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Louise’s Next Adventure
Customized Scouting Safari & Tour
South Africa, Botswana & Namibia
February – March 2008 Here's a full-color PDF version !!! --------------------------------------------------
February 19, 2008 Johannesburg
In accordance with your international air itinerary, arrive in Johannesburg mid-afternoon and obtain an entry visa at immigration; collect luggage and clear customs. Make your way to the bus terminal (directions below) where you take the Emperors Palace courtesy shuttle to the D’Oreale Grande Hotel near the airport. Your overnight stay is on an accommodation and breakfast basis so dinner this evening is on your own.
Shuttle Service from International Terminal
Exit building and turn left. Walk along driveway until the pedestrian crossing and turn right across the driveway into opposite building with covered parking above. Do not take the escalators but walk past them until you get to the Luxliner Bus bookings cubicle. Turn right at Luxliner and exit building onto passageway next to the Intercontinental Hotel. Turn right again and follow passageway to the shuttle terminus behind the Intercontinental Hotel. Wait for the Emperors Palace bus at the terminus.
D’Oreale Grande, Johannesburg
D’Oreale Grande Hotel is part of Emperor’s Palace, South Africa’s premier casino resort destination. The hotel is located only five minutes from Oliver Tambo International Airport and complimentary shuttle transfers are offered to and from the airport. This five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodation in palatial-style buildings surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains and statues. All rooms have a bathroom en suite and include 24-hour room service, fully adjustable air-conditioning, an interactive PAY-TV, M-Net and selected DSTV channels, radio, a personal keypad safe and hairdryer. Within every room is a writing desk with a Business Panel comprising standard electronic connections used worldwide and a modem connection for PC or fax machines. A health and beauty spa is available, as are tennis courts and a swimming pool. A number of cocktail bars allow guests to relax and enjoy the gardens and surroundings. Aurelia’s offers al fresco breakfasts to candlelit dinners. ---------------------------------------------------
BOTSWANA
Botswana has enjoyed more than 30 years of independence. The country is a role model for a successful working democracy in Africa. Botswana has the admirable distinction of never having been to war.
Since the discovery of diamonds in 1967, Botswana has had the fastest growing economy in Africa and one of the strongest rates of continued economic growth of any country. Botswana is the largest producer of gem quality diamonds in the world. Hand in hand with this economic growth, has come political stability. Free and fair elections are held every five years. This is a great example for many African governments. The current President, Festus Mogae and his Botswana Democratic Party were re-elected to office in October 1999.
Botswana is roughly the size of France or Texas, but with a population of just one and a half million people. This means there is a lot less conflict between people and animals, which is a huge issue in many African countries. The northern part of the country, which supports the majority of the wilderness areas and therefore the safari industry, is sparsely populated.
The government has developed and practiced very sensible and workable policies relating to tourism and wilderness management. The maintenance of a "low volume, high quality" approach to tourism ensures low impact on the nation’s parks and private wildlife concessions.
This sense of freedom and space, adds so much to the visitor’s experience while on safari. Kwando Safaris directly benefits from the government’s strong stance and operates in two of the largest private concessions in Botswana and indeed Africa. Today, about 40% of the entire country falls under some form of conservation practice. This is unprecedented in the world. The Botswana Defense Force has done a remarkable job in controlling poaching activities in the last ten years. Like the wildebeest migration in East Africa, Botswana also has large migrations of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and even elephant.
According to scientists, the waters of the Okavango Delta are among the purest of any inland waters in the world. The permanent waters of the Delta and other rivers like the Kwando help support a huge diversity of vegetation, birds and animals.
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February 20 Green Desert: Njuca Hills, Makgadikgadi Pans
After breakfast and check-out this morning, take the courtesy shuttle back to the Johannesburg Airport for your Air Botswana flight to Maun departing at 10 a.m. Upon arrival, you clear immigration and customs, obtain a visa at no cost, and collect your baggage. A representative from Wilderness Safaris will assist you in joining the Green Desert Exploration.
