wild anniversary adventure exploring ... anniversary...pe ex cr ob t a ca in wildland ay 1: arri ou...
TRANSCRIPT
WILD ANNIVERSARY ADVENTURE: EXPLORING UNDISCOVERED NAMIBIA
DECEMBER 2012
Hosted by Wildland Africa Program Director Nick Bay
Photo by Dana Allen
Itinerary Overview
Embark on a truly exceptional Namibia adventure with Wildland Adventures’ Africa Program Director Nick Bay, exploring the iconic dunes, vast deserts and canyons, expansive plains and unique desert-adapted wildlife – including an optional trip add-on to personally “meet” and interact with the resident cheetahs of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. On this special Wild Anniversary Adventure, Nick will take you off the beaten path to meet both the human and animal residents which make Namibia such a breathtaking and incomparable African destination. You’ll want your camera for a sunrise tour of the soaring red dunes of Sossusvlei; spot dolphins, pelicans, flamingos, and Cape fur seals along the Skeleton Coast; track endangered black rhinos and desert-adapted elephants in the stark landscapes of Damaraland; and watch the daily competition between predators and prey while on game drives in Etosha National Park. An optional two-day stay at the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s field research center completes this exceptional journey of discovery. Throughout the exploration you’ll be accompanied by passionate professional safari guides with a vast knowledge of the natural world, history and native cultures of the regions in which they work. Encounters with desert-adapted wildlife and interactions with indigenous peoples of Namibia lead to in-depth understanding of animal behavior and human adaptation that leave you in awe.
DAY DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS
1 WINDHOEK Olive Grove Arrive Windhoek and transfer to your guesthouse. Welcome reception at hotel.
2 SOSSUSVLEI Kulala Adventurer Camp BLD Drive from Windhoek to
Sossusvlei
3 SOSSUSVLEI Kulala Adventurer Camp BLD
Exploration of Kulala Wilderness Reserve, climbing the world’s tallest dunes, desert photography
4 SWAKOPMUND Hansa Hotel BLD Drive to Swakopmund via Kuiseb Canyon
5 SWAKOPMUND Hansa Hotel BLD Dolphin and seal cruise on Walvis Bay, oyster tasting, tour Swakopmund
6 DAMARALAND Damaraland Adventurer Camp BLD
Sandboarding, drive up the Skeleton Coast, Save the Rhino trust visit
7-8 DAMARALAND Damaraland Adventurer Camp BLD
Track desert rhino and elephant with Save the Rhino Trust researchers
9-10 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK Andersson’s Camp BLD Drive to Etosha, afternoon
game drive, wildlife tracking OPTIONAL CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND EXTENSION
11 CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND EXTENSION
Babson House BLD Drive to CCF, meet researchers, interact with cheetahs
12 CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND EXTENSION
Babson House BLD Cheetah behind the scenes tour and educational activities
13 DEPARTURE B Transfer to the Windhoek airport for departure
DYboN
unbaSowspbaeaA DDWroexanquh OfrmcapeexcrobTAcain
Wildland
DAY 1: ARRIYou will be m
outique guesNamibian adv
nder the staarking geckoossusvlei, kn
which is closepringbok anacked jackalarly morning
Adventurer
DAYS 4 & 5:Drive time: 5We depart caoads of the Kxpansive grand then finauaint town oours.
On day 4, we rom the port
marine mammatamaran crermitting) pxplore this bruise takes inbserve oystehree species
Atlantic bottlape fur sealsn season. Ov
Photo: Dana Al
Adventures |
IVE WINDHmet upon arri
sthouse for oventures to c
r-filled Namos are a few nown for theer to the dund gemsbok cl and Cape fog ballooning
r Camp. [BL
: SWAKOPM5-6 hours, 23mp early, dr
Kuiseb Canyoavel plains bally driving uof Swakopm
explore the t town of Swmals. A privuise from W
provides a wobeautiful bayn the Oyster
er cultivations of dolphinsenose dolph
s, the massivvernights Ha
llen
Wild Anniver
HOEK ival at Windovernight. Ncome.
