Namibia Flying Safari

On arrival at Windhoek’s Hoseo Kutako International Airport, you will meet the team for your flight to Kwessi Dunes. On arrival at the airstrip you will enjoy your first view of this vast open landscape. You will have time to enjoy the afternoon with any of the following activities: Nature walks, Quad biking, Hot Air Ballooning or Horse riding (at an extra cost).

Rise before the sun and grab a steaming cup of coffee and homemade rusk before setting out on a full day excursion to see the dunes of Sossusvlei. Recognised around the world, these vast dunes are one of Namibia’s greatest icons, and Kwessi Dunes puts you within easy reach (with crowdless accommodation to return to at the end of your visit). Be sure to pack your camera, because between spartan Deadvlei, and the rippling reds of the dunes behind you might struggle to stop the shutter.

Upon returning to the lodge, the weather might dictate that a dip in the pool is in order, and if time allows, there could well be the opportunity to take a stroll across the land by foot on a nature walk. This is always a brilliant way to see some of the smaller, more often overlooked sights of the desert, and really immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the place.
After such a busy day, dinner will undoubtedly be a welcome sight, and there are sure to be plenty of stories to tell from your hours out in the dunes.

It’s impossible to get sand out of your shoes and souls, so as delicious as breakfast may be, hearts will be heavy this morning. From Kwessi Dunes you will fly to Hoanib Valley Camp.
Your drive from Fort Sesfontein airport will give you a taste of the rugged Kaokoveld terrain and what’s in store over the next few days. An impressive 42% of Namibia is protected wilderness and the country boasts some vast, spectacularly beautiful landscapes of which Kaokoland may be the most incredible of them all. This afternoon, you’ll pass skyscraper mountains and zoom across huge expanses of desert, scattered with wildlife and nomadic Himba settlements, until you arrive at the spectacular Hoanib Valley Camp. A joint venture between the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the world’s only Africa-wide giraffe conservation organisation, the camp is an elegant, intimate affair that immerses you into the wilds of the desert. You’ll probably arrive in camp in the late afternoon just as the sun is beginning to tint the landscape pink and orange. There’s
just enough time to settle into your room before heading out on a sunset drive (if
you fancy). Otherwise, stay in camp and watch the sun dip below the horizon from
the comfort of the campfire. Dinner tonight will be served under the stars, outside the main mess tent in camp. Our chefs have a reputation for creating some of the most varied and delicious dishes in Namibia and one thing’s for certain – you won’t go hungry at Hoanib
Valley!

This morning is your first chance to really get to grips with this intriguing part of
the country. Hop on a game drive and traverse the network of sandy riverbeds
towards the Hoanib River, discovering desert-adapted elephant and giraffe as
you go.

Zebra, klipspringer and kudu also move freely through the mountains and you’ll
find hardy herds of springbok, as well as oryx and steenbok picking their way
across the dust-blown landscapes. The wildlife here really is perfectly at home in
the arid environment and learning about their survival techniques is fascinating.
Once back at camp, a light lunch will be served in the mess tent before an
afternoon siesta. Settle down on your private veranda and get stuck into a good
book (or a short snooze!), or pull up a chair and a pair of binos in the main area
to keep an eye on the wildlife wanderings outside camp.

There may also be the opportunity to learn a little more about Dr Fenessey and his work with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation Very few people realise the giraffe are in fact, endangered, and they’re often over-shadowed by their larger (sexier!) counterparts such as rhino and elephant.

In the Hoanib area, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation are investigating the population dynamics and social structure of the unusual, desert-dwelling population of giraffe that reside here, and Natural Selection donate 1.5% of their gross revenue to this research. When afternoon comes, you’ll hop back into your 4x4, this time to visit the local Himba and Herero communities.

The fascinating people have become an emblem of Namibia’s rich, cultural heritage
and an afternoon in their company is poignant and interesting. Our visits are designed to immerse you in the culture of the local communities and not simply to look and point from a distance; all are conducted in a sensitive manner and our wonderful guides will facilitate meetings and gatherings where appropriate.

After a light breakfast, you will depart camp for Shipwreck Lodge.
Your adventure begins as soon as you arrive at the Skeleton Coast, a raw, rugged and impossibly remote slice of African wilderness where towering dunes and wind-swept plains roll as far as the eye can see, buffeted by the icy Atlantic Ocean.
Depending on your arrival time your first stop may be at the seal colony at Mowe Bay where you’ll watch the playful creatures splashing in the waves and lazing on the beach. The drive down the coastline towards Shipwreck Lodge will take you past the iconic Karimona and Suiderkuis shipwrecks that lie buried in the sand, and there’s a chance for you to stretch your legs and explore the beach on foot. As you wander among the pebbles, stop to look at the smaller flora and fauna and ask your guide about the hardy succulents and the lichens that survive on the moisture of the cold fog. Then, it’s time to drive to Shipwreck
Lodge. Styled to look like the relics of the ancient ships that line the beach, it’s
completely different to any other lodge on the continent. The interiors are a
respite from the harsh environment and are soulful, calming and extremely
comfortable. Shades of blue, burgundy, black and white represent the everchanging
moods of the Atlantic Ocean and the use of recycled wood, rope, linen and
cotton in the bedrooms is authentic yet soothing. All rooms are ensuite and solarpowered
and each has a wood burning stove to ward off the morning chill.
Once you’ve settled in to your cabin-style room, there may be time for a sundowner
on the beach. Otherwise, settle into an armchair by the fire and soak up the
serenity and magic of the area, before dinner is served in the dining room.
Our chefs have a reputation for creating some of the most varied and delicious
dishes in Namibia and one thing’s for certain – you won’t go hungry here!

Wake early this morning and enjoy a light breakfast in camp before heading out to watch the sun rise over the dunes. The desert landscape is spectacular at all times of day, but at first light, with the fog gently rolling over the sand and the first rays of sunlight casting shadows far and wide, it’s truly magical. At daybreak, hop back in your 4x4 for a game drive along the Hoarusib River. On first glance, the Skeleton Coast may look like an area devoid of life but it is, in fact, an irreplaceable and unique wildlife habitat for species of the highest
conservation importance, including desert elephant, brown hyena and the Hartmann’s
mountain zebra. Next on the list is a visit to the geographically remarkable clay ‘castles.’
Formed by years of clay deposits and wind erosion, the structures are eerily beautiful
and well worth a visit (and a photograph). Lunch will be served in the shade of the
castles and in the afternoon, you’ll game drive slowly back to the lodge. Keep your
eyes peeled for anything you didn’t spot in the morning, or work off lunch with a climb to the top of one of the dunes lining the river bed – it’s a deceivingly difficult challenge! Arrive back at the lodge in time for tea and a slice of cake. This afternoon is yours to do as you wish; cosy up with a good book and a hot toddy, or venture back out to the beach for a sunset cocktail. In the evening, a hearty dinner will be served at the lodge.

After a light breakfast, transfer back to Mowe Bay. If there was not time on your
first day then explore the coastline and shipwrecks en-route and stop in to see
the famous seals on your way back to this remote outpost. You will arrive back in Windhoek to connect to your flight onward.