Photo by kind permission of Chris Pitot
THE DESERT ELEPHANT SAFARI / NAMIBIA
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS
DAMARALAND
Located on the Atlantic seaboard of south-western Africa, the vast, arid and incredibly remote wild-lands of Namibia are some of the most spectacular wilderness tapestries on the continent. Secluded valleys, ephemeral riverbeds and extinct craters support a staggering array of incredibly adapted and fascinating life. The Namib desert, the oldest on earth extends along the coastline to the legendary Skeleton Coast to the alluring northern boundary of the Cunene River. A desert of rivers, majestic mountains, springs
and valleys form the interior. And then there are the desert elephants, a uniquely adapted population that occur in Namibia only. Explore more about these fascinating habitats, wildlife, history and alluring remoteness on our Namibian safari!
Namibian desert safari life is unique; spectacular locations and sensational secluded camps are epitomise the spirit of bedouin-style travel and exploration. The desert landscapes are harsh and exposed, this is not a normal lush green African safari. But makes all the sense in the world! Sensational solitude, silence and serenity define Damaraland and Ozondjou. The camp is operated in a joint venture benefitting the communities of the neighbouring Sorris Sorris conservancy.
and valleys form the interior. And then there are the desert elephants, a uniquely adapted population that occur in Namibia only. Explore more about these fascinating habitats, wildlife, history and alluring remoteness on our Namibian safari!
Namibian desert safari life is unique; spectacular locations and sensational secluded camps are epitomise the spirit of bedouin-style travel and exploration. The desert landscapes are harsh and exposed, this is not a normal lush green African safari. But makes all the sense in the world! Sensational solitude, silence and serenity define Damaraland and Ozondjou. The camp is operated in a joint venture benefitting the communities of the neighbouring Sorris Sorris conservancy.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 1: Arrive in Walvis Bay, overnight at the Bayview close to Swakopmund.
DAY 2: Drive to Ozondjou Camp in southern Damaraland, overnight Ozonjou
DAYS 3-5: Mobile safari in search of desert elephant herds along the Ugab and/or Huab River systems. Fly-camping in the desert from fully serviced camp
DAY 6:Return to Ozondjou
DAY 7: Connect with onward road turning to the Bayview Hotel, with a stop-over in Swakopmund. Overnight Bay View.
DAY 8: Drive to Walvis Bay International airport and depart.
DAY 2: Drive to Ozondjou Camp in southern Damaraland, overnight Ozonjou
DAYS 3-5: Mobile safari in search of desert elephant herds along the Ugab and/or Huab River systems. Fly-camping in the desert from fully serviced camp
DAY 6:Return to Ozondjou
DAY 7: Connect with onward road turning to the Bayview Hotel, with a stop-over in Swakopmund. Overnight Bay View.
DAY 8: Drive to Walvis Bay International airport and depart.
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT Walvis Bay
The safari begins on arrival at Walvis Bay Airport about 50kms south of Swakopmund. Walvis Bay (meaning “Whale Bay”) was first traversed by Portuguese mariners in 1498, but only occupied by the British colonial empire in the late 19th century as a valuable natural harbour. A road transfer up the coast is a dramatic introduction to the Namib Desert, the oldest on earth and the only true African desert other than the Sahara.
We arrive at the Bayview Resort, short distance from Swakopmund and check in. The resort and modern facilities are stunningly located on the Atlantic and is an ideal first stop to launch the Namibian safari. Comfortable suites are all sea-facing. Dinner and overnight at Bay View.
We arrive at the Bayview Resort, short distance from Swakopmund and check in. The resort and modern facilities are stunningly located on the Atlantic and is an ideal first stop to launch the Namibian safari. Comfortable suites are all sea-facing. Dinner and overnight at Bay View.
DAY 2: DRIVE TO OZONDJOU CAMP, DAMARALAND
After breakfast we depart by road and bypass Swakopmund which is located on mouth of the Swakop River and was established as a natural harbour during German occupation (Namibia was then known as German South West Africa) in 1892. This history is very much evident in colourful architecture, which lends a unique charm to the environs.
We carry on and drive north along the coast toward Henties Bay and turn inland toward world the old mining town of Uis. The Brandberg Mountain, a 100 million year old Volvo and Namibia’s highest peak dominates the skyline to the north as we drive around it. The terrain changes from coastal dunes to rocky gravel plains, with stunning vistas and look-outs. Its possible to find signs of the Ugab elephant herds as we approach the camp. Drive time approx 6 hours.
We arrive at Ozonjou Camp located on a rocky cliff overlooking the Ugab River, Its a wonderful located to base our desert elephant expedition and we settle in and enjoy the dramatic landscapes. Ozondjou (aptly meaning ‘elephants’ in the local Herero language) offers us a delightful tented a-la Damaraland base camp. Large en-suite Meru tents are dotted around a plain overlooking the rolling valleys below. The main tented lounge and dining area is perched on a rock-face overlooking the Ugab River, the southern boundary of Damaraland.
A short afternoon walk is optional and we return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
We carry on and drive north along the coast toward Henties Bay and turn inland toward world the old mining town of Uis. The Brandberg Mountain, a 100 million year old Volvo and Namibia’s highest peak dominates the skyline to the north as we drive around it. The terrain changes from coastal dunes to rocky gravel plains, with stunning vistas and look-outs. Its possible to find signs of the Ugab elephant herds as we approach the camp. Drive time approx 6 hours.