The Green Desert Expedition explores the contrasts of three major habitats: the Makgadikgadi "moonscape" saltpans, Deception Valley in the Kalahari Desert, and finally the lush islands and blue-green waterways of the Okavango Delta. This Exploration is specifically designed to enjoy the Kalahari Desert at its most productive season, when it receives low sporadic rains and the wildlife migrates into the desert valleys in large numbers. This precious water creates a short yet incredibly prolific wildlife-viewing period with concentrations of desert species and their young in the fertile, ancient river valleys of Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
Adventurer Explorations combine unique mobile camps with a variety of other locations and accommodation, to provide an intimate, insightful encounter with the country or region. For the Adventurer Explorations, we utilize a spacious walk-in dome tent. The comfortable interior has canvas bedrolls, crisp cotton sheets and duvets set out on GI stretchers, complemented with old-fashioned tin finishes, recreating a sense of simple style under canvas. Shared toilets and bucket shower enclosures open to the sky and inviting dining areas offer an atmosphere of understated, serviced camping.
These camps are erected prior to our guests' arrival. This, coupled with the wildlife-rich areas visited and the easy mobility of the camps, allow us to explore the most remote areas of the subcontinent.
Adventurer camping features lively campfires, camps lit by hurricane lanterns and a range of exciting and diverse activities, creating a pure wilderness camping experience with a warm atmosphere and camaraderie. High standards in mobile safaris are to be found on Adventurer Explorations, as comfort and experience are redefined.
Upon arrival in Maun, we depart by road for Khumaga, on the edge of the great Makgadikgadi Pans in the Kalahari Desert. The saltpans are among the largest in the world, part of a fossilised super-lake that existed aeons ago. The Adventurer campsite is well positioned under shady trees on the banks of the Boteti River.
With the coming of rain, life abounds, and brown hyaena, gemsbok (oryx) and springbok are just a few of the desert-adapted species that can be seen. Activities include game drives, concentrating on the opportunistic birthing time of desert animals, as a result of the erratic rains, and the diverse array of birds, possibly including rarities like the Pallid and Montagu's Harriers. In addition, the seasonal wildebeest and zebra movements, if present in the area, provide amazing sightings at this time. Experience the phenomenal geology and simply enjoy the wide-open spaces of this ancient lakebed and surrounding grassy plains. It is usually not possible to see the actual saltpans at this time of year and our time is thus spent experiencing the surrounding habitats of the grasslands, river channels and the palm tree islands.
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February 21 Green Desert: Njuca Hills, Makgadikgadi Pans
We continue our exploration of the Kalahari from our Adventurer Campsite in the Njuca Hills.
February 22, 23 & 24 Green Desert: Deception Valley, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, we depart overland to our private Adventurer campsite in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve with lunch en route.
This prehistoric riverbed, flanked by petrified dune lands, is very appealing after brief rains, as it is covered with nutritious grasses that attract herds from all over the enormous reserve. These large congregations of desert wildlife with their young are followed by predators into the broad riverbed, all of which makes for outstanding viewing.
On Day 4 or 5 we enjoy extended wildlife game drives (with picnic lunch), taking in the game-rich Pipers Pans area of the Kalahari, as well as the Letiahau and Deception Valleys.
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February 25 Green Desert: Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta
After a light breakfast we depart overland to Maun, after which we fly by light aircraft in the afternoon to the water-filled paradise of the private Xigera area, within the Moremi Game Reserve. Xigera is the ultimate Delta experience, with serene waters flowing through innumerable channels around remote islands and a profusion of plant and animal life.
Xigera Camp is a luxury tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. It has something for everyone, in an area where there are no other Moremi camps and where permanent water all year round allows for a variety of activities. Enjoy a true Delta experience while you sit back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and silently glide through the tranquil Okavango waterways or watch the sunset and birds gliding home to roost from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon. The more adventurous can enjoy a scenic nature walk.
Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera consists of 10 luxuriously furnished tented rooms with en-suite facilities and outdoor shower. Each room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering superb views of the seasonal floodplain and waterhole. Meals and drinks are enjoyed under the thatch of the raised lounge, pub and dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel. A traditional boma offers alternative dining under the African stars. Wooden walkways wind through the forest connecting the rooms to the main area. There is a plunge pool for cooling off and relaxation. Birding in the area is excellent, with Pel's Fishing-Owl, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, African Skimmers and a host of eagles, vultures, raptors and kingfishers to be found. The area has the highest density of the rare sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the Okavango Delta.
