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NAMIBIA'S BEST BIRDING BIRDING SAFARI

This 11-day safari is guided by Peter Steyn, a world renown natural history author and photographer. The safari traverses several prime habitats in Namibia at a time of year when the migrant bird species are resident. The safari begins in the southern Namib region near Sossusvlei where guests enjoy nature-viewing and bird-watching in the dunes for two nights, before moving up to Swakopmund where guests enjoy three nights birding along the Atlantic coast and out at sea. The next stop is Etosha, where guests spend three nights at Ongava Lodge in the bushveld. The safari ends in the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains at Okonjima, where the safari focuses on some of the Namibian endemic species.

February 5-7, 2002: Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp

Guests arrive at Windhoek International Airport. They are met by a representative of Wilderness Safaris and flown by light aircraft to Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, where accommodation has been reserved for two nights.

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is situated 20 kilometres from the entrance to the Sossusvlei dunes. The camp's location provides easy access to Sossusvlei, yet also offers complete privacy and exclusivity. Accommodation is in nine cottages nestled into the side of a mountain. Each room is well appointed with retractable windows, an en suite bathroom, private deck and a plunge pool.

Activities consist of early morning excursions in 4x4 vehicles to the magnificent Sossusvlei dunes (the highest in the world), vleis and canyons. Afterwards, a desert brunch is served under the Camel Thorn Acacia trees. Afternoon activities are enjoyed on the 17,000 acre Sossusvlei Wilderness property, where guests can spend time experiencing the desert scenery and its unique fauna and flora by 4x4 vehicle, or on foot. Spotlit night drives are a highlight. Early morning ballooning is another option offered, weather permitting.

In: 05 February 2002

Out: 07 February 2002

Basis: Inclusive of all meals, game activities, laundry, drinks on game Drives and housewine at dinner

February 7-10: Hansa Hotel

After breakfast and the morning game activity guests will be collected at Sossusvlei's airstrip and flown by light aircraft to Swakopmund Airport. They will be met at the airport and transferred by vehicle to the Hansa Hotel, where accommodation has been reserved for three nights.

The three-star Hansa Hotel is a charming medium-sized hotel, centrally located in the eccentric town of Swakopmund. The Hansa offers fifty twin bedrooms, six suites, and one of the best restaurants in Swakopmund. Each of the bedrooms is en suite, with under-floor heating in the bathroom. Rooms also have television, telephones, and all the amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The Hansa Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Swakopmund, the surrounding desert, and nearby Walvis Bay.

In: 07 February 2002

Out: 10 February 2002

Basis: Inclusive of breakfast daily

February 8

After breakfast at the Hansa Hotel guests are transferred by vehicle to Walvis Bay for a Dolphin Cruise, followed by a seafood lunch. While enjoying champagne and oysters or snacks, observe Heavy side and Bottlenose dolphins as they race along with the boat en route to Pelican Point by boat to observe the seal colonies. Guests can possibly see Sunfish, Pelicans and turtles during the trip, as well as a large variety of bird life. After lunch guests return to the Hansa Hotel.

February 9

Enjoy breakfast at the Hansa Hotel before setting off for a full day of activities, which will include a visit to Moon Valley to see the Welwitschia, Cape Cross to see the Seal Colonies and the Salt works which provide good birding. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed en route.

Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape fur seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, one of the largest and best known is the Cape Cross Seal Reserve north of Swakopmund. During the November/December breeding season tens of thousands of seals gather at Cape Cross. The Cape fur seal is one of three species of fur seals that occur along Southern African coasts. The large concentration at Cape Cross guarantees an impressive site. Guests follow a trail through the Swakop river and the surreal landscape of the "Moon Mountains", taking time to explore this area of deep chasms and interesting geological features, before continuing on to the "Welwitschia Valley". The Welwitschia is the most talked about plant in the botanical world and considered to be the paradox of the Namib. Sprawling untidily on the desert plains and believed to have a life span of up to 2000 years, it produces only two leaves. The desert wind tears at the fibrous, evergreen leaves, shredding them into strips that curl into snake-like thongs, leaving the tips withered and dry. A large concentration of these plants, which are endemic to the Namib Desert, is found along the Welwitschia Trail. Guests will also visit the Namib Naukluft Park, stopping to study interesting lichens, before returning to Swakopmund. Return to the Hansa Hotel in the late afternoon for the evening at leisure and overnight.

February 10-13: Ongava Lodge

After breakfast guests depart the Hansa Hotel and transfer by vehicle to Swakopmund Airport for their light charter flight to Ongava Lodge, where accommodation has been reserved for three nights.

Ongava Game Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the 68,000 acre, privately owned Ongava Game Reserve. Accommodation is comprised of ten air-conditioned rock and thatch cottages, each with en suite facilities and private verandas. Meals are served in the main dining area under thatch, or on the balcony overlooking the camp's waterhole.

Activities at Ongava include game drives in open Landrovers (with canvas sides) into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha where Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok, and Hartebeest can be seen. In addition, night drives and walks with armed guides are enjoyed on the private reserve. Ongava boasts resident White and Black Rhino, affording guests wonderful opportunities to see both species at close quarters, and perhaps track them on foot. There is also a hide on the property, which is excellent for bird-viewing.

In: 10 February 2002

Out: 13 February 2002

Basis: Inclusive of all meals, game activities, drinks on game drives and housewine at dinner

February 13-15: Okonjima Lodge

After breakfast and the morning game activity guests will be collected at Ongava's airstrip and flown by light aircraft to Okonjima Lodge, where accommodation has been reserved for two nights.

Okonjima Lodge, nestled in the Omboroko Mountains, part of the Waterberg Plateau, is the home of the Africat Foundation, which raises funds in support of Namibia's cheetah and leopard populations. This on-site project offers guests the chance to learn about these great cats as well as superb photographic opportunities. Accommodation consists of ten comfortable rooms with en suite facilities. Experience the bushman trail, where guides demonstrate and explain the traditional lifestyle and philosophy of these unique and ancient people. With over 300 different species of birds that have been positively identified - Onkonjima is a must for bird watchers and photographers alike.

In: 13 February 2002

Out: 15 February 2002

Basis: Inclusive of all meals and game activities

February 15: Safari Ends

After breakfast and the morning activity, guests will be collected at Okonjima's airstrip and flown by light aircraft to Windhoek International Airport, where the safari ends.

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To find out more about Namibia's Best Birding Safari, or to make a reservation, call on

27-11-463-7889 or email us.

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