Desert Elephant Fly-in Safari

On arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Kwessi Dunes Lodge, where you stay two nights on a fully-inclusive basis.

Kwessi Dunes Lodge
Opened in 2020, Kwessi Dunes Lodge is one of only a small number of lodges within the NamibRand Nature Reserve. It offers 12 chalets, all set on raised platforms overlooking the desert plains of the NamidRand. The chalets are constructed with striped canvas sides and thatched roofs, and accessed via timber-framed glass doors. Inside, vintage and modern furnishings are combined to fabulous effect, making Kwessi Dunes feel equal parts rustic and contemporary. At the front of each chalet is a shaded porch with wicker rocking chairs, where you can relax and soak up the views, while at the rear of each unit is a star-gazing room, separate to the main bedroom, which is totally open to the sky, allowing for the possibility of nights spent sleeping under the stars!

Kwessi’s main area is raised off the ground and surrounded by floor to ceiling glass walls, allowing for uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness. Comfortable sofas are dotted about the lounge and bar area, which also incorporates a small library. Outside is a swimming pool with sundeck and loungers.

Once you have settled into your chalet, embark on a wilderness drive or guided walk in the NamibRand Reserve, finishing with a sundowner to mark your first night in the Namib Desert.

The Namib is the world’s oldest desert, though “desert” doesn’t quite capture the diversity of geographical features found within the NamibRand Nature Reserve, which encompasses a region of low mountains, sand plains, river valleys and, of course, the dramatic red sand dunes for which the region is famous.

Wildlife present within the reserve includes red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, hyena, oryx and African wild cat. Blesbok and giraffe have been reintroduced to the reserve, and cheetah and leopard are also occasionally seen here, though sightings are not common. Over 140 birds have been recorded, including the endangered Ludwig’s Bustard. Also to be found within the Namib are equally fascinating but smaller creatures, such as tok-tokkie beetles, sidewinder snakes, and many varieties of lizard, chameleon, and gecko.

In addition to the included guided walks and 4x4 drives, a number of other activities can also be arranged from Kwessi at additional cost, including quad biking, hot air ballooning, horse riding safaris, and helicopter excursions – please let us know in advance if you would like to include any of these activities during your stay.

This remote and wild region offers visitors a landscape of desert dunes, river valleys and mountains, with the only settlements being those of the nomadic Himba and Herero tribes people that call the region home.

You’ll stay two nights at Hoanib Valley Camp, inclusive of all meals, local drinks (a selection of house wines, spirits and soft drinks), and guided activities.

Hoanib Valley Camp
Hoanib Valley Camp is located on the banks of the Obias River, in the heart of Namibia’s Kaokoland. It is a small and personal camp, with only six tented rooms set on elevated decking of recycled wood and bamboo. The expansive communal area has a dining area and bar as well as a lounge area furnished with comfy sofas. Meals are served indoors or outside on the veranda. There is a fire pit to the front where guests can enjoy morning coffee and a pre-dinner drink under the spectacular desert night sky. The lodge has a small plunge pool.

Over the next two days you’ll enjoy a mix of activities from your base at Hoanib Valley Camp, including 4x4 game drives, guided walks, rhino & desert elephant tracking safaris, while also having the opportunity to visit a Herero or Himba settlement.

Separating the Namib desert from the Atlantic Ocean, the 500km stretch of Namibian coastline known as the Skeleton Coast is one of the most beautiful and captivating places in Africa. Here you will find seemingly endless sand dunes shrouded in mist, clay castles, and clear starlit night skies. But of course, the Skeleton Coast’s defining feature is its shipwrecks, the magnificent carcasses of centuries old vessels, interspersed by bleached whalebones, that line its shores and contribute to the region’s stark beauty.

On arrival at the airstrip, you’ll be met and transferred to Shipwreck Lodge, where you stay two nights on a fully inclusive basis.

Shipwreck Lodge
Shipwreck Lodge takes its inspiration from its surrounding landscape. It’s an inspiration that extends beyond its name, for the lodge’s 10 cabins have been designed to resemble the shipwrecks for which the region is famous. Each perches at an angle on the dunes above the Hoarusib River, looking out towards the South Atlantic. Their design incorporates curved wooden beams, which jut out like the exposed hull of a ship. Large windows at the front of each cabin allow in lots of light and make the most of the views. Inside, the cabins are wonderfully cosy, with king-size beds made up with crisp linens, and wood burning stoves for the cool evenings. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and flush toilet.

During your two night stay at Shipwreck Lodge, you’ll enjoy scenic drives along the Skeleton Coast and guided walks in the company of expert guides. Quad biking expeditions into the dunes can also be arranged.

Safarihoek Lodge
Safarihoek Lodge is located in the 60,000-hectare Etosha Heights Private Game Reserve, which borders Etosha National Park. This is one of Namibia’s largest private reserves, and is defined by its salt pans, dolomite hills, mopane woodlands, and vast savannah plains.

Safarihoek Lodge offers eleven classically-Namibian chalets set on raised wooden platforms. All the chalets come with twin beds or a king-size bed with mosquito net, air conditioning, a seating area, and en-suite bathroom with showers. Outside of each chalet is a private deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness; a great spot for a morning coffee, something stronger before dinner, or simply to relax with a book between activities.

Facilities at Safarihoek include a beautiful ‘lapa’ and lounge area, a fabulous split-level photography hide overlooking a natural waterhole, and a cool swimming pool for the hot afternoons.

The next two days will be spent exploring the Etosha Heights Reserve on a mixture of guided game drives and walking safaris. The reserve protects a wealth of wildlife, including black and white rhino (dedicated rhino tracking safaris are offered). As the lodge is outside the national park, walking safaris and night game drives are also possible.

Expect to arrive at Windhoek Airport at approx. 14:00 to connect with your international flight home/onward transfers.