Xigera Camp is a luxury tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. It has something for everyone, in an area where there are no other Moremi camps and where permanent water all year round allows one to enjoy a variety of activities. Enjoy a true Delta experience while you sit back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and silently glide through the tranquil Okavango waterways or watch the sunset and birds gliding home to roost from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon. And for the more adventurous we can track animals on foot.
Xigera Tented Camp
Xigera (pronounced Keejera) is a luxury tented camp in the Moremi Game Reserve and is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Xigera has something for everyone in an area where there are no other Moremi camps. Permanent water all year round allows one to enjoy an unparalleled variety of activities including foot safaris, mokoro trips, game drives and powerboat outings in total privacy. Enjoy a true Delta experience while you sit back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and silently glide through the wonders of the tranquil Okavango waterways observed by a myriad of delta creatures. Watch the sunset and the birds gliding home to roost from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon. Observe the wildlife and unique delta scenery from the comfort of a land rover or, for the adventurous, track animals on foot. Or simply take in the beautiful sunrise from your comfortable bed while sipping your morning tea or coffee.
Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera consists of ten luxuriously furnished tented rooms with en-suite facilities and an outdoor shower. Each room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering a superb view of the seasonal floodplain and waterhole. Meals and evening drinks are enjoyed under the thatch of the raised lounge, pub and dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel. A traditional African boma offers alternative dining under the African stars. Wooden walkways wind through the forest connecting the rooms to the main living area. For those hot days there is a small plunge pool in which to cool off. A feature unique to Xigera is the wooden footbridge connecting Xigera Island to the next. Guests are often treated to close-up views of lion, hyaena or leopard padding across the bridge as they move between islands. The camp "newspaper" (a sand pit built into the bridge) is "read" each morning and provides information on unseen nightly visitors to camp.
Paradise for avid birdwatchers, Xigera is home to the Pel's Fishing Owl, African Skimmer, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Lesser Jacana and a host of eagles, vultures, raptors and kingfishers. It also boasts the highest density of the rare and elusive sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the Okavango Delta.
Situated in the Moremi Game Reserve, but on the extreme western boundary, the Xigera reserve is probably at the very centre of the Okavango alluvial fan. This magnificent area epitomizes the permanently flooded section of the Okavango. Palm filled hardwood islands, hardwood riverine forests and a multitude of clear water channels and flood plains are what the delta wetland is all about. This is the land of the Sitatunga antelope and Pels fishing owl. Water birds are seen in numbers. Activities centre around the use of boats and mekoro, but short game drives are available during the drier times and seasonal fluctuations in the water. One of the great secrets of the Xigera operation is the presence of Okavango born tribesmen as guides. Some of these men were born a stones throw from the present location of the camp and know every turn and tree in this magical wetland. Although it is considered to be a permanent delta camp, one may be surprised by the presence of lion. leopard, hyena and buffalo on the islands. These animals will happily wade and swim between islands in search of food. The owners are Hennie and Angie Rawlinson who have lived in the Okavango for 20 years.
Xigera has excellent birding. Pel's Fishing Owl, Wattled Crane, African Skimmers, Slaty Egret, Rufousbellied Heron, Swamp Boubou and a host of eagles, vultures and raptors will keep the bird-lover fully occupied. The rare Sitatunga antelope are at their highest density in the Okavango in the Xigera area. Stalking Sitatunga silently by mokoro is an experience never to be forgotten. The wooden foot bridge, which connects this island to the next, is often used by Lion and Leopard to move between islands. Many a guest has enjoyed Lion viewing from the dining room. When water levels permit, game drives are an attraction. Some years we can drive throughout the year. If there has been a very high flood, we can only usually drive from late September to April.
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February 26 Mombo Camp
Today, you say goodbye to your safari group and transfer by light aircraft to Mombo Camp where you meet Joan. Your 2-night stay is on an all-inclusive basis.
Note: The charter flights between camps are timed by the camp managers. No tickets are issued and transfers are arranged whenever possible to allow participation in organized wildlife viewing activities at the camps.
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve is situated at the heart of the Okavango Delta and was the first wildlife area to be set aside by tribal people rather than colonial powers. In the early 1960's a Maun resident, Robert Kay, initiated the movement for a game reserve in the Delta. After correspondence with the Game Officer of Bechuanaland protectorate, the Fauna Preservation Society in London, and a meeting with the Batawana tribe, the Fauna Conservation Society of Ngamiland was formed in 1962.
