From the air you can truly see and experience that vast expanse that is Namibia. Once on the ground you can explore the Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and the animal haven of Etosha National Park.
Day-by-day itinerary
Mon Day 1 Fish River Canyon: Canon Lodge (D)
This flying safari begins in Windhoek. Board your flight at Eros Airport in Windhoek. The first leg of the journey takes you from Windhoek across the magnificent Mountain range towards southern Namibia. Enjoy the Hardap Dam, Kalahari Desert, extinct Brukkaros volcano, and vast intriguing plains of the south from a bird’s-eye view. Canon Lodge is situated only 20km from the main viewpoint of the Fish River Canyon, the lodge is situated on the 520 square kilometre, privately owned Gondwana Canyon Park. Canon Lodge is built from natural materials, including local rock and thatch roofs. Tall weather-beaten granite boulders mark the location of the lodge and form an integral part of the overall design. Spaced evenly amongst these boulders are 26 thatched, wooden bungalows. All units are equipped with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. The boulders, cool to the touch and smoothly rounded by an eternity of erosion, protrude into the rooms to make them blend in with the natural surroundings. The design of the bungalows was conceived with the idea to make you feel one with nature whilst enjoying a comfortable stay. An old farmhouse, originally built in 1908 by three Bavarian brothers, has been restored to serve as the Canon Lodge Restaurant. Its main attraction is an awe-inspiring view of the canyon landscape, which needless to say, makes a meal at the restaurant truly an experience not to be missed. Decorated with farming implements dating back to the previous century, and combined with the lively chatter of guests and staff alike, success is evident in the atmosphere that seems to linger amongst our visitors who enjoy our warm hospitality and traditional Namibian food.
Tue Day 2 Sossusvlei: Sossusvlei Lodge (BD)
After breakfast, board the aircraft for a scenic flight over the steep and winding gorges of the Fish River Canyon, over the fascinating landscapes of the pro-Namibian to Sesreim, the gateway to the Southern Namib Desert and its magnificent dune belts. Situated at the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft Park and blending into the environment as naturally as the surrounding dunes is the Sossusvlei Lodge. The lodge has been imaginatively built and the decor of soft sand honeyed colored grass and burned sienna echo those of the desert itself. Accommodation is in 45 canvas-tented structures, which resemble of the Bedouin. Natural fiber and double canvas ceiling with a ventilation gap ensure coolness, lighting is solar powered, while only showers are used in order to conserve Namibia’s most precious commodity – water. Each unit has a 180-degree view to the ridges of the Naukluft and Tsaris Mountain and across the vast plains dotted with camelthorn trees. There is a bar, restaurant and terrace where sizzling barbecues are prepared at sunset. During the heat of the day one can contemplate the pristine wilderness from the cool water of the pool.
Wed Day 3 Swakopmund: Hansa Hotel (B)
After breakfast visit Sossusvlei, a clap pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Observe the fauna & flora that inhabits this region. Time will be taken to explore the impressive sandstone conglomerate gorges of the Sesriem Canyon, formed by the Tsauchab River. Continue in a low level flight which takes to you the Atlantic Ocean, across the dune desert to Swakopmund airport. You will be met at the airport and driven to the Hansa Hotel. The quaint and charming resort town of Swakopmund was built during German Colonial period. With the desert on one side and the sea on the other there are parts of the town that resemble a Bavarian village. A timeless classic, which forms part of Swakopmund's architectural culture, the Hansa Hotel dates back to 1905 making it one of the oldest hotels in Swakopmund. The Hansa Hotel offers affordable prices and a relaxed, personalized approach to service. There are fifty two rooms and four suites, all of which are individually decorated and have different views as some are street facing whereas others are facing the garden or inner courtyard. Bathrooms are en-suite and have underfloor heating. Other amenities included color TV, direct dial telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer and a safe. Breakfast and dinner are taken in the elegant dining room and lunch is served on the terrace. There is a bar, lounge with a small library; secure parking and a conference center for up to forty five delegates. The hotel is situated in the center of town and is within walking distance of the beach.
