Hartley's Swirl Icon

LATEST NEWS

  • Scaling up on Pangolin Conservation
    0 2647 Like 0 people like this
    Scaling up on Pangolin Conservation
    Scaling up on Pangolin Conservation, By Wendy Panaino, University of the Witwatersrand.

    Few people have ever heard of a pangolin, and very few have seen one in the wild. As part of my MSc degree, I have been extremely fortunate to be able to track and observe ground pangolins (Smutsia temminckii) for the past year in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, situated in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.

    Little is known about how pangolins might cope with the direct (heat) and indirect (prey availability) effects of a changing climate, so I am currently investigating the body temperature, diet and activity patterns of free-living ground pangolins in a semi-arid environment. Tswalu lies on the south-western edge of the species’ distribution range, a part of Africa that is predicted to become hotter and drier with climate change.

    During my time following pangolins at Tswalu, I have had the enormous pleasure of witnessing many interesting behaviours exhibited by these extraordinary creatures. In September 2015, two female pangolins gave birth to a single pup each.

    Since then, I have been able to observe the growth and development of the pangolin pups through the use of camera traps placed outside the burrow. On one occasion, a female pangolin brought her pup out of the burrow while I was conducting behavioural observations. This was one of the most magical experiences I have ever had. With pup on her back, the female pangolin came to investigate my presence, sticking her long, sticky tongue out to get a real sense of the foreign creature that was me.

    After a few months, that pup left its mother to go on its own solo adventure to investigate the world.
    My experiences throughout this study have been nothing short of phenomenal, and I hope that the results that come from it can ultimately contribute to the conservation efforts of ground pangolins.
  • Tswalu Conservation
    0 2870 Like 0 people like this
    Tswalu Conservation
    The Tswalu Foundation was founded by Jonathan Oppenheimer in 2008 with a single purpose; for visitors to involve themselves in Tswalu Kalahari’s ambitious research programme. Through the Foundation, benefactors may contribute to existing projects or even suggest and fund new research on a subject of their choice.

    The Tswalu Foundation’s research programmes create a precious understanding of the Kalahari’s unique and under-examined flora and fauna. New knowledge is fundamental for the management and conservation of this unique part of Africa, as well as the development of a greater public appreciation for the elemental beauty of the Kalahari and the life it supports.

    And such knowledge is shared here at Tswalu, just as it is being uncovered. Over the years we have learned that the success of a project is usually determined by how interactive it is; so researchers are encouraged to share their progress with our many guests who often then contribute to further work.

    Researchers are invited to provide research material for each project to be displayed at the Motse. Our own conservationists and guides are fully inducted into the objectives of each study.

    Tswalu Kalahari is driven by conservation and their ambition to “restore the Kalahari to itself”. Each guest contributes directly to the future of the reserve in a true model of eco-tourism.
  • Born Free
    0 2944 Like 0 people like this
    Born Free
    George and Joy Adamson pioneered the practice of releasing animals born or raised in captivity back into the wild in the late 1950s and early 1960 which resulted in Kenya's first wildlife reserves being funded in part by the profits from their initial book "Born Free." Further books and subsequent films brought conservation issues to the world's attention and for this, we are eternally grateful to these spirited pioneers of animal conservation.

    The Born Free Foundation is not only a symbol for lion conservation but for the protection of endangered species the world over. Emergency teams rescue vulnerable animals from their miserable and terrifying lives confined to tiny cages, suffering the cruelty of circuses and the appalling conditions of zoos. With the funds from Born Free, elephants, big cats, apes, dolphins, polar bears and many more species are moved to safety, living in spacious, open cages, whilst conservation efforts take place within the wild populations to ensure the future of these magnificent species.
  • Best of Uganda - 11 Days | 10 Nights
    0 2776 Like 0 people like this
    Best of Uganda - 11 Days | 10 Nights
    ENTEBBE | BWINDI | QUEEN ELIZABETH | KIBALE | SEMLIKI | KIDEPO

    Uganda is a land of contrasts. In half a day you can drive from mist-shrouded volcanic mountains to hot hazy savannah, dappled with wildlife. Serene undulating hills of tea plantations, lush but ordered, give way to tangled jungle and rainforest with the musical accompaniment of chaotic, cacophonous birdlife. Uganda is alive with these contrasts:

    The tiniest sunbirds, iridescent in the morning light, the massive lumbering yet silent elephant, disappearing like a vapour behind the trees, the chimpanzees crashing about the forest canopy, the lugubrious gorilla, chewing thoughtfully in the bamboo thicket. There’s the Nile, twisting its way north like a shimmering ribbon, through arid semi-desert and scattered about with rocky kopjes.