In 1963 the Batawana Tribal Administration approved setting up a reserve in the Khwai/Mogohelo area. At the same time a press appeal was launched in London in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund and attended by Chief Designate Letsholathebe Moremi with the reserve later being named after him - "Moremi Wildlife Reserve". 1964 saw the start of the reserve with nine game guards, three Land Rovers and a five ton lorry. In the beginning tourism was slow, with gate receipts for 1966 totaling P785 (this is now the price that two adults with one vehicle will pay per night to stay in a Moremi public campsite). The early 1970's, however, saw a rapid increase in tourism with 4,500 visitors in 1971. In the late 1970's the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) became responsible for management and the government for administration, enabling the government to take a share of gate revenues. The reserve was initially extended in 1976 to include Chief's Island and again in 1992 increasing the reserve from 3875 to 4871 sq. km. Although the reserve is the only statutorily protected part of the Okavango Delta, it is surrounded by a buffer zone of land, which is carefully controlled in terms of wildlife management. The reserve itself is also unfenced therefore allowing free movement of animals within the Delta according to seasonal migrations.
Moremi now extends east and northwards to join Chobe National Park, ensuring a continuous area of protected land all the way to Kasane. Of the many islands in the reserve, Chief's Island is by far the largest. 100km long by 15km wide, it was probably created by tectonic movement and lies approximately 30km to the South West of Camp Moremi.
A very contentious issue has been the veterinary fences erected between Maun and the unfenced border of the Moremi Game Reserve. These were installed to prevent disease spreading from immune wild ruminants to vulnerable domestic stock. Wild grazers are immune to sleeping sickness, spread by the tsetse fly, and foot and mouth disease but are still able to act as carriers. These diseases could wipe out domestic herds, although there is no conclusive scientific evidence that wild game animals could pass these diseases on to domestic animals.
In the first season after the erection of the fences hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, buffalo and other migratory animals were killed as they ploughed into fences appearing directly in the path of their migration routes. The only positive aspect which may be said to have come from the fences is that they prevent domestic stock from encroaching further towards the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.
Note: Please see bulletin on the Moremi Game Reserve at the back of this dossier.
Mombo Camp
Mombo Camp is situated on Mombo Island, adjoining the northern tip of Chief's Island, and is within the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. The island is surrounded by open floodplains and the camp itself is largely built in and around the shade of some large mangosteen, ebony and fig trees - overlooking a wonderful floodplain teeming with game.
The camp has nine luxuriously furnished tents, raised off the ground. The guests' rooms and connecting walkways that connect are up to two meters off the ground, allowing game to wander freely through the camp - but at the same time allowing for guest safety. One often finds that animals take refuge under the rooms. The canvas rooms are spacious and well appointed and have en-suite facilities with an additional outdoor shower for those who enjoy a shower under the stars.
The dining room, pub and living area overlook the open plain in front of the camp and there is a plunge pool for relaxing in the heat of the day. Activities at Mombo include morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 vehicles.
The camp offers abundant big game viewing, arguably the best in Botswana. The highlight is the concentration of plains game and all the predators - including the big cats. Lion sightings are particularly good. Guests could also see Leopard, large herds of Buffalo, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Elephant, White and Black Rhino, Hyena, Giraffe, Wildebeest and Zebra.
Moremi Game Reserve – Mombo
Mombo and Little Mombo are situated on Mombo Island, which is an extension of the north western end of Chiefs Island which effectively divides the Okavango into eastern and western sections. The whole of Chiefs Island and Mombo fall within the Moremi Game Reserve, and, in particular a zone within the reserve, set aside for "low intensity" safari use. Thus Mombo and Little Mombo are remarkably exclusive and remote.
The sheer numbers and variety of large mammals in this area defy description, all year round. From elephant and both species of rhinoceros, to lion leopard and cheetah. From herds of buffalo to tiny steenbok, they occur in this area in large numbers.
All this owes much to its position on the ecotone between the ancient Kalahari sands and vegetation of Chiefs Island, to the more modern, water borne sediments and grasses of the Okavango fan, to the west. Much geomorphological evolution has resulted in a richness and diversity that is legendary amongst the original tribesmen and hunters of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Moremi Game Reserve was amongst the first to be promulgated by tribal request in an effort to protect this fantastic legacy. They have certainly succeeded in the case of the Moremi.
