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Days 1&2 Little Kulala, Sossusvlei - 2nights fully inclusive
The safari departs no later than 10h00 by light aircraft from Eros International Airport, close to the centre of town in Windhoek and it is a one-hour flight down to Litlte Kulala, where we spend 2 nights exploring Sossusvlei, staying in Kulala Wilderness Reserve, which provides convenient access to the splendour of the towering red dunes of the Namib. Activities at Little Kulala start with morning guided game drives to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei, through a private gate into the Park, allowing early arrival at the dunes thereby maximizing photographic opportunities and scenic grandeur. Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a 40 000-hectare (98 842-acre) tract of land, is home to all forms of desert wildlife near the spectacular sights of Sossusvlei, and borders the expansive Namib Naukluft Park. The Sossusvlei dunes rise dramatically more than 300metres and are surrounded by awe-inspiring topography. Emphasis is laid on the smaller desert fauna, spectacular scenery and the incredible night sky. Larger desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok flourish here with carnivores such as bat-eared fox, Cape fox, cheetah and black-backed jackal often seen!
Little Kulala, a luxurious desert retreat, is situated in the private 37 000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve - the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea with its towering red dunes and clear starry skies. The 11 climate-controlled, thatched “kulalas” (the word in the “oshiwambo” language means ‘to sleep’) merge impeccably into the timeless desert landscape, with exquisite fittings and fixtures, innovative bleached decks each with a private plunge pool. Each unit has a rooftop 'skybed' for romantic stargazing, with both indoor and outdoor showers. An elegant entertainment area includes a library, wine cellar, craft boutique, lounge and dining areas; dining under the clear Namibian skies is a highlight. The interiors were designed to ensure guests an all-natural and unique experience in this most beautiful environment. The extensive use of neutral colours, gorgeous textures and natural light reproduce the soothing pastel tones of the desert. Pure linens, cottons and mohair dyed with natural vegetable dyes all make for a very organic camp which takes its inspiration from its surroundings, notably from the magnificent Dead Vlei in the middle of Sossusvlei. The overall mood and feel is cool, serene, organic and sheltering
Days 3&4 Damaraland Wilderness Camp, 2nights fully inclusive
We depart by light aircraft and fly over the dunes of the Namib and Sossusvlei to gain a different perspective of the area from the air. We continue westwards to Meob Bay on the Atlantic Ocean and then fly up the Skeleton Coast, where the dunes and the desert meet the Atlantic Ocean. Our flight takes us over the site of Eduard Bolen Shipwreck, past Conception Bay and the wreck site of the Shaunee, over Sandwich Harbour and its famous lagoon, and the flamingos at Walvis Bay. Continue over the Namib Desert for a different view of the desert and the Skeleton Coast’s spectacular topography, before deviating inland to northern Damaraland for two nights. We leave the sandy dunes and make our way to an ancient rock-strewn landscape, of a previous glacial era. The 352 200-hectare (870 305-acre) Torra Conservancy is a vast rocky area of rugged beauty interspersed with linear oases where spectacular topography dominate and an almost unquantifiable stillness pervades the air.
Highlights of the stay at Damaraland Camp are nature excursions into the rocky desert in search of the rare and endangered desert Elephant and Rhino. We are in an area where the chances of encountering the Elephants are high. Soaring mountains and rolling plains give way to the shifting dunes of the fabled Skeleton Coast, and rain is often just a memory in the midday shimmer of a Damaraland mirage. ituated on the north slopes of the Huab River terraces is a very special camp.
This private concession supports a diverse complement of arid-adapted wildlife, including several herds of Namibia’s acclaimed ‘desert-adapted’ elephants, and healthy numbers of Hartmann’s mountain zebra, southern giraffe, gemsbok and springbok in a landscape dotted with equally interesting flora. The conservancy is the result of a highly successful partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the local Torra community that has become an inspiration for communities and conservationists throughout Africa.
Damaraland Camp - is a rare venture that integrates the local community, environment and wildlife, offering a true wilderness experience in magnificent surroundings. Eight large en-suite tents face the southern view and have a shaded veranda to sit and enjoy the endless views. the menu is rated as excellent, with a simple but comprehensive wine list. A small rock pool nestles at the foot of an ancient waterfall in a nearby ravine. Desert-adapted elephant frequent the dry river lines along with an amazing variety of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Strange plant play host to stranger insects, and your guide brings insight to the questions and answers of survival in a desert environment. Overnight at Damaraland Camp for two nights with all meals, table wine at dinner and all activities included, extras to be settled directly.
Alternatively Desert Rhino Camp can be utilised and clients can have the opportunity of tracking black rhino with Save The Rhino Trust |