Luxurious Namibian Fly-In Adventure – 2 nights Kaokoland | 2 nights Purros Conservancy | 3 nights Sossusvlei
Overview
Anya Visser, of Pembury Tours, organized our trip to Namibia and to Cape Town, which was our first visit to Southern Africa. The result is that our trip was absolutely flawless and a full success. We stayed in three different lodges in Namibia, moved from one to the other by private plane and were met in Cape Town and in Windhoek. Every element of our trip was professionally planned and executed, on time and most courteously by every provider chosen by Anya. Moreover, Anya always responded immediately and positively to my numerous requests for information or for slight modifications of our initial program. I therefore cannot underline enough Anya’s professionalism and kindness, as well as her permanent availability of which I availed myself on several occasions. I have already forwarded Anya’s contact details to friends who requested them from me and I can only recommend Anya to anyone wishing to fulfil their dream of visiting Namibia and the Cape Town area, as was my case, in the best possible conditions
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you are met by our representative who will hand over your travel documents whereafter you are transferred by road to The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel for your one night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Transfer time: Cape Town International Airport to Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel – approx. 20 minutes.
This morning, you are met by our representative and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight into Windhoek; Namibia.
Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport you are met by your pilot who will assist you to your light aircraft. Your pilot will explain the routing before you depart Windhoek International Airport to your camp along the Kunene River.
Enjoy the scenic flight!
Upon arrival at your camp, you are welcomed and taken to your tented suite for your two night stay. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Flight time: Cape Town to Windhoek – approx. 2 hours
Flight time: Windhoek International Airport to Okahirongo River Camp: 3 hours
Flight time: Windhoek to Dora Nawas: ±1 ½ hours (Refuelling takes 30min)
Flight time: Dora Nawas to Marienfluss: ±1 ½ hours.
The Kaokoland in the Kunene Region is one of the most untouched, wild areas in the North West and the land of the Himba tribe. Although it is harsh and offers little respite at midday, the rugged landscape is especially attractive during the early morning and late afternoon when it is transformed into softly glowing pastel shades.
Kaokoland is bordered on the south by the Hoanib River and on the north the Kunene River which also forms Namibia’s border with Angola. Mountain ranges near the Kunene River are rugged and impressive with the highest point located at 2039m in the Baynes Mountains. It is an oddity that a river runs through this arid landscape with the only real waterfalls in Namibia along its course.
The Ruacana Falls are 120m high and 700m wide in full flood. Also along the Kunene River you’ll find the Epupa falls, about 135km downstream from the Ruacana falls. The name Epupa is a Herero work for the spume created by falling water. Epupa is formed by a series of cascades that drop a total of 60m over a distance of about 1.5km and at one point reaches a total width of 500m. It is a possibility to swim in some of the pools but one has to be wary of crocodiles in doing so!
This morning you enjoy breakfast at your lodge. After breakfast, you are met by your pilot and taken to the airstrip near your camp.
You depart the pristine wilderness of Kaokoland, leaving the Kunene River behind. You are transferred by your light aircraft to your next camp along the Hoarusib River.
Upon arrival at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, you are met and shown to your room for your two night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure and to explore the activities at your lodge.
Flight time: Okahirongo River Camp to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge: ±40mins
Purros is situated in North West of Namibia, in the Kunene region. The landscape is a mix of hills, plains, wooded river valleys and spectacular dunes and is home to the Khumib and Hoarusib rivers. There are only 641 people in the vast area covering 3,562 square kilometres.
The Purros Conservancy, 55km from the skeleton coast and around 200km south of the Kunene River in the north of Namibia is often described as one of the last true wilderness areas.
The Kaokoveld is home to the nomadic Himba tribe as well as unique desert adapted Elephant, lion, black rhino and giraffe.
Activities include nature drives in the mornings and afternoons, night drives, morning walks and visits to the local Himba village.
After breakfast, you are met by your pilot and taken to the airstrip nearest to your camp. You depart the Hoarusib River Region and you are transferred by your light aircraft south to the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei.
The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world. Various arguments are laid out to support this claim, but all miss the point, which is that Sossusvlei is surely one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia.
Upon arrival at your lodge nestled in the heart of the Namib Desert, you meet up with Alexandra. You are all welcomed by the lodge members and taken to your suites for your three night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Flight time: Okahirongo Elephant Lodge to & Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – approx. 3 hours
Flight time: Purros – Dora Nawas: ± 50min (refuelling takes 30min)
Flight time: Dora Nawas – Sossusvlei Desert Lodge: ± 2hrs
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light.
Sossusvlei literally translates to “dead-end marsh”, as it is the place where the dunes come together preventing the Tsauchab River from flowing any further, some 60km east of the Atlantic Ocean. However, due to the dry conditions in the Namib Desert the River seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most years. During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab River fills the pan, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness this spectacular site. Photographic enthusiasts are spoilt with a glassy “lake” holding reflections of the surrounding dunes. When the pan fills it can hold water for as long as a year.
Despite the harsh desert conditions in the area, one can find a wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to survive.
All of the attractions surrounding Sossusvlei are easily accessible as all but the last 5 kilometres of the 65 kilometre drive to the vlei is tarred. Shuttles provide access to the last 5 kilometres, should you not have a 4×4 vehicle.
This morning is at leisure. You are met by your pilot and assisted to your light aircraft for your direct flight to Windhoek International Airport.
You depart the Namib Desert on your light aircraft transfer to Windhoek International Airport. Upon arrival at the Windhoek International Airport, you make your way to the International Departures terminal for your flight to Cape Town.
Upon arrival in Cape Town, you are met by our representative and transferred to The Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence
Flight time: Sossusvlei to Windhoek: ±1 ½ hours
Flight time: Windhoek to Cape Town: ±2hrs
Transfer time: Cape Town International Airport to Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence: ±24mins.