As described before, the annual inundation and drying of the floodplains to the west of Mombo, allow the large numbers of wildlife to utilize both habitats to the maximum.
When the annual inundation of water arrives in the area during March to May each year, large mammals are able to move into the Chiefs Island area, which contains rich resources of grass and acacia forests. The wetlands are fringed by large hardwood trees, containing shade, cover, nesting areas, and food, for a wide variety of mammals and birds. By September and October the wetlands have started to recede leaving behind vast floodplains of short green grass when the rest of the large islands are at their driest. It is this seasonal food availability and quality that has resulted in the excitement and diversity that is the Mombo area.
Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and all the major predators are common in the region. The excellent game at Mombo has made this area Botswana's top wildlife documentary location. National Geographic, the BBC and many others have filmed here. Birdlife is prolific, with waterfowl and waders being particularly common.
Note: Please see the “Mombo Camp Description” at the back of this dossier.
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February 27 Mombo Camp
You’ll have a full day to enjoy wildlife viewing in the area, including game drives, viewing from hides, and bird watching. All of your meals and overnights will be at Mombo Camp.
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February 28 Macatoo Camp
After breakfast and perhaps a final activity, you’ll transfer by light aircraft to Macatoo Camp where you will begin your 2-night African Horseback Safari in the heart of the Okavango.
Okavango Delta Region
The Okavango River, pouring from Angola’s highlands, runs through northwestern Botswana bringing lush greenery to the arid landscape. The delta’s lagoons, channels and islands cover approximately 15000 sq. km before fading into the thirsty Kalahari Desert. Fishing, bird watching, photography and game viewing are principle attractions in this wetland paradise. Most visits to the Delta are done in mokoro, a shallow-draught dugout canoe, which is poled from standing and holds three, including the poler. Another great way to view and photograph the Okavango Delta is by aircraft.
The flora and fauna of the region is magnificent and abundant. The wildlife can be elusive, but there are chances to glimpse the rare sitatunga, a splay-hoofed swamp antelope, or another antelope, the red lechwe, that lives on the palm islands. Hippos and Nile crocodiles are a common site along the delta. The only large cat of the area is the reclusive and nocturnal leopard. Water birds are plentiful and diverse. There are herons, ducks, bee-eaters, hornbills and the spectacular African fish eagle among hundreds of others. Wildlife is most easily seen from the Moremi Game Reserve or Chief’s Island, a dry stretch of land that extends deep into the swamplands. Water levels and conditions are ideal from late May to late September.
African Horseback Safaris
Our African Horseback Safaris are based in the exclusive wilderness of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Imagine riding amongst loping giraffe, splashing through flooded plains with rare lechwe antelope and stealthily tracking elephant and buffalo through palm-studded islands – and no one else within miles. Bordering on the big game area of Moremi Game Reserve, our camp Macatoo, is open year round to experienced riders and their non-riding companions. The Okavango Delta is the world’s most intriguing phenomenon – dramatic seasonal changes creating a unique wilderness environment.
Sarah-Jane Gullick and her friendly, long-serving team of staff look forward to welcoming you to a once in a lifetime African horseback adventure in style.
A Taste of Being on Safari
The flight from Johannesburg to Maun takes two hours and after a short game-viewing air-adventure in a Cessna 206, you will be greeted by your guide and whisked off to base camp where the Macatoo Mamas sing their traditional songs of welcome. After a refreshing drink you will be shown to your secluded and very luxurious tents, complete with toilet and washing facilities. Your private verandah overlooks a seasonal floodplain, home to baboon, hyena and elephant. Drinks are on tap, cake and biscuits are there for the taking and we trust you will already feel relaxed and at home.
The main attraction is the joy of riding good horses over superb country, with just about every landscape dotted with game. The riding is varied, sometimes quietly walking, stalking big game and admiring the bird life, sometimes cantering through the water-meadows alongside galloping giraffe and lechwe. The 4x4s are used for night drives, spotting the nocturnal species and for close up photography of kills and predators. When the water levels permit, we also go out in boats to put another perspective on the game.
Our safari team is inspired each day by the beautiful surroundings to provide the best safari experience possible for our guests. We are enormously privileged to have a huge unspoilt wilderness in which to run our safaris. The Okavango Delta is an intriguing phenomena, with ever changing landscapes due to the seasonal flood waters coming through from Angola. The movement of the game, the dramatic seasonal changes in the flora and the varying interests of our guests ensures that no two safaris are the same, each one is unique.
