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Namibia's Wild Frontiers
We journey to the remote and lonely deserts of Namibia capturing the hardened and resilient wildlife that has adapted to the harsh environments. Discover the surreal landscapes of some of the most untouched, wild and isolated regions in Namibia on this less-trodden journey.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in intimate and boutique camps & lodges
Experience and stay in the acclaimed Okonjima "AfriCat" Project
Experience an intimate and exceptional wildlife experience
Discover wildlife in varying and diverse landscapes and settings
ITINERARY
DAY 1: WINDHOEK / OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
Arrive into Windhoek Hosea Kutako Intl Airport where we board a light aircraft to the private Okonjima Nature Reserve, nestled over 200 square kilometres amongst the imposing Omboroko Mountains and home to the pilot "AfriCat Foundation" project which undertakes critical conservation work and rehabilitation for Cheetahs, the endangered African Wild Dog, Hyenas, Lions and Leopards amongst other endangered predators. This is the perfect opportunity for you to witness big cats in close than normal proximity as well as to learn about the inspiring project supporting missions to ensure the survival of endangered predators. Enjoy an afternoon leopard-tracking safari where the leopards roam freely within the private Okonjima Nature Reserve and a chance to spot other nocturnal animals such as porcupines, honey badgers and many more.
Overnight: Okonjima Bush Camp, Okonjima Nature Reserve
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE
Early this morning, we join the "Bushman Trail" on a highly informative and fascinating understanding of the traditional artefacts of the San Bushmen and learn about their survival techniques in this often unforgiving wilderness environment. Alternatively, be welcome to participate on foot in the radio tracking of the rehabilitated Spotted Hyenas on the "Large Carnivore Tracking Trail" where they roam freely and catch their preys in the private Okonjima Nature Reserve. In the late afternoon, visit the AfriCat's "Information & Carnivore Care Centre" which offers a valuable insight into the work of the AfriCat Foundation. A guided drive to the Carnivore Care Centre allows you to meet some of the species' ambassadors and an upclose never-before encounter with these amazing predators.
Overnight: Okonjima Bush Camp, Okonjima Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch & Dinner
DAY 3: OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE / TWYFELFONTEIN
This morning, you have time yet for another drive to marvel at the predators before leaving the Okonjima Nature Reserve on a light aircraft flight to the UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein in the diverse region of Damaraland. We arrive at the stunning Mowani Mountain Camp - blended effortlessly into the natural red colours of the Mowani Mountain and flanked by the Ugab and Huab Rivers amongst magical rock formations. This afternoon, we get on a guided visit to the site of the pre-historic Twyfelfontein rock engravings strewn over flat-topped mountains of red sandstone that depict wildlife, animal spoor and abstract motifs before returning to camp to catch the amazing hues of sunset.
Overnight: Mowani Mountain Camp, Twyfelfontein
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: TWYFELFONTEIN / HUAB CONSERVANCY
After an early breakfast, we start our adventure and make our way to the semi-mobile Huab Under Canvas Camp. En route, we will make a detour to visit a local Himba settlement (as the Himba people are nomads, they often move from place to place with no notice hence we will search a while to get an encounter and understanding of the Himba tribe). After our visit, we continue to visit a local school, supported by our partners' "Conservation Travel Foundation". Thereafter, we will head into the Huab Conservancy giving you a taste of this exceptional area, a breath-taking mix of flat top mountains, peaks and basalt plains dotted with euphorias and greenery filled river courses. We will arrive at the Huab Under Canvas Camp in the late afternoon, in time for a hot bucket shower and a sundowner.
Overnight: Huab Under Canvas Camp, Huab Conservancy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: HUAB CONSERVANCY
Today, we explore the Damaraland, enjoying the freedom to explore the fascinating landscapes with your private naturalist guides both by vehicle and on foot. Damaraland is a surprising refuge for desert adapted wildlife that may include elephants, giraffe, oryx, springbok and even predators as the lion. The wildlife roams large tracks of unfenced desert landscapes and therefore sightings are not guaranteed but part of the fun today is serendipity where explore this wild untouched gem of Namibia. We will also learn about the "Save The Rhino Trust", an NGO that has been instrumental in the preservation of the rare, endangered desert-adapted black rhino where having barely survived the slaughter in many parts of Africa during the 80s and 90s, the black rhino population has increased substantially and we will spend time out on rhino tracking.
