Namibia: Scenic Flying Safari by Private Aircraft

Duration: 7 days

Highlights: Flight over Etosha Salt pan, Kunene River, Skeleton Coast, Himba Village, Black Rhino Trekking, Twyfelfontein Rock Art, Swakopmund, African Stars, Sossusvlei & Deadvlei

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meet & Greet Windhoek International Airport - Marienfluss Valley

Depart on Private Guided Westair scenic flight over the Etosha Salt Pans. Etosha means “great white area” and refers to the impressive salt pan covering a vast area of Northern Namibia. The Etosha pan is the biggest salt pan in Africa and can be seen from space. The salt pan is usually dry, but fills with water briefly during the rainy season when it attracts hundreds and thousands of pelicans and flamingos. The flying time is approximately two hours and 20 minutes.

After a brief stop at Ondangwa Airport, continue onto Marienfluss to arrive at Okahirongo River Camp in time for a late lunch. The flying time is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Okahirongo River Camp is an eco-friendly luxury tented lodge built on a sweeping ridge and opening up to breathtaking views of the Kunene River. Here at the River Camp you can experience the pure sound of nature: lose yourself in all the lights and shades that the sun draws over the mountains and let the kunene river play the best music for deep meditation.

In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic drive. The red dune and the half moon valley are among our favourite spots to watch the African sunset. Enjoy favourite drink, a nice snack before dinner and a take in the priceless view and stunning colours of this corner of the World!

Overnight: Okahirongo River Camp

Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 2 - Marienfluss Valley

Himba tribes populating this area are among the last truly semi nomadic traditional tribes in the world. They move around following the necessities of their livestock and don’t bother to be found by travellers. With the experience and mediation of the guides - all 100% Himbas - guests have the best chance not only to see them but to get a real encounter. Leave early in the morning (the earlier the better) to find a tribe and meet them when all the activities are in full range. You will see them preparing breakfast, milking and taking care of the animals.

After 10:00 is usually resting time, visit the permanent villages, where there may be nobody (depending on the time of the year) but you can appreciate the difference in setting and architecture of the village with the more temporary camps where usually tribes are found. Breakfast will be enjoyed enroute back to the camp for a late lunch.

In the afternoon, cruise the Kunene river and see the natural border between Angola and Namibia. Frequent sights are the Angolan Himba’s on the other side of the river, along with crocodiles, different birds and some particular plants. The sailing is the right amount of time to experience the unique setting of the river, sipping a cold drink and letting “the world slip”.

Overnight: Okahirongo River Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Kaokoland

After breakfast depart Marienfluss with a scenic flight along the Kunene River towards the Kunene Mouth. Turn towards the coast and fly along the Skeleton Coast line to Terrace Bay. The flight time is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

Enjoy a stopover in Terrace Bay one the coastline of the Skeleton Coast National Park for a walk on the exclusive beach. Continue from Terrace Bay to arrive in time for lunch at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge. The flying time is approximately 30 minutes.

Perched on a hill above the banks of the ephemeral Hoarusib River, the Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is possibly one of the most remote lodges in Namibia. Once you make it here, you will be rewarded with a genuine safari experience. The lodge will dazzle your senses with its mix of stylish tranquility, eccentric architecture, ultimate comfort and excellent service. An oasis of luxury in the middle of the desert.

In the afternoon, enjoy game activities to explore the area.

Puros area is the home of a residential herd of desert adapted elephants, some of the most scenic endemic species that populate this region. Stunning towers of giraffes, jumping springboks, kudus, birds and a rich variety of big and small wildlife can be observed during guided scenic drives in one of the many beautiful spots present around the lodge.

Of course, after a full day of discovering and enjoying the beauty of the desert there is nothing better than sip at your preferred choice of drink while gazing at the sun disappearing beyond the dunes. The expert guides know many different magic spots to give even returning guests an ever new sight on the landscape.

Overnight: Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 4 - Kaokoland

Leaving early in the morning (06:00) will be forgiven by the extraordinary experience: your experienced guides will bring you to the area where the black rhino’s are resident in the Okahirongo area. Tracking is done by foot, with a supporting vehicle. The ranger will look for footprints and clues to track the elusive rhino in all safety: reaching them by downwind to avoid being spotted by these giants.

A brunch in the bush and a beautiful drive back to the lodge will ensure the pleasure to dive into the pool before sitting down for a scrumptious supper and gazing at the starry night over the desert.

Overnight: Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 5 - NamibRand

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for flight to continue down the Skeleton Coast line to Twyfelfontein. The flying time is approximately 50 minutes.

Meet and greet at Twyfelfontein airstrip and transfer to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge and then visit the Rocks engravings and petroglyphs. Twyfelfontein is famous because of its many rock paintings and rock engravings (Petroglyphs) of the San (Bushmen) of which 2500 were counted. Specifications about the age of the engravings fluctuate and a period of 1000 to 10 000 years is stated. It is remarkable that the engravings were made without the use of metal tools.

Return to the airstrip at Twyfelfontein and depart to Swakopmund Airport and transfer to the beach for a private lunch setting. The flying time is approximately 50 minutes.

Transfer to Swakopmund Airport for private Westair charter along the coast over the shipwrecks south of Swakopmund and over the Namib Desert. The flight offers you an aerial view of the world’s oldest and most arid landscape in sharp contract with the Skeleton Coast. The flying time is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Overnight: Zannier Hotels Sonop

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - NamibRand

Guests can choose to wake up with a desert yoga experience, where an experienced trainer will guide guests of all levels. At any time of the day, guests can decide to explore the desert by foot, quad bike, electric bike, or horseback, accompanied by experienced guides who will provide unique insights on the local wildlife. Depart by private charter to NamibNaukluft National Park to visit the world famous dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Return by private charter back to Zannier Hotels Sonop.

Zannier Hotels Sonop is equipped with its own stables, where experienced guides offer guests the opportunity to learn horseback riding, as well as ride into the desert to explore the scenic surroundings. Comfortable game viewers will allow guests to discover the light blue distant mountains.

As night falls, the sky lights up, creating the unique opportunity to discover the stars by telescope. Prepare to be surprised and delighted as you are guided on an unforgettable discovery of the sky.

The open-air cinema will entice all film lovers, who in the comfort of their lounge chairs can enjoy a film while sipping on a cocktail in the middle of the desert.

Overnight: Zannier Hotels Sonop

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Depart

This morning can again be spent on an activity exploring the area, if time allows. You are then transferred to the airstrip for your private Westair charter flight to Windhoek International Airport. The flying time is approximately 50 minutes.

Meal Plan: B