Namibia: Luxury Stargazing Safari 8N/9D

| Namibia | Namib Desert | Damaraland |
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Summary

Namibia delivers superb views of starry skies on most nights. The best views, of course, on moonless nights from the comfort of your private starbed. The vast expanses of desert, qualifies, offering one of the most astounding stargazing experiences on Earth, under the heavens.

On this Luxury Namibia journey you will discover 3 amazing regions. Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib Desert, formed where the natural course of the ephemeral Tsauchab River is blocked by a mass of sand. 

Damaraland is an area of stunning natural beauty, characterised by flat-topped mountains, wind-sculpted sandstone cliffs, broad valleys, and dry riverbeds that carve their way through deep gorges indicating a wetter past. Today, the rivers – mainly the Huab, Ugab, Uniab and Koigab – flow only sporadically; their riverbeds are ribbon-like oases that push through the most desolate of terrains, the underground water and tree lined courses allowing even large species like arid-adapted elephant and rhino, sand-dwelling lions, as well as giraffe to roam the seemingly inhospitable desert and semi-desert.

The Kunene Region in north-western Namibia is wild, remote and sparsely populated. A transitional area with a distinctive desert region, Kunene has a surprising wealth of desert-adapted wildlife, including the largest population of free-ranging black rhino, elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyaena, Hartmann's zebra, springbok and gemsbok (oryx). It's also home to the Damara, Himba and Herero people who live in this stark and fascinating 28-million-acre arid expanse.

Itinerary

Day 1
1

Arrival in Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia.

Domestic flight to Sossusvlei.

Transfer to Little Kulala Lodge. It is a welcome oasis situated on the dry Auab riverbed in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Little Kulala
celebrates the splendour and solitude of the Namib Desert

Inspired by Dead Vlei, the design of the eleven luxury desert suites (ten twins and one family unit), expanded to offer improved airflow (brick and glass accommodation under thatch), each feature a spacious deck, sala and private plunge pool – all merging seamlessly into the timeless desert setting. A private rooftop area for ROMANTIC STARGAZING, and sleep-outs on the bottom deck of each accommodation complete the experience. Interiors illustrate an extension of the desert's natural beauty, replicated in colour choice, palette, decor and art.

Accommodation: Little Kulala Lodge

Day 2
1

Today enjoy excursions to Sossusvlei (via a gate exclusive to Wilderness Safaris vehicles), nature drives, guided nature trails, eco-sensitive guided quad bike excursions and guided electric fat-wheeled bike excursions, explore this fascinating landscape. A hot air balloon safari (at extra cost) offers an awe-inspiring experience soaring above the desert.

Desert-adapted wildlife to be seen on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve includes ostrich, springbok, gemsbok, spotted hyaena and the occasional brown hyaena. In addition, smaller creatures such as bat-eared fox, black-backed Oackal, porcupine, Cape fox and aardwolf may be seen. One bird, the aptly named dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area. A surprisingly diverse array of insects, reptiles and rodents make their home around Little Kulala. At dusk the call of barking geckoes can be heard, with guided nature walks revealing other creatures such as the buck-spoor spider with its multi-entrance burrow or the ambush specialist antlion, to name a few.

Accommodation: Little Kulala Lodge

Day 3
1

Day at leisure.

Accommodation: Little Kulala Lodge

Day 4
1

Transfer from Sossusvlei to Damaraland Camp via Doro Nawas airstrip.

Damaraland Camp is situated in the Huab River Valley in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia, offering endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys and a stunning ochre-purple mountain backdrop.

Ten large adobe-style thatched accommodation (including a family unit) are raised off the ground, each with a walk-in dressing area and a large deck on which to sit and relax, while contemplating the desert. The spacious communal living area comprises a dining space and pool. An open campfire and outdoor boma are enjoyed during calm evenings and STARGAZING is superb, thanks to the crystal-clear night skies.

Accommodation: Damaraland Camp 

Day 5
1

Today enjoy experiences, that include nature drives and guided nature walks, while further afield, ancient rock art and geological wonders dot the area.

Damaraland Camp in the Torra Conservancy exists within one of the driest, most desolate regions in all of Africa. In this arid environment the ceaseless processes of life revolve around harnessing the near non-existent water in the most economical way possible. Obviously this scrub landscape cannot support vast, concentrated herds of wildlife – it nevertheless boasts a varied and breathtaking assortment of desert-adapted species around Damaraland Camp. The Torra Conservancy supports healthy populations of rare desert-adapted elephant, and some black rhino. Gemsbok (oryx), kudu, springbok, Hartman's mountain zebra, southern giraffe, lion, cheetah, as well as spotted and brown hyaena live in the area. Birding is excellent, with over 240 species recorded. 

Accommodation: Damaraland Camp

Day 6
1

Transfer from Damaraland Camp to Serra Cafema.

Set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa.

Accommodation: Serra Cafema Camp

Day 7
1

Today you can truly disconnect, unwind and relax to the sound of rushing water, and explore one of the driest deserts in the world. Respectful interaction with the semi-nomadic Himba community, fascinating guided nature walks, boating (water levels permitting) and low-impact eco-sensitive guided quad-bike excursions complete the experience. 

The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creating an oasis along its banks – a winding band of green surrounded by the lunar-like landscape of the Namib Desert which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north. Game viewing in this area is limited to small herds of gemsbok, springbok and HartmannJs mountain zebra. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile crocodiles. Burchell's courser and Benguela long-billed lark are among the characteristic bird species to be found in this area. There are also a number of endemic reptiles, the desert plated lizard being a particular speciality.

Accommodation: Serra Cafema Camp

Day 8
1

Day at leisure.

Accommodation: Serra Cafema Camp

Day 9
1

Transfer to Windhoek for your international flight back home.

End of trip.

- This is a guide itinerary and can be modified to suit. It is subject to availability and price at the time of booking. Other conditions may apply -

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