Big Cats & People of the Namib
A Bespoke Natural History Journey Through Namibia’s Last Great Desert Wilderness
Locations
Windhoek
Windhoek
Windhoek, the vibrant gateway to Namibia, blends African wilderness, rich cultural heritage and modern charm. Surrounded by rugged hills and open landscapes, it is an ideal starting point for exploring Namibia’s iconic wildlife and wilderness areas. Discover local culture, craft markets and authentic Namibian hospitality before venturing into the country’s dramatic landscapes, vast savannahs and renowned safari destinations.
Hanoib Desert
Hanoib Desert
The Hoanib Desert is a remote and extraordinary wilderness, where ancient riverbeds, vast gravel plains and rugged mountains create a landscape shaped by water, wind and time. Despite its arid surroundings, the ephemeral Hoanib River sustains remarkable desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes and brown hyenas. Explore this untouched wilderness on game drives and guided walks, discovering the resilience of life in one of Namibia’s most fascinating desert landscapes.
Kunene Region
Kunene Region
The Kunene Region, in Namibia’s remote north-west, is a land of rugged mountains, vast desert plains and ancient river valleys. Shaped by the ephemeral Kunene River, the region is home to remarkable desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, black rhinos, giraffes and oryx. Explore this wild and sparsely populated landscape while discovering its rich Himba heritage, dramatic scenery and extraordinary sense of isolation.
Experience Highlights
- Cultures have evolved side by side.
- Track one of Africa’s rarest populations of desert-adapted lions with expert guides through ephemeral river systems that sustain life across the world’s oldest desert.
- Search for an exceptional assemblage of desert wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants, brown hyenas, giraffes, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, oryx, and other species uniquely adapted to this harsh environment.
- Gain a rare insight into the traditions of the Himba through respectful, guided cultural encounters, discovering how one of Africa’s last semi-nomadic communities has thrived in harmony with the desert for generations.
- Explore one of the continent’s last truly wild landscapes through expertly guided nature drives, walks, and immersive natural history experiences.
- Discover the remarkable conservation story behind Namibia’s desert lions and the collaborative efforts between local communities, researchers, and conservationists that continue to safeguard this fragile ecosystem.
- A seamless fly-in expedition combining exceptional guiding, intimate wilderness camps, and exclusive access to one of Africa’s most remote and ecologically significant desert landscapes.
Rates
Rates starting from USD $18,300 per person + Tax
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- All meals, tea, coffee, selected beverages, and safari refreshments at the wilderness camps
- Scenic light aircraft flights between Windhoek, the Hoanib River Valley, the Kunene Region, and Windhoek
- Meet and greet services and all road transfers between airstrips and camps
- Shared scheduled game drives, guided walks, and wilderness activities led by expert Wilderness guides and trackers
- Guided wildlife tracking in search of the legendary desert-adapted lions and other desert wildlife
- Guided cultural visit to a traditional Himba community
- Guided nature drives and seasonal boating excursions on the Kunene River (water levels permitting)
- Skeleton Coast excursion (subject to weather conditions and camp scheduling)
- All applicable park entrance fees, conservancy fees, and conservation levies
- 5% Ameliya Conservation Commitment Levy.
Exclusions
- 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST)
- Flights, visa fees, laundry, packed beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees, if levied by the government
- Any additional activities or personal expenses, including tips
- Any increase in National Park fees or government taxes, payable by the guest
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Accommodation
Windhoek
Windhoek
The Olive Exclusive is an intimate boutique retreat that offers a seamless transition into the country’s extraordinary wilderness. With a limited collection of individually designed suites, contemporary African interiors, and discreet yet thoughtful hospitality, the hotel provides an atmosphere of effortless comfort. Whether marking the beginning of your safari or its final chapter, The Olive Exclusive offers a refined space to pause, recharge, and prepare for the remarkable landscapes that lie beyond.
Amenities
- Individually designed luxury suites, private plunge pools (selected suites)
- Fine-dining restaurant
- Curated wine cellar
- Tranquil courtyard
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, personalised service, and secure parking.
Skeleton Coast
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
For much of the year, the Hoanib River exists only as a memory beneath the sand. Yet this ancient watercourse sustains one of Africa’s most extraordinary desert ecosystems, drawing elephants, giraffes, brown hyenas, and the legendary desert-adapted lions into a landscape that appears almost devoid of life. Nestled within this remarkable wilderness, Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp offers privileged access to one of the continent’s last truly wild frontiers. Defined by exceptional guiding, understated luxury, and complete seclusion, the camp is an ideal base from which to explore the ever-changing relationship between wildlife, water, and one of the world’s oldest deserts.
