The Desert Giants
A Bespoke Safari Through Namibia’s Last Great Wildernesses
Locations
Windohek
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.
Palmwag Conservancy
Palmwag Conservancy
Wild, rugged and wonderfully isolated, Palmwag lies amid the dramatic landscapes of north-western Namibia. Ancient volcanic ridges, gravel plains and dry riverbeds create a vast wilderness, home to free-ranging desert-adapted black rhino, elephants, giraffes, oryx and predators. Explore by 4×4 or on foot, discovering how wildlife thrives in one of Namibia’s most remote and untouched landscapes.
Damaraland
Damaraland
Damaraland is one of Namibia’s most dramatic wilderness regions, where vast desert landscapes, rugged mountains and ancient rock formations create a striking sense of solitude. The region is renowned for its desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos and predators, which thrive despite the scarcity of water and food. Explore dry riverbeds and rocky valleys on guided game drives or on foot, following wildlife tracks and discovering the subtle signs of life across the landscape. Ancient rock engravings offer a glimpse into Damaraland’s deep cultural history, while remote camps and lodges provide spectacular sunsets, exceptional stargazing and an immersive experience of Namibia’s wild heart.
The Desert Giants
Greater Damaraland is at the heart of one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation stories, where desert-adapted black rhinos now roam freely across vast communal conservancies.
This bespoke natural history expedition explores rugged mountains, dry riverbeds and ancient desert plains in search of desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos. Track rhinos on foot with specialist local trackers and discover how remarkable wildlife and dedicated conservation efforts have helped nature thrive against the odds.
AMELIYA SIGNATURE SAFARI EXPERIENCE:
- A thoughtfully curated natural history expedition through Greater Damaraland and the Palmwag Conservancy, two of Namibia’s most celebrated conservation landscapes.
- Search for legendary desert-adapted elephants, uniquely evolved to survive in one of the harshest environments inhabited by elephants.
- Track critically endangered desert-adapted black rhinos on foot alongside expert guides and specialist local trackers.
- Discover Namibia’s pioneering rhino conservation model, where local communities, trackers and conservation organisations work together to protect this remarkable population.
- Explore ancient riverbeds, granite mountains and vast desert plains, home to Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok and other desert-adapted wildlife.
- Experience expertly guided nature drives, interpretive walks and immersive natural history encounters that reveal how life thrives in the world’s oldest desert.
- Stay at intimate wilderness camps and enjoy exceptional guiding and privileged access to one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation landscapes.
Rates
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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, Damaraland, Palmwag Conservancy, and Windhoek
- Meet and greet services and all road transfers between airstrips and camps
- Shared scheduled nature drives and guided wilderness activities led by expert Wilderness guides and trackers
- Guided tracking of desert-adapted elephants through Damaraland’s ephemeral river systems
- Guided walking safaris with specialist trackers in search of free-ranging desert-adapted black rhinoceroses
- In-depth insights into Namibia’s pioneering community-based conservation model and rhino protection initiatives
- Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein and its ancient San rock engravings
- All applicable conservancy fees, park entrance fees, conservation levies, and permits
- 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
The Olive Exclusive
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.
Greater Damaraland
Damaraland Camp
Framed by weathered granite outcrops, ancient valleys, and vast desert plains, Wilderness Damaraland Camp occupies one of Namibia’s most captivating wilderness landscapes. Set within the pioneering Torra Conservancy, where conservation and community stewardship have transformed the future of wildlife across northwestern Namibia, the camp offers an intimate gateway to a region renowned for its desert-adapted elephants and extraordinary natural history. With exceptional guiding, refined comfort, and a profound sense of place, every experience reveals the quiet resilience of a landscape shaped by time, where life flourishes against seemingly impossible odds.
Each domed Pavilion Suite includes:
Elegant thatched chalets with private verandas
Swimming pool
Open-air lounge and dining area, curated wine selection
Expertly guided nature drives, desert-adapted elephant tracking, guided nature walks, cultural experiences, stargazing
Complimentary Wi-Fi in the main area, and exclusive access to the Torra Conservancy.
