ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Ancient Lands Visit: Windhoek, Namib Desert / Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Serra Cafema, and Etosha Highlights: all inclusive, transfers by air, top guides in remote and exclusive wilderness and wildlife areas, permanent tented camps and lodges, Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Dunes, Sesriem, Skeleton Coast, Serra Cafema, Etosha, day and night wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, boating, sightseeing flights, cultural interaction with local Himba people, excellent wildlife and birding An eleven day safari in style visiting some of our planet's most remote and stunning landscapes! Traveling by light aircraft guests will explore the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei with an opportunity to climb the world's largest dunes. Guests will journey by air across the Skeleton Coast to the remote Skeleton Coast Camp. From the Skeleton Coast guests will travel to the Serra Cafema area where they may track black rhino and other wildlife on foot and visit with the remote Himba peoples. The trip continues to Etosha and the private Ongava Reserve to Little Ongava Lodge - where, in the company of expert guides, guests may view wildlife on day and nighttime drives and professionally guided walks. For traveler's seeking remote lands, unique cultural exchange, and stunning scenery Namibia is hard to beat. Full itinerary and trip details below: DAYS 1, 2 NAMIB DESERT / SOSSUSVLEI The morning of day 1 you will depart Windhoek by light aircraft (included) to Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, approximately an hour's flight away. Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is situated 20 kilometers from Sesriem, the Park’s entrance to the Sossusvlei dunes. Huge towering dunes rise dramatically, more than 1000 feet above the surrounding plains at Sossusvlei. The camp’s location provides access to Sossusvlei, yet also offers privacy and exclusivity. The 9 superbly appointed bungalows have been built just below the top of a mountain, using rock, brick, timber and thatch and provide a cool refuge from the desert. Each has private en suite facilities and a plunge pool. Activities here are conducted in 4x4 vehicles and include safaris down to the very end of the Tsauchab River and to the heart of Sossusvlei for wonderful dune scenes. Breakfasts are often served under the spreading camel-thorn acacias in Sossusvlei returning to camp via the Sesriem Canyon. This is not a wildlife rich area however you may find springbok, gemsbok (oryx), ostrich and the occasional aardvark. An optional sunrise hot air balloon safari can be arranged at extra cost - a truly unique experience floating silently above the magnificent sand dunes! (This should be booked in advance to ensure availability). Optional activities include morning and afternoon horseback safaris and eco-quad bike excursions. Please inquire about additional costs. NAMIB DESERT / SOSSUSVLEI, Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, all inclusive DAYS 3, 4, 5 SKELETON COAST On day 3 you will depart by light aircraft (included) and fly over the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei dunes gaining a different perspective of the area.You will continue westwards to Meob Bay on the Atlantic Ocean and then fly up the Skeleton Coast. The flight offers spectacular desert and Skeleton Coast scenery, where the dunes and desert meet the Atlantic Ocean. The flight takes you over the site of the Eduard Bolen shipwreck, past Conception Bay and the wreck site of the Shaunee. Your sightseeing flight continues over Sandwich Harbor and it's famous lagoon, the flamingoes at Walvis Bay and on to Swakopmund. You will continue flying over the Cape Cross seal colony to Skeleton Coast Camp. The Skeleton Coast is one of the world's most remote locations - and stunningly beautiful! Situated on a 600,000 acre private area of parkland Skeleton Coast Camp accommodates up to 12 guests in six luxury tented rooms with en suite facilities. From soaring sand dunes that roar, to vast pastel colored plains, to gaping canyons, and towering mountains, to seal colonies and shipwrecks this area is astounding! Desert wildlife includes the rare desert elephant, Cape fur seals, gemsbok, brown hyena, jackal, ostrich and occasionally even cheetah. Activities include day long trips into the park (with picnic lunches). Outside the park guests may enjoy visiting authentic Himba settlements for an incredible cultural experience. SKELETON COAST, Skeleton Coast Camp, all inclusive DAYS 6, 7 SERRA CAFEMA On day 6 you will depart by light aircraft (included) to Serra Cafema Camp. Serra Cafema Camp is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia and has to be the most remote camp in southern Africa - the Okavango Delta in Botswana is closer to Windhoek than Serra Cafema is to Windhoek! The camp's Portuguese name comes from the mountains to the north that dominate the skyline. This region is home to the Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people in Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and the river creates a lush oasis along it's banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes. Under big, shady Albida trees guests will find a small and peaceful camp with all the comforts in fully furnished Meru tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. The camp's six tents are raised off the ground. The camp has a small swimming pool, dining room and bar. The