Ameliya's Itineraries
Namibia’s Sand & Stars
Namibia's Sand and Stars
Sandy vistas. Starry skies. Superb views. Namibia delivers it all across three camps in vast desert wilderness spaces, under the astounding southern hemisphere sky.
AMELIYA SIGNATURE SAFARI EXPERIENCE:
- 8 Nights and 9 Days
- A Fully Privately Guided Experience
- All meals, accommodations & internal flights included
- Stay 2 nights at Kulala Desert Lodge
- 3 nights at Doro Nawas
- 3 nights at Desert Rhino Camp
- Thrilling game drives through wilderness areas
- Stay in spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and stunning views.
Itinerary with Beach Extension
US $5,750.00
*Please Note TCS will be applicable for all Indian citizens going abroad, as per Government Of India regulations
Inclusions
- Accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee, evening snacks
- Domestic beer & wine and select liquor, safari sundowners, bush breakfasts, and WIFI.
- Park Conservancy fees, morning and evening game drives in a shared vehicle, and supplemental walks.
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- Domestic Wine, Beer & Liquor in National Parks (in premium & luxury options only)
- Laundry services
Exclusions
- Goods & Services Taxes as applicable
- Tips, international flights & transfers, additional activities, visa fees, travel & medical insurance, exclusive vehicle.
- All other expenses not mentioned in the “inclusions” above will have to be borne as additional expenses by the participants
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
Transfers
- Transit Point Via Hosea Kutako International Airport In Windhoek
- Hosea Kutako International Airport ( Windhoek ) to Sossusvlei Depart :10:30
Kulala Desert Lodge (2 Nights • Chalet Twin x 1)
Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge’s location at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei dunes allows for stunning views in every direction, while its private entrance to the Namib Naukluft National Park makes it the closest location to Sossusvlei. The camp is ideal for self-drives and groups.
Twenty-three thatched and canvas tents (including two family units), each built on raised wooden platforms make for airy, comfortable accommodation, with a rooftop area for sleep-outs under the stars. Afternoons around the pool provide relief from the heat, while the wraparound veranda at the main area overlooks a waterhole, and private tours of the dunes provide the ultimate Sossusvlei experience.
Insider’s Tip: Try your hand at desert photography – whether capturing the red color of the dunes in the early morning light or the otherworldly tree skeletons standing starkly across the floor of Dead Vlei.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Chalet: All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry, Namibian VAT & Tourism Levy, and local drinks excludes premium imported brands and champagne.
Transfer
- Sossusvlei (Kulala camp) (Windhoek) to Doro Nawas Camp Depart : 09:50
Doro Nawas (3 Nights • Chalet Twin x 1)
From a hillside above the dry Aba-Huab River, Wilderness Doro Nawas provides guests with far-reaching views across rugged Damaraland. The camp is ideally located as a base from which to learn more about both the area’s ancient inhabitants and the visionary ecotourism partnership with today’s communities. The petroglyphs and San rock art of Twyfelfontein are within easy reach.
Sixteen guest units (including a family room) blend in with the scenery, and feature private verandas and outdoor showers. Sleeping out under the stars is also an option. Nature drives and walks reveal more of the desert’s surprising and superbly-adapted flora and fauna.
Insider’s Tip: Without bright lights and far from pollution the camp is the ideal setting for marveling at the night sky. Opt for a night in the Star Bed to experience superb stargazing.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Chalet: All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry, Namibian VAT & Tourism Levy, and local drinks excludes premium imported brands and champagne.
Transfers
Doro Nawas to Desert rhino Camp Depart : 09:45
Desert Rhino Camp (3 Nights • Chalet Twin x 1)
Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp offers an original, exclusive wilderness experience and the possibility of seeing some of the largest free-ranging population of desert-adapted black rhino in Africa. The desert plains – transformed overnight by summer rains – are starkly scenic, and home to other unique species, from Hartmann’s zebra and giraffe, to the bizarre welwitschia plant.
The camp consists of eight comfortable Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, and a shady main area with a refreshing plunge pool. Run in conjunction with Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp offers rhino tracking by vehicle and on foot with experts from this conservation NGO.
Insider’s Tip: Explore this extraordinary landscape in search of desert-adapted wildlife and gain amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area. A picnic lunch is the perfect complement to your day’s outing!
Inclusions / Exclusions
Tented Room: All meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry, Namibian VAT & Tourism Levy, and local drinks excludes premium imported brands and champagne.
Transfer
Desert Rhino Camp to Doro Nawas Airstrip Depart :10:45
Transfer Via Doro Nawas Airstrip In Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas Airstrip to Hosea Kutako international airport depart :12:40
Transit Point via Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek
Game Drives
Big-cat conservation
Fly Camping
Bush Meals
Night Safaris
Balloon Safaris
Sundowner
Bush Walks
Cultural and Community Visits
Please Note: Experiences and activities are subject to the your travel dates, accommodation choices, and government regulations
Itinerary with Beach Extension
US $5,750.00
*Please Note TCS will be applicable for all Indian citizens going abroad, as per Government Of India regulations
Inclusions
- Accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee, evening snacks
- Domestic beer & wine and select liquor, safari sundowners, bush breakfasts, and WIFI.
