A special kind of ecotourism. Special because our programs are not packaged tours where the visitor simply joins a pre-existing group - your host deals with you on a one-on-one basis. You are invited to state your special interests and preferences. These programs are generally  fully customizable.

Also special because you communicate with your host directly via e-mail - before the trip takes place. On arrival, you are met by your host, personally.

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BACKGROUND NOTES:

• Weather – The most important aspect of Namibian weather is that we only have two seasons - winter and summer. Both autumn/fall and spring are not noticeable at all. The summer months are regarded as from October to March, while winter starts at the beginning of April through September. The hottest time throughout Namibia occurs over the December/January holiday seasons, while the coldest varies from year to year. Sometimes from May to July, other times from June to August. Short, but very cold spells are not uncommon during October. To revert to a “general rain precipitation pattern” for the Namib desert is currently very difficult, as major changes was evident over the last few years. Whereas the desert normally receives an average rainfall of between 20 mm and 100 mm, the rainy seasons of 2004, 2006 and 2008 have resulted in desert flash floods causing extensive flooding in places. In general, the most pleasant, and moderate weather conditions will normally be experienced from mid-March to mid-June, and then again during September/October. Although excellent weather can be enjoyed throughout the Winter months - if the colder nights are accepted – could drop to -6°C.

• Routes and accommodation – None of the daily distances are uncomfortably long on this proposal, and where possible, two nights per venue were included, allowing more time for the actual purpose of this safari. At the same time, as many eco-systems of the Namib have been included, ensuring a wider understanding of just how complex and varied one desert could be. As mentioned, fixed accommodation was opted for to allow more time on the activities of interest. All very basic units/tents, but clean and comfortable.

• The Namib - The oldest desert in the world! In fact, general scientific consensus has it that, when the Dinosaurs became extinct (65 million years ago), the Namib had already been an arid, desert environment for 15 million years - setting its estimated age as a desert at 80 million years. This fact can be witnessed throughout the Namib by experiencing how the various life forms have adapted over many years. The best example being the very ancient Welwitschia mirabilis plant, some individual specimens already having entered their third Millennium! Another undisputable piece of evidence is the occurrence of petrified sand dunes, opened up and visible today because of wind erosion and dune movement in the Namib. Animals, birds and insects demonstrate these same long-term adaptations for survival in such a harsh environment. Life forms such as the delicate Lichens found on the gravel plains, took many years to develop and establish themselves, but can be destroyed within seconds when only one vehicle tyre rides over them - indiscriminately. In short, the secrets of the Namib alone, in writing, will need several volumes. Best to experience them all in person! By reading “The Bushman Paper” (natural signs and tracks), and a little bit of luck (this is not a zoo), you could encounter the Palmato gecko; Namaqua Chameleon; Tenebrionid beetles; The Dancing White Lady – a cartwheeling spider; Peringueys Sidewinder Adder; Horned adders; The dune cricket and the Burrowing Skink, also known as a sand diving, shovel snouted or thermal dancing lizard, to mention a few. The gravel plains are protected and home to nesting Damara Terns, which are endemic to this area. Besides these living organisms, facts about the Namib; cold ocean currents and high pressure zones are all explained on the Living Desert excursion.

• The Naukluft Mountains - This Reserve, the first mountain you encounter when reaching the desert from the escarpment, represents a Namib eco-system all of its own. Vegetation significantly differs on the eastern and western slopes, and the mountain provides one of the most vegetated areas of the pro-Namib. Originally proclaimed to protect the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, the results over a relatively short period has been so successful, that they are no longer endangered. Today the reserve is incorporated into the third largest Nature Reserve in Africa – the Namib-Naukluft Reserve. (Still a slight dispute whether the Reserve could possibly claim to be the second largest, as the former second largest has since undergone some re-zoning, cutting off some of the previously included areas). Bird- and wildlife abound in this isolated “island” in the desert, and the mountain boasts one of the healthiest Leopard populations.

Options: Within the immediate vicinity, several options are available to guests who wish to extend their visit beyond the actual hiking adventure. One of these is to ascend in a hot-air balloon, and silently drift high above the immensity of the Namib Desert at day-break. From this exclusive vantage point, the rising sun paints an endless vista of shadow and light over an ocean of sand dunes and mountains. After about an hour of silently riding the air, descend and celebrate this unique event with a full champagne breakfast in the middle of the desert. Flight certificates are presented before the drive back to camp.

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PROPOSED ITINERARY:

This is only an outline, or sample, to illustrate the possibilities. A detailed itinerary will always be supplied, AFTER the necessary e-mail correspondence to establish the guest(s)’ personal interests and preferences.

Day 1: Meet your host at the airport on arrival. Transfer to Windhoek for a quick tour of its sights & sounds before settling into a comfortable B&B. Relax after the long flight and acclimatize to Namibia.

Day 2: Fresh, and with a hearty breakfast behind you, head to the central highlands, known as the Khomas Hochland, towards the very edge of the escarpment. Pause a while, and truly appreciate the immensity of the Namib desert at your feet. Descend towards your first desert camp.

Day 3: From your camp in the valley between the Naukluft- and Tsaris Mountains, visit the Naukluft Mountain Reserve for a short hike – should you so be inclined. Entire day can be dedicated to the Naukluft, with a picnic lunch on-site.

Day 4: No particular rush this morning, as the next leg of your journey is very short. Around lunch, arrive at a desert camp, only 4 km from the entrance to the sand dunes at Sossusvlei. Late afternoon will be the best time to explore the geologically historic Sesriem Gorge. An early night is recommended.

Day 5: Be woken before sunrise to travel along the Tsauchab River Valley towards some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. You are free to climb and explore the dunes and surrounding landscape, and when you are ready, enjoy a picnic brunch under age-old Camel thorn trees, before returning to camp and collecting your luggage. Continue towards a completely different desert Biome, where the sand dunes peter out and the gravel plains take over.

Day 6: Short walks and hikes in this area will astound you, sometimes difficult to believe that you are still in the Namib, until you discover the many species of succulent plants – clearly indicative of a desert. Should you feel up to it, you have the opportunity for a night drive and, with a little bit of luck, find the nocturnal animals of the desert.

Day 7: Today you traverse the endless gravel plains of the central Namib, through the Gaub- and Kuiseb Canyons, towards the Atlantic coast – where ocean meets desert. Enjoy a picnic lunch en-route, in the middle of nowhere.

Day 8: A very special treat today, meet the true Living Desert! Your excursion into the dunes starts immediately after breakfast and allows you to meet – first hand – the tiny creatures of the desert. The excursion continues after lunch when you will experience the utter desolation of the “Moon Landscape” and stand in awe next to the oldest living plant specimens on earth – the Welwitschia mirabilis.

Day 9: No particular rush this morning but unfortunately, all good things must also come to an end, and today you have to return to Windhoek. But not to make the transition from the wilderness to civilization too harsh, you will be accommodated at a Game Lodge en-route to the airport. Should you so wish, you may join a scenic drive for a final view of our sunset on this, your last night in Namibia, Africa.

Day 10: Subject to flight departure time, you may have all morning to enjoy nature walks, or simply laze on a pool chair, viewing wildlife at the waterhole. Transfer to Namibia’s International airport to arrive in time for your departure flight.