The Great Namibian Journey

13 Days
Windhoek to Windhoek

This safari explores the dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert, the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast, amazing marine life just off Swakopmund, the volcanic rock-strewn landscape of Damaraland and the game-filled savannah of Etosha. A safari that combines Wilderness lodges, hotels a d fully serviced Discoverer camping in private concession areas. The activities provide a wide range of differing impressions, from scenic flights up the Skeleton Coast, dolphin cruises with private beach lunch, to hiking and cycling in Damaraland, walking in the Namib’s great dunes and interacting with traditional Himba people. The style of accommodation in the private Discoverer campsites takes you back to the era of Africa’s exploration. Pure linens, brass bucket showers and basins, separate flushing toilets and shower areas all add to the atmosphere, while comforts and amenities are elegantly provided. The entire safari is guided and hosted by a professional trained guide with in-depth knowledge and experience that creates an unsurpassed seamless safari experience. Exclusive experience: Most areas in which we travel are private concessions, with Discoverer campsites being for the sole use of Discoverer Safari guests. At the lodges and hotels en route we have the chance to meet other guests.

Itinerary: Days 1/2: Kulala Wilderness Camp, Sossusvlei From Windhoek, travel by vehicle to Kulala Wilderness Camp, enjoying awe-inspiring views of the mountains and the desert floor. Kulala Wilderness Camp comprises 9 tents on elevated wooden decks. Interiors are simple yet stylish with an en suite bathroom. Afternoon activities include: Nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints and marvelling at the unique Namib fauna and flora. Sightings of animals such as springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, bat-eared fox and aardwolf are exciting in these rugged conditions.

Days 3/4: Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund
Travel by road via the Kuiseb Canyon and via a moonlike landscape to the grand Hansa Hotel in Swakopmund. We explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast by private boat cruise providing a chance to see the diverse birdlife, Cape fur seals and rare Heaviside’s dolphins up close. Finish with a private seafood lunch.

Day 5: Damaraland Camp, Damaraland
Travel up Skeleton Coast to the Cape Cross seal colony with thousands of Cape fur seals. Travelling north past the Brandberg Mountain and onto Damaraland—a land of stark desert beauty.

Activities include: Safaris on foot, by mountain bike or 4x4 vehicles, viewing springbok, gemsbok and ostrich, and tracking the unique desertadapted elephant.

Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in 10 comfortable tented rooms, with en suite facilities The dining room and pub are combined under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. A lovely feature of the camp is its unique rock pool.

Days 6/7: Palmwag Rhino Camp, Damaraland
Drive into the Huab riverbed to search for desert-adapted elephants, heading north to the mountainous and rocky paradise of the massive Palmwag Concession and onto Palmwag Rhino Camp - few places on the planet can offer this level of privacy and wilderness experience. The reserve supports healthy populations of animals including desert-adapted Black rhino and elephant, rare Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok and kudu plus lion, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyaena. Bird life is prolific. The speciality of the area is its growing population of the rare desert-adapted Black rhino which are monitored and protected by the Save the Rhino Trust.

Palmwag Rhino Camp accommodates guests in 7 large East African-style Meru tents, each with an en suite bathroom and a classic bucket shower. The lodge offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains. On the second day, the highlight is rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle; other activities includ day and night nature drives.

Days 8/9: Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha National Park
Travel onto Etosha National Park, where we experience the pinnacle of game viewing—but accommodated in the privacy of an exclusive bush camp situated on an extensive private game reserve—Ongava, just on the outside of Etosha. Activities include: Day and night drives, walks and hides. Within Etosha, we visit numerous perennial springs and encountering a myriad of differing species.

Ongava Tented Camp consists of 10 large walkin tents with en suite and a thatched dining overlooking an active waterhole.

Days 10/11/12: Skeleton Coast Research Camp, Skeleton Coast National Park
Enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over dramatic desert landscapes to the exclusive Skeleton Coast Research Camp situated in a private concession in the Skeleton Coast Park. This is one of the most inhospitable but hauntingly beautiful places on the planet—desolate and uninhabited. It has everything, from roaring sand dunes, windswept plains, towering canyons and saltpans to seal colonies and shipwrecks. Full-day explorations in 4x4 Land Rovers will take all these in, picnicking on the way. Included are cultural visits to the remote villages of the Himba people.

Skeleton Coast Research Camp comprises 5 Meru-style tents nestled between granite rocks. surrounded by pure wilderness, this camp is truly remote and the perfect setting for a serviced style of camping. The camp is outfitted with necessary comforts and equipment, essential elements to the old and relaxed manner of early explorers.

Day 13: Charter flight to Windhoek
Say farewell to the adventure as we return to Windhoek.

2011 Departures: 07 Jan, 04 Feb, 20 Feb, 13 Mar, 03 Apr, 07 Apr, 15 Apr, 05 May, 20 May, 08 Jun, 15 Jun, 23 Jun, 02 Jul, 17 Jul, 28 Jul, 10 Aug, 13 Aug, 22 Aug, 04 Sep, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 01 Oct, 05 Oct, 12 Oct, 06 Nov, 12 Nov, 18 Nov, 01 Dec, 21 Dec.

Price includes: Accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, transportation, all activities — the complete package!

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