07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS NAMIBIAN WILDERNESS FLY-IN

On arrival at the Windhoek International Airport you will be welcomed by a company representative and transferred to Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. An African capital with a difference; dubbed as the 'Cleanest City in Africa', Windhoek is the Capital City of the Republic of Namibia, a country described as one of Africa's most vibrant and successful sovereign states. Situated in the country’s central Khomas Region, Windhoek is nestled in a basin surrounded by scenic mountains in the central highlands of Namibia; Windhoek can be better described as a 'Working City'. It is a thriving active, administrative, commercial and industrial centre, serving as the melting pot and hub of most economic and technological developments and activities in the country. Whether enjoying the continental flair of Independence Avenue; browsing through the numerous shops; exploring the historical buildings or searching the markets for that special Namibian memento – we know that you will enjoy the harmonious blend of African and European cultures and traditions that make our capital city. History: Around 1840, Windhoek became the headquarters of the Nama-Oorlam Group under Jonker Afrikaner in central Namibia. The name Windhoek dates back to 1844, when it was used in a letter written by Jonker Afrikaner, it is thought that in a moment of nostalgia, he named the place Winterhoek after the farm in the Cape where he was born. German colonial administration was established in 1890 when Major Curt von Francois established a military post in Windhoek. During this administration the town was known as Windhuk, which later became Windhoek.

After a leisurely breakfast you will be met by a company representative and transferred to the Airport and assisted onto your charter flight. Depart by light aircraft to the Namib Desert to Sossusvlei area. We invite you to experience the beauty and tranquillity of Hoodia Desert Lodge, surrounded by majestic mountains on the banks of the Tsauchab River. Only a 20 minute drive will bring you to the Sesriem Gate, entrance of the world famous red sand-dunes of Sossusvlei. You will meet enthusiastic people, keen to share your adventures and the friendliness and personal attention of our staff will make your stay memorable. We love to share our knowledge about the region with its secrets and our guided tours are an ideal entrance to the magical world of the desert.

After a leisurely breakfast continue via charter flight crossing the Namib Sand Sea on route to Swakopmund for refuelling, from where you then fly further north to Damaraland. Designed to creatively embrace the granite boulders, the camp embodies its Swahili meaning as it ‘blesses’ the mind, body and soul of every traveller that makes the journey. Taking advantage of the nearby Aba Huab River and all consuming expansive landscape, Kipwe offers a refreshing perspective on traditional safari life.

Twyfelfontein, one of the richest areas of rock engravings and Bushmen paintings in Namibia is set in a U-shape valley of unusual reddish sandstone formations and terraces. This wonderful archaeological site offers more than 2,500 engravings as well as various paintings, and is probably the finest example of rock engravings in Southern Africa. Interesting geological features visited in the area include the “Burnt Mountain”, with shale and basalt vividly colored as if burnt in an inferno and the perpendicular slabs of basalt known as the “Organ Pipes”.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart via charter flight on route towards Etosha National Park. Andersons’ Camp takes its name from Charles Andersson, the Swedish explorer who first 'discovered' the Etosha Pan with Sir Francis Galton in 1851. Set against the backdrop of the low Ondundozonanandana Mountains, Anderson’s Camp is surrounded by scrub-covered plains and white calcrete soils.

Enjoy game viewing excursions into Etosha National Park. Etosha was proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907. With subsequent additions it became the largest game reserve in the world, covering a vast area of 93,240 km². For political considerations its size was progressively diminished, until by 1975 it had been reduced to its present surface area of 22,270 km². It is still one of the largest game reserves in Africa! A vast area on Namibia's central plateau, the park's focal point is the Etosha Pan - a flat saline desert, 130 km long by 50km at its widest in the eastern sector of the park. The Pan itself is believed to have originated over 12 million years ago as a shallow lake fed by the Kunene River. Subsequent climatic and tectonic changes have since lowered the water level so that the pan only holds water for a brief period each year - it teems with flamingos and pelicans in the summer. The saline and mineral residues together with moisture from perennial springs attract an immense number and variety of game and birds from mid March into November just before the new wet season starts. Of the 114 mammals species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as black rhino, cheetah and black-faced impala. The latter is endemic to north-western Namibia and southwestern Angola. Etosha’s current population of more than 600 black rhino represents one of the few growing populations of black rhino in the world. Other large mammals in the park include giraffe, blue wildebeest, mountain and plains zebra, hyena and lion. Cheetah and leopard complete the trio of ‘big cats’. Antelope species range from kudu, gemsbok and the large and stately eland, to the diminutive Damara dik-dik. Smaller mammals include jackal, bat-eared fox, honey badger, warthog and the ubiquitous ground squirrel. Around 340 bird species occur in Etosha, about one third being migratory, including the European bee-eater and several species of waders. Larger birds include ostrich, kori bustard and greater and flamingo, millions of which congregate on the pan to breed during a good rainy season. Ten of Etosha’s 35 raptor species are migratory. Those most commonly seen are lappet faced, white-backed and hooded vultures, while sightings of the Cape, Egyptian and Palmnut vultures have been recorded. There are eight species of owl, including pearl spotted and white-faced, and four species of nightjar.

After a leisurely breakfast you are transferred to the airfield for your return charter flight to the Windhoek International Airport where you can connect with your regional or international scheduled departure.