    The Snow-capped peaks; the tropical, freshwater beaches and smiling faces everywhere, it’s all here, a feast for all the senses.

    Let us show you the Uganda we know and love, this is Africa the way it should be!

    Day 1: Guests arrive at Entebbe Airport to be met by your driver and guide for your transfer to Entebbe – the overnight accommodation is at the Boma Guest House.

    Day 2: The early morning pick up at from your Hotel will transfer you to Entebbe Airport for a scheduled flight to Kisoro. From Kisoro you will have 2 hour road transfer to Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Southern Bwindi National Park. During the afternoon a high tea and visit to the Community in Nkuringo village is planned. Overnight at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

    Day 3: Today is a full day Gorilla tracking in Nkuringo area and overnight once more at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

    Day 4: After breakfast hike from Clouds through the Forest to Buhoma. Pick up by guide and transfer through to lunch at the Ishasha Wilderness Camp, followed by a journey to the northern sector of the park. An evening game drive and dinner with overnight accommodation at Mweya Safari Lodge in a Deluxe Safari Tent.

    Day 5: Early morning predator walk with Dr Ludwig in search of lions, then lunch at the lodge followed by an afternoon boat trip on Kazinga channel. Accommodation once again at the Mweya Safari Lodge.

    Day 6: Today’s scenic routes to Kasese are an hour by road with a stop at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains. Guests then hike at the foothills with lunch served at the Equator Snow Lodge followed by the drive towards Kibale National park for afternoon Chimpanzee tracking. The accommodation overnights is at the Kyaninga Lodge in Fort Portal.

    Day 7: After breakfast depart towards Semliki Wildlife Reserve, for the afternoon primate/birding walk activity at Semliki followed by sundowners. Accommodation for the following three nights is at Semliki Safari Lodge.

    Day 8: The morning boat ride on Lake Albert will be in search of the Shoebill, returning to the lodge for lunch and evening game drive with a sundowner.

    Day 9: Today you are transferred to the airstrip for scheduled flight to Entebbe to connect to Kidepo. On arrival there will be a pick up from Kidepo airstrip by the Lodge vehicle with transfer to Apoka. Guests will enjoy an afternoon game activity followed by two nights at Apoka Safari Lodge.

    Day 10: The daily at the lodges offers game activities in the morning and afternoon with a visit to the Lorukul village.

    Day 11: This morning after a relaxing breakfast and morning at leisure, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe Airport for your international flight out.

    When to travel:
    The best game viewing months in Uganda are during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet and one can't avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine.

    Priced from:
    USD 10 866 per person sharing in a twin/double room, land quotation

    Please contact us for the full itinerary, inclusive costs and terms & conditions.

  • South African Bush and Beach Fly In Safari - 8 days | 7 nights
    0 2823 Like 0 people like this
    South African Bush and Beach Fly In Safari - 8 days | 7 nights
    South Africa is often described as a ‘World in One Country’! It’s a large land of spectacular beauty which has something for everyone from gourmets to wildlife enthusiasts, beach-lovers to adventure seekers, and anyone looking for authentic African cultural experiences. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in the world and offers excellent viewing of all of the “Big 5” as well as more than 140 other species of mammal and more than 500 species of birds.

    Rhino Post Safari Lodge is situated in a 12000-hectare private concession in the Kruger National Park and lies approximately 10km northeast of Skukuza Rest Camp. The concession shares a 15km boundary with Mala Mala in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, with game moving freely between the two reserves and comprises of environmentally sensitive areas previously unexplored, with huge diversity of both fauna and flora. This beautiful concession offers 3 different types of accommodation at Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Plains Camp and Sleep Outs - all totally different and unique experiences.

    The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the only place in the world where visitors can see the” Big 5” and watch dolphins and whales all within the same Park and on the same day. The Park, which is a World Heritage Site, protects three freshwater lake systems as well as eight ecosystems. The park covers some 3,320 km2 (1,281 mi2) and also protects a range of high, vegetation covered sand dunes which run along the coast.

