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Marvel at Namibia's awe-inspiring landscapes from above during multiple scenic flights, and delve into the iconic sand dunes of Sossusvlei on this luxury safari. Explore the diverse landscapes of NamibRand Nature Reserve through thrilling game drives, walks, and quad-biking. Encounter desert-adapted elephants, lions, and rhinos in the rugged terrain of Hoanib Valley in the Kaokoveld, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Himba people.
You'll take to the skies to explore the Skeleton Coast and the great Atlantic coastline from above in a unique flying experience. Fuel your adventurous spirit with adrenaline-pumping activities at Shipwreck Lodge before journeying through dramatic landscapes
From desert-adapted lions, elephants & rhinos to the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei & the Skeleton Coast
Overview
Length: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Group Size: Flexible – you tell us how many in your party (minimum 2 people)
Location: NamibRand Nature Reserve, Sossusvlei, Hoanib River (Kaokoveld), Skeleton Coast
Departure Dates: All year
Lodges visited: Kwessi Dunes + Hoanib Valley Camp + Shipwreck Lodge
Highlights
Wild adventure connecting with nature and communities
View the dramatic landscapes of Namibia from the air in four Cessna aircraft flights
Encounter desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, lions and rhinos
Visit the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei
Experience the coastal deserts of the Skeleton Coast
Stay at three luxurious camps
Guided by a conservation specialist
Thrilling activities in NamibRand Nature Reserve, recently named Africa's first Wilderness Quiet Park, including exploration of mysterious 'fairy circles'
Engage with vibrant Himba culture
Fun activities such as quad biking and nature walks
Exceptional stargazing at NamibRand Nature Reserve, a Dark Sky Reserve. Stay in an open-roof 'star gazer' room at Kwessi Dunes to see the night sky change
Hot-air ballooning and helicopter flights (optional)
Experience responsible tourism impact firsthand
Prices and dates
Departures every Sunday.
Lodges visited: Kwessi Dunes, Hoanib Valley Camp, Shipwreck Lodge
2024 Rates | |
Per person sharing rates (minimum 2 people) | |
Green Season: | N$ 138,505 |
Shoulder Season: | N$ 152,305 |
High Season: | N$ 181,280 |
Peak Season: | N$ 194,260 |
Includes:
All travelling costs as per itinerary (including four small aircraft flights: Windhoek to Kwessi Dunes, Kwessi Dunes to Swakopmund, Swakopmund to Hoanib Valley Camp, Shipwreck Lodge to Windhoek; and one scenic road transfer from Hoanib Valley Camp to Shipwreck Lodge)
Accommodation on a sharing basis
All meals & beverages
Daily activities (excluding hot air ballooning at Kwessi Dunes)
All relevant park fees, conservancy fees and concession fees
Expert guiding
Accommodation taxes and tourism levies & VAT.
WiFi is available throughout this trip
24/7 Office support
Excludes:
International flights, unless otherwise stated
Airport departure tax, if applicable
Excess weight charges for luggage
Visa or entry permits
Telephone calls
Travel, cancellation, and medical insurance (recommended for safaris)
Optional safari extensions and unspecified activities (e.g hot air ballooning or helicopter flights)
Personal expenses and any charges not specified in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Laundry
Areas visited
Sossusvlei:
Sossusvlei is at the heart of the enormous Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia's largest protected area at 50,000 km2 (5 million hectares). The rich, soft sand has blown in over the centuries to create some of the largest dunes in the world, their shape dynamic and ever-changing. The tallest of these in the national park is Dune 7, standing at 388m, while Big Daddy overlooks the Sossusvlei area from a height of 325m. Scampering up to the top of these dunes on sliding sands presents a view unlike any other – with the umber sands stretching as far as the eye can see.
NamibRand Nature Reserve:
Covering 172,200 hectares and embracing four unique ecosystems, the NamibRand Reserve in southern Namibia stands as one of Southern Africa's largest privately owned game parks. This reserve preserves the distinctive environment and wildlife of the Namib Desert. The area's diverse landscape - including dunes, mountains, rocky formations, sandy expanses, and gravel plains - offers habitats for a rich variety of mammals such as hyenas, jackals, foxes, antelopes, and assorted wild cats including cheetahs, leopards, caracals and African wild cats. A plethora of bird species, reptiles, insects, and frogs also call this place home, alongside a myriad of plant species. Explore the enigmatic 'fairy circles', and revel in a night of unparalleled stargazing. Recognised as Africa's inaugural International Dark Sky Reserve, NamibRand ranks among the world's least light-polluted locales. NamibRand Nature Reserve has recently been named Africa’s first Wilderness Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International, which in conjunction with its status as Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve at Gold Tier level, makes it a trailblazer in absolute calm.
