Scheduled tours in Namibia - 4

AN EAGLE’S IMPRESSION
Platinum Class Tour
AEI

7 Days of viewing Namibia’s main attractions from the air and on land, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Twyfelfontein and Etosha National Park. 

A Sense of Africa representative will meet the clients in the executive departure lounge at Eros airport for a tour briefing prior to departure.

Transfer to Eros airport for your charter flight to the Namib Desert.  Our route takes us over the Khomas Hochland Mountain Range, the escarpment, dry riverbeds and gravel plains; this is a land with many faces.  Our lodge lies situated in the foothills of the NamibRand Nature Reserve within the pristine Namib Desert.  For the discerning traveller this lodge offers exceptional elegance and comfort from which the gifts of the desert will be explored. With mornings and evenings being the best time to undertake desert excursions, an afternoon nature drive or a sunset dune ride on quad bikes will be undertaken.

Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge

A visit will be made to Sossusvlei with its monumentally high sand dunes.  The Namib Desert, which stretches along the Atlantic Coast, for centuries created a barrier for explorers attempting to reach the interior.  Many ships floundered on the inhospitable shores, but it has a beauty of its own. Return to the airstrip for your charter flight to the Namibia’s premier holiday resort of Swakopmund.  Once airborne our flight takes us over the sand a dune to the Atlantic Ocean and on to Swakopmund Airport, a short transfer takes you to your hotel.

Hansa Hotel - Suite 

A short road transfer takes us to Walvis Bay where we embark on a Marine Cruise which provides us with a glimpse of Namibia's only deep-sea harbour, encounters with aquatic birds and Cape fur seals, and the opportunity of sighting bottlenose and heavy-side dolphins, the latter a species endemic to the coast of south-western Africa.  Namibian oysters, counted amongst the best in the world, canapés and chilled sparkling wine from South Africa as well as soft drinks are served on board during this leisurely cruise. Hereafter our charter flight takes us north along the Skeleton Coast to the seal colony at Cape Cross, after which we fly over some of the shipwrecks that litter this coastline and head inland over the Museum Crater and the riverbeds of Namibia's ephemeral watercourses. With a bit of luck we may be able to spot the rare Desert Elephant that has adapted to the harsh environment of Damaraland

Mowani Mountain Camp

Regarded as one of the richest rock engraving collection on earth, the slopes of Twyfelfontein are strewn with boulders; these are all dotted with thousands of paintings and engravings.  Transfer to the airstrip for our short flight to a private Lodge bordering the Etosha National Park.  Excursions will be taken into the world-renowned Etosha National Park in open 4x4 vehicles, where we stand a good chance to observe many of the 144 different mammal and 340 different bird species that are to be found here.

Little Ongava 

Depart Etosha area and fly over the central area of Namibia to land at the home of the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation that committed itself to the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores. This visit will give you the chance to witness some of AfriCat’s valuable work, and activities include Cheetah Tracking on foot, leopard viewing from the safety of a hide or big cat radio-tracking from open game-viewing vehicles.

Okonjima Bush Camp 

After a leisurely breakfast we board our aircraft for the final flight back to Windhoek. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel from the Eros Airport.

• Passengers are permitted one bag; this must be the soft sports kid bag type of 20lbs or 10 kg maximum. Limitations are strictly adhered to for safety reasons

TOUR SUMMARY:

Alternative accommodation may be used.

SKELETON COAST FLY-IN SAFARI
SCFI

The Skeleton Coast, which starts south of the Orange River, includes the whole Namibian coastline and continues across the Kunene River some 200 km into Angola. A major feature of the safaris is the use of the aircraft as a “safari vehicle”. The different flights at “see” level provide outstanding bird's-eye views of some shipwreck remains along the coast, diverse and ever-changing geological formations and the refuges of desert-dwelling animals such as the endangered black rhino and desert-adapted elephant.

Transfer to Eros Airport, Windhoek for departure to the Skeleton Coast via Conception Bay. The Kuiseb canyon and adjoining red dunes are a spectacular view from the air. The flight also includes (weather permitting) an aerial view of the famous Eduard Bohlen shipwreck at Conception Bay.  After landing and refuelling at Swakopmund, we continue with a low-level flight north along the Skeleton Coast over the seal colony at Cape Cross. Thereafter we fly east, over the desert, to the Ugab formations - a nearly lifeless “moon landscape” of numerous black ridges that stand out in stark contrast to the white desert floor – before landing in the Huab Valley, Damaraland, where we stay for the night. Amongst the rocks within walking distance of the camp are ancient rock engravings.