    The dunes are estimated to be about 25,000 years old and are amongst the highest in the world. The coral reefs along the shoreline of the Park are very popular amongst divers. Whale sharks are also often seen in these waters. Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the secluded Mabibi Bay, with direct access onto the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast. Mabibi is a magical place of tranquil swimming bays and snorkelling reefs, coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. The clear, warm waters offer superb snorkelling and fantastic offshore SCUBA diving.

    Gorilla

    2 nights Rhino Post Safari Lodge and 2 nights Plains Camp

    The safaris begin with your departure from OR Tambo International, Johannesburg to Skukuza in the Kruger National Park for 2 nights at Rhino Post Safari Lodge.

    Rhino Post Safari Lodge is built on the banks of the dry Mutlumuvi riverbed using natural materials of stone, wood, thatch and canvas. Stilts raise the 8 spaciously appointed suites along the riverbank, allowing views of the riverbed from your bedroom, bathroom and private deck.

    Game-drive safaris at Rhino Post Safari Lodge are conducted in specially adapted open 4x4 Land Cruisers, with professional guides. In addition to our private wilderness concession, they make use of the Kruger public roads and also have exclusive use of some of the Kruger Park public roads at night. Rhino Walking Safaris are allowed to utilise certain public roads for night / evening drives well after gate closing times.

    For the third and fourth night, guests are transferred to Plains Camp is situated in the heart of the wilderness concession overlooking the spectacular Timbitene Plain and waterhole. Built in authentic pioneer tradition, it has the serenity of a 19th century naturalists rest, nestled in an Acacia Knob thorn thicket. The Camp has 4 comfortably furnished African explorer style tents, en suite with hot running water and the African Wilderness right on your doorstep. The concession is an environmentally sensitive area previously unexplored, with a huge diversity of both fauna and flora – an ideal setting for wilderness walking safaris in an internationally renowned Big 5 area.

    Gorilla

    3 nights Thonga Beach Lodge

    The safari winds down as you fly out on the fifth day from Skukuza on a charter flight to Mazengwenya Airstrip in northern Kwa Zulu Natal. This is a beautiful scenic flight over Kruger, Swaziland and northern Zululand on to Thonga Beach Lodge, situated along the coastline.

    Thonga’s 12 en-suite rooms have been carefully constructed in the coastal dune forest to ensure minimum impact on the environment and maximum guest privacy. The lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on the deck in the shade of the forest and sundowners can be enjoyed in the bar lounge or the cool deck under the Coastal Milkwood trees.

    Activities at Thonga Beach Lodge include CUBA diving, Open Ocean experiences, kayaking and sundowners at Lake Sibaya, guided snorkelling, seasonal turtle drives/walks (Nov to Feb), Tsonga Cultural tours and forest walks. Whether a walker or a diver, there are a wealth of activities to explore this beautiful hideaway, or maybe simply relax with a Spa treatment or on the beach deck.

    On the eighth day, completely sun drenched and relaxed, guests are transferred back to Richards Bay Airport for the return flight back to OR Tambo International in Johannesburg.

    Gorilla

    Priced from:
    R 44 179.00 per person sharing and includes flights and transfers.

    Includes:
    Rhino Post Safari Lodge 2 nights’ accommodation; brunch, high tea and dinner, teas and coffees, morning and afternoon/night game drives
    Plains Camp: 2 nights’ accommodation – with optional 1 night Sleep Out, brunch, high tea and dinner, teas and coffees, morning walks and afternoon walk/drive combination, soft drinks, house wine and local beers.

    Thonga Beach Lodge:
    3 nights’ Forest View room (upgradable to Ocean View or Deluxe Ocean View), meals, teas and coffees, use of snorkelling equipment, guided walks, cultural tours, kayaking and sundowners on Lake Sibaya and nightly turtle walks (Nov to Feb). 4x4 transfer from airstrip to lodge; regional flights and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.

    Please contact us for the full itinerary, inclusive costs and terms & conditions.

  • The Elephants and Bees Project in Tanzania
    0 2644 Like 0 people like this
    The Elephants and Bees Project in Tanzania
    Currently in the news is that that certain bee species were placed under the protection of the Endangered Species Act recently, which highlights how important the article below is in terms of positive conservation.

    People living near the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania are enlisting the help of bees to reduce escalating tensions between them and elephants that trample their crops. As a result, a fence made of beehives is being built around a 500m2 smallholdings close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as part of the pilot project to see if the buzzing of bees will deter the elephants.

    The bee fence concept has been deployed in Kenya and Botswana.

