vistas of the Hartmann Valley, which extends to the Kunene River on the Angolan border

Depart Windhoek International Airport at 10h00A for departure to the Skeleton Coast via Conception Bay. The Kuiseb canyon and adjoining red dunes are a spectacular view from the air. The flight includes an aerial view of the famous Eduard Bohlen shipwreck at Conception Bay.

After landing and refuelling at Swakopmund, we continue with a low-level flight north along the Skeleton Coast past the seal colony at Cape Cross for a light picnic lunch near the beach. After lunch we cross the desert by aircraft to the Ugab formations, a nearly lifeless ‘moon landscape’ of numerous black ridges in stark contrast to the white desert floor. From here we proceed to our Kuidas camp in the Huab River Valley where we stay for the night. Ancient rock engravings are found amongst the rocks within walking distance of the camp.

Overnight Skeleton Coast Safaris Kuidas Camp ( private basis)

Accommodation and Food

Guests are accommodated in exclusive, privately owned, fully equipped tented camps. The camps are comfortable and well equipped, and each is situated in a spot carefully chosen for its unique beauty.Accommodation itself consists of comfortable tents with en suite bucket showers and flush toilets. All other necessary camping equipment like bedding, lamps, torches, mirrors, towels and soap are provided. Likewise all food, including fresh fruit and vegetables, soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, wine and a wide assortment of alcoholic beverages are supplied.  Please inform us of any special dietary needs when making your reservation.

General Information:

In the interest of your safety as well as in compliance with the safety regulations applicable to air transport in Namibia, the following weight limitations are strenuously applied and are not negotiable. Light aircraft are used for travelling the long distances during the safari, and luggage space is very limited. You are requested to travel as lightly and compactly as possible.  A maximum of 10kg (22lbs) of luggage is allowed per person, packed in soft, flexible travelling bags. This excludes camera equipment of approximately 2kg (4.4lb). No hard and bulky suitcases will be accommodated, nor will bags with wheels or any solid sides. Ideal dimensions for a soft bag are 60 x 40 x 40cm (24 x 16 x 16 in).

NOTE: Based on private safari 2 x Cessna C210's therefore the luggage allowance will be higher for your equipment etc  and therefore private basis. Normally these trips are max 8 persons total split between 2 aircraft. Have agreed that  can allow  extra luggage allowance of 30kg to be divided amongst the 5 persons i.e.  16kg each for this part of the trip.

Visitors who exceed the above limit will be required to make alternative arrangements for their excess luggage. These may involve substantial costs associated with hiring an extra charter aircraft and will be for the expense of the individual.

A single traveller weighing more than 90kg, or two guests travelling together with a combined weight of more than 180kg, should please notify us of their weight at the time of making their reservation.

Day notes

After breakfast we depart by Land Rover to explore the colourful red lava and yellow sandstone of the Huab River environs and to be introduced to the ecological aspects of this area with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. This includes the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a tree that has been dwarfed by the rigours of the encroaching desert climate. We have lunch at Kuidas camp before flying along the coast to Terrace Bay in the Skeleton Coast Park. The most prominent shipwrecks along this part of the coast are the Montrose and Henrietta.

At the coast we access the roaring dunes by Land Rover, which always proves to be a stimulating experience. We also visit the beach with its profusion of multicolored pebbles consisting of agate, lava, granite and quartz. Interesting to see are old bleached whale bones scattered along the beach above the high tide mark. We return to the aircraft and continue north to our Leylandsdrift camp in the Hoarusib Valley in the Kunene Region, where we stay for the night.

Overnight Skeleton Coast Safaris Leylandsdrift Camp ( private basis)

Day notes

After breakfast we embark on a scenic drive along the Hoarusib Valley to visit a settlement of the nomadic Himba people. We might be lucky enough to come across the desert-dwelling elephant who frequent this valley. From here we continue north along the Skeleton Coast by aircraft to the Kunene River acting as a border to Angola. The Kaiu Maru shipwreck and pieces from old sailing vessels lie scattered along this part of the coast. From the airfield we take a scenic drive by Land Rover to our favorite lunch site. After lunch we continue through the mountains and dunes of the Hartmann Valley – which extends to the Kunene River – reaching our Kunene River camp in the late afternoon.