mibian skies ahighlights, a
eir red colorines than the can be seen oox. Other actg, horse ridinLD]
MUND, SKE30 miles riving througon and out oefore arrivin
up the skeletund, a drive
ice-blue Atlawakopmund t
ate “DolphinWalvis Bay (w
onderful oppy and coastalr Platforms, wn and enjoy fs may be enchins. Aside frve sunfish, leansa Hotel
rsary Adventu
Itinera
dhoek InternNick Bay will
and watchinas is spendining in the ea main park eon the reservtivities inclung or camel r
ELETON COA
gh the snakinonto the ng in Walvis on coast into
e of about 5 -
antic coast, to its incredin and Seal”
weather portunity to l habitat. Thwhere we fresh tastingcountered, nrom spottingeatherback tu. [BLD]
ure: Exploring-3-
ary in D
ational Airp host a welco
DAYS 2 & Drive time:Our early mthrough theinto the icoapproximat The first twWildernessspectacularexpansive Ndome tentsReserve’s eviews into t
ng a blood reng unrushed arly morningentry gate. Dve, as well as
ude day and rides (the las
AST
ng
Bay o the -6
ible
he
g before movnamely the rag diverse pelurtles, south
P
g Undiscovere
Detail
port and tranome receptio
3: SOSSUS: 5 hours, 21
morning depe Khomas H
onic Sossusvltely five hou
wo nights ares Reserve, a 9r sights of SoNamib Nauks under the sexpansive visthe Namib N
ed sunset pun quality time
g sunlight, acDesert-adapte
s smaller crenight scenicst three at ex
ving on to Peare endemic lagic birdlifehern right an
Photo: Dana Allen
ed Namibia | w
nsferred to Oon and give y
SVLEI 11 miles arture from
Hochland molei region, a
urs.
e spent on th91430 acres ossusvlei, bokluft Park. Thshade, is perfstas and starNaukluft Natnctuated by e at the toweccessed throed wildlife seatures like bc drives and wxtra cost). O
elican Point Heaviside’se, pelicans and humpback
n
www.wildland
Olive Groveyou a taste o
Windhoek tountains and driving time
he private Ku tract of land
ordering the he camp, cofect for takin
rk beauty andtional Park. D the cacophoering dunes ough our privuch as ostricbat-eared fowalks, and o
Overnights K
to see the ligs dolphin, dund flamingok whales can
d.com
e of the
takes us d down e of
ulala d near the mprising ng in the d enjoys Dining
ony of of vate gate ch, x, black-
optional Kulala
ghthouse. usky and o, and n be seen
OlaonwchatanMESkth DDDEindethglsualofsaspdrEstw OprsphAfuenwA
Wildland
Once in the pandscape. Dane of the hig
wildlife includheetah sightt Twyfelfontnd ephemer
Mountains, DEarly mornin
keleton Coashe region. O
DAYS 9 & 10Drive time: 5Drive to OngaEtosha Nationn this iconic ensity of wilhe world) is lacial lake murface and splong the edgf a dense andavanna and dpringbuck. Orive into Eto
Etosha Pan frtop for lunch
wemeander o
On the southerivate concepringbok, geartebeest, gi
Andersson’s Curther enhannjoy night ga
we will meet tAnderson’s
Photo: Dana A
Adventures |
private area aamaraland bghest concending Hartmatings. Our actein (a Worldal river beds
Damaraland ng mists genest, drift inlan
Overnights D
0: ETOSHA 5 hours, 205 ava Game Renal Park to e salt pan. Etoldlife in Namspeculated t
maintained bporadic eph
ge of the pand varied condesert speci
On day 9 we osha, explorirom Okakeujh and relax iour way amo
ern boundaression. It supemsbok, wildiraffe, eland Camp is our nce our Etosame drives athe Ongava Camp. [BL
Allen
Wild Anniver
around Damboasts a varientrations of dann's mountctivities rangd Heritage Ss and spring offers its guerated by thend along the
Damaraland
A NATIONAL miles eserve on thexperience bosha suppor
mibia. The sato be a remnby scouring wemeral flood attract and
nglomerationes co-exist li embark on aing the southjo through tn the cool sh
ong springs e
ry of Etosha pports large debeest, Bur and the larg comfortableha experien
and walks in wildlife reseLD]
rsary Adventu
maraland, weed and breatdesert elephtain zebra, kge from natuite) to day as. Looking sests endlesse clash betwe river sand cd Adventur
L PARK
he boundary big game viewrts the highealt pan (largenant of an anwinds acrossding. Spring quench the n of wildlife,ike impala aa full day gamhern roads oo Halali. He
hade watchinenjoying the
National Paconcentratio
rchell's zebragest populatie eco-friendlce and while
ncluding a floearchers stu
ure: Exploring-4-
DAY 6, 7 Drive timeWe continof the Branmonolith iRock, AustRhino Truhas been inearly eighthelping thtoday this black rhinonational pthe Trust a
e are in the hthtaking assant and blac
kudu, giraffe,ure walks, mo
nd night natouth from ca vistas and o
ween the icy Acanyon provrer Camp.
