Best of Namibia Wing Safari
DAYS
1 & 2
The safari departs by light aircraft from Eros International
Airport, close to the centre of town in Windhoek. We depart
in the morning at about 10h00 but this can be adjusted to
a time best suited to all of the guests and their incoming
flights. All guests coming off international flights in
the early morning will be given enough time to connect off
the incoming flight without an overnight in Windhoek, if
they so wish. It is a one-hour flight down to Sossusvlei
Wilderness Camp, where we spend 2 nights.
Sossusvlei
Wilderness Camp is situated 20 km’s from Sesriem,
the Park’s entrance to the Sossusvlei dunes. Towering
dunes rise dramatically, more than 1000 ft above the surrounding
plains. The camp’s location provides access to Sossusvlei,
yet also offers privacy and exclusivity. It has been built
just below the top of a mountain, using rock, brick, timber
and thatch and provides a cool refuge from the desert. There
are 9 guest units, ensuring personal service and attention.
Each unit is superbly appointed and has a panoramic view
overlooking the plains below, its own plunge pool as well
as an en suite bathroom with hot and cold running water,
shower and flush toilet. The main living area (comprising
dining room, bar and lounge) is under thatch. Activities
centre round early morning excursion’s in 4x4 vehicles
to the magnificent Sossusvlei dunes and the "vlei"
itself. Afternoon activities are enjoyed on the property
where guests can spend time taking in the desert scenery
with its unique fauna and flora.
DAYS
3 & 4
The early morning flight takes guests over the Namib and
over Sossusvlei itself for an alternative view of the dunes
from the air and then due west to Meob Bay on the Skeleton
Coast. The desert and Skeleton Coast scenery is spectacular,
where the dunes and the desert meet the Atlantic Ocean.
The flight up the coast takes you over the site of the Eduard
Bolen shipwreck, past Conception Bay and the wreck of the
Shaunee, over Sandwich Harbour and its famous lagoon and
will land at Swakopmund Airport. You are then transferred
to Walvis Bay Harbour for a boat trip (weather permitting)
which will allow you the opportunity to view seals and usually
schools of dolphins swimming alongside the boat. You may
also see turtles, sunfish, penguins, as well as a wonderful
quantity and variety of birdlife. The group will return
to Walvis Bay Harbor and following a delicious seafood lunch,
be transferred by road to Swakopmund to enjoy a tour of
this charming town. In the afternoon you depart from Swakopmund
for a scenic flight further up the Skeleton Coast, past
the Cape Cross Seal Colony, before turning east to fly up
the Huab River Valley to Damaraland Camp for two nights.
Situated
on the northern face of the Huab River valley and looking
south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland
Camp offers its guests endless vistas. Early morning mists,
generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and
the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland
along the river sand canyon, providing sustenance to the
flora and fauna of the region. This comfortable and friendly
camp offers walks and drives in one of the best wilderness
areas in Namibia. Although wildlife is not concentrated,
the camp is situated where the rare Desert Elephant roams,
alongside Gemsbok (Oryx), Springbok, Ostrich and other hardy
desert animals. Rare succulent plants somehow manage to
eke out an existence in this harsh countryside. Damaraland
Camp accommodates guests in 9 comfortable tented rooms,
with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers
with hot and cold running water. The combined dining room
and bar are under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed on
calm evenings. A feature of the camp is the unique rock
pool. Activities throughout the area are in 4x4 vehicles,
and on foot.
DAYS
5 & 6
We fly by light aircraft today from Damaraland to Ongava
Lodge or Ongava Tented Camp, for a further two-night stay.
Highlights are the game drives into Etosha National Park
as well as the night drives, walks and hides on the private
reserve.
Ongava
Game Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha
National Park in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve.
Accommodation here comprises 10 air-conditioned rock and
thatch chalets, each with en-suite facilities. All meals
are served in the main dining area under thatch with a view
over the camp’s water hole. Activities include game
drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha
where Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok, and Hartebeest
can be seen at many of the water holes in the park.
In addition, night drives and walks are enjoyed on the private
reserve. Ongava has resident White and Black Rhino, giving
guests staying at Ongava the opportunity to see both species.
Ongava
Tented Camp is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha
National Park in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve.
The small 12 bedded tented camp is built in a different
sector of the reserve to Ongava Lodge. Accommodation comprises
six large comfortable walk-in tents with en-suite facilities,
including flush toilet and a hot shower. All meals are enjoyed
in the main dining area under thatch. There is a small pool
as well. Activities include game drives into the Okaukuejo
area of Etosha where Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok,
and Hartebeest can be seen at many of the waterholes in
the park. In addition, night drives and walks are offered
on the private reserve. Ongava has resident White Rhino,
and Etosha has Black Rhino, allowing guests staying at Ongava
the opportunity to see both species.
DAY
7
We depart Ongava by light air charter back to Windhoek where
the safari ends at Eros International Airport.