Overnight Skeleton Coast Safari Kunene River Camp (private basis) 

Day notes

An early morning boat trip on the Kunene River as it flows through scenic desert landscape, observing bird life and possibly some crocodiles. Birds vary from aquatic species on the perennial waters, to endemic desert varieties and those that inhabit dense riverine vegetation.

After lunch at the camp, we fly back to Windhoek Eros Airport, arriving in the late afternoon ( unless we try to adjust this given we need to get to Mombo Camp Botswana in time this day). Clear customs and immigration out of Namibia.

Continue with private Beechcraft Kingair 200  or Pilatus PC12 aircraft  ( to be decided based on requirements and landing regulations in  various locations) +_ 1hrs 45mins flying duration to Maun, Botswana 

Arrival in to Maun International Airport (MUB). Clear customs and immigration in to Botswana.

Continue with private Beechcraft Kingair 200 or Pilatus PC12 aircraft.  Flight duration is +_15 mins flight to Mombo Airstrip.

Arrival at the airstrip met by your private guide assigned to you for the duration of your stay at Mombo Camp with private 4x4 vehicle for safari activities.

3 nights Mombo Camp ( 2 x Doubles, 1 single tented accommodation) with private 4x4 vehicle 

Day notes

Enjoying Mombo concession on  twice daily safaris with private 4x4 vehicle.

Long known as “the Place of Plenty,” Mombo boasts enormous concentrations of plains game and predators and is considered to be one of the best areas for game viewing in Africa. Highlighted by the massive concentrations of plains game and predators that live here. These include all the big cats, of which lion sightings are frequent. Leopard, spotted hyaena, large herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest, Burchell's zebra and more abound, while cheetah and wild dog sometimes move through the area. It is here that black and white rhino were first reintroduced into the Delta, to be seen occasionally by a lucky few.

Rebuilt in 2018, Mombo aims to maintain the traditions and history of the camp, as well as to celebrate our Conservation Purpose – indeed, one of our greatest conservation successes: the reintroduction of black and white rhino into the wilds of Botswana.  

Wild dog - Wild dogs are often seen on the hunt in the concession

The nine spacious tents afford sweeping views over a floodplain teeming with wildlife. The sitting room, separate bedroom and bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and bathtub with copper and brass fittings all contribute to Wilderness Safaris' ideal of responsible luxury.

Overnights Mombo Camp ( 2 x Doubles, 1 single tented accommodation) with private 4x4 vehicle.

Day notes

Breakfast and final activities at lodge.

Transfer to the airstrip for  onward private charter in Kingair 200 or Pilatus PC12  to Duba / Selinda Airstrip  (+-15 mins)

On arrival at the airstrip met by your assigned ranger and  private 4x4 for transfer to camp.

2 nights at Duba Plains Camp - 2 x luxury tented accommodation and 2 Bedroom Duba Suite  where you are hosted exclusively by their own butler and chef. Guest residing in the Suites will have use of a private game drive vehicle. In-room dining areas and pool - in addition to a shared dining and lounge area.  ( Perfect for 2 couples).  https://greatplainsconservation.com/portfolio/duba-plains-suite/ 

Need to determine if the 2 couples prefer to stay in the 2 Bedroom Private suite or  only 1 couple in the 2 bedroom suite and other couple in normal Luxury Tented accommodation. Amos has single in this category also.

