Namibia Highlights Fly-in Safari

From Windhoek International Airport or Eros Domestic you will fly over the Khomas Hochland and the Naukluft Mountains down the 1000m escarpment to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert.

On the way: A sneak preview of Sossusvlei - the main attraction - as seen from the air will reveal an endless sea of copper-and-ochre sand dunes stretching to the Skeleton Coast and the Atlantic Sea.

When you're there: Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is a private 21,000ha reserve in the Namib-Naukluft Park and on the edge of the Sossusvlei protected area. Through an exclusive entrance you will beat the crowds and the haze on a day trip to the world's tallest dunes in the world's oldest desert at Sossusvlei. Wander about Dead Pan, with its eerie dream-like collection of petrified acacia trees and red dunes rising sheer from the salt white pan. Climb a dune and capture the full force of a sea of red sand dunes as far as you can see... at sunrise.

Back on your private nature reserve you will take scenic game drives into the desert looking for creatures great, small and odd. Sunsets are saluted in traditional African fashion and the evening under the desert sky beside an open fire will lull you into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Accommodation: Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp

When you've had your fill of cloudless blue skies, vast open spaces, ever-changing hues and pristine wilderness it's time for your next Namibian treat - Damaraland.

On the way: As you fly over one of the world's largest nature reserves the land changes from dunes and mountains to vast plains that collide with a dune belt along the Skeleton Coast past Conception Bay, Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay. It's a pretty scenic flight. You will land in Swakopmund for an excellent marine cruise in the fertile Walvis Bay lagoon followed by a fresh seafood lunch. Hop back on your plane for the rest of the flight to Damaraland Camp.

When you're there: Time for an afternoon doze, a cup of tea and nature drive into the Huab River Valley in search of the fascinating desert-adapted elephant. Your personal guide for the next two days will tell you all about these amazing animals which have smaller feet; are far less destructive than their sub-tropical cousins in Etosha, Caprivi and Botswana; and dig for water but leave enough for the next visit preferring to walk up to 60km a day for fresh supplies.

Birding, geology, nature walks and scenic drives compliment the unique Namibian experience that is Damaraland.

Accommodation in this massive private nature reserve is rustic-chic with large walk-in tents, en suite bathrooms and delightful al fresco dining.

Accommodation: Damaraland Camp

Your mid-morning flight takes you over Damaraland to Ongava Private Reserve on the southern border of Etosha National Park.

On the way: As you fly over Damaraland the land rises and levels out to form game-rich savannah plains that support the spectrum of southern African wildlife and a few endemics to boot.

When you're there: No visit to Namibia would be complete without a safari in Etosha National Park. Ongava is a large private reserve on the edge of Etosha sharing all the benefits of this game-rich area while maintaining total exclusivity.

Your two days in Ongava offer the traditional classic African wildlife safari with all of the big game and plains species present in great numbers. Top this with a unique national park that has a massive pan in the middle surrounded by natural waterholes and you have an exceptional game viewing experience.

Ongava Lodge and the more luxurious Ongava Tented Camp are award-winning lodges with spacious en suite accommodation, five-star service and cuisine and of course sensational settings. For a final splash, you can opt for the ultra-luxurious Little Ongava, where each of the three rooms is a palace, like at the other two lodges, you'll be treated like royalty.

Accommodation:
Little Ongava Lodge
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Lodge

Bid farewell to the wildlife, the peace and tranquillity and the unspoilt scenery as you fly back to Windhoek in time to catch your outbound flight at the end of peerless Namibia highlights tour.