Macatoo Camp
Experience the ultimate adventure by exploring the wilderness of the Okavango Delta on horseback with African Horseback Safaris. To explore the Okavango in depth, the seven or ten night safaris are recommended, as these longer safaris will also include a visit to a fly-camp. Enjoy game and night drives, walk with a guide or go out in mekoros in the flood season. However, shorter safaris with a minimum of 3 nights are also available. We use a variety of horse breeds from Arab Crossbreeds to large Hanovarian Thoroughbreds, so there is a horse to suit everyone with a choice of Western trail and English saddles. Our classic Hemingway-style camp provides creature comforts in a private concession area. Accommodation comprises large twin bed tents, each with a traditional bush shower and toilet. A maximum of 10 riders are accommodated per safari. Four to six hours a day are spent in the saddle, and riders need to feel competent about keeping up with a group, riding at all paces and controlling the horse at a canter.
Macatoo, the Horseback Safari Camp, is situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The riding terrain from camp is scenically varied in all directions.
The camp features large, walk-in, twin bedded tents, each with their own en-suite shower and loo. Centrally there is a large furnished mess tent and tucked away a private pool. On the longer safaris guests have the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding out to a mobile fly-camp.
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February 29 Macatoo Camp
You’ll have a full day to enjoy your African Horseback Safari in the heart of the Okavango. Your safari activities will run something like this:
Day one: You will be met at the airstrip and enjoy a game drive to our camp which overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon. After lunch under the trees, there is time for a rest before the evening ride where you can get to know your horse. We return, as every evening, to a candle-lit dinner.
Day two: Awoken by a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast we then ride westwards following elephant trails from one palm island to another through seas of grass into the backcountry. After lunch and a siesta we ride out into the plains, later enjoying a drink while the sun goes down.
This Horseback Safari is exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps and during cooler months one longer ride may replace the normal morning and evening rides. AHBS reserves the right to alter the itinerary in any way and leaves this to the discretion of the guides. Local weather conditions may also affect game movements.
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March 1 Okavango Panhandle
After breakfast, you transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to Maun. There, a representative of Wilderness Dawning meets you and you drive about 4 hours to the Wilderness Dawning Houseboat in the Okavango Panhandle. Note: We may camp in the area for the next two nights if the Houseboat is not yet in place!
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March 2 Okavango Panhandle
Today after breakfast on the Wilderness Dawning Houseboat, you depart for a day trip to Tsodillo Hills where there’ll be time to explore a significant deposit of San paintings and etchings. You return to overnight at the houseboat or a camp in the area.
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March 3 Grootfontein
Today, an early departure with driver/guide, Kaiser, will be necessary to reach the border crossing at Muhembo around the time it opens at eight a.m. Upon exiting Botswana and clearing customs to enter Namibia you drive about 600 km or 360 miles through the Caprivi Game Park and the Mahango Game Reserve to reach Grootfontein for overnight in a Bed & Breakfast.
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Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s premier reserves. This large park covers over 8500 sq. mi. of the northern landscape that contains dry woodland, mixed scrub and mopane savanna around the central feature, the Etosha Pan. This pan is a silvery depression, remnants of an ancient lake, with the full effect of mirages and dust devils. The edges have springs that attract animals during the dry season. The eastern region experiences more rainfall, and has denser brush than the northeastern grasslands. The park has a concentrated and diverse wildlife population. Etosha’s center is known for a huge elephant population. Zebra, blue wildebeest, springbok and gemsbok roam the plains. Lion are also common. The Black-faced impala and Damara dikdik are distinctive to the area. Black rhino can be found in the western regions of the park.
Note: Please see the bulletin on Etosha in your dossier.
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March 4 Ongava Lodge
After an early breakfast, continue driving to reach Ongava by mid-day where Kaiser will drop you off. You’ll enjoy an afternoon/evening and perhaps a night game drive or guided bush walks during your stay. All meals and accommodation will be at Ongava Lodge.