DUBA PLAINS 
Duba Plains Camp sits in the heart of the Okavango Delta among a matrix of palm-dotted islands, flood plains and woodland on a 33,000 hectare private reserve. It is also the place that Great Plains Conservation co-founders, National Geographic filmmakers, conservationists and explorers, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, chose for their home base.
Duba Plains Camp offers 5 bespoke tents designed to blend into the landscape and evoke the classic African safari style of the 1920’s. All the rooms are raised on recycled railway-sleeper decking and with stunning views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlife parading past. Each tent has a lounge area and beautifully appointed en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double vanities and indoor and outdoor showers and a luxurious bath. Ceiling fans, environmentally friendly air-conditioning system over the bed, and careful design maintain a comfortable climate. Enjoy your private verandah complete with plunge pool and shaded sala. The camp’s main area consists of a large raised dining room, comfortable lounge, interactive kitchen, wine cellar and library. The camp’s centre point, the gathering place of all bush experiences, an extended deck under the giant ebony trees.
Duba Plains prides itself on its extraordinary wildlife experiences and intimate exposure to the best of the best wildlife, from lions and leopards to elephants, lechwe, buffalo and everything in between. Duba Plains is also known for interesting Kalahari species like aardwolf and pangolins. A recent guest captured it perfectly when he said, “I am not a religious person but I now understand that the Garden of Eden can now in fact be found at Duba Plains.”

or

2 nights at Selinda Camp - 2 x luxury tented accommodation and  2 Bedroom Selinda Suite  where you are hosted exclusively by their own butler and chef. Guest residing in the Suites will have use of a private game drive vehicle. In-room dining areas and pool - in addition to a shared dining and lounge area.  ( Perfect for 2 couples). https://greatplainsconservation.com/portfolio/selinda-suite/ 

Need to determine if the 2 couples prefer to stay in the 2 Bedroom Private suite or  only 1 couple in the 2 bedroom suite and other couple in normal Luxury Tented accommodation. Amos has single in this category also.

SELINDA Concession

Set in one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on our planet, the brand new Selinda Camp rests on the banks of the Selinda Spillway, as it enters the Linyanti River. The private 130,000 hectare Selinda Reserve boasts elephants by the thousands, regular sightings of the Selinda pack of African wild dogs as well as the famous Selinda Lion Pride recently feature in the National Geographic film “Birth of a Pride” by Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The area has a sense of remoteness, a true spirit of Africa, and is a great example of Botswana bush embodying a variety of species and rare animals. 

The new Selinda Camp represents the meeting place of three cultures; European, Mokololo and Bayei and is themed to resemble that of the thatched village of Sangwali, one that used to house 3,000 warriors and sufficient enough to loan David Livingstone 200 men during his travels.

Spears, shields and an African version of Robinson Crusoe is the enduring theme through the camp, and its architectural design elements center around Water, Air, Earth and Fire, all of which ground the design.

Selinda Camp’s design pays homage first and foremost to Water, with splashes of blue and crystal-clear swimming pools offering views over the equally immaculate Selinda Spillway to ease your arrival, usually by boat.

The billowing silks, which adorn the ceilings of the lounge area, are a tribute to Air and the afternoon breezes that ripple the endless sea of nearby grasses.

Earth is represented in the cornucopia of home-grown meals lovingly prepared in our kitchens, fresh from the earth, and the bright flames of our evening Fire complete the ethos of being in harmony with nature’s natural elements.

The camp has three expansive guest tents, each covered under thatch and with large en-suite bathrooms, large private veranda and private swimming pool. Each guest tents is unique, designed with its own colour palette and theme. There is in some cultures a fifth element, ‘metal’, which is also incorporated into the design. Every space enhances what Livingstone would have had, what he would have travelled with and found. But beyond that, we go back to the Robinson Crusoe feel, including textures of rope, rooms under thatch, hammocks, lots of space, nautical elements and salvaged wood.

In addition to the three main tents, the Selinda Suite (like its fellow Zarafa Dhow Suite and the Duba Plains Suite), consists of a two-bedroom tented villa. The Selinda Suite operates exclusively, as guests enjoy their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef, manager/butler and entrance to their residence.

