On the tracks of desert elephants, black rhino & the Ovahimba experience

This safari starts from the Palmwag area and the trail leads into the 5000 square kilometre private Concession Area of Palmwag Lodge. Breathtaking landscapes in mountainous area teeming with game welcome the guest – springbok, oryx, kudu, ostrich, jackal, zebra, giraffe, hyena, occasionally lion, leopard and cheetah provide excellent photographic opportunity for wildlife photography in this vast open infrastructure less wilderness area. With a bit of luck encounter the endangered black rhino (Diceros bicornis) and the famous desert elephant, which roam the area in absolute freedom.

The trail continues through game rich valleys and river beds, through gorges and past springs in search of a fresh track of black rhino or desert elephant. If lucky, we follow the guide for a few kilometres on foot and hopefully have the opportunity to enjoy the spellbinding experience of finding the rhino or the elephant in its natural habitat.

Depending on game activities, the camp will be erected in the wild in the Hunkab spring area. Sip a refreshing drink while the guide prepares the meal on an open fire and absorb the day’s experiences.

Overnight camping in the Hunkab Springs surrounds (on Full Board basis)

Namibia’s spectacular scenic beauty and diverse flora and fauna can only be truly appreciated on an adventurous camping safari into the remote and isolated regions far off the normal tourist route. Daylight hours are filled with exploring the surrounds and the nights are spent under a blanket of stars with the unique sound of the African bush for company.

All our safaris are offered on a non-participating basis with the entire camping equipment supplied by us. Standard equipment includes: comfortable dome tents, sleeping rolls with comfortable mattress, proper duvets, cushion, towels and linen, camping fold up beds, electric tent lantern and bedside table, solar bucket showers (1x for every 4 guests) as well as long-drop bush toilets (1x for every 4 guests).

Three wholesome meals are served daily at table. Breakfast is “full English” style. Lunch consists of cold meats, cheese, salads, pickles, fresh vegetables and fruit. Dinner is a tasty warm meal cooked on open fire. At dinner, wine and beer are included.

After breakfast enjoy a short hike for a brief inspection of the night’s game activities around camp.

The journey continues into the upper Mudorib River with a good chance of encountering black rhino or desert elephant in this dry and harsh desert environment.

Arrive in the Hoanib River, a dry river bed densely overgrown with nutritious acacia trees providing the necessary fodder for the desert adapted elephant. Optimal chances to encounter one of the breeding herds of these giant creatures during the following game viewing drives through the valleys and side arms of this unique natural paradise.

Overnight camping in the Hoanib Dry River surrounds (on Full Board basis)

After an early breakfast we will spend a relaxing day exploring the Hoanib River Valley, before we return to our campsite from last night.

Today will present good opportunities to encounter plains game, desert-adapted lions and elephant.

Camping overnight (on Full Board basis)

Start of the return journey via Sesfontein and a local Himba village. Brief visit at the village of Sesfontein and its fort, a previous Schutztruppe outpost of the former German colonial time and its six natural springs providing the village with fresh water.

The tour ends back at a lodge in the Palmwag area later afternoon.

• Travelling costs as per itinerary; activities, entrance- and park fees as specified;
• Accommodation on a shared basis;
• Meals as per itinerary;
• Mineral water en route;
• Experienced guiding in English or German;
• VAT and bed levy.

• Expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone, gratuities, souvenirs, etc.;
• Personal-, medical- and evacuation insurances;
• Additional activities;
• Alcoholic beverages and all drinks.

• Minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants are required for this guided tour;
• Services and accommodations are subject to availability at the time of booking;
• It is compulsory for all guests to have comprehensive cancellation-, default-, baggage-, emergency evacuation- and medical insurance for the duration of the trip;
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary;
• All relevant booking conditions of Namibia Tracks & Trails and/or any other booked services will apply to your travel arrangements;
• The relevant cancellation policy applies should you fail to join or start your safari/journey for any reason, including airline delays or missed connection. Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance for this purpose. You become liable for cancellation penalties immediately on confirmation of booking services;
• Passports must be valid (usually for at least 6 months after date of travel) and still have at least 3 blank visa (not endorsement) pages;
• All visa requirements must be fulfilled and these are your responsibility.