    As natural habitat is converted into farmland, elephants go there either to eat the crops or simply because their traditional migratory routes passed through the area. People who attempt to drive them out with firecrackers or gunshots can provoke an aggressive reaction from startled elephants, leading to deaths on both sides.

    Conservationists have searched for nonviolent remedies to such human- animal conflicts, which also exist in India and Sri Lanka, such as planting chilies near crops or using drones to scare elephants away.

    But the bee fence could be the most promising idea of all, with a coalition of groups looking to roll out the concept in the tourist haven of northern Tanzania, which includes Serengeti’s 1.5-million-strong wildebeest annual migration and the Ngorongoro Crater which teems with wildlife, including the big five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes.

    A farm near these neighbouring World Heritage sites will be surrounded by a wire strung between tall wooden polls. Beehives will be hung on the wires and the bees will be alerted to the presence of elephants when the wires are disturbed.

    The idea was conceived by zoologist Lucy King, who grew up in East Africa and the pilot study is being funded by a $6 000 grant from the Ian Somerhalder Foundation.

    Hayley Adams, a United States veterinarian working on the project, said: “Once the bees vocalise, the elephants will be alerted and run away.

    “Elephants are highly cognitive, so if they have been stung before, you’ll see an extreme reaction to the sound of bees. It’s a cliché but elephants have good memories. Some of the younger elephants don’t realise and get stung on their ears, which are very sensitive, so they remember not to go near there again.”

    Adams said the year-long trial, if successful, could be expanded across the region and prove beneficial to people living in these areas by not only reducing altercations with elephants but also supplying them with honey for consumption or sale.

    “This is far better than firing in the air or using sticks to hit elephants, which just makes them aggressive,” she said. “We need a holistic approach that benefits both people and elephants.”

    Adams’s non-profit group, the Silent Heroes, which supports wildlife conservation in 13 countries, will also be involved in the launch of Tanzania’s first elephant orphanage. The Ivory Orphans Project, which is set to open this month, is located near Arusha and will be able to care for up to 40 young elephants whose kin were slaughtered by the worsening poaching crisis in Africa.

    About 30 000 African elephants are killed each year by poachers for their ivory. In Tanzania, elephants are being lost at a rate of about 60 a day, although the government insists it is now on top of the problem.

    “There are a lot of gaps in the system in looking after orphaned elephants,” Adams said. “I have seen a lot of orphans suffer a lot of behavioural issues; there are a lot of parallels with veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder. “We need to step up the care, not just medically but socially and emotionally.”

    Written by Oliver Milman of the Guardian News & Media 2016

    http://elephantsandbees.com/

  • The Ju hoansi Bushmen Experience
    0 2853 Like 0 people like this
    The Ju hoansi Bushmen Experience

    The "Bushmen", politically correct called the "San are certainly one of the oldest indigenous populations on our planet. They have been around for more than 20,000 years, with a history of living in small family bands. They never cared about riches or personal possessions; everything was shared among their people. Day-to-day existence was secured through hunting and gathering, although this was never easy in the desert and semi-desert environment of the wider Kalahari.


    Obviously, things have changed with the advent of the modern world and the doubtful benefits of "civilization". Today, most San live scattered over many Southern African countries, far away from their original traditional hunting grounds. Some of them are city "squatters", some farm labourers, and some have been resettled by their respective Governments to specific ghettos. Their passivity and lethargy appears to be very different from their traditional lifestyle, and many of them have been forgotten by greater society. One tribe in particular is unique among the displaced San populations, since they still continue to occupy their ancestral land in the remote area of Nyae Nyae: the "Ju hoansi". These Bushmen of the Western Kalahari are a people that are only slightly touched by the onslaught of Western civilization and there are only 1,400 Ju hoansi left, living in about 36 villages which comprise their traditional living area.


    The current grandparent generation is THE VERY LAST of the great line of knowledge gathering and information passing. For various reasons there exists a knowledge gap between the grandparent and parent generations, and the parent and child generations, so wide, that the knowledge will almost certainly be lost forever; it is not a science, it is an art.


    The immense library of information that these elders carry with them defies belief. Their tracking skills, so honed after decades of experience, are second to none. The hunting skills of the men and the foraging skills of the women in the harsh environment of the Kalahari ensure their survival. Their complicated language is characterized by the typical clicking sounds which can be found in all San languages, some of which are similar to the "plop" of a wine bottle just having been uncorked.