Ongava Lodge
Ongava Lodge offers luxury accommodation in 14 en-suite chalets made of rock and thatch. There are impressive views from the main lounge, pub and dining areas, as they are situated close to the top of a hill, part of the foothills of the unpronounceable Ondundozonanandana Range. There is also an inviting pool to cool off in the heat of the day. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch with a view over the camp's waterhole, or on the dining deck under the stars. Ongava Lodge was listed on the Condé Naste Traveller's Gold Reserve List for 2005.
Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier wildlife destination and one of Africa's largest game parks. Large herds of wildlife teem around the waterholes and the endless plains offer breath-taking vistas.
Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where lion, elephant (seasonal), gemsbok, springbok, black rhino, greater kudu and red hartebeest can be seen at numerous waterholes and fringing habitats. Apex predators like leopard, cheetah and spotted hyaena also occur in this area.
In addition, hides and walks with guides are enjoyed on the private reserve. Ongava has resident white and black rhino - one of the few private reserves in southern Africa - allowing guests staying at Ongava the unique opportunity to see both of these charismatic species. For those who enjoy close wildlife encounters, tracking white rhino on foot with a guide is a highlight not to be missed.
In central-northern Namibia the flat landscape is dotted with a number of large saltpans, slight depressions made by wind action. The most famous of these is Etosha Pan, which resides in the eponymous Etosha National Park, a vast area of over 20 000km2 that protects an incredible wealth of wildlife. Etosha means 'great white place' and indeed its immense salt pan stretches blinding white across 5 000 square kilometres (120km across and 55km from north to south). Today, a few rivers and occasional heavy summer rains can fill the pan (in good years attracting more than a million flamingos to its salty waters), but for the most part it is parched and dry. While the Pan itself is extremely salty and as a result does not support much vegetation, its edges give way to a surprising variety of vegetation types: from the tall tree canopies of the tamboti and terminalia woodland in the east, to the broad swathe of mopane that envelops the broader area and the open acacia-strewn plains, grasslands and dwarf shrub savannah in the west.
Here mopane woodland dominates, whilst a low row of dolomite hills, evocatively called the Ondundozonanandana Range, provide relief to the otherwise flat surroundings and harbour populations of the endemic Anchieta's dwarf python and the local subspecies of rock hyrax.
Most general game are present on the reserve as well as within Etosha, including springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, Hartmann's mountain zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland and the endemic black-faced impala. Elephant and lion move between the Park and the reserve and both black and white rhino can be seen.
Birdlife in Ongava Reserve is prolific with over 340 species to be seen, amongst them 10 of Namibia's 14 endemic bird species. Specials like Bare-cheeked Babbler, Violet Wood-Hoopoe, Carp's Tit and Red-necked Falcon are sought after by birders, while other species such as the Sociable Weaver and its enormous communal nests, the miniature Pygmy Falcon and the brilliantly coloured Crimson-breasted Shrike - justifiably Namibia's national bird. Birding Etosha is also good with Ostrich, Kori Bustard and raptors like Greater Kestrel in abundance. Local specials include Short-toed Rock-Thrush, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Double-banded Courser, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Spike-heeled Lark and Acacia Pied Barbet.
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March 5 Serra Cafema Camp
After breakfast and a last morning activity, you depart from the airstrip on a light aircraft transfer to the Kunene River Valley at the border with Angola. Here, you enjoy a fully inclusive three night stay at Serra Cafema Camp.
Serra Cafema Camp
Serra Cafema Camp is one of the most remote camps in all of Southern Africa and offers one of the most memorable experiences in Namibia. The small 16 bedded camp, whose only access is by aircraft, is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia and is further away from Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, than from Botswana's Okavango Delta.
Serra Cafema shares this region with the wonderful and colourful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.
The camp is situated under big shady Albida trees overlooking the Kunene River and comprises 8 canvas and thatched chalets that are raised off the ground, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Other facilities include a small swimming pool, dining room and bar. One goes to sleep at night to the gurgling water sounds from the rapid just downstream from camp.
In stark contrast, during the day, guests spend their time exploring one of the planet's driest deserts. Activities include enjoying the breathtaking landscape scenes with Springbok, Ostrich and Oryx dotted here and there, traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Land Rovers and boating on the Kunene River where we can watch for the Kunene crocodiles.
Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. One of the highlights of Serra Cafema is the carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes. Guests can get into some of the massive sand dunes to the west of the camp.
