Skeleton Coast Flying Safari
The Skeleton Coast
Overview
The deserted Skeleton Coast is one of the most beautiful yet inaccessible parts of Namibia, making a dedicated flying safari the best way to see all of the highlights, both from the air and from the ground. Commencing in Windhoek, you will have an overnight stay before meeting your pilot and starting the trip. The flights are all operated by the Schoeman family, who are highly experienced pilots and guides giving you the best possible experience of the area.
Your days will be a mixture of flying down the coastline, taking in the stunning aerial views of the beaches, deserts, dunes and shipwrecks which gave the area it’s name and driving in a 4x4 to see some of these areas close up.
Overnight accommodation in camps along the way is comfortable but, befitting the isolated nature of the areas more rustic than luxurious. This only heightens the experience and help make a Skeleton Coast Flying Safari a truly unique experience.
| Destination | Accommodation | Nights | Basis | Room Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windhoek | Elegant Guesthouse | 2 | B&B | Standard |
| Sossusvlei | Wolwedans Dune Camp | 2 | FI | Standard |
| Huab River Valley | Kuidas Camp | 1 | FI | Suite |
| Leylandsdrift | Leylandsdrift Camp | 1 | FI | Standard |
| Kunene River | Kunene River Camp | 1 | FI | Standard |
*FI = Fully Inclusive | B&B = Bed & Breakfast
Day 1
Today you will arrive into Windhoek where you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Elegant Guesthouse where you will be spending the night. The rest of the day will be at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Windhoek.
The Elegant Guesthouse
The Elegant Guesthouse is an ideal base for your overnight stays in Windhoek. Clean, comfortable and spacious with friendly, attentive staff, you know you will be well looked after throughout your stay. It is well located for exploring Windhoek should you wish, with a good choice of restaurants nearby for the evenings.
Day 2
This morning will see an early start as you are transferred to Windhoek Eros Airport to meet your pilot/guide at 7:00am. After a quick briefing you will board the plane, flying on to Sossusvlei, allowing you to see the highest sand dunes in the world from the air. You will then touch down and have the chance to see them from a different perspective before attempting a climb should you wish. After finishing at the dunes you will be transferred to Wolwedans Dune Camp for a 2 night stay.
Wolwedans Dune Camp
Wolwedans is a tented camp, set on the edge of a 250 metre high dune, guaranteeing spectacular views out across the NamibRand. The tents are set up on decking areas, raised above the desert floor and are large enough to offer a sleep-out area should you wish to sleep under the stars. The main lodge houses a spacious dining area where guests can enjoy drinks and dinner al fresco.
Day 3
This morning you will fly down to Luderitz for a day long safari at Elizabeth Bay. This starts with a guided tour of the old German Town and a visit to the Cape Fur Seal colony on the headland. The flight back to Wolwedans passes over Spencer Bay, giving you a great view of the Otavi Shipwreck and the basking seals from the air. From the airstrip you will be transferred back to Wolwedans where a delicious evening meal awaits.
Overnight at Wolwedans Dune Camp, Fully Inclusive basis
Day 4
After breakfast you will re-board the plane for the flight on to Swakopmund, passing over Conception Bay and the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck, including a stunning low level pass. You will then set down and take lunch on the beach before taking off again. The afternoon flight passes over the Ugab formations – a lifeless part of the coast but with some stunning views. You will then touch down and transfer to Kuidas Camp in the Huab River Valley for an overnight stay.
Kuidas Camp
Kuidas Camp is owned and run by the Schoeman Family and is a clean, comfortable base for your overnight stay. Rooms are relatively basic, with bucket showers but are more than adequate for one night. Dinner will be taken al-fresco and, if time permits, there will be a chance for you to visit some ancient rock art sites which are found close to the camp.
Day 5
Your morning will be spent exploring the Huab River Valley and discovering the stunning diversity of flora and fauna that abound here. You will then return to the camp for lunch before taking off again, flying on to Terrace Bay in the Skeleton Coast National Park. A Land Rover excursion through the towering dunes will start the trip off, before arriving on the beaches to see the bleached Whale bones – one of the iconic views of the area. You will then drive back to the plane and fly up to Leylandsdrift Camp for an overnight stay.
Leylandsdrift Camp
Leylandsdrift is also operated by Schoemans and is again a simple yet comfortable affair. Guests will always be well looked after in the camp and the location allows for plenty of time exploring the area by air and vehicle the following day.
Overnight at Leylandsdrift Camp, Fully Inclusive basis
Day 6
After an early breakfast your guide will drive you out into the Hoarusib Valley for a chance to encounter some of the nomadic Himba people, with the possibility of spotting some of the elusive desert habituated Elephant along the way. You will then return to the plane and fly North to the Kunene River on the Angola border. More shipwrecks litter the coastline as you fly up. On landing you will be driven up through the dunes and mountains, stopping for lunch before a late afternoon arrival at Kunene River Camp where you will be staying overnight.
Kunene River Camp
Another Schoemans operated camp, you can expect a similar level of accommodation and service to the previous places you stayed. A fantastic base for exploring the area and the rustic feel enhances the feeling of adventure provided by a flying safari.
Overnight at Kunene River Camp, Fully Inclusive basis
Day 7
Today sees an early wake up call for a boat cruise along the Kunene River which flows through the desert. Bird life is abundant here and you may even see some crocodiles as well. You will then head back to the camp for lunch and a final flight down to Windhoek Eros Airport where your flying adventure ends. We will then have you transferred to the Elegant Guesthouse for an overnight stay.
Overnight at the Elegant Guesthouse, Bed & Breakfast basis
Day 8
Transfer to Windhoek Airport for your onward flight.