camp is located just inland from the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. The cool winds that blow from the Atlantic help to keep the camp cool even in summer. Activities include trips to the Hartmann Valley, to the south of the camp, where guests may view herds of springbok. Ostrich and even leopard may also be seen. Traversing the sand dunes in open 4x4 vehicles and boating on the Kunene River are on offer. On the boat trips, one can watch Kunene crocodiles basking the river banks, while looking out for southern Africa's rarest bird, the Cinderella waxbill. Walking trails in the remote mountain and river valleys are also possible. Cafema is often visited by Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity giving guests the chance to learn about the Himba's lifestyle and traditions in their territory on their terms. One can visit the different Himba outposts in the region and be welcomed - without feeling as though one is an intruder. SERRA CAFEMA, Serra Cafema Camp, all inclusive DAYS 8, 9, 10 ETOSHA / ONGAVA Etosha is Namibia's premier wildlife park. It has great concentrations of game including elephant, lion, leopard, black rhino, and plains game including springbok, gemsbok and hartebeest. There are wonderful views across the salt pans which dominate the center of the park. On day 8 you will transfer by light aircraft (included) from to Little Ongava. Located within the 66,000 hectare Ongava Game Reserve on Etosha's southern boundary guests are accommodated in 3 superbly appointed suites each with air conditioning and their own private plunge pool. Mornings are usually spent on wildlife viewing drives within the Etosha National Park. During the afternoons and evenings professionally guided walks are on offer, as well as sitting at hides, and night drives within the Ongava Reserve - activities not possible within Etosha. The Ongava Reserve is home to both black and white rhino (tracking rhino on foot is a highlight), elephant, lion, springbok, gemsbok, hartebeest, leopard, cheetah and many more species. ETOSHA / ONGAVA, Little Ongava, all inclusive DAY 11 EN ROUTE You will transfer from Ongava by light aircraft (included) to Windhoek where your safari ends mid day.
Trip name: Ancient Lands Type of safari: Platinum / Premier Collection - Top quality all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with light aircraft transfers which departs upon request on any dates. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs. Trip length: 11 days Trip cost: US $7,195 per person based on 2 people traveling January through June 2004. US $8,495 per person based on 2 people traveling July through October 2004. US $7,595 per person based on 2 people traveling November through December 2004.Single supplement (if traveling with others) of US $1,825 throughout the year. Price excludes international airfare, includes internal flights. Air tickets: Click here to view airfares to Africa. Extensions:
When to travel: Anytime Accommodations: The accommodations on this trip are all first class and very comfortable. All of the rooms have proper beds with mattresses and duvets, en suite toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Other amenities include mosquito netting, lamps, purified water in carafes, insect repellent, flashlights, wardrobes, and ethnic furnishings. Age limits: The minimum age on this safari is 8. Children under the age of 8 are allowed if clients book out an entire camp as many of the lodges and camps in Namibia are very small (3 to 6 rooms) this is sometimes possible at little or no premium. There is no maximum age limit. Guides: You will enjoy some of Africa’s most remote wilderness areas in the company of Africa’s top professional and learner guides. Luggage: As small aircraft are used for several of the transfers between lodges and camps baggage is strictly limited to 12 kilograms (26 pounds) packed in one soft sided bag per person. Suitcases will not be permitted. If you wish to bring additional luggage please inquire about the cost of doing so. Trip price includes: all transfers to and from camps, lodges, and airports (including light aircraft flights from Windhoek to Sossusvlei, from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund, from Swakopmund to Skeleton Coast Camp, from Skeleton Coast Camp to Serra Cafema, from Serra Cafema to Etosha and from Etosha to Windhoek), all inclusive stays at Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, Skeleton Coast Camp, Serra Cafema and at Little Ongava, guided wildlife viewing (in open vehicles and on foot), Park's fees, drinks, and 15% Namibian VAT. Trip price excludes: international and domestic flights (unless stated), airport taxes, entry visas, and all items of a personal nature i.e. extra activities in Sossusvlei (hot air balloon safari), trip insurance, tips and gratuities, telephone calls. Visas: American passport holders traveling as tourists DO NOT require an entry visa for Namibia. Reservations: Phone toll free 1 800 461 0682 within the United States and speak with one of our safari consultants or send us an email including the trip name, your full name, the number of people traveling, and proposed travel dates. Questions: If you would like to ask any questions send us an email or phone toll free within the United States on 1 800 461 0682 and speak with one of our safari consultants. Return to Ultimate Africa's Namibia Safari Collection Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
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