- Park Conservancy fees, morning and evening game drives in a shared vehicle, and supplemental walks.
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- Domestic Wine, Beer & Liquor in National Parks (in premium & luxury options only)
- Laundry services
Exclusions
- Goods & Services Taxes as applicable
- Tips, international flights & transfers, additional activities, visa fees, travel & medical insurance, exclusive vehicle.
- All other expenses not mentioned in the “inclusions” above will have to be borne as additional expenses by the participants
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
GENERAL QUERIES
WHAT ARE THE MODES OF PAYMENT?
We accept wire transfers, debit/credit cards, and UPI payments. Please note that a 2% gateway fee is applicable for cards.
Can I customize the experiences I've seen on your website?
Yes, please feel free to reach out to us in case you want to get a customized itinerary according to your preferred destinations, accommodations, interests, and requirements. For e.g. number of days or friends and family members you want to travel with.
How far in advance do I need to book a safari?
While Ameliya’s travel advisors do their best to accommodate our guests’ last-minute needs and requests, we strongly advise booking as far ahead in advance as possible to ensure the availability of accommodations. The best thing to do is to get in touch with us as soon as you think of a safari experience, whether it is this year or the next. Here’s a general advisory that will help you with the decision-making process:
For Indian parks, we recommend at least 4 -12 months notice, especially for a tiger/snow leopard experience, but lower lead times are possible depending on the locations and activities. Parks in India are regulated by the government and each reserve has a cap on the number of vehicles that can enter the park. If tickets are sold out, we are unable to book the safaris.
For Africa, we recommend 6-10 months for the high season (June – October), and 2-4 months for the low season (November – April).
Is it safe to travel to Africa?
Despite most African stereotypes of a warn-torn, poverty-stricken continent, Africa is as safe as any other international travel destination. Just remember that African countries are poorer in contrast to first-world countries and therefore you should be conscious of flashing or leaving money & jewelry lying around.
Guests are advised to leave valuables in a safe or with the camp/lodge manager for safe-keeping. African people are very friendly, warm and hospitable and their guests will always feel safe in the care of the camp/lodge staff.
Their job is to ensure the safety and comfort of their clients at all times. Properties in Africa will always have an emergency/ evacuation plan if anything were to go wrong
Should I purchase travel health insurance?
We strongly recommend that our travellers buy comprehensive travel and health insurance prior to coming on an Ameliya Safari experience. Should you require any assistance with purchasing such policies, our travel advisors will be happy to assist you.
What vaccinations are required?
Certain vaccinations may be required for travel to Africa, for example, often you will need a yellow fever vaccination. To be sure, consult your local Travel Clinic to obtain the latest health travel advisories.
Is there Wi-Fi available?
All of our camps do have basic Wi-Fi available in certain areas.
It is important to note that while wifi is available, it is more than likely not at the same fast speeds that you may be used to, but sufficient for checking emails and keeping in touch with home.
What does a typical day look like on safari?
Your mornings will begin with a wake up call before sunrise – classic for any safari experience. Once you are fresh and ready, you will be met by your guide for a briefing over a hot cup of coffee, and a light breakfast, before you head out. The crisp and cool air of the early morning will flow through you as you drive into the bush, the sun coming up from the horizon, casting a godly glow on the savannah and the everything around you coming to life – Africa in all its glory.
During the safaris, you will learn how to identify and track different species of animals, learn their behavior and best ways to observe/photograph them, conservation communities that live in the area, and much more.
After the morning safari, you have some time to unwind, enjoy the bush library, get a massage, or just take in the sights and smells of Africa from your deck.
In the evening you will head out for another game drive, and have an iconic African sundowner. In most locations, we drive back after the sunset for a night safari experience looking out for nocturnal creatures.
Back at camp, a hot fire awaits along with drinks and a three course meal.
What to pack on safaris in africa
Safari Shirts x 3
T-shirts × 3
Pants x 3
Shorts x 2
Rain Coat x 1
Warm Jacket × 1
Light Sweater × 1
Light Safari Boots x 1
Room Slippers x 1
Undergarments / socks
Cap, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
Personal Medication & Toiletries
Personal electronics, camera equipment, binoculars etc.
Mornings and evenings can be cold while afternoons will be warm and sometimes rainy. We recommend carrying a comfortable jacket and raincoat.
Please wear neutral colors in the bsuh: black, navy blue, khaki, green, beige, grey etc. Please avoid bright colors. Please also avoid strong perfumes.
Please carry comfortable shoes/boots that you can walk in.
National Parks vs Private game reserves/Concessions/ Conservancies.
- Africa, unlike India, has many great private game reserves and private concessions. Parks in Africa are pretty large so sections of these parks are given to private companies or communities.
- All areas offer good wildlife experiences but private concessions & conservancies offer greater exclusivity, less crowd, off-roading, and even night safaris. For this reason, camps located in these areas are often more costly.