Namibia
$5,995 based on double occupancy; $2,995 single supplement
November 6 – 22, 2008
See the brochure (pdf)
Trip Overview
Trip Itinerary
Thursday-Saturday, November 6-8: Washington, D.C. / Johannesburg / Windhoek
Depart to Johannesburg, connecting the next day with a short flight to Windhoek, Namibia. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Saturday includes a tour to discover the historical wonders and cultural traditions. Later, meet with local WWF staff for an informal discussion about WWF's conservation work in Namibia before a festive welcome dinner. Safari Court Hotel (Meals aloft; B,D)
Sunday & Monday, November 9 & 10: Sossusvlei
Drive to Sossusvlei, where towering 80 million-year-old dunes have been blown into sharp ridges by sand-shifting winds. Enjoy unhindered views of the Milky Way from the stargazing platform above your chalet. Savor wildlife sightings in this desolate landscape—gemsbok trudging up a massive dune, ostriches loping across the horizon or spotted eagle owls perching on a long-dead tree. Night drives with spotlights may uncloak aardwolf and bat-eared foxes. Optional activities (at additional cost) include balloon safaris and horseback riding. (Drive time: 5 hours) Kulala Desert Lodge (B,L,D daily)
Tuesday & Wednesday, November 11 & 12: Kuiseb Canyon / Swakopmund / Namib Naukluft Park
Admire the geological wonders of Kuiseb Canyon and the odd shape of the Welwitschcia Mirabilis plant that survives for centuries. Set off on foot and by vehicle to discover the extraordinary moonscape of Namib Naukluft Park—alive with a multitude of animal species. The stately Ruppell's Korhaan and elusive Herero Chat keep birders on their toes. (Drive time: 7 hours) Hansa Hotel (B,L daily)
Thursday & Friday, November 13 & 14: Skeleton Coast / Twyfelfontein
Navigate along the foggy shoreline of the Skeleton Coast, where thousands of Cape fur seals squabble noisily at Cape Cross. A scenic drive ends at your eco-friendly lodge perched on a rocky outcrop. Watch for desert-adapted elephant kicking up sand and for booted and martial eagle soaring high above. Regal, but rare brown hyena may be seen eyeing small herds of oryx and kudu. Search the trees for the pale chanting goshawk, which is defined by its red legs, eyes and beak. (Drive time: 7 hours) Doro Nawas Camp (B,L,D daily)
Saturday & Sunday, November 15 & 16: Damaraland Region
Depart for Damaraland, which is home to Namibia's only free-ranging wildlife—including the Hartmann's mountain zebra, desert adapted elephant and rhino—the largest predator population outside of Etosha. Meet with researchers from Save the Rhino Trust to learn about their mission to stop the poaching. (Drive time: 4 hours) Palmwag Lodge (B,L,D daily)
Monday & Tuesday, November 17 & 18: Etosha National Park / Ongava Reserve
Your adventure continues at one of the world's preeminent parks, Etosha. Marvel at the 30-foot-long leaps from the elusive, endemic black-faced impala. Slinking through the high grasses surrounding waterholes, big cats stalk unsuspecting springboks, elands, red hartebeests and blue wildebeests, as black-backed jackals wait for leftovers. We may see the only disjunctive population of blue cranes—there are approximately 60 of them—in the dry grasslands. (Drive time: 6 hours) Ongava Lodge (B,L,D daily)
Wednesday & Thursday, November 19 & 20: Otjiwarongo
Drive through the Otjiwarongo agricultural area for a truly special experience on a family farm, close to the Cheetah Conservation Fund. In a private meeting with CCF director Laurie Marker, learn about the clash between farmers and cheetahs and about CCF's efforts to provide solutions. Our hostess, Marie Diekmann, teaches us about the efforts of Rare and Endangered Species Trust to save the critically endangered Cape Griffon Vulture; in Namibia only 11 remain in the Waterberg Plateau. (Drive time: 5 hours) Farm stay (B,L,D daily)
Friday & Saturday, November 21 & 22: Windhoek / Johannesburg / Washington, D.C.
On Friday morning, drive back to Windhoek (Drive time: 5 hours) to board your flight to Johannesburg, then continue home, arriving Saturday. (B, meals aloft)