The safari drives, walks, boating, tracking, birding and other bespoke viewing activities are designed to place you in front of the best wildlife the area has to offer for a unique one on one life changing experience, from leopards to elephants and hippos and aim to tick off as many as the 200 or more bird species in the area.

Day notes

Early morning and late afternoon/early evening game drives in Duba Plains concession in an open 4×4 vehicle and boat-based activities when water levels permit.

Overnight Duba Plains Camp - 2 x luxury tented accommodation and  2 Bedroom Duba Suite  where you are hosted exclusively by their own butler and chef. Guest residing in the Suites will have use of a private game drive vehicle. In-room dining areas and pool - in addition to a shared dining and lounge area.  ( Perfect for 2 couples)*

or

Early morning and late afternoon/early evening game drives in Selinda concession in a private open 4×4 vehicle, guided bush walks, boat-based activities when water levels permit and in-room massages.

Overnight Selinda Camp - 2 x luxury tented accommodation and  2 Bedroom Selinda Suite  where you are hosted exclusively by their own butler and chef. Guest residing in the Suites will have use of a private game drive vehicle. In-room dining areas and pool - in addition to a shared dining and lounge area.  ( Perfect for 2 couples)*

*Need to determine if the 2 couples prefer to stay in the 2 Bedroom Private suite or  only 1 couple in the 2 bedroom suite and other couple in normal Luxury Tented accommodation. Amos has single in this category also.

Day notes

Final morning activity at Duba / Selinda ( depending on the choice) and breakfast.

Departure with private Kingair 200 or Pilatus PC12  to Xaraxai Airstrip  (+- 15mins)  where you are met on arrival in 4x4 and taken to your private mobile camp.

Arrive and settle in. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and relax before setting of for an evening game drive and sundowners.

Return to camp for dinner under the stars.

4 nights - Enjoying private mobile camp set up in Okavango Delta on private use in NG12 concession ( See PDF on the camp set up and layout  / activities etc under DOCUMENTS TAB)

• 2 x Double Tents 
• 1 x Single Tent

Private vehicle/guide  (Super Sande assigned for both Jacks Camp and the private mobile to keep contiguity )

Please note that the night on the island is subject to water levels

Also known as “NG12”, the Mapula Reserve is a private concession slightly north of the renowned Vumbura and Duba Plains concessions, on the northern side of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, in an environment that’s very similar to that found at Vumbura. The game in the region is varied and there are excellent sightings of big cats such as leopard, cheetah and lion and also an abundance of large herbivores. It is approximately 1500 square kilometres and there are not many camps or lodges in the area which makes it the best region to experience wildlife roaming free.The concession is uniquely positioned for birding, game viewing and exploring the maze of channels islands and wetlands providing a spectacular variety of actives and experiences.The birdlife is exceptional, the place to spot the endangered wattled crane, as well as carmine bee-eaters, and the African paradise flycatcher.

Day notes

Breakfast at first light and then head out on a game drive in the safari cars for your introduction to some of the animals of the environment, looking for zebra, wildebeest, impala and the predators.

Make your way to a shady lunch spot and dip your toes into the cool water.

Park at the edge of the river and watch a myriad of birds coming down to drink whilst you are given an informal talk on the area.

Return to camp siesta and tea.

Enjoy another evening game drive and return to camp for a sumptuous dinner

Overnight  Private Mobile Camp 

• 2 x Double Tents 
• 1 x Single Tent

Day notes

Rise early and after a short walk around the island, hop back into your Mekoro for a meander through the waterways, absorbing the tranquillity of the lagoons and narrow, papyrus- fringed, hippo trails and immersing yourself completely in the incredible spectacles that the Delta has to offer.

Arrive back at camp in your mekoro.

Freshen up with a quick shower,  and transfer to airstrip for onward arrangements  your next destination with private charter in Kingair 200 or Pilatus PC12 ( +_40 mins) onward to Tsigaro Airstrip

Arrival transferred by private vehicle to Jacks Camp for further 3 nights  and unique program designed.