    An expedition to visit and spend time with these amazing people is an unmissable chance to catch the last of thousands of years of soon-to-disappear history. Just imagine, after your day spent with the Ju hoansi Bushmen, you’ve showered, eaten and rested a bit, then it starts…, just off in the distance…, but close enough to hear… As you walk over to their camp, the stars are out, the fire glows an eerie orange, the women are clapping and chanting, the men are dancing, the babies are silent, almost asleep, and you’re day’s journey from the nearest signs of formal civilization.


    Soon enough, one of the men falls into a trance. The women control his movement through their perfect beat and beautiful voice, and he controls his level of trance through his breathing. Never has something felt so alien, and never have you felt so involved in anything so ancient and sacred. Experience this wonderful group of ancient people in their environment, which is harsh only to our untrained eyes.


    The only way to visit the Ju hoansi Bushmen is by mobile safari. There is an airstrip into which you will fly, to be met by a vehicle which will take you to camp, from where you will start to explore the area and, most importantly, get to meet these remarkable people.


    Route: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe Waterfront, Xai Xai anthropological safari


    Rate: From $700.00 per person per night sharing


    Includes: Rates are fully inclusive of all meals, laundry, game-viewing activities by open-sided game-viewing vehicle, beverages (excluding premium and imported drinks), return transfer by road between Maun or Kasane (Chobe waterfront) airport or local airstrip and mobile camp, park entry fees, camping fees, services of a professional guide(s), SATIB 24 Crisis Call.


    Excludes: International and regional flights, premium imports, travel insurance, visas, items of a personal nature and gratuities.


    When to travel: It is recommended to visit the Kalahari during the summer rainy season (November – April), as the game viewing is generally most spectacular then, whilst the Moremi, and Chobe are best visited during the dry season (May-October).


    Please click here to contact one of our consultants to assist you with a comprehensive itinerary

  • What is a mobile safari?
    0 2782 Like 0 people like this
    What is a mobile safari?
    Mobile safaris are used to access National Parks, Game Reserves and Wildlife Concessions. They are the best way to discover many of the various animals, habitats, terrains and wilderness areas on offer. A mobile safari is a go-anywhere, see-anything, experience-all way to travel. Giving the mobility of an entire fully-equipped camp on wheels, this intimate method is an excellent way for a private group to be in an exclusive camp, with furnished tents, en-suite bathrooms, a private chef, camp staff and vehicles for your sole use and of course, your own private guide.

    At breakfast around the fire, the sounds of the previous night and the tracks of the various animals that may have passed through the camp can be used as clues in planning the day’s exploration of the surrounding bush; and by night the day’s sightings can be recollected with a drink by the fire under the starry African sky.

    Lunch in the mess tent (typically buffet-style) and dinner under the stars (typically three courses) are both served by experienced and friendly camp staff. A fully-stocked bar is on offer and there are always cold drinks, tea, coffee and drinking water available throughout the day. Now isn’t that a unique way to see the African bush!
  • THE GREATEST SHOAL ON EARTH!
    0 2939 Like 0 people like this
    THE GREATEST SHOAL ON EARTH!
    The Sardine Run Expedition is a unique wildlife encounter, following the annual Sardine migration along South Africa’s beautifully rugged coastline.

    Typically, the annual migration of the Sardines from their beginnings in the Southern Cape to being sighted off shore on South Africa’s Wild Coast starts in June each year. As the shoals of Sardines move north wards up the coast the size of the Sardines shoals tend to grow, ultimately forming the ‘greatest shoal on earth’ . This amazing journey attracts a multitude of predators that track and follow the Sardines migration, exploiting this localized and abundant food source. It is hard to describe the excitement of the Dolphins, numerous bird species, Whales, Cape Fur Seals and Sharks as they ‘hunt’ the Sardines. You can actually hear the excited squeals of the thousands of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins as they travel in large breaching waves to pursue their prey, long before you see them. Attracted by the Sardines, game fish such as Shad and Garrick pursue the Sardine Shoals and provide another food source for the Dolphins. Contributing to the noise and surface action are the birds, Cape Gannets, Albatross (yellow nose and black browed), Terns and Petrels, diving into the shoals of Sardines from a great height.

    Humpback Southern Right and Brydes Whales can also be seen in pursuit of this moving feast.
    Below the surface the action continues with the Sharks feasting on the Sardines and other marine life. The Cape Fur seals actually sleep with one eye open, ready to react should they see a large shark in their vicinity.