Thu Day 4 Damaraland: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge (BD)
After breakfast you will be driven to Walvis Bay where you embark on a Marine Cruise. This provides you with a glimpse of Namibia’s only deep-sea harbor, encounters with aquatic birds and Cape fur seals, and the opportunity of sightseeing bottlenose and heavy-side dolphins, the latter a species endemic to the coast of south-western Namibia. Namibian oysters, canapés and chilled sparkling wine from South Africa as well as soft drinks are served on board during this leisurely cruise. After the cruise you will fly north along the Skeleton Coast, fly over the sea colony at Cape Cross, shipwrecks, the Museum Crater and the riverbeds of Namibia’s ephemeral watercourses. Twyfelfontein Lodge is situated only 4km from the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. The lodge is an excellent place from which to explore the attractions of Damaraland. The Twyfelfontein area, a very vulnerable and delicate ecosystem, is renowned for some of the best examples of bushman paintings and engravings in Southern Africa. Interesting rock formations and the remains of prehistoric volcanic action can be seen in the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, Doros Crater and the Petrified Forest among the most prominent geographic features. The Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy, boasts 56 en-suite double rooms, reception, lounge, curio shop, dining room, bar and swimming pool. The development was done to minimise the visual impact on the environment and blends into the mountain side with the use of thatch rooms, natural stone and paint colours blending with the surrounding rock formations. The fauna and flora near the lodge include the Welwitschia, Moringa and a variety of the Commiphora species. The desert adapted elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, springbok, and ostrich are some of the wildlife which can be found living in total harmony with the community and the communal farming activities of the Conservancy.
Fri Day 5 Etosha National Park: Eagle Tented Camp (BD)
After breakfast and some leisure time your flight continues, cutting across the northern interior of the country to Etosha National Park. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. The Eagle Tented Lodge and Spa provides breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains & valleys. This luxury lodge, built from natural rock with thatch roofs boasts 8 luxury canvas tents all with spacious en-suite facilities. All tents have their private raised wooden balcony with a splash pool, coffee and tea facilities. Each bathroom has a shower, toilet and a washbasin. The lodge has two restaurants, main bar, pool bar, swimming pool and a fully equipped Spa with aroma and mud baths, hydro therapies, pedicures, manicures, massages, yoga and Thalasso therapy our well trained therapists will spoil you to unforgettable treatments in the bush.
Sat Day 6 Etosha National Park: Eagle Tented Camp (BLD)
Spend a full day in the world famous Etosha National Park. The Park covers an area of 22 270 square kilometers of saline desert, savannah and woodland. Etosha is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. The main feature of the park is the salt pan, which is a vast shallow depression of white saline sand that shimmers with mirages during the heat of most days. It is known as the ‘great white place of dry water’. To observe the large herds of game against this eerie background makes the Etosha game-viewing experience unique. Quite a few of the animals found in the park are rare and endangered, such as the black rhino and the black-faced impala. Approximately 340 bird species occur in the Etosha National Park, of which only one third is migratory. Etosha is one of the most important breeding grounds of the greater and lesser flamingo in the Southern African region. This park is a bird-watchers and photographer’s paradise!
Sun Day 7 Departure (B)
After a leisurely breakfast a short flight takes you back to Windhoek. This is your last chance to view the magnificent spaces of Namibia.
Rates for the Classic Namibia Flying Safari - Scheduled Safari
Land, per person double occupancy
| 01 Nov '06 - 31 Oct '07 | $4,185 |
|---|---|
| Single Supplement | $330 |
Price Includes:
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Meals as mentioned
- FLIGHTS: Windhoek – Fish River Canyon – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Damaraland – Etosha - Windhoek
- Game drives and park entry fees
- Travel Protection Plan ($20,000 Emergency Assistance, $20,000 Accidental death & dismemberment; $500 Medical Expenses; $1,000 Baggage & travel documents; $400 Baggage delay; $500 Travel delay - $100 per day maximum; TRAVEL GUARD Assistance)
Price Excludes:
- Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry