Namib, sand dunes in Sossusvlei: game-reserve/namibia_namib-naukluft.html
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Transcript of 0 - SD - WS - Diverse Namibia...2 Diverse Namibia - Itinerary The Classic Safari Company | T: +61 2...
Diverse Namibia - Mobile Safari Sossusvlei - Swakopmund - Damaraland - Etosha
9 night / 10 day safari
A Safari Overview:
Day 1 to 2 | Drive to the Sossusvlei, Kulala Adventurer Camp - 2 nights
Day 3 to 4| Drive to Swakopmund - Hansa Hotel - 2 nights
Day 5 to 7 | Drive to Damaraland - Damaraland Adventurer Camp - 3 nights
Day 8 to 9 | Drive to Ongava near Etosha - Andersson’s Camp - 2 nights
Day 10 | Drive back to Windhoek
The Classic Safari Company | T: +61 2 9327 0666 | W: classicsafaricompany.com.au
Why we like itWhy we like itWhy we like itWhy we like it
Ac0ve & Adventurous
Diverse mix of loca0ons
Great guides & camps
Private concessions by road
Track Rhino & Elephant
Diverse Namibia is an ac0ve, exci0ng adventure, exploring by vehicle, the iconic
areas of this vast country – its dunes, desert, plains and superb wildlife – en-
hanced by exclusive accommoda0on in private reserves and concessions.
Diverse Namibia takes in the soaring red dunes of Sossusvlei, the life-filled blue
Atlan0c Ocean, the desert and denizens of Damaraland, and the dense plains
game and predators of Etosha Na0onal Park. Throughout the Explora0on are
interspersed ac0vi0es such as scenic walks, visi0ng the spectacular and ancient
rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and rhino tracking, along with op0onal hot air
ballooning and horse-riding – all together, a true Namibian adventure with a
range of ac0vi0es impossible to beat!
This explora0on is led by a highly skilled and qualified professional guide with a
passion for the natural regions they work in. Sharing the adventure and guiding
you on this journey of discovery combined with their vast knowledge of the
natural world, history and culture are their professions and personal hobby.
Experience in the field and a depth of understanding of animal behaviour and
the environment will leave you with a sense of complete wonder.
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Diverse Namibia - Itinerary
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Sossusvlei , located in the red dunes of the Namib Desert, is formed where the natural course of the ephemeral Tsauchab River is blocked by a 400 km long mass of sand. The path of the Tsauchab is flanked by some of the tallest dunes in the world and ends in a series of pans that dot the end of this blind river. Sossusvlei is one such pan. Kulala Wilderness Reserve, is a 40000 ha tract of land bordering the expansive Namib Naukluft Park. It is home to all forms of desert life and provides convenient access to the dunes which rise dramatically above the surrounding plains which are surrounded by rugged and ancient volcanic mountains.
Day 1 - 2 You will be met at Windhoek Airport by your Explora0ons guide and
begin your journey by driving 340km through the Khomas Hochland mountains
and down into the iconic Sossusvlei region, a driving 0me of approximately five
hours. The first two nights are spent at Kulala Adventurer Camp on the private
Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a 37 000 ha tract of land near the spectacular sights
of Sossusvlei, bordering the expansive Namib Nauklu@ Park. The camp,
comprising dome tents under the shade, is perfect for taking in the Reserve’s
expansive vistas and stark beauty and enjoys views into the Namib Nauklu@
Na0onal Park. Dining under the star-filled Namibian skies and watching a blood
red sunset punctuated by the cacophony of barking geckos are a few highlights,
as is spending unrushed quality 0me at the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, known
for their red colouring in the early morning sunlight, accessed through our
private gate which is closer to the dunes than the main park entry gate. Desert-
adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok can be seen on the
reserve, as well as smaller creatures like bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal and
Cape fox. Other ac0vi0es include day and night scenic drives and walks, and
op0onal early morning ballooning, horse riding or quad-biking (the last three at
extra cost).
Day 3 - 4 We depart camp early, driving through the snaking roads of the Kui-
seb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains before arriving in Walvis
Bay and then finally driving up the skeleton coast into the quaint town of
Swakopmund, a drive of about 5 to 6 hours (approximately 370 km). On Day 4,
we explore the ice-blue Atlan0c coast, from the port town of Swakopmund to
its incredible marine mammals. A “Dolphin and Seal” catamaran cruise from
Walvis Bay (weather permiGng) provides a wonderful opportunity to explore
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Damaraland is situated in north-west Namibia and has one of the harshest environments on the planet with vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys, rugged peaks and desolate coastline. The ephemeral rivers that bisect it from linear oases as they meander their way west towards the sea. The vegetation that fringes their courses pro-vides sustenance to a diverse array of superbly adapted desert wildlife like black rhino, elephant, springbok, gemsbok, giraffe and Hartmanns’ mountain zebra. The most reliable source of water here is the fog created when the icy Atlantic waters meet the warm air of the coast.
this beau0ful bay and coastline. The cruise takes in the oyster plaHorms, where
we learn about the oysters cul0vated here – including tas0ng the delicacies –
before moving on to Pelican Point to see the lighthouse, and an area in which
three species of dolphins may be encountered, namely the rare endemic
Heaviside’s dolphin, dusky and Atlan0c boIlenose dolphins. Aside from
spoGng diverse pelagic oceangoing) birdlife, pelicans and flamingo, and Cape
fur seals, the massive sunfish, leatherback turtles, southern right and humpback
whales can be seen in season.
You will stay at the Hansa Hotel (see further informa�on at end of i�nerary), an
iconic place that forms part of Swakopmund's architectural culture and is said to
be one of the oldest buildings in the town. It is ideally situated in the centre of
Swakopmund within easy walking distance of town and the beach. The luxury
of the hotel, its excellent cuisine and friendly service are well known locally and
interna0onally. We will have an opportunity to appreciate this hotel as well as
other restaurants and sights in Swakopmund over the two days.
Day 5 - 7 We con0nue our journey by road 320km (approximately an 8-hour
drive) to Damaraland Adventurer Camp, west of the Brandberg Mountain,
stopping for lunch at Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp. The Save the Rhino
Trust (SRT) has been involved with rhino conserva0on in this area since the
early eigh0es, and has been singly responsible for helping these rare animals
survive and thrive, so that today this area boasts the largest concentra0on of
black rhino anywhere on the planet outside of a na0onal park. Community
game scouts employed by the Trust as monitors are the trackers and guides.
Once in the area around Damaraland, we are in the heart of the rocky desert,
an ancient glacial landscape. Damaraland boasts a varied and breathtaking
Diverse Namibia - Itinerary cont...
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assortment of desert-adapted species including one of the highest
concentra0ons of desert elephant and black rhino, and a surprisingly high
diversity of wildlife including Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, giraffe,
gemsbok, and springbok, with occasional cheetah sigh0ngs.
Our ac0vi0es range from nature walks, viewing the rock engravings at
Twyfelfontein (a World Heritage Site) to day and night nature drives, exploring
the mountains, hills and ephemeral river beds and springs. Looking south from
camp toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland offers its guests
endless vistas and one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. Early morning
mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlan0c Ocean and the warm
desert air of the Skeleton Coast, dri@ inland along the river sand valley,
providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region
Day 8 - 9 We drive approximately 330km / approx 5 hours to Ongava Game
Reserve on the boundary of Etosha Na1onal Park, to experience big game
viewing and this iconic salt pan. Here we stay at Andersson’s Camp (see further
informa�on at end of i�nerary). Etosha remains the highest density wildlife area
within Namibia, its’ fame justly acknowledged. The salt pan (largest salt pan in
the world) is speculated to be a remnant of an ancient glacial lake - today being
maintained by scouring winds across its surface and sporadic ephemeral flood-
ing. Springs along the edge of the pan aIract and quench the thirst of a dense
and varied conglomera0on of wildlife, mixing savanna and desert species like
impala and springbok.
On Day 9 we embark ona full day game drive into Etosha, exploring the
southern roads of Etosha Pan from Okakeujo through to Halali (where we stop
Why we like itWhy we like itWhy we like itWhy we like it
Ac0ve & Adventurous
Diverse mix of loca0ons
Great guides & camps
Private concessions by road
Track Rhino & Elephant
Diverse Namibia - Itinerary cont...
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for lunch and relax in the cool shade watching the game coming in to drink at
the waterhole), meandering our way from waterhole to spring and enjoying the
endless vistas and mirages of the pan itself.
On the southern boundary of Etosha Na0onal Park and forming a buffer to the
Park lies Ongava Game Reserve, a prolific 30 000ha private concession. It is a
haven to large concentra0ons of wildlife: notably lion, cheetah, black rhino,
white rhino, springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, Hartmann's
mountain zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland and the largest
popula0on of the endemic black-faced impala outside of Etosha. Andersson’s
Camp makes for a comfortable modern day, eco-friendly explora0on of the
Etosha landscape. Its resurrected farmstead fronts onto a waterhole and the 20
tented guest units, each with en suite bathroom, are raised on decks for an
enhanced view. To further enhance our Etosha experience and while
accommodated on the private Ongava Reserve, we can enjoy night game drives
and walks, while evening game viewing is enhanced with a floodlit waterhole
out the front of the main area.
Day 10 Driving south, we return to Windhoek (approximately 420km). This
draws an end to the Diverse Namibia adventure.
Africa’s largest saltpan, Etosha, is the result of a geological shift that dramatically changed the course of the Kunene River. The pans, 120 km across and 55 km from north to south, were formerly an ancient lake. Today the Pan is mostly bone dry, the stark, parches white surface giving the Pan its Herero name ‘Great White Place’. The edges of the Pan give way to surprising variety of vegetation types; from woodland and broad swathes of mopane, to open acacia-strewn plains and grasslands. Fringing the pan are a number of productive waterholes that sustain the high density of large mammal fauna, from elephant, rhino and lion to vast herds of springbok, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and gemsbok.
