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For a totally different perspective of Namibia then try a fly-in safari. Whether you choose a scenic flight for just a couple of hours or spend your holiday flying between each destination the choice is yours. Visit some of the untamed and remote regions of Namibia otherwise unattainable such as the Skeleton Coast for 4 or 5 days, combine it with a safari or self drive trip. We can organise your safari for you, whether using a scheduled departure or a chartered flight to add that extra adventure to your trip.
Skeleton Coast Fly-In Safari – 4 or 5 days This camp is built in a sheltered bend on the dry Khumib watercourse, within the private concession of the Skeleton Coast National Park. The concession stretches from south of the Hoarusib River to Cape Fria in the north and covers the width of the National Park. This National Park was Diamond district No. 3 before being proclaimed. Due to restricted access very few people have visited this enchantingly desolate and windswept piece of paradise. The cold Benguela current sweeping up from Antarctic allows no moisture to be picked up from it by the prevailingly onshore winds, hence the very low rainfall and the desert conditions. This cold current is also highly oxygenated, causing it to be a krill heaven that forms the basis of the food chain for the teeming marine life along this coast
Day 1 Arrival Saturday (5 day safari) / Wednesday (4 day safari) The flight from Windhoek (2 ½ hrs) to Skeleton Coast Camp takes you northwest over the interior plateau of Namibia. We fly over the striking geological features of Damaraland, over craters of long-dead volcanoes and meteorite impact sites meeting the coastline at the Hoarusib River mouth. From there we do some low level flying along the coast as far as Rocky Point, viewing the coastal plains and dunes from the air. Arrive in time for lunch and settle into camp on the Khumib River. An afternoon introduction to the desert environs of the region includes a drive through dry riverbeds, gravel plains, natural springs and dunes, concluding with sundowners on the rugged coast near the loneliest grave in the world!
Days 2 + 3 (+ 4) After breakfast, we depart on the selected excursion for the day taking in the highlights of this harsh environment. Activities are usually full day nature drives with a picnic lunch, returning to camp in the evening. The areas we traverse are vast and excursions vary somewhat depending on weather, season, animal movements etc. Areas you may visit include the clay castles of the Hoarusib River, Rocky Point, seal colonies, cultural Himba villages, natural fresh water springs, lichen fields, roaring dunes and more. Your guide also provides an in-depth look at the specially adapted reptiles, birds, insects and plants that have evolved over the ages to survive in this seemingly inhospitable place. Return to camp at sunset for dinner.
Departure Day 4 (Saturday) / Day 5 (Wednesday) On the morning of departure guests may either spend their time at leisure in and around camp, or go on a regular early morning activity returning with ample time to pack and have lunch. After lunch, depart for Windhoek by light aircraft, flying over the interior of Namibia. Arrival is in Windhoek late afternoon.
Departures Wednesday (4 days) and Saturdays (5 days) from Windhoek International or Eros Airports
Price 2007
4 days safari - US$3480 per person sharing (January to June) and US$4015 per person sharing (July to 15 November) and US$3690 per person sharing (16 November 2007 to 31 December 2007)
5 days safari - US$3675 per person sharing (January to June) and US$4525 per person sharing (July to 15 November) and US$4045 per person sharing (16 November 2007 to 31 December 2007).
The Area This camp is built in a sheltered bend on the dry Khumib River, within the private concession of the Skeleton Coast National Park. The concession stretches from south of the Hoarusib River to Cape Fria in the north and covers the width of the National Park. This National Park was Diamond district No. 3 before being proclaimed. Due to restricted access very few people have visited this enchantingly desolate and windswept piece of paradise. The cold Benguela current sweeping up from Antarctic allows little moisture to be picked up from it by the prevailingly onshore winds, hence the very low rainfall and the desert conditions. This cold current is also highly oxygenated, nutrient rich resulting in a plankton and krill heaven that forms the basis of the food chain for the teeming marine life along this coast.
Accommodation The camp has 6 tents with doors, as opposed to the old style zips. Each tent is stylishly appointed with en suite facilities, the interiors are in keeping with the environment and the ' shipwrecked ' feel of this coastline. Each tent is on decking off the ground and has a veranda area with private view. The main area consists of a comfortable, stylish lounge and bar with a small library and dining area should the elements cause retreat from the open air dining area under an aged Leadwood Tree (Combretum imberbe). The tents all have 12V power for lighting and solar geysers for hot water.
Activities & Wildlife Because of the uniqueness and vastness of this area, most activities are done in 4x4 vehicles that are closed to the elements. All vehicles have pop-top roofs and sliding windows to enjoy the fine weather. There is however plenty of opportunity to walk and strech the legs too. Activities include usually full day nature drives with a picnic lunch, returning to camp in the evening, and only sometimes include half day nature drives returning to camp for lunch and venturing out again in the afternoon. Excursions may include visits to the clay castles of the Hoarusib River, Rocky Point, the roaring dunes, lichen fields, seal colonies, Himba villages, shipwreck sites and secret water seeps that attract game like Oryx, Springbok, Giraffe, Ostrich, Brown Hyena, Jackal and other smaller mammals.
Access This area can only be accessed by air and there will be bi-weekly departures from Windhoek on a 4 day (departs Wednesday) or 5 day safari (departs Saturday).
Please note Due to the shortage of water at the Skeleton Coast, laundry facilities are NOT available. Please make sure that all guests have enough clothes to last them for the duration of their trip to the Skeleton Coast. |