We arrive at Ozonjou Camp located on a rocky cliff overlooking the Ugab River, Its a wonderful located to base our desert elephant expedition and we settle in and enjoy the dramatic landscapes. Ozondjou (aptly meaning ‘elephants’ in the local Herero language) offers us a delightful tented a-la Damaraland base camp. Large en-suite Meru tents are dotted around a plain overlooking the rolling valleys below. The main tented lounge and dining area is perched on a rock-face overlooking the Ugab River, the southern boundary of Damaraland.
A short afternoon walk is optional and we return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
DAYS 3-5: CAMPING IN THE DESERT IN SEARCH OF ELEPHANTS
We spend 3 nights of fly-camping along the Ugab and or Huab River in search of the resident herds here. A support vehicle heads out with us and our safari team will prepare a mobile tented fly-camp along the way. We will be fully self-contained and carry all supplies, food and drinks for the following three days!
The elephants will be confined in the green ana-tree islands Ugab, Huab or Aba-Huab rivers making use of any seasonal surface water and natural springs. We have complete flexibility to search the springs and riverbeds, or possibly enjoy walks to vantage points over the riverbeds, and sit with the elephants for unlimited periods.
The fly-camp is a simple, classic desert mobile safari affair. Two-man canvas dome tents with sewn in groundsheets are time and tested, each containing a bedroll with linens, duvets and pillows. An open air bucket shower and long-drop loo complete the facilities. Meals are prepared on an open fire beneath the vast Namibian sky.
Other game, although sparse, includes duiker, Hartman’s zebra, oryx, kudu, jackal, leopard and possibly brown hyena. Birds are excellent with notable desert specials such as Ludwig’s bustard and double- banded courser.
Lunch picnic breaks and siestas are enjoyed in the Ugab as we follow the elephant movements. A campsite for each night is selected according to the elephant locations and accessibility.
The elephants will be confined in the green ana-tree islands Ugab, Huab or Aba-Huab rivers making use of any seasonal surface water and natural springs. We have complete flexibility to search the springs and riverbeds, or possibly enjoy walks to vantage points over the riverbeds, and sit with the elephants for unlimited periods.
The fly-camp is a simple, classic desert mobile safari affair. Two-man canvas dome tents with sewn in groundsheets are time and tested, each containing a bedroll with linens, duvets and pillows. An open air bucket shower and long-drop loo complete the facilities. Meals are prepared on an open fire beneath the vast Namibian sky.
Other game, although sparse, includes duiker, Hartman’s zebra, oryx, kudu, jackal, leopard and possibly brown hyena. Birds are excellent with notable desert specials such as Ludwig’s bustard and double- banded courser.
Lunch picnic breaks and siestas are enjoyed in the Ugab as we follow the elephant movements. A campsite for each night is selected according to the elephant locations and accessibility.
DAY 6: RETURN TO OZONDJOU
After a leisurely morning following ups any elephant activity, we wind down the elephant expedition and slowly return back to Ozonjou. The arrival time is unclear but the idea would be to have some down-time and relax. Lunch at Ozondjou.
The afternoon could be spent visiting the EHRA base camp close by operation and discovering more about the challenges of desert elephant conservation.
Dinner and overnight at Ozondjou
The afternoon could be spent visiting the EHRA base camp close by operation and discovering more about the challenges of desert elephant conservation.
Dinner and overnight at Ozondjou
DAY 7: RETURN TO BAYVIEW RESORT OR ONGOING ALTERNATIVES
After an early morning desert walk and breakfast, we depart the camp to drive back to Swakopmund and return to the Bayview Hotel close to Walvis Bay.
Please note that it is possible to connect with additional arrangements and resume your safari into Namibia at this point.
Overnight at the Bayview Resort.
Please note that it is possible to connect with additional arrangements and resume your safari into Namibia at this point.
Overnight at the Bayview Resort.
DAY 8: DEPART FROM WALVIS BAY
After a morning of leisure, we depart by road for a short drive to the Walvis Bay International Airport. Here the safari ends
PLEASE NOTE
There are many add-on options to extend the Namibian safari. It is possible to fly directly to our camps of choice such as Hoanib Valley and Shipwreck Lodge on Day 7, or select other guided or self-drive Namibian adventure.
Please CONTACT our office to discuss these add-on options in detail.
There are many add-on options to extend the Namibian safari. It is possible to fly directly to our camps of choice such as Hoanib Valley and Shipwreck Lodge on Day 7, or select other guided or self-drive Namibian adventure.
Please CONTACT our office to discuss these add-on options in detail.
LEGENDARY DESERT ELEPHANTS OF NAMIBIAThe habitat of Namibia supports isolated herds of uniquely desert-adapted elephants, quite unlike any other in southern-Africa. These remarkable animals survive brutal conditions with specifically adapted behaviour and habits. They are somewhat smaller than their savanna counterparts and with larger feet they are able to traverse up rocky gorges in search of spring water. They certainly challenge our contemporary understanding of elephant biology, habits and endurance. |
OUR CONSERVATION PARTNERS - EHRAThe Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) are our go-to conservation ally in Damaraland. EHRA is an established volunteer organisation that operate elephant conservation and hands-on ground work initiatives. They have been active in the area for over 10 years and in the process have come to know the habits of the desert elephants incredibly well, with knowledge of the seasonal, and even daily movements. Visit www.desertelephant.org for more |
WHAT MAKES THE SAFARI UNIQUE?
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ADD-ON MODULES
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Wildlife Photography ©Jens Cullmann: instagram or www.jenscullmann.de
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©AMS Safaris 2023
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©AMS Safaris 2023
Design by OLD BULL