Kuidas Camp

After breakfast we depart by Land Rover to explore the colourful red lavas and yellow sandstones of the Huab River formations and to be introduced to the ecological aspects of this environment with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. This includes the Welwitschia mirabilis, a tree that has been dwarfed by the rigours of the desert climate.  Lunch at Camp before flying to the coast in the Skeleton Coast Park. The most prominent shipwrecks along this part of the coast are the Montrose and Henrietta, still relatively intact. At the coast we access the roaring dunes by Land Rover, which always proves to be a stimulating experience. We also visit the beach with its profusion of multi-coloured pebbles consisting of different varieties of agate, lava, granite and other stones. Interesting to see are old bleached whalebones scattered along the beach above the high tide mark.

We return to our aircraft and continue north to the Hoarusib Valley in Kaokoland.

Purros Camp

After breakfast a scenic drive along the Hoarusib Valley to visit a settlement of the nomadic Himba people. We might be lucky enough to come across the desert-dwelling elephants that frequent this valley. A planned encounter is unfortunately not possible.  From here we continue north along the Skeleton Coast by aircraft to the perennial Kunene River on the Angolan border. The Kaiu Maru shipwreck and pieces from old sailing vessels lie scattered along this part of the coast. From the airfield we take a scenic drive by Land Rover to our favourite lunch site.  After lunch we continue through the mountains and dunes of the Hartmann Valley, which extends to the Kunene River, reaching our camp where we spend the last night.

Kunene River Camp

An early morning boat trip on the Kunene River as it flows through scenic desert landscape, observing bird life and possibly some crocodiles. Birds vary from aquatic species on the perennial waters, to endemic desert varieties and those that inhabit dense riverine vegetation.  After lunch at the camp, we fly back to Eros Airport, Windhoek, arriving in the late afternoon. 

TOUR SUMMARY:

Departs every Tuesday

Namibia Visions 

An 8-day luxury fly in Safari staying in special lodges that are situated in some of the most pristine and beautiful areas of Namibia. The tour includes Etosha, Damaraland and the Namib Desert.

From Eros Airport (Windhoek) we commence our charter flight to the Etosha National Park. From the Mokuti airstrip we transfer to Onguma Tented camp where we will spend the next two nights. The Camp is located only eight kilometres from the Von Lindquist Gate on the eastern outskirts of the Etosha National Park. Originally part of the greater Etosha Game Reserve, Onguma is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets.
In the afternoon we enjoy an afternoon excursion on the Onguma reserve, which covers an area of 20 000ha and incorporates ecological substrata such as savannah, bushveld, omuramba and dry pan.

Onguma Tented Camp 

After a leisurely breakfast, drive into the park for excellent game viewing. You can only go for the morning or opt to spend the whole day around the waterholes - the choice is yours. If you opt to spend the day, we can arrange for lunch packs at the lodge or you can have lunch at one of the Rest Camps inside the Park.

Having spent a day in the park (or just the morning - as you please) return to Onguma for a relaxed afternoon and sundowner.

Onguma Tented Camp

After breakfast at leisure, depart for Damaraland where you land at noon. Mowani Mountain Camp is set in the Twyfelfontein Conservancy between the Ugab and Huab Rivers. Discover the pool deck, lodged between the boulders where you can soak up the sun whilst enjoying a refreshing drink and admire the breathtaking views from your deck chair. Lunch is followed by siesta and an afternoon excursion to the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. Return to the camp for sundowners and dinner.
The luxury-tented accommodation is built unobtrusively, so as to ensure minimum impact on the natural environment. Much care has been taken with the design of the public areas, creating the impression of an African Village, with dome-like thatched structures that blend in with the imposing boulders, which are scattered around the outcrops.

Mowani Mountain Camp

Spend the day exploring Twyfelfontein and surrounds. Return to the Camp for lunch and leisurely afternoon by the pool. Alternatively join a game drive down the riverbed in search for the rare Desert elephant.

Mowani Mountain Camp

After breakfast your charter flight will commence towards the coastal town of Swakopmund. Time permitting a short city tour and maybe an activity like quad biking can be done. This will however be at own expense. The pilot can assist in arranging these. Lunch at Wolwedans would be included. Lunch at Swakopmund would be for own account.
You continue towards the NamibRand Nature Reserve. This flight is exceptionally scenic. The flight path will take you - at the best time of the day imaginable - along the coast to Sandwich harbour and circle over the towering dunes of Sossusvlei en route to Wolwedans.
Arrive at Wolwedans just in time for sundowners after settling into your beautiful chalet with its own private veranda and a breathtaking view of the dunes, plains and distant mountains. Freshen up and enjoy a three-course candlelight dinner under a blanket of stars.

