Namibia fam trip
Please note that activities in the conservancies described on particular days are flexible and interchangeable as these are not “staged” but depend on the current day to day activities and events of the communities themselves
Day 1 – Saturday 23 June : Depart LHR at 16h35 on overnight flight with Air Namibia via Frankfurt arriving into Windhoek at 07:25am on 17 June
Day 2 – Sunday 24 June : Drive from Windhoek to camp at Wereldsend, historic base camp of IRDNC (Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation) from where the now national community-based conservation program was piloted in the early 1980s. See the graveyard of bones, a reminder of the massive commercial poaching of the 70s and early 1980s that came close to wiping out the desert adapted elephant, black rhino and other megafauna. Hear how rural communities turned this situation round. Dinner is included at our tented camp.
Day 3 – Monday 25 June : An early start with Torra Conservancy game guards looking for desert-adapted black rhino and other fascinating animals and plants. This might entail covering some of the terrain on foot. Later we head north via the village of Sesfontein (which means six springs). The route takes us through typical basalt hills, a signature feature of Damaraland. We travel north via Sesfontein and into the dry bed of the Hoanib River, a linear oasis with majestic Ana, Leadwood and Camelthorn trees marking its course. The remainder of the day is spent exploring, searching for elephants, lions, giraffe, oryx and other wildlife which seasonally use this ephemeral river’s resources. In the late afternoon we climb out of the river bed and make our camp at the foot of high hills providing us with a fantastic view across the Hoanib Valley.
Day 4 – Tuesday 26 June : Our morning will be spent searching for elephants, lions, giraffe, oryx and other wildlife which seasonally use this magnificent ephemeral river’s resources. We then head north, across magnificent landscape, towards the 3568 square kilometre Puros Conservancy. This vast area, with a population of less than 300 Himba and Herero herders, is one of the conservancies that own our company and we will be hosted here tonight. Spend the evening around the campfire in the Puros Conservancy Campsite, where elephants may stroll past your tent. This is a good opportunity, if you are interested, to obtain insights into the real conservation problems and their local solutions.
Day 5 – Wednesday 27 June : We take a scenic drive up the Hoarusib River, cross the flank of the Etendeka Mountains and descend into the Khumib dry riverbed. Our route, through dramatic landscapes, passes small Himba settlements and we may see goats browsing with springbok nearby or a line of ostrich high-stepping past peacefully grazing cattle. Our destination for the next two nights is “Etambura Camp”, Namibia’s first Himba-owned camp, on a hilltop with views that will take your breath away. Relax in comfort in comfortable accommodation units, each with an en suite bathroom and private deck area. KCS guests have exclusive use of this camp! Meet our conservancy hosts and spend an interesting evening at the fire talking to Himba game guards or conservancy staff.
Day 6 – Thursday 28 June ;Today’s emphasis is on the interesting and intricate culture of the local Himba people. A member of the conservancy will give us an insight into the collection of resin/myrrh. In the months of December to April, Himba women harvest resin from commiphora wildii – the perfume plant or myrrh made famous by the Bible’s three wise men. Hear how IRDNC, the local support NGO, has assisted conservancies to earn a regular annual income by sustainably harvesting and marketing this valuable product to international cosmetic companies. Understand the challenges of living in an arid and harsh environment and see the fascinating adaptions that one needs to make to survive as an individual and society in such circumstances. Overnight again at Etambura Camp.
Day 7 – Friday 29 June : After a hearty breakfast, we head south, traversing vast and silent plains. We once pause briefly in Puros, before following the course of the Gomatum River and cross the spectacular Giribis Plains with its mysterious Fairy Circles. We overnight at Sesfontein Conservancy’s Ganamub Mountain Camp built on a hillside among granite boulders. Immerse yourself in the sounds, scents and flavours of an African night around a crackling campfire, knowing your presence is making conservation sustainable for the people and animals who share this vast region.
Day 8 – Saturday 30 June : After an early breakfast we travel via Sesfontein and past the game-rich Palmwag Concession area back to Wereldsend and onwards to Windhoek. Overnight flight at 21:15 arrives in LHR at 06:10 on Sunday 1 July.
Costs
Ex Windhoek is £750 with each booking made in the following 12 months having a £50 refund made against each client, up to the total of £750.
Costs for the Etosha extension (min 3 people, see below)
3 pax £550; 4 pax £488; 5 pax £450.
Optional Etosha add-on
Day 9 – Saturday 30 June : Overnight in Windhoek. Dinner not included.
Day 10 – Sunday 1 July : Breakfast at hotel. At 08:30 drive to Etosha [approx 6 hours with a lunch stop]. Overnight Okakeujo
Day 11 – Monday 2 July : Morning and late afternoon game drives. A few hours at leisure in the middle of the day. Overnight Okakeujo
Day 12 – Tuesday 3 July : Shortmorning game drive. Depart by 11.00 hrs for Windhoek to arrive for evening flight.
Booking this fam trip
Simply email Mandy to request a place for yourself or a senior member of your team, or call 0115 937 7475.
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE 6. Places are limited.
Click to return to Fams main page
Conservancy Safaris
Conservancy Safaris run outstanding trips to Kunene, and the company is 100% owned by the local Himba and Herero communities!
Etambura
Unique community owned camp is now open . See more >>
Booking this fam trip
Simply email Mandy to request a place for yourself or a senior member of your team, or call 0115 937 7475.
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE 6. Places are limited.
Click to return to Fams main page