• Discover the secrets of the pans with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen on a fascinating bush walk.
• Take game drives and night drives in custom built 4x4s and spot the unique desert wildlife that inhabits the pans.
• Embark on an adventurous horseback safari (for all levels of riders; additional charge applies, but one two-hour safari is included if staying for three nights or longer). 
• Enjoy a spot of R&R with a spa treatment – we guarantee that it will be the most unique massage you’ve ever had (additional charge, but one treatment is included if staying for three nights or longer).

• Quad biking across the salt pans.

• Lie out on the pans as the sun sets, and watch the planetarium show unfold.

3 nights Jacks Camp  with private vehicle/guide  (Super Sande assigned for both Jacks Camp and the private mobile to keep contiguity )

• 1 x Double Tent
• 1 x Twin Tent 
• 1 x Single Tent

Day notes

Depart Jacks with helicopter(s)  for expedition for 1 night to Kubu Island  " Lost Island of the Baobabs"

The approximate flying time for  transfer in the helicopters is 30 minutes from Jack’s Camp to Kubu.  Will have 1.5 hours flying time, including the 30 minute scenic flight.   

NOTE: The transfer and scenic flight will be done with the doors on and the helicopters being used are 2 x Robinson 44 (3 seaters). If we need to go for bigger Bell407  need to have all  passenger weights to determine the load for this helicopter.

• Due to limited time and special arrangements agreed travel via helicopter(s) to Kubu to ensure we can try to have this experience inserted this day
• Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans is one of the most intriguing places on earth, but perhaps the most extraordinary place of all is Kubu Island . Standing sentinel across the sand and filled with baobabs larger than buses and older than Christ, the island is a holy secret of the Bushmen and a place of ancient power and ritual, and to visit is something truly special.
• Explore the magnificent Kubu Island, a granite profusion that’s one of the most beautiful spots in Botswana, and full of intriguing detail.
• Sleep under the stars, explorer-style, in a five-gazillion-star bedroom on the Lost Island of the Baobabs.
• Arrangements made for San Bushman Trance dance that will take place this evening at this spiritual place the San Bushman revere.

Unique overnight open-air fly camp for the night " Lost Island of the Baobabs"

San Healing Trance Dances

The trance dance, which is still practiced by San communities, is an indigenous ritual by which a state of altered consciousness is achieved through rhythmic dancing and hyperventilation. It is used for healing sickness in individuals and healing negative aspects of the community as a whole. The trance dance experiences of San shaman are believed to be recorded by southern African rock art.

The San are are descended from some of the oldest surviving lineages of modern humans. Their traditions and way of life may be preserved from ancient times. Today, many have been displaced from their native lands in the name of conservation, and they may be unable to practice their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Day notes

Return from Kubu Island with by helicopter(s)

Afternoon activities as planned with your guide back at Jacks Camp for your final night/

Overnight Jacks Camp  with private vehicle/guide  (Super Sande assigned for both Jacks Camp and the private mobile to keep contiguity )

• 1 x Double Tent
• 1 x Twin Tent 
• 1 x Single Tent

Day notes

Final morning activity spending the morning walking with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen

Working closely with the Zu/’hoasi people of the Western Kalahari for many years and are privileged to have Bushmen women, men and pre- school children comprised of four generations, living at Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi.

Offering a window into the past, they teach us how they have survived in this harshest of environments, using their vast and ancient knowledge of plants, animal behaviour and survival skills.

The Zu/’hoasi lead a semi-traditional lifestyle, and share their traditional hunting and food-gathering skills as well as how they make jewellery and hunting equipment, it is a glimpse into their fast- vanishing, traditional way of life, but by no means an attempt to keep them frozen in time.

Or look at spending time walking with the meerkats. 

Transfer to airstrip for onward arrangements  your next destination with private charter in Kingair 200 or Pilatus PC12 ( +_40 mins) from to Tsigaro Airstrip to Maun International Airport (MUB).

Connect with onward flight arrangements with private jet or commercial flight arrangements.

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