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

After breakfast, depart on a day-safari on the NamibRand Nature Reserve with a delicious picnic lunch served en-route. Absorb the unique NamibRand Nature Reserve landscape during your excursions by Land Rover through the dunes, endless grassy plains and along mystical mountain formations.
Do a morning excursion (or full day depending on logistics and time of year) on the Reserve, returning to the Lodge for lunch and a siesta during the midday heat. At ± 16h00, enjoy coffee and cake before joining everyone for sundowners on the deck preceding dinner.

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge 

Enjoy a morning and/or afternoon excursion or a morning walk.  Alternatively, relax on this last day of your holiday. Ballooning would fit in well today. After an early rise and one hour in the air you enjoy a Champagne breakfast on the landing spot. The afternoon can be spent at your leisure.

Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

Optionally - that is if you really want to see/do it all, decide on a full day fly-in trip from Wolwedans to the Fish River Canyon and Lüderitzbucht.

Awake in the pristine desert dawn and soak in the atmosphere and landscape from your bed whilst enjoying early morning tea. After breakfast at leisure, you are transferred to the airstrip to bid Wolwedans farewell and commence your return flight to Windhoek (Eros) where you will arrive before 11h00. Departure from Wolwedans is normally at 09h00 am and the return flight is by Dune Hopper, a daily air taxi, so there might be other passengers as well.

You will arrive in Windhoek in time to catch international flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town. In case you depart to Europe with Air Namibia, we recommend lunch and some shopping before you are transferred to the International airport (Your baggage can be kept in storage). A dayroom can also be arranged at an additional cost.

Optional extensions:
Northern extension (Day 4):

Leave Onguma after breakfast and fly north to Ruacana where you will stop for lunch and enjoy a guided excursion towards a traditional Himba village. View the ways of living and survival of this fascinating tribe. The Himba are semi-nomadic pastoralists who tend to trek from one watering place to another. They seldom leave their home areas and maintain, even in their dress, a tradition of their own, on which other cultures in the country have made little impression. From Ruacana you head on to Epupa for a bird-eyes-view of the falls before heading on to Mowani where you arrive in time for sundown's on the massive granite boulders.

Southern extension (Day 7):

Depart Wolwedans after breakfast and fly straight to the Canyon. Transfer to the Canyon viewpoint where coffee/tea and snacks will be offered. Continue south and enjoy a bird-eyes-view of the world's second largest Canyon, and on to the Orange River (border to South Africa) before heading west towards Lüderitzbucht. Take a guided tour to the ghost town of Kolmanskuppe, followed by lunch and a city tour.
The coastal town of Lüderitz is a small enclave within the Sperrgebiet (restricted Diamond Area) and s an impressive collection of historical German-style buildings, which were erected during the diamond rush. The most striking is Goerke Haus, a former magistrate's residency built in 1909.

The scenic return flight to Wolwedans can only be labelled spectacular. From Lüderitz you fly north along the Diamond Coast and over Spencer Bay and Mercury Island. From there route along the Lange Wand where massive dunes just seem to grow out of the sea, before heading east towards Wolwedans, arriving in the late afternoon. As you have seen Sossusvlei on the way in this will be spared out, unless you'd like to 'do it again' which would be no problem.

Option 1: Hot Air Ballooning (Extra cost)
Option 2: Day-excursion Fish-River and Lüderitzbucht (Extra cost) 

DATES AND RATES: ON REQUEST

Reservations & information:

Elena Travel Services & Car Hire CC
P.O. Box 3127 Windhoek, Namibia
Fax:  +264 61 244558
E-mail: info@namibweb.com

To book:

1) you can e-mail us requesting information and/or rates

Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.

See also: Terms & conditions, Payment options and Cancellation policy

Related links:

• Sense of Africa scheduled tours -1
• Sense of Africa scheduled tours-2
• Sense of Africa scheduled tours-3
• Sense of Africa scheduled tours-4
• Sense of Africa Sossusvlei tour
• Sense of Africa Epacha Game Lodge Fly-In Safari
• Sense of Africa Caprivi Experience tour
• Springbok Atlas scheduled tours
• SWA Safaris scheduled tours
• Etosha National Park
• Reservations of resorts in National parks

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