Hoanib River:
In the western expanse of Namibia, where Kaokoland intersects with the Skeleton Coast, stretches the 270km-long Hoanib River, a vital oasis amid the arid landscape. 75% of Namibia's endemic species thrive here, and the area boasts the world's largest populations of desert-adapted elephants, lions and rhinos. These are seen alongside zebra, kudu, and giraffe. Visitors can embark on four-wheel-drive expeditions, traverse adventurous hiking trails, conquer colossal sand dunes, or scale uniquely shaped rock formations. You'll partake in guided nature walks that unveil the wonders of this remarkable landscape.
Skeleton Coast:
Extending from the Swakop River to southern Angola, Namibia's Skeleton Coast earns its moniker as the 'Land God Made in Anger'. Here, thousands of miles of sandy desert, peppered with shipwrecks, meet the chilly embrace of the Atlantic, where ocean fog drifts ashore. Yet, amidst this desolate beauty, an astonishing array of wildlife and flora not only survives, but thrives. Seabird colonies, Cape fur seals, zebras, gemsbok, desert-adapted elephants, and lions call this rugged landscape home. Surfing aficionados are drawn to the mighty crashing waves, while photographers journey from far and wide to capture the haunting shipwreck graveyards and the awe-inspiring coastline in their lenses.
When to travel
Summer (January to March) marks the peak of heat and potential rainfall. April and May offer cooler temperatures, while June to October brings winter with warm days, clear skies, and abundant sunshine. Towards the end of the year, temperatures rise again, with warmer days and occasional thunderstorms.
Itinerary
This safari begins in Windhoek, where you’ll meet your pilot and take to the skies for the flight to Kwessi Dunes, nestled in the NamibRand Nature Reserve - a stone's throw from Sossusvlei. Namibia is awe-inspiring from all angles, but viewing the landscapes from a small plane, high in the sky, is magical. As you near the reserve, you’ll fly over the iconic, blood-red dunes stretching for as far as the eye can see.
Get ready to indulge in refreshing G&Ts upon arrival!
Today is all about immersing yourself in the enchanting landscapes of NamibRand and Sossusvlei. Whether you're eager to partake in every activity or simply revel in the area's natural beauty, this day promises unforgettable experiences, from scenic drives and walks to quad biking and star gazing. Hot-air ballooning and helicopter flights are also available if you would like to explore the area further from above.
Embark on a picturesque flight in a turboprop aircraft over renowned sights like the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck, Conception Bay, and Sandwich Harbour, followed by a delightful lunch stop in Swakopmund, before continuing north in the plane towards Hoanib Valley Camp. From the air, witness nature's power as you view the remnants of shipwrecks and the Atlantic Ocean hitting the rocky coastline along the dramatic Skeleton Coast. The plane will then turn inland toward the Hoanib Valley in Kaokoveld.
Dedicate today to seeking out desert-adapted giraffes, lions, elephants and rhinos amidst the sandy terrain, embarking on exhilarating game drives, walking through the dry riverbeds and dunes, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of local Himba communities.
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey on what can easily be deemed the finest transfer drive on the continent. Traverse a land of astonishing rock formations and witness desert elephants delicately excavating for water, all leading up to the breathtaking spectacle of the Skeleton Coast's crashing waves and undulating dunes. It's an experience that will leave you speechless.
Indulge in the renowned hospitality of the award-winning Shipwreck Lodge. Choose from an array of activities such as quad biking, explorations of the Clay Castle and seal colony, thrilling game drives, or sundowner drives to the roaring dunes. Enjoy beach lunches, and unwind, kick back, and soak up the mesmerising vistas at your leisure.
Start your day with a rendezvousing with the plane, as you embark on a scenic flight along the captivating Atlantic coastline. Upon return to Windhoek, your journey concludes.
Free safari planning
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Namibia desert flying safari
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