Palmwag Conservancy
Desert Rhino Camp
Hidden within the vast Palmwag Conservancy, this intimate camp lies at the heart of one of the world’s last strongholds for the critically endangered desert-adapted black rhinoceros. Surrounded by rugged mountains, ancient river valleys, and seemingly endless desert plains, the camp offers an extraordinary opportunity to track free-ranging rhinos on foot alongside expert guides and local trackers while exploring one of Namibia’s most remote and ecologically significant landscapes. More than a safari, it is an immersive journey into a wilderness where conservation, natural history, and exceptional guiding take centre stage.
Each domed Pavilion Suite includes:
Spacious Meru-style canvas suites with private verandas
Swimming pool, open-air lounge and dining area, curated wine selection
Expertly guided rhino tracking on foot, nature drives, guided walks, stargazing experiences
Complimentary Wi-Fi in the main area, and exclusive access to the Palmwag Conservancy.
Day - Wise Itinerary
Day 01 - Windhoek
Arrive in Windhoek, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your boutique hotel. Spend the remainder of the day unwinding after your international journey before your fly-in safari begins. Enjoy a relaxed evening and prepare for an extraordinary exploration of Namibia’s remote desert wilderness.
Day 02 - Greater Damaraland
This morning, board a spectacular light aircraft flight into the heart of Greater Damaraland. From the air, witness an ever-changing landscape of ancient mountains, dry river systems and vast desert plains stretching towards the horizon. After settling into camp, venture out on your first afternoon nature drive, exploring this remarkable landscape in search of desert-adapted elephants, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife that have evolved to thrive in one of Africa’s harshest environments.
Day 03 - Following the Desert Elephants
Spend a full day exploring Damaraland’s ephemeral river systems alongside your expert guide in search of the region’s legendary desert-adapted elephants. These remarkable animals have evolved to survive in one of the driest landscapes inhabited by elephants anywhere on Earth, travelling vast distances between seasonal water sources and navigating ancient river valleys that continue to sustain life. Throughout the day, gain a deeper understanding of their behaviour, ecology and the extraordinary adaptations that define one of Namibia’s greatest wildlife icons.
Day 04 - Exploring Ancient Damaraland
Continue exploring the dramatic landscapes of Damaraland, where weathered granite mountains, open plains and dry river valleys reveal a fascinating story of geology, wildlife and human history. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein, home to one of Africa’s finest collections of ancient San rock engravings, before returning to camp while continuing to search for desert wildlife and enjoying one final evening beneath Namibia’s spectacular desert skies.
Day 05 - Into the Palmwag Conservancy
After breakfast, journey deeper into northwestern Namibia to the renowned Palmwag Conservancy, one of Africa’s largest community-managed conservation landscapes and a globally significant stronghold for the critically endangered desert-adapted black rhinoceros. Settle into camp before heading out on an afternoon nature drive, learning about Namibia’s pioneering conservation model and the remarkable recovery of wildlife across this extraordinary wilderness.
Day 06 - Tracking Desert Black Rhinoceroses
Today offers one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. Accompanied by specialist guides and highly skilled local trackers, venture into the rugged wilderness on foot in search of free-ranging desert-adapted black rhinoceroses. Following fresh tracks through rocky valleys and dry riverbeds, learn about the ecology, behaviour and ongoing conservation of one of the world’s most endangered large mammals while experiencing an unforgettable and intimate encounter within their natural habitat.
Day 07 - Conservation in Action
Spend another day exploring the Palmwag Conservancy, continuing your search for desert black rhinoceroses while discovering the remarkable diversity of wildlife that inhabits this arid landscape. Search for desert-adapted elephants, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, giraffes, springbok and oryx while gaining a deeper appreciation for one of Africa’s most successful community-led conservation initiatives, where wildlife and local communities continue to thrive together.
Day 08 - Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking Namibia’s timeless wilderness before transferring to the nearby airstrip for your scenic light aircraft flight back to Windhoek. As the ancient landscapes of Damaraland disappear beneath the wings one final time, reflect on an extraordinary journey celebrating two of Africa’s most remarkable conservation icons—the desert-adapted elephant and the desert black rhinoceros. Upon arrival, connect with your onward international flight.
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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.
