Journey Through Northern Namibia (7 Days)
TAKE TO THE SKIES
Namibia is awe-inspiringly impressive from all angles, but from a small plane, high up in the skies, it’s even more extraordinary. And that’s exactly why we’ve come up with this ultimate Namibian fly-in safari. For seven days, you’ll swap four wheels (almost) for two wings, and travel across Namibia on a series of short flights, so all that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery sweeping below you.
Your Namibian Flying Adventure begins in Windhoek. From here, you’ll fly over the vast desert-scapes of northern Namibia to the private Etosha Heights Reserve on the edge of Etosha National Park for some serious wildlife watching. You’ll then fly west towards the Atlantic Coastline over the remote Kaokoland area, touching down for a few days to explore on ground-level – and it’s just as spectacular, we promise – before soaring back down south to Swakopmund.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gaze down at Namibia’s mesmerising scenery – it’s only from the air that you can appreciate the mind-boggling vastness of the landscape.
- Fulfil your safari dreams with game drives and bush walks in the private Etosha Heights Farm Reserve.
- Search for endangered rhino; the area around Etosha Heights Reserve has one of the highest concentrations of white rhino on the continent.
- Discover the magic of Kaokoland, a remote, rugged and totally unspoiled swathe of Namibia.
- Look for desert-adapted elephant, free roaming black rhino, and other unique, desert wildlife in the sandy riverbeds of the Hoanib Valley.
- Spend time with the iconic Himba and Herero people of northern Namibia.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Cool and comfortable Safarihoek Lodge is perched high on a ridge, with camera-loving vistas across the plains of Etosha Heights Private Reserve. The 11 thatch chalets are raised above the ground on wooden platforms, truly making the most of that view, and all have ensuite bathrooms with private loos and indoor showers. At the main area, there’s a swimming pool, wine cellar, indoor lounge, outdoor bar, and a large deck with a fireplace. On chilly evenings, you’ll dine inside the cosy main area and when the temperature rises, head outside to the alfresco deck for dinner accompanied by the snortings and snufflings of the wildlife.
Hoanib Valley Camp is tucked deep into the dry riverbeds and towering dunes of Kaokoland in north-western Namibia. A joint venture between the local communities and Dr Julian Fennessy, Africa’s foremost giraffe expert, the camp is an elegant, intimate affair that immerses you into the wilds of the desert. The six rooms are bush-chic down to a T, and provide everything you need (and nothing you don’t!) for a true wilderness experience.
WILDLIFE
In Namibia, the breath-taking scenery is just as much of an attraction as the wildlife. The stark, dry landscapes of the north are an inhospitable place for animals to survive – but dig a little deeper and you’ll find an astonishing and varied assortment of wildlife hidden in these desert plains. Don’t forget your binos!
Etosha Heights Private Reserve is home to a fascinating range of desert-adapted wildlife including elephant, kudu, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, gemsbok and springbok. Predators are also present and you may be lucky enough to see lion, cheetah and leopard. But the real star of the show here is the regal white rhino. The endangered giants amble between the private reserve and nearby Etosha National Park, ears twitching and tails flicking, leaving unmistakable footprints in the dust and memories to last a lifetime.
In the Hoanib Valley, the elephants who’ve managed to adapt to a harsh life in the desert are fascinating to watch, especially if you catch sight of them digging deep into the sand for water. The stately giraffe are also quite something to behold, and birdwatchers will enjoy sightings of Monteiro’s hornbills or Ruppell’s korhaans in the valleys, and the imperious Verreaux’s eagle in the hills. And last but definitely not least, a morning spent tracking black rhino through the sandy riverbeds wont’ be forgotten in a hurry.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport and fly to Safarihoek Lodge, Etosha Heights Private Reserve
After arriving in Windhoek, you’ll be transferred by light aircraft to Safarihoek in Etosha Heights Private Reserve, arriving just in time for a sundowner drive. G&Ts at the ready!
Days 2 & 3: Safarihoek Lodge, Etosha Heights Private Reserve
The next two days are all about wildlife-watching. Drive through the animal-dotted plains of the reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for white rhino, and head out on foot for a taste of the smaller flora and fauna.
Day 4: Hoanib Valley Camp, Kaokoland
Today, you’ll fly west over the rolling dunes and rocky mountains of Kaokoland, before settling into Hoanib Valley Camp in the Sesfontein Community Conservancy.
Days 5 & 6: Hoanib Valley Camp, Kaokoland
Spend your days at Hoanib Valley exploring the geological wonders of this stark area on foot and by vehicle, tracking black rhino, and searching for desert-adapted wildlife, and your nights, gazing up at the crystal-clear, twinkling skies.
Day 7: Fly to Swakopmund and depart
On the last morning, there’s time for a hearty breakfast at camp before your flight back down the Atlantic Coast to the quaint coastal town of Swakopmund.
THE ESSENTIALS
Pricing Information: From N$49,400.00 per person sharing.
(Approx. USD3,800 - Subject to currency fluctuations)
A
single supplement applies to single travellers. The price is
dependent on actual travel dates..
Included:
Travelling costs as per itinerary; activities (most!); entrance and park fees; accommodation as specified on a sharing basis; all meals and local drinks; road transfers; applicable tourism levies, taxes, and all relevant VAT.
Excluded:
Expenses of a personal nature, such as telephone expenses & shopping; premium brand drinks; tips and gratuities; additional activities; scheduled flights and related taxes; Visa fees where relevant; cancellation, baggage, medical, and evacuation insurance.
Child Policy: Please enquire with reservations.
Disabled Access: Please enquire with reservations.
Wifi:
Wifi is available at Safarihoek Lodge and Hoanib Valley
Camp.
Can this itinerary be customised? Yes, this itinerary can be fully customised.
Extension ideas: Experience a part of Namibia that few ever get the chance to, and add two or three nights at the eerily beautiful Skeleton Coast at Shipwreck Lodge.