Diverse Namibia - Itinerary cont...
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The Adventurer Camps - Kulala Adventurer Camp and Damaraland Adventurer
Camp, have 3m x3m dome tents (maximum of two guests per tent) on a slightly
raised wooden plaHorm, covered in shade cloth, which are semi permanent.
Our dome tents are well ven0lated with a mini veranda.
Wooden beds with maIress and crisp linen, duvets and pillows and towels and
ameni0es (soap, shower gel and condi0oning shampoo) are provided. In addi-
0on, there is a coir mat (inside) and a 12v reading light. The tents are large
enough to stand in and move easily. The camps aim to provide simple camping
comfort that is serviced. Hurricane lanterns and a good campfire light up the
evening camp.
Delicious meals are prepared around our campfire by our safari staff, crea0ng a
great atmosphere. The dining area is under the stars to ensure the ‘camping
wilderness’ feel. A full dining table, director chairs and bush style stainless steel
place seGngs and drinks glasses are set up to accentuate simple serviced com-
fort in pure wild areas.
The bathrooms will be en-suite with the entrance to the canvas-wrap open air
bathroom (zip door) through the rear of tent. There is an en-suite bathroom
with a flush toilet, basin and shower – with hot and cold running water available
whenever guests require it.
Adventurer Camps Kulala & damaraland
Hansa Hotel Swakopmund - Namibia
Swakopmund, German for Mouth of the Swakop, lies on the Atlan�c Ocean
at the edge of the Namib Desert, 280 km west of Windhoek. It is a seaside
resort founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa.
A sizable por�on of the popula�on of 42,000 is s�ll German-speaking today.
The city’s architecture is reminiscent of the German colonial days.
The Hansa Hotel, nestling in the very centre of this charming li/le town, is in
a �melessly classical building da�ng from 1905, an integral part of
Swakopmund's architectural heritage. The classic atmosphere and truly
elegant interior are matched with friendly and personalised service.
For those who can't live on aesthe�cs alone, the hotel offers two world-class
restaurants. The Main Dining Room offers seafood and game speciali�es,
The Terrace overlooks the gardens and serves lunch whilst The Bar provides
a tranquil, cozy and relaxed atmosphere with a warm fireplace on winter
nights as the fog rolls in.
Hansa is the perfect base from which to explore Swakopmund and the
surrounding desert, along with nearby Walvis Bay. The Hansa is within easy
reach of spor�ng facili�es like golf, tennis, parachu�ng, horse and camel
riding, as well as sand boarding, quad biking over sand dunes, paragliding,
scenic flights along the Skeleton Coast, sky diving and Dolphin cruises.
The Classic Safari Company | T: +61 2 9327 0666 | W: classicsafaricompany.com.au
Why we like itWhy we like itWhy we like itWhy we like it
Charming historical hotel
Eccentric Swakopmund
Clean and comfortable
Centrally located
Andersson‘s Camp Ongava Reserve - Etosha - Namibia
Africa’s largest saltpan, Etosha, is the result of a geological shi� that
drama�cally changed the course of the Kunene River. The pans, 120 km across
and 55 km from north to south, were formerly an ancient lake. Today the Pan is
mostly bone dry, the stark, parches white surface giving the Pan its Herero
name ‘Great White Place’. The edges of the Pan give way to surprising variety
of vegeta�on types; from woodland and broad swathes of mopane, to open
acacia-strewn plains and grasslands. Fringing the pan are a number of
produc�ve waterholes that sustain the high density of large mammal fauna,
from elephant, rhino and lion to vast herds of springbok, wildebeest, zebra,
giraffe and gemsbok.
Nestled in mopane scrub on white calcrete soils, Andersson’s Camp is situated
4.5km from Etosha’s Andersson Gate. The camp was named a�er Swedish
explorer Charles Andersson – one of the first Europeans to ‘discover’ Etosha.
The resurrected former farmstead that stands on the site now forms the centre
of a charming camp fron�ng onto a produc�ve waterhole. The 20 tented
en-suite units are raised on decks for an enhanced view of the waterhole and
surrounding plains. The camp is an exci�ng example of sustainable construc�on;
this model of eco-sensi�ve lodging provides an authen�c, safe and down-to-
earth experience for small groups, families and independent travellers to the
Etosha region and is easily accessible by either road or air. Ac�vi�es include
day trips into Etosha, nature walks and day and night game drives on Ongava
Game Reserve.
The Classic Safari Company | T: +61 2 9327 0666 | W: classicsafaricompany.com.au
Why we like itWhy we like itWhy we like itWhy we like it
Colonial past
Well located to Etosha NP
Camp waterhole
Access to Ongava
Eco Sensi�ve Lodge