This active and experiential ten-day safari puts guests in the action while tracking desert rhino on foot in Damaraland and climbing the dunes of Sossusvlei. Based from remote and exclusive camps in expansive wilderness areas and conservancies, your expert naturalist guide will lead the way and explain how all of the local creatures and plants have adapted to this arid Eden. Explore the greater Etosha National Park region and its dense concentrations of big game. Walk with expert local trackers in search of endangered wild rhino. Sleep out under Namibia’s dark skies after a day of desert elephant and giraffe encounters.
Expansive landscapes in every direction only serve to remind you that you just may have found the edge of the world. With a maximum group size of only seven guests, this intimate driving safari is perfect for active couples, friends, and small groups who are looking to adventure together.
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on your journey to the Etosha National Park, entering the park through their southern Anderssons Gate. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and visits to various waterholes in the afternoon, before heading on towards tonight’s destination, Etosha Heights Private Reserve.
Arrival will be in the late afternoon or early evening, with time to freshen up and enjoy the tranquility of the reserve.
This morning will start with an exciting morning guided game drive in an open game viewer with your local lodge ranger on the Etosha Heights Private Reserve. Spot a wide variety of game and bird species, from various antelope to rhinos, elephants, and lions, before returning to the lodge in time for lunch.
Relax by the refreshing swimming pool before you head out on another afternoon game drive on the private game reserve.
This morning you will continue your safari to the heart of Namibia, Damaraland, traveling through farmlands and the small towns. Damaraland is typified by displays of color, magnificent table topped mountains, bizarre rock formations, and scraggly vegetation. The present-day landscape has been formed by the erosion of wind, water and geological forces which have formed rolling hills, dunes, gravel plains and ancient river terraces. It is the variety and loneliness of the area as well as the scenic splendor which will reward and astound you, giving one an authentic understanding of the word ‘wilderness’. Enjoy a delicious Magic Box picnic enroute and arrive in time in time to enjoy fireside sundowners at Camp Doros.
Spend an exciting and memorable morning tracking desert-adapted rhino with the assistance of expert local trackers. These black rhino are one of the only free-roaming black rhino populations in Africa and stalking these animals in an unfenced and uninhibited environment is an absolute privilege. Return to camp for a freshly prepared lunch and with time to relax before you head out again this afternoon for a scenic nature drive or walk to explore this vast and astounding ecosystem.
Today you continue your adventures exploring Damaraland, enjoying the freedom to discover the fascinating landscapes with your private naturalist guide both by vehicle and on foot. Damaraland is a surprising refuge for desert adapted wildlife that such as elephant, giraffe, oryx, springbok and even lion. However, as with any wildlife sightings in Namibia, specific sightings are never guaranteed. The wildlife roams large tracks of unfenced desert landscapes and finding game can be challenging, but this is all part of the adventure of exploring this wild untouched gem of Namibia. Today’s focus will be largely on searching for the elusive desert adapted elephants in the ephemeral river systems, an activity which will mean spending most of the day out. Your guide will take along a delicious picnic lunch and you will return to camp in the late afternoon.
Depart this morning for a drive past the highest mountain in Namibia, the Brandberg, en route to the German-influenced seaside retreat of Swakopmund. On the way, you’ll pass the Swakop River valley and desolate desert dune landscapes. This bustling seaside resort town is a wonderful melange of Bavarian architecture blended with vibrant shops, restaurants, museums, craft centers, galleries, and cafés. The afternoon is yours to explore before dinner at a popular restaurant that specializes in locally harvested fresh seafood as well as other local and international dishes.
Opt to drive or for a scenic flight (at additional cost) through the great Namib Desert to the exclusive Namib Tsaris Conservancy. This remote outpost of a camp is strategically located a short drive from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei. Enjoy a nature walk or time beside the pool in the afternoon, and the keen photographer will be overwhelmed at the night photography options. Constructed of upcycled and recycled local materials, this camp sits lightly on the land and is entirely solar-powered.
Wake pre-dawn and set off to Namib Naukluft National Park before sunrise to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world, and your guide will give you insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs. Once you have explored Sossusvlei, Deadvlei (famous for its gnarled and ghostly camel thorn trees), and the surrounding dune fields you will enjoy a picnic brunch in the shade of a camel thorn tree.
After a morning espresso and breakfast, head toward Windhoek, arriving in time to meet your departing international flight.
Please inquire for departure dates. Private departures on custom dates also possible at an additional cost.
