Safari E

Skeleton Coast Fly-In Safari
Special

Low Season Rate:
01 Nov 2023 –
31 Mar 2024

US$ 13,280 pp

High Season Rate:
01 Apr 2024 -
31 Oct 2024

US$ 15.539 pp

Low Season Rate:
01 Nov 2024 -
31 Mar 2025

US$ 15,539 pp

6 days / 5 nights

About the tour

A six-day safari leaving Windhoek at 10h00 in the morning, following the Skeleton Coast from Conception Bay to the Huab Valley during the first day. The second day continues with an exploration of the Huab valley and the Ugab valley ,back to camp Kuidas.The third day we continue up the coast past Terracebay as far as Leylandsdrift in the Hoarusib Valley.The fourth day we spend some time in the Hoarusib valley and the adjacent area.The fifth day as far as the Kunene river, being the northern border of Namibia. The safari ends in Windhoek on the fourth day, arriving just before sunset.

Plane flying along the Skeleton Coast
Skeleton Coast Safari route map for Safari A

Itinerary

Day 1

We depart from Windhoek by light aircraft on a scenic flight toview Sossusvlei and the surrounding dune sea from the air, after which we veer westwards, aiming for the coast and the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, a ship that ran aground in September 1909. This relic from the past is still fairly intact since it lies relatively far inland and is thus less exposed to the forces of nature. From here we turn northwards, following the contours of the coastline to Swakopmund, while passing overmigratory seals and another shipwreck, the Shawnee, which stranded in 1967. We land at Swakopmund to refuel and enjoy lunch, and thenproceed further north up the coast towards our Kuidas camp, where we relax and acclimatise for the rest of our trip.

Shaunee shipwreck near Sandwich Harbour, Namibia

Day 2

We rise with the sun and after breakfast head by Land Rover for the Ugab Formations, an impressive geological feature that is well worth a visit. On the way we pass the Gai-Ais Spring – where we have a good chance of encountering animals – and visit an ancient human settlement. We then head off to view a petrified forest and enjoy a picnic lunch. From there we drive further south to take a closer look at the intriguing Ugab Formations, after which we turn back to reach camp by early evening.

Day 3

Once again we rise at the crack of dawn, and after breakfast explore the camp environs on foot to view samples of petroglyphs and rock paintings left by the same tribe that crafted the rock paintings and engravings at Twyfelfontein. We also look at the geological rock formations in and around the area. After lunch we pack our bags and drive to Terrace Bay, from where we visit the roaring dunes, an awe-inspiring phenomenon created by sand sliding down the leeward slopes. We then drive to Leylandsdrift, where we spend the night.

San rock art

Day 4

After rising at dawn and enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we undertake a rhino-tracking expedition, at the same time exploring the area and viewing the spectacular desert scenery. We look for a tree under which to have lunch, and then scour the surroundings for other animals such as springbok, gemsbok and possibly a big cat or two, returning to camp by late afternoon.

Dramatic landscape in northern Namibia

Day 5

As on the previous days, we rise at dawn, fortify ourselves with a good breakfast and then head off to explore the stunning scenery in the surroundings, with some luck encountering an elephant or two on the way. We return to camp for lunch, then pack our bags and embark on a scenic flight to land on the banks of Namibia’s northern border with Angola, the Kunene River. From the airstrip we undertake a scenic drive to our camp for the night.

Camp looking over the Kunene River in northern Namibia

Day 6

On our last day we rise somewhat earlier to pay a visit to a settlement of local Himba people and to observe how they start their day. We then return to camp and partake in a relaxing breakfast, after which we set out for our last highlight, an exhilarating boat trip on the Kunene River. We then return to camp and enjoy an early lunch. After collecting our bags, we drive to the airstrip and board for the return flight to Windhoek, enjoying aerial views of the Kaokoland and Damaraland wildernesses en route.

After rain, the landscape takes on a tinge of green.