<Kunene-Safaris>

Don't just visit the Himba. Share in their world.

A warm welcome awaits travellers with Conservancy Safaris

Conservancy Safaris run outstanding trips to Kunene, but as the company is 100% owned by the local Himba and Herero communities, it’s the ultimate in responsible travel, where every guest makes their footprint count, by directly aiding conservation and local communities, whilst enjoying an inspirational journey of a lifetime.

The five conservancies are : Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, Okonjombo and Marienfluss. That’s an area of 13,500 sq km and a population of only 1800, located in north-west Namibia.

With backing and support from IRNDC and WWF, these local people have done much to protect the region with the long term goal of conservation. These magnificent safaris help ensure they are able to continue doing so......

KUNENE KALEIDOSCOPE : 10 days, 9 nights, departure Swakopmund, charter flight out from Orupembe either to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay or Windhoek. Visiting Wereldsend (Torra Conservancy), Ganamub Mountain Camp and travel through the Hoanib River (Sesfontein Conservancy) to Puros, Okonjombo, Marienfluss and Orupembe Conservancies. We spend time in each of these conservancies and enjoy the opportunity to explore incredible landscapes, observe diverse wildlife and participate in dignified cultural exchanges with the local Herero and Himba people. This safari has been created to provide the ultimate wildlife, conservation and indigenous culture experience!

KATITI KUNENE : 6 days, 5 nights, departure Swakopmund, charter flight out from Orupembe either to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay or Windhoek. Travel along the Skeleton Coast to Wereldsend (Torra Conservancy) for the night. Continue to and overnight at Ganamub Mountain Camp (Sesfontein Conservancy). The next day explore the Hoanib River en route to Puros Conservancy. Spend a night here and gain an insight into real conversation problems and their local solutions. The journey continues to Orupembe Conservancy and includes a day trip into the Marienfluss Conservancy. This safari has been created to allow guests with limited time to enjoy the magic of the north-west.

DESERT WHILRWIND : 5 days, 4 nights, departure from and drop-off at Etendeka Mountain Camp, Damaraland. Travel via the village Sesfontein into the Hoanib River (Sesfontein Conservancy) to search for wildlife which seasonally uses this ephemeral river’s resources. Spend the night near the river bed and relax under the stars. Journey on to Puros Conservancy and spend the night at the community campsite often visited by elephants. Explore the Gomatum and Hoarusib Rivers before returning to Sesfontein Conservancy for a last night of camping at Ganamub Mountain Camp. This safari is ideal for guests who would like to slot a short and intense guided experience into their itinerary.

KUNENE COLLAGE : 7 days, 6 nights, departure from Okaukuejo (Etosha National Park), charter flight out from Puros to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay or Windhoek. Overnight at Hobatere Lodge situated in a concession area teeming with wildlife, before continuing via Opuwo, the capital of northern Kunene, to spend our first night under canvas near the village of Etanga. Travel over the spectacular Otjihaa Pass to visit Orupembe Conservancy for two nights, spend a day exploring the Marienfluss Conservancy and then continue on to Puros Conservancy with its magnificent Hoarusib River. Spend two nights at the community campsite where elephants may stroll past your tent. This safari is a potpourri of wildlife, dramatic scenery and intense cultural experiences.

DESERT DUST DEVIL : 3 days, 2 nights, departure from and drop-off at Etendeka Mountain Camp in central Damaraland. Cross the spectacular Giribis Plains and head towards Puros Conservancy, for a night under canvas at the community campsite. Elephants may visit the campsite, while you have the opportunity to chat to your conservancy host around a crackling camp fire under ancient acacia trees. Travel to the Hoanib River (Sesfontein Conservancy) and spend the day searching for wildlife in this magnificent dry river bed, before making camp at the foot of high hills providing a fantastic view across the Hoanib Valley. This mini safari is ideal for those with a hectic schedule to enjoy an authentic desert excursion, focusing on wildlife and conservation.

DAMARALAND DELIGHT : 3 days, 2 nights, departure from and drop-off at Etendeka Mountain Camp in central Damaraland. Travel via Bergsig over Dopsteekhoogte to Wereldsend, historic base camp of IRDNC (Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation). The next day is spent exploring the ruggedly beautiful Torra Conservancy with its stark landscape broken by red staccato hills and broken mesas, searching for wildlife. Spend a night under African stars, before we slowly wind our way back to Etendeka Mountain Camp. This safari is a brief, but tantalising experience of the culture and wildlife in central Damaraland and gives an intense insight into conservation issues in this beautiful area.

SPECIALISED SAFARIS - LIMITED EDITIONS - 5 days, 4 nights. These safaris start in the areas the relevant specialist is working in and have no fixed itinerary. For the Desert Lion Safari, the CS team meets up with renowned lion researcher Dr Flip Stander and his Desert Lion Conservation Project. Guests enjoy an unforgettable reality experience of conservation in action and get an insight into the challenges facing the unique desert lions’ survival in a harsh and forbidding environment. Garth Owen-Smith and Dr Margaret Jacobsohn head the Conservation & Culture specialised safari, an intense journey into the heart and soul of Kaokoland during which guests learn about the fascinating culture of the people living here and gain incomparable insights into conservation and community-based natural resource management. Kaokoland Naturally with Steve Braine, one of Namibia’s top naturalists, focuses on natural history and the diverse and unusual creatures that have adapted – each in their own way – to the desert environment. Steve’s encyclopaedic knowledge of their habits and habitats will unfurl a whole new world. For the Desert Elephant Project Safari the CS team joins Dr Keith Leggett. This fascinating safari centres round the wild and western parts of the Hoarusib and Hoanib catchments. Delve into the mysterious realm of deserts and elephants and learn what it is to live with these behemoths and the compromises required to ensure the future of these unique desert animals.