of wing st est in
ncient s its s thirst nd me
of erewe ng the game endless vist
ark lies Ongaons of wildlifa, Hartmannion of the enly base for exe accommodoodlit waterhdying the lio
g Undiscovere
& 8: DAMAe: 8 hours, 2ue our journndberg Mouin the world tralia), stopp
ust Camp. Thnvolved withties, and hasese rare anim area boasts o anywhere ark. Commuas monitors
heart of the rortment of d
ck rhino, and, gemsbok, aountain bikiture drives, eamp towardone of the beAtlantic Oceviding susten [BLD]
e coming in ttas and mira
ava Game Refe: lion, chee
n's mountainndemic blackxploration o
dated on the hole near camon and rhino
Photo: Dana A
ed Namibia | w
ARALAND 200 miles ney by road tuntain (the se after Uluru,ping for lunc
he Save the Rh rhino conss been singlymals survive the largest c on the planeunity game s are our track
rocky desert,desert-adaptd a surprisinand springboing, viewing exploring th
d the imposinest wildernesan and the w
nance to the
to drink at thges of the pa
eserve, a proetah, black r
n zebra, watek-faced impaof the Etosha private Ongmp. If availa
o population
Allen
www.wildland
to Damaralaecond larges, also knownch at Ugab SRhino Trust servation siny responsiblee and thrive,concentratioet outside ofscouts emplokers and gui
, an ancient gted species in
ngly high divok, with occa the rock eng
he mountainsng Brandberss areas in Nwarm desert flora and fa
he waterholean itself.
olific 74,130 rhino, white erbuck, red ala outside oa landscape. gava Reserveable during o
ns. Overnigh
d.com
and, west st n as Ayers Save the (SRT)
nce the e for so that
on of f a oyed by ides.
glacial ncluding
versity of asional gravings s, hills
rg Namibia.
air of the una of
e) as
acre rhino,
of Etosha. To
e, we our stay, hts
O DFAtrFrearDgrlua 19rereiswB DDDth E Aa
Wildland
OPTIONAL E
DAYS 11 & 1FUND EXPEAs an extensiravel to the wund (CCF) fesearch, conre part of the
Dr. Laurie Marounds of CCuxurious and colonial, “O940’s. We’ll esearchers aeleasable chessues directly
while admirinBabson Hou
DAY 13: DEDrive time: 6Driving southhat your dep
END OF SERV
Actual routccommoda
Adventures |
EXTENSION
12: CHEETARIENCE on to your W
world-renowfor a behind-nservation, ede daily life oarker. Our gCF’s field resd spacious B
Out of Africa” spend the da
and some of Ceetahs or 'chy from the wng the viewsuse. [BLD]
PART 6-7 hours, 26h, we return parting fligh
RVICES
es and actiations to si
Wild Anniver
N:
AH CONSER
Wildland Annwned Cheetah-the-scenes lducation inif cheetah co
group will stasearch centrabson Hous” style reminay with one CCF’s reside
heetah ambawildlife resea
of the ever-
60 miles to Windhoeht is booked
ivities mayimilar qua
rsary Adventu
RVATION
niversary trih Conservatlook at the tiatives whic
onservationisay on the re in the se, designed niscent of the of the CCF ent non-assadors' as warchers. In th-changing co
ek, arriving ano earlier th
y vary. Loclity alterna
ure: Exploring-5-
ip, ion
ch st
in e
we learn abohe evenings,olors of the s
at 1pm in timhan 3:30 PM
cal trip cooatives.