Each domed Pavilion Suite includes:
Spacious luxury tented suites with private decks, family suite
Swimming pool, open-air lounge and dining area
Curated wine selection, expertly guided nature drives
Wildlife tracking, Skeleton Coast excursions (selected itineraries), birdwatching, stargazing experiences
Complimentary Wi-Fi in the main area, and exclusive access to the Hoanib River ecosystem.
Kuene Region
Serra Cafema
Home to the semi-nomadic Himba, one of Africa’s last remaining pastoralist communities, the remote Kunene frontier is where ancient traditions endure alongside one of the world’s oldest deserts. Set on the banks of the perennial Kunene River, Wilderness Serra Cafema offers an exclusive gateway to this extraordinary landscape, where lush riverine forests, towering dunes, and rugged mountains create one of Namibia’s most remarkable wilderness experiences.
Amenities:
Spacious riverside Meru-style suites with private decks
Swimming pool
Open-air lounge and dining area
Curated wine selection
Guided nature drives
Boating on the Kunene River (seasonal)
Quad biking across the dunes (designated areas)
Himba cultural visits
Birdwatching and stargazing experiences
Complimentary Wi-Fi in the main area
Exclusive access to the remote Kunene River wilderness.
Day- Wise Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrival in Windhoek
Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia’s relaxed capital, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your boutique hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind after your international journey before your fly-in safari begins across one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
Day 02 - Into the Hoanib Wilderness
A short flight east takes you to the Mababe Depression, once a vast lake and now a wide grassland, one of Botswana’s hidden treasures. Herds of buffalo and zebra stretch as far as the eye can see, followed by lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Game drives bring the thrill of close encounters with wildlife, while evenings glow under a star-filled sky, the fire crackling as the sounds of Africa drift through the night.
Days 03–04 – Following the Desert Lions
Spend two full days exploring the remarkable Hoanib ecosystem alongside expert trackers, tracking one of Africa’s most extraordinary predator populations. Unlike any other lions on the continent, Namibia’s desert-adapted lions have evolved to survive across immense territories where permanent water is almost absent, navigating ephemeral river systems in pursuit of prey.
Each day is shaped by the movements of the wildlife. Follow fresh tracks through sandy riverbeds, observe the subtle interactions between predators and prey, and gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that sustains life within this harsh landscape. Alongside the lions, search for desert-adapted elephants, brown hyenas, giraffes, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, springbok and oryx, while your guide interprets the remarkable ecology and conservation story behind this unique ecosystem.
Depending on weather and logistics, venture towards the dramatic Skeleton Coast, where immense dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean amidst windswept beaches, seal colonies and historic shipwrecks that have shaped the region’s legendary reputation.
Day 05 - The Kunene Frontier
This morning, board a scenic light aircraft flight to the remote Kunene Region, where the perennial Kunene River forms a ribbon of life between Namibia and Angola. Upon arrival at your camp, settle into your riverside suite before heading out to explore this extraordinary oasis where lush riverine vegetation contrasts dramatically with the surrounding desert. End the afternoon overlooking the river as the last light settles across one of Africa’s most remote frontiers.
Days 06–07 — The Himba Tribe
Spend two days discovering the cultural and natural heritage of the Kunene frontier. Accompanied by your guide, visit a traditional Himba settlement for a respectful and authentic cultural encounter, gaining an insight into one of Africa’s last semi-nomadic pastoralist communities. Learn how generations of Himba have adapted to this unforgiving landscape, maintaining traditions, customs and a profound connection with the desert that continues to shape their daily lives.
Beyond the cultural experiences, explore the surrounding wilderness through guided nature drives, walks and seasonal boating excursions along the Kunene River. Search for crocodiles, waterbirds and desert wildlife while discovering the striking contrast between the fertile riverbanks and the vast dunes beyond. As darkness falls, return to camp for another unforgettable evening beneath Namibia’s spectacular night skies.
Day 08 - Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Kunene River before transferring to the nearby airstrip for your scenic light aircraft flight back to Windhoek. As Namibia’s ancient deserts, mountains and winding river systems unfold beneath you one final time, reflect on a remarkable journey through landscapes shaped by resilience, where legendary predators and enduring cultures continue to coexist. Upon arrival in Windhoek, connect with your onward international flight.
Activites
Game Drives
Big-cat conservation
Fly Camping
Bush Meals
Night Safaris
Balloon Safaris
Sundowner
Bush Walks
Cultural and Community Visits
Enquire Now
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
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
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.
