This safari explores two of the world¹s most beautiful living deserts, which support a surprisingly large concentration of wildlife, birds and fauna and flora. In the harsh yet lovely Kalahari Desert, you may see a variety of antelope, as well as lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, hyena, black-backed jackal and majestic birds of prey. At Sossusvlei in the Namib Naukluft Desert, you'll witness the awesome, multi-hued dunescapes formed by the highest sand dunes in the world. You will also experience all the charm and the wide range of adventure activities available at one of Namibia¹s quaint coastal towns. Desert-lovers of the world cannot miss this safari!
DAY 1: SOUTHERN KALAHARI
Leaving Windhoek we travel to our exclusive campsite in the Intu Afrika Kalahari Private Game Reserve. The surrounding area with its colourful dunes of red sand, umbrella shaped camelthorn trees and large variety of game, birds, trees and grass species is typical of the Kalahari eco-system. The Kalahari is one of Africa’s last wildlife paradises and remains an area supporting nomadic antelope herds, such as oryx, kudu, eland, blue wildebeest and springbok. Carnivores are also well represented in the Kalahari and include lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, hyena, black backed jackals and a variety of the smaller cats. Bird life is prolific and a rich complement of birds of prey including martial eagle, lappet faced vulture, giant spotted eagle owl and pale chanting goshawk frequent the area. A prominent feature of the Kalahari is the huge communal nests of the sociable weaver built around the camelthorn trees. Sundowners are taken on a nearby dune whilst watching the sun go down over this h
arsh but breathtakingly beautiful land.
DAY 2: SOUTHERN KALAHARI
Early morning desert walk with a Bushman (San) tracker who will explain the secrets of the Kalahari known only to the San. The San were the first known inhabitants of the Kalahari. Traditionally they are skilled hunter-gatherers living in small communities. Their survival skills and adaptation to the harsh Kalahari wilderness have become legendary. Afternoon game drive, during which you will be introduced to a surprising variety of game and birds, and if one is lucky, lion. Dinner around a campfire under a blanket of a thousand stars is followed by a night drive where you may see honey badger, bat eared and Cape fox, spotted genet and an array of owls.
DAY 3: TSARIS MOUNTAINS
We travel via Duwisib Castle, built by the legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife, and drive along scenic back roads to our exclusive camp site in the heart of the rugged Tsaris Mountains. The spectacular scenery of the canyons of the Tsaris Mountains and the natural springs offer a dramatic contrast to the red dune landscapes of the Kalahari. This area is a geologist’s paradise, famous for its stromatolites and it was in these mountains that the earliest Shelley fossils were found. Sundowners are enjoyed at a vantage point offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area
DAY 4: TSARIS MOUNTAINS
With its extraordinary vistas this vast area of canyon landscape is reminiscent of the Fish River Canyon but on a smaller scale. We take one of a number of walking trails that lead us to shady gorges with seasonal springs. Whilst out walking there is a chance of seeing Hartmann’s mountain zebra, kudu, klipspringer, steenbok and some of the larger raptors such as Black Eagle and Black Breasted Snake Eagle which nest in this area. As the sun sets and the night sky comes alive, the crisp, dry air of this land of vastness and stillness provides an unparalleled opportunity to marvel at our galaxy.
DAY 5: NAMIB NAUKLUFT
Today is another day of contrasts as we leave the Tsaris Mountains and head west towards the Tsauchab Valley and the majestic dunes of Sossusvlei. The huge star dunes with their massive red, curved walls rising from white clay pans dwarf everything in sight. As the late afternoon sun plays on these fascinating dunes their colour dramatically changes from shades of apricot to orange to a dark maroon. From Sossusvlei we make our way to our exclusive overnight campsite which is surrounded by the huge Naukluft mountains, a rugged range characterised by sheer cliffs, deeply incised river valleys and rolling hills which are a sanctuary to Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, springbok and kudu. A feature of our attractive campsite is the ruin of an old police station which to this day still huddles in the shade of ancient trees and takes one back to the time of the Schutztruppe.
DAY 6: NAMIB NAUKLUFT
Today we explore one of the most pristine gorges in the Naukluft. We set off by 4x4 as far as the plateau. From then on the rest of the journey is by foot as we hike through the gorge with its many quiver trees and rock pool, which are large enough to cool off in. An optional late afternoon activity is horse riding at a nearby guest farm.
DAY 8: SWAKOPMUND
Travelling via Solitaire and through the Kuiseb River we head across the Namib gravel flats to Walvis Bay where we encounter, depending on the time of year, flocks of flamingos that feed in the shallow waters of the lagoon bordering the town. A short drive takes us through to the quaint coast town of Swakopmund where we overnight at the Strand Hotel. (Dinner tonight is in one of the town’s restaurants - for own account). The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy one of the many optional activities such as dune boarding, quad biking or just wandering around town soaking up the old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere.
DAY 9: End of tour
After breakfast at the hotel the safari terminates.