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March 6 & 7
You enjoy two full days of diverse activities in the area. All meals and accommodation will be at Serra Cafema.
Note: Please see the bulletin on Serra Cafema at the back of this dossier.
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March 8 Windhoek
After breakfast and your last activity, you depart from the airstrip by charter flight to Windhoek’s Eros Airport. On arrival, you’re met by a representative of Wilderness Safaris and transferred to the Heinitzburg Hotel where your overnight stay includes breakfast.
Hotel Heinitzburg
Beate Raith and her Team of Hotel Heinitzburg, looks forward to the honor of welcoming you personally to her unique brand of hospitality. The Raith family name has long been associated with a tradition of excellence in hospitality and exquisite cuisine. All rooms feature the most magnificent view of Windhoek and the surrounding Khomas Hochland. A full continental breakfast is served in choice of settings. Outdoors, in the garden cafe overlooking the city and the Khomas Hochland. Indoors, in the richly finished Aschenborn Room located in the old Castle. When Count von Schwerin commissioned castle Heinitzburg for his fiancé, Margarethe von Heinitz in 1914, love was his inspiration, elegance was his achievement. We too were inspired, and have preserved and complimented his vision to combine comfort with luxurious charm.
A full continental breakfast is served in choice of settings. Outdoors, in the garden cafe overlooking the city and the Khomas Hochland. Indoors, in the richly finished Aschenborn Room located in the old Castle. Swimming pool on the premises. We provide personal secretarial services: bookings, faxes, appointments and more.
Centrally located, Hotel Heinitzburg is a short two-minute drive from the heart of town. Parking, 24-hour security, all major credit cards honored. All rooms are en suite with Air-condition, Television, Telephone, Mini Bars.
Leo's at the Castle Restaurant is a landmark on its own. Overlooking the capital's skyline, the spellbinding combination of magnificent views and culinary creations out of this world, meticulously prepared by the master patron himself, Jürgen Raith, "Chef of Africa", is proof, that only the stars are the limit and dreams do come true. Dine in smoke-free elegance surrounded by history and the glamour of an era past.
Superb cuisine complimented by choice wines from the largest private wine cellar {Felsen Keller} in Namibia. Our extensive cellar is climate controlled to ensure exquisite wines at their best. To enjoy the perfect sunset, seating is also provided on the terrace itself, with superb views of Windhoek and the Khomas Hochland. The Knights Room is housed in a delightful part of the castle which has many of the original fittings - try to sit at the romantic alcove window.
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March 9 Sossussvlei Wilderness Camp
After breakfast, Joan will be transferred to the Windhoek Airport for her international departure while Louise returns to Eros Airport for a light aircraft transfer to Sossusvlei. Here, Louise has a final two nights on a fully inclusive basis at Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp.
Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is located in one of the most remarkable sites in the Namib Desert. The camp is situated on a 21 000 hectare private reserve, 20 kilometres from Sesriem, the Park's entrance to the Sossusvlei dunes. The camp's location provides easy access to Sossusvlei, yet also offers privacy and exclusivity. The camp has been built near the top of a mountain, using rock, brick, timber and thatch and provides a comfortable refuge from the desert. We have 9 guest rooms, each with its own private plunge pool. The bedrooms are well appointed and offer comfort and atmosphere with wonderful views onto the desert plains below. The en-suite bathrooms have both hot and cold running water, showers and flush toilets. The main living area is under thatch with an outdoor deck for dinner under the stars. Activities centre round early morning excursions in 4x4 vehicles to the magnificent Sossusvlei dunes and the "vlei" itself. Wonderful desert breakfasts are served under camel-thorn acacias surrounded by the dunes. Afternoon nature drive or walking activities are enjoyed on the property where guests can spend time taking in the desert scenery and its unique fauna and flora. Incredible ballooning safaris over the Namib are optional and at additional cost.
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March 10 Sossussvlei Wilderness Camp
You have a full day to enjoy activities and site-inspections in the area (which may include a balloon ride with Namib Sky Adventure), returning to Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp for meals and overnight.
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March 11 Johannesburg
After breakfast, a charter flight takes you back to Windhoek International Airport, where you connect with your flight to Johannesburg and self-transfer to the D’Oreale Grande for overnight.
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March 12 Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, you have the day available for optional activities or meetings on your own prior to returning to the airport mid-afternoon for your departing flight to the US.
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