The dramatic dunes of Sossusvlei, the fascinating rockscape of Damaraland, and the enormous hidden Hartmann Valley in the far north are all visited on this flying safari.
The principal focus of this suggested itineraty is the amazing contrast between the red dunes and pale pans of the Namib Desert, the rocky outcrops and unique elephants of Damaraland, and the lush oasis of the Kunene River surrounded by mountains and plains. Add to this the solitude, the remarkable desert-adapted wildlife you encounter en route, the Himba – one of Africa’s the last true nomadic peoples – and the wide-open spaces, and you have a trip that is truly distinctive.
A light aircraft flies you seamlessly between small luxury camps on private concessions. The route takes you over the Namib, the oldest desert in the world; along the cool Atlantic coast and across some of Africa's moste remote wilderness areas. But the real highlight is seeing Namibia's extraordinary topography from the air – which will give you an entirely different perspective.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart the UK
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Days 2-3
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Arrive Windhoek, fly to Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Sossusvlei
On arrival at Windhoek, fly by scheduled light aircraft to the 40,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, which borders the Namib-Naukluft National Park, providing convenient access via a private gate to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei. This area supports all forms of desert wildlife, but here the emphasis is on the smaller fauna, spectacular scenery and the incredible night sky, which is unblemished by light pollution. Desert-adapted wildlife such as springbok, ostrich and gemsbok flourish, along with carnivores such as bat-eared fox, cheetah and black-backed jackal.
Accommodation: Little Kulala, 2-nights
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Days 4-5
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Fly to Torra Conservancy, Damaraland
Fly northward by scheduled light aircraft, following the line of the coast to cross Walvis Bay and Swakopmund before heading inland to Damaraland.
The 352,200-hectare Torra Conservancy is a vast area of rugged beauty interspersed with linear oases, where the spectacular topography is prevaded by an almost eerie stillness. This private concession has become an inspiration for communities and conservationists throughout Africa and supports a diverse complement of desert-adapted wildlife, including several herds of Namibia’s acclaimed desert elephant, as well as Hartmann’s mountain zebra, southern giraffe, gemsbok and springbok, amidst a landscape dotted with equally interesting flora.
Accommodation: Damaraland Camp, 2-nights
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Days 6-7
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Fly to Serra Cafema Camp, Marienfluss Conservancy
Continue by scheduled light aircraft light aircraft to the vast Marienfluss Conservancy in the extreme north-west of Namibia, and your camp. Serra Cafema is one of Africa’s most remote and surreal destinations, where the Kunene River creates a rejuvenating band of greenness surrounded by the lunar landscape of the Namib Desert, with the Cafema mountain range to the north.
Accommodation: Serra Cafema Camp, 2-nights
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Day 8:
Fly by scheduled light aircraft back to Windhoek & depart
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Day 9:
Arrive UK
Please note: We highly recommend extending your stay in Namibia by adding a visit to Little Ongava on the exclusive 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve which adjoins Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier wildlife area.
