Namibia is a vast and brutally beautiful country composed of contrasting landscapes, brilliant wildlife and the remains of a time gone by. A Namibian safari holiday is as much about seeing the staggering landscape as it is about seeing the impressive abundance of wildlife.
In the vast arid space of Northern Namibia lies one of finest games reserves of the African continent, Etosha National Park. The Park offers excellent game viewing throughout the year, from the dry season where wildlife crowds the shrinking waterholes to the rainy season where the animals disperse and can be spotted wondering the plains. During the day guests can expect to see eland, zebra, gemsbok, black-faced impala, black and white rhino, a variety of birdlife and the occasional predator; possibly leopard, lion or cheetah. At night you can observe hyenas and lions at one of the park’s floodlit waterholes.
To get the most out of your Namibian safari spend a few days at the Etosha National Park and stay in complete comfort at the Onkoshi Camp. Located on the edge of the pan, on an isolated peninsula the camp overlooks the Ethosha National Park. Designed as a low impact, environmentally friendly establishment, Onkoshi Camp uses mainly solar power with generator backup. The secluded positon of the camp entirely out of view of the Etosha Parks current tourist routes, and therefore offers a pristine, tranquil and unique experience. The spacious chalets are beautifully decorated in an elegant contemporary style yet still retain an African feel with elevated wooden decks, thatched roofs, canvas walls and large, wooden-framed retractable doors allowing spectacular panoramic views. Choose from an indoor or outdoor shower to refresh after an exhilarating game drive or relax in the luxurious stone bath with a breathtaking view over the pan.
The Onkoshi Camp offers a range of safari options including guided morning, afternoon and night game drives, guided walks and guided moonlight walks. Guests also have access to the exclusive areas within the north-eastern sandveld area of Etosha which are not open to self-drive visitors. After an exhilarating day out on safari, return to the camp and take a dip in the spectacular infinity pool overlooking the pan. Choose a freshly prepared meal from the Camp’s very own ‘a la carte menu’ and admire the superb vistas as the sunsets over the pan.
Namibia is more than just a wildlife safari destination and after spending a few days at the camp many guests choose to explore a different area of this impressively varied country. With immense sand dunes, stunning deserts and the eerie Skeleton coast Namibia has an impressive amount of natural wonders to explore. Venture to the sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert and be awed by their sheer beauty and impressive desolation. To view the Sossusvlei at its most impress visit close to sunrise or sunset when the vibrant colours of the dunes are constantly changing from deep reds, to golden browns and rusty oranges. Activities in the area include 4-wheel drive trips, hot air balloon rides and guided hikes.
Take a fly-in safari over the eerily beautiful Skeleton Coast, a remote wilderness scattered with bleached whale bones and shipwrecks. A stark contrast from the National parks the Skeleton coast is an area of remote lifelessness yet there is something awe-inspiring about its desolation. Fly closer to the sea and you will start to see evidence of life; enormous colonies of Cape fur seals and an abundance of birds gather to prey on the numerous fish.
[box]A Namibian safari holiday is the ultimate African experience and for more information and advice Craig recommends contacting safari specialists, Mahlatini[/box]
