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Skeleton Coast Fly-In Safari - 4 days, 3 nights

Day 1:
We meet at Eros Airport, Windhoek at 10h00 for departure to the Skeleton Coast via Conception Bay. The Kuiseb canyon and adjoining red dunes are a spectacular view from the air. The flight also includes an aerial view of the famous Eduard Bohlen shipwreck at Conception Bay. After landing and refuelling at Swakopmund, we continue with a low-level flight north along the Skeleton Coast past the seal colony at Cape Cross for a light picnic lunch near the beach. After lunch we cross the desert by aircraft to the Ugab formations, a nearly lifeless moon landscape of numerous black ridges, in stark contrast to the white desert floor. From here we cross to the camp Kuidas in the Huab Valley where you stay for the night. Among the rocks within walking distance of the camp are ancient rock engravings.

Day 2:
After breakfast departure by Landrover to explore the colourful red lavas and yellow sandstones of the Huab River formations and to be introduced to the ecological aspects of this environment with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. This includes the Welwitschia mirabilis, a tree that has been dwarfed by the rigours of the desert climate. Lunch at our Huab camp before departure by aircraft along the coast for Terrace Bay in the Skeleton Coast Park. The most prominent shipwrecks along this part of the coast are the Montrose and Henrietta, still relatively intact. At Terrace Bay you access the roaring dunes by Landrover, which has always proved to be a stimulating experience. You also visit the beach with its profusion of multi-coloured pebbles consisting of agates, lavas, granites and others. Interesting to see are old whale bones scattered along the beach above the high tide mark. We return to the airfield and continue north to the camp Purros in the Hoarusib Valley where you stay for the night.

Day 3:
After breakfast a scenic drive along the Hoarusib Valley to visit a settlement of the nomadic Himba people. You might be lucky enough to come across the desert-dwelling elephant which frequent this valley. A planned encounter is unfortunately not possible. From here you continue north along the Skeleton Coast by aircraft to the perennial Kunene River on the Angolan border. The Kaiu Maru shipwreck and pieces from old sailing vessels lie scattered along this part of the coast. From the airfield you take a scenic drive by Landrover to a favourite lunch site. After lunch you continue through the mountains and dunes of the Hartmann Valley, which extends to the Kunene River, arriving at our Kunene camp next to the river in the late afternoon, where you spend the last night.

Day 4:
An early morning boat trip on the Kunene River as it flows through scenic desert landscape, observing bird life and some crocodiles. Birds vary from aquatic species on the perennial waters, to endemic desert varieties and those which inhabit dense riverine vegetation. After the boat trip you depart by Landrover through the mountains of the Hartmann Valley to a shaded lunch spot. After lunch we fly back to Eros Airport, Windhoek, arriving in the late afternoon.

Prices per Person: On request

Minimum number of participants: 2 persons

Suggested days of departure: Tuesdays and Fridays

Rights to change the itinerary are reserved. The price is subject to change.

General Information:

The cold Benguela Current along the Namibian coast ensures prevailing moderate weather at the coast and adjacent desert, which enables safaris to be undertaken all year round on any day of the week. Transport to and from Eros Airport can be arranged on request.

Before departure a group consisting of at least four and at most ten persons must be assembled. Groups larger than 10 persons will be divided into separate safaris and, if possible, these safaris will then run concurrently, using separate camps.

A self-assembled group may reserve a departure date at will. The safari will be confirmed by our organisation if we have the resources available to conduct a safari on that particular date. Those individuals and couples unable to form their own groups who want a specific departure date may reserve a safari. We will then attempt to assemble a group for this safari. All persons concerned will be notified as soon as the safari becomes viable.

It is possible that individuals or couples may be accommodated on a safari up to the day before departure. Therefore, even at short notice, please contact our organisation to obtain the present state of departure dates.

Due to the fog-belt, which is often present, the climate at the coast tends to vary considerably. Temperatures never drop below freezing point but it is essential that clothing adaptable to both warm and cold temperatures is brought along. It should be noted that even in summer cool temperatures, rather than hot, are the norm. An anorak is therefore recommended. In the interior, although warm in the mornings, it usually starts cooling off in the afternoons. The lack of moisture, a clear night sky and consequent rapid radiation of heat, give rise to chilly nights.

All necessary camping equipment like bedding, lamps, torches, mirrors, wash-basins, towels and soap are provided. Likewise all food, including fresh fruit and salad, soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, wine and a wide assortment of other alcoholic beverages are supplied.

Since light aircraft are used for travelling the long distances, visitors are requested to travel as lightly and compactly as possible. Maximum 10 Kg luggage in soft, flexible travelling bags may be used. (This excludes camera equipment within reason). Hard and bulky suitcases can not be accommodated. Bring only safari-type clothing and personal toiletries. Basic laundry services are provided at each camp.

An air charter company provides all aircraft. Communication with the camps or Windhoek is always possible via two-way radio, and is maintained for the duration of the safari. An airborne medical unit called AEROMED stationed in Windhoek is available for medical emergencies.

Malaria seldom if ever occurs in the desert regions. Nevertheless, it is recommended that visitors take the necessary precautions.

The safaris are conducted in an exceptionally beautiful and interesting environment, but the terrain is generally wild, undeveloped and sometimes even rough. It is far from civilisation and there is no infrastructure and few roads. Because of our longstanding knowledge and experience of the terrain, the weather and other conditions in these areas, and because the safety of our guests and their maximum enjoyment are priorities, we at all times reserve the right to change within reason a programme and/or its sequence so as to adapt to weather conditions, other considerations and circumstances which may arise.