g Undiscovere
out cheetahs share sundopectacular W
me for departM. [BL]
ordinators
ed Namibia | w
s, their habitowners on a
Waterberg Pl
ting flights. P
reserve th
www.wildland
at and consea private veralateau. Over
Please make
he right to c
d.com
ervation anda rnights at
e sure
change
Wildland Adventures | Wild Anniversary Adventure: Exploring Undiscovered Namibia | www.wildland.com -6-
NAMIBIA ANNIVERSARY ADVENTURE LAND COST: $4,495* per person Cheetah Conservation Fund Extension Land Cost: $1,500* per person *Pricing is subject to final confirmation of itinerary INCLUDED SERVICES
All guided tours and excursions English-speaking naturalist guides Airport-hotel transfers, land and air transportation as specified 12 nights accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Drinks (excluding premium brands) except in Windhoek, Swakopmund and at Hansa Hotel Laundry except at Olive Grove, Hansa Hotel, Damaraland Camp and Skeleton Coast Camp Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services
NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Tips and gratuities Airport departure taxes Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for
reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above
NOTES:
All guests must cover themselves with cancellation and baggage insurance for the duration of their trip. Flashlights/ torches: Please ensure that a compact LED flashlight is brought on safari, with spare batteries. Head lamps are also useful. Wilderness Safaris does not supply flashlights. Camera battery charging facilities: Please note that a 12V cigarette lighter adaptor will be required (that is compatible with camera make) on this safari for charging batteries while on game drive or transfer drives. 110/ 240V outlets are available at the permanent camps.
Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Reservation Form Terms and Conditions.
Wildland Adventures | Wild Anniversary Adventure: Exploring Undiscovered Namibia | www.wildland.com -7-
Accommodations
OLIVE GROVE GUESTHOUSE Located close to the city center, Olive Grove is a small guesthouse with just 10 modern rooms. Enjoy the lounge in a comfortable chair next to the fireplace, and eat delectable meals from the open kitchen. Each room offers a verandah with a table and chairs, a perfect place to perch with a cup of coffee or tea and a homemade biscuit before setting out for your day. For those with a little extra time there is also an onsite spa to massage away the bumps of your journey (spa services at additional cost).
ADVENTURER CAMPS, SOUSSUVLEI & DAMARALAND Adventurer Camps provide unique safari experiences using mobile camps to give you an insightful encounter with the country or region. Spacious walk-in “maxi” dome tents provide comfort in the wilderness with canvas bedrolls, crisp cotton sheets, and duvets set out on GI stretchers. The bathrooms are en-suite with the entrance to the canvas-wrap open air bathroom (zip door) through the rear of tent. There is a tin bucket shower – with hot water available whenever guests require it. The bathroom in each tent has a flush toilet, with a separate toilet near the main area available for use during the day. The camps are erected prior to
the guests arrival in wildlife-rich areas allowing for ease and comfort while exploring remote areas of Namibia. These interactive camps feature lively campfires, inviting dining areas, and a range of exciting and diverse activities.
Wildland Adventures | Wild Anniversary Adventure: Exploring Undiscovered Namibia | www.wildland.com -8-
HANSA HOTEL, SWAKOPMUND The Hansa Hotel is an iconic place which forms part of Swakopmund's architectural culture and is said to be one of the oldest buildings in the town. It is ideally situated in the centre of Swakopmund within easy walking distance of town and the beach. The luxury of the hotel, its excellent cuisine and friendly service are well known locally and internationally.
ANDERSSON’S CAMP, ETOSHA Set against the backdrop of the low Ondundozonanandana Mountains, Andersons Camp is surrounded by scrub-covered plains and white calcrete soils. This former farmstead has been tastefully rebuilt to modern-day standards. The old farmhouse now forms the main area with 20 tents radiating outwards into the secluded mopane woodlands typical of the region. Tents are a clever mix of calcrete stone cladding, canvas and wood, with double-door entrances and a small veranda that is an extension of the elevated wooden decks on which the tents are constructed. The en-suite bathrooms
continue the unique design. Energy-saving initiatives include solar-heated water for showers, while throughout the camp most of the natural vegetation has been retained.
BABSON HOUSE, CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND The three bedroom Babson House now accommodates up to six guests in luxurious and spacious surroundings. In a style reminiscent of the 1940s colonial comfort so admired in Out of Africa, guests can enjoy sundowners on a private veranda over-looking the ever-changing colors of the spectacular Waterberg Plateau. Of course, cheetahs are never far away. In fact, some of the Cheetah Conservation Fund's ambassadors live just a couple of metres from the veranda. While guests lounge in the deep leather couches in the living room, a
private chef will prepare a special meal. Lunch is served on the veranda, while dinner is served at the dining room table beneath an imposing wildlife decorated chandelier. Later, as the sounds of the African night fill the darkness, visitors will sleep soundly in sumptuously furnished bedrooms, each of which has its own spacious bathroom equipped with high quality fittings. This is true luxury in the midst of stunning natural surroundings. Best of all, the beautiful cheetahs are the guests neighbors.