    The Dolphins and Sharks look for opportunities to herd the Sardines into balls, this is the Sardines natural reaction to feeling threatened as they perceive there to be safety in numbers.
    These ‘bait balls’ vary in size and frequency, with the action on some of the larger ones lasting hours.
    After several weeks of migrating northwards, the sardines swim out to sea and are carried along the inner edge of the Agulhas current back to the southern Cape to spawn. It must be mentioned at this point that the Sardine Run is a natural phenomenon; therefore the exact timing cannot be predicted. Typically the best times to see the ‘run’ is June to July.

    Dates: May to July 2017
    Cost: From ZAR 4 600, 00 per diver per day sharing and ZAR 5 000.00 single, per day.
    Included: 6/7/10 night’s en-suite accommodation; Dinner, Breakfast and packed Lunch; 5 to 9 days Sardine Run; weather permitting; cylinder weights and Marine permit; experienced skippers and dive master
    Excluded: International flights into Johannesburg South Africa and internal flights/transfers on to departure point; bar, items of a personal nature, gratuities; Insurances; any required SA visas.

    Example of Itinerary for 5 day / 6 night’s expedition


    Day 1

    Arrive at either King Shaka International Airport – Durban with a 6.5 hour road transfer to Bulls Inn, Mpame, or

    East London Airport with a 5 hour road transfer to Bulls Inn, Mpame, or

    Umtata Airport a 1.5 hour road transfer to Bulls Inn, Mpame, (own arrangements)

    Overnight stay at Bulls Inn, Mpame, on a full board basis


    Day 2 to 6

    After a light breakfast we launch the boat and spend the day at sea looking for the sardine run “action”, weather permitting. Typically we will be at sea from around 8am till 3pm daily depending on the sea conditions and the activity seen. With a surf launch, long boat rides and the amount of time spent at sea we suggest that the clients ensure their fitness to participate ( an average level of fitness is sufficient). Packed lunches and hot and cold drinks will be served on board.

    When the sardines are spotted, depending on whether they are fast moving or not, we will decide to either snorkel or scuba dive.


    A full dinner will be served in the evenings with the menu changing daily.

    Overnight at Bulls Inn, Mpame on a full board basis.


    Day 7

    After breakfast you will transfer back to Umtata Airport, or East London Airport or King Shaka International Airport Durban to continue your South African adventure.


    It seems crazy to come all this way to Africa and not to do a wildlife safari at any one of our top Game lodges located throughout the country, so please click here to contact one of our consultants to assist you with a comprehensive itinerary

  • Unrivalled Vistas and Landscapes
    0 2659 Like 0 people like this
    Unrivalled Vistas and Landscapes
    Namibia has become a favourite amongst both fly in and self-drive travellers to Southern Africa, leaving one with everlasting impression of this unique country, with her abundant wildlife, rich bio diversity and photographic opportunities around every corner. For the adventurer at heart, Namibia is a kaleidoscope of experiences in one country.

    Namibia takes her name from the 80 million year old Namib Desert, one of the driest places on earth which stretches along the entire west coast of the country, covering the 800 mile Skeleton Coast. The Kalahari Desert, although named a desert is really semi-arid savannah, runs along its south-eastern border with Botswana. Windhoek is the capital city and is well connected to the rest of Southern Africa by means of daily flights and an excellent road network.

    Why travel to Namibia?


    • Unrivalled vistas and landscapes – Namibia offers some of the most varied landscapes for visitors to enjoy – Fish River Canyon, Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei are amongst some of the most popular.

    • Ship Wrecks - the Skeleton Coasts is the last resting place of over a thousand wrecks all with interesting stories behind them.

    • Wildlife – Etosha is Namibia top wild life destination, home to Africa’s tallest elephants, the endangered black rhino, and 91 other species of mammal. Etosha National Park is one of the biggest game reserves on the African continent and does not disappoint when it comes to wildlife viewing. Etosha is famous for its “white ghosts” – Elephants with a thick coating of white dust that lets them blend in with the landscape, a sight to behold!

    • Sunny Climate – with winter temperatures reaching up to 23 degrees, and hot summer months of 40 degrees, Namibia makes for a great all year destination. Keep in mind that in winter the desert can cool down dramatically at night.

    • Photographic Paradise – from the budding amateur to the serious professional, Namibia’s dramatic landscapes and spectacular wildlife will keep photographers occupied for hours on end. Etosha is especially popular