Overnight: Huab Under Canvas Camp, Huab Conservancy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: HUAB CONSERVANCY / SOUTHERN DAMARALAND
After a leisure breakfast, we continue to the Southern Damaraland region. The Brandberg Mountain, Namibia's highest mountain, lies nearby. En route, we embark on a 4x4 excursion searching for the desert-adapted elephants in the river beds with the possibility of a picnic lunch watching the elephants at a scenic location before continuing our drive to the Sorris Sorris Lodge, located in a remote corner of Southern Damaraland at the foot of the Brandberg and on the Ugab River, a perfect location for more inspiring sightings of the majestic desert-adapted elephants.
Overnight: Sorris Sorris Lodge, Southern Damaraland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: SOUTHERN DAMARALAND / SWAKOPMUND
After breakfast, we continue our journey today where en route, we make a stop at the bald granite peaks of Spitzkoppe in the heart of the Namib Desert, an unforgettable natural spectacle that makes jaws drop. Enjoy some time to take in stunning photos of the landscape before continuing to the coastal town of Swakopmund where you can enjoy the pleasant seaside and cooler coastal air. Swakopmund resembles a small German coastal resort nestled between the desert and the sea with a good blend of shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries and more. We arrive at the stunning Desert Breeze Lodge, in a prime location above the ephemeral Swakop River overlooking a vast and sensuous apricot dune sea.
Overnight: Desert Breeze Lodge, Swakopmund
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8: SWAKOPMUND / SOSSUSVLEI
Today, be escorted to your light-aircraft flight to Sossusvlei where you will arrive at the luxurious desert retreat of Little Kulala set in the private 37,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve - the gateway to Namibia's sand sea with its towering dunes and clear starry skies. Desert-adapted wildlife in this area is fascinating and is another dimension of this truly spectacular place. After settling down, enjoy a nature drive where you have the opportunity to witness wildlife such as oryx, bat-eared fox, brown hyena and birdlife.
This evening, you may like to enjoy an extraordinary experience of sleeping out under the starry starry skies of the Namib and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of Africa on the roof of your camp unit.
Overnight: Little Kulala, Sossusvlei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 9: SOSSUSVLEI
An extraordinary day in the world-famous Sossusvlei - 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 that reach up out of the cracked earth. Consider taking a stroll too to see the Tsauchab River to capture fascinating wildlife - a diverse array of insects, reptiles and rodents that has adapted to the environments.
Overnight: Little Kulala, Sossusvlei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 10: SOSSUSVLEI / WINDHOEK
From the desert, we travel via light aircraft to return to Windhoek for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
The Okonjima Bush Camp is situated in the Okonjima Nature Reserve featuring 8 thatched African-styled chalets and earthy conceptualization and design for a rustic luxury experience while allowing travellers the opportunity to learn about the "AfriCat Foundation", a non-profit organization committed to long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores.
Mowani Mountain Camp is situated in the heart of Damaraland between the Ugab and Huab Rivers commanding a stunning location perched high on a rocky outcrop and nestled amongst large granite boulders. Each of the 15 rooms offers dramatic views of the landscape and an innovative design and luxurious comfort for the intrepid traveller.
Huab Under Canvas Camp is a semi-mobile camp set up in the remote Huab Conservancy in Northern Damaraland on the banks of the Huab River and the area is remarkable for its population of desert-adapted black rhinos. Each tent sit on raised platforms, with en suite flush toilets and bucket showers.
Huab Under Canvas Camp, Huab Conservancy
Dramatic piles of mesmerisingly balanced granite boulders in a rugged desert landscape set the perfect backdrop for the Sorris Sorris Lodge. The lodge encapsulates a modern expression of African architecture with an outdoor pool offering panoramas over the Ugab River and the Brandberg massif.
Desert Breeze Lodge is situated in a prime location overlooking the vast and sensuous apricot dune sea and just minutes drive away from central Swakopmund, providing the peace and tranquility away from the bustling town and the privilege of savouring the ancient desert.
Set in a private reserve with direct access to the Namib Naukluft National Park and the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, Little Kulala is stylishly designed with neutral colours and organic materials blending effortlessly into the landscape. The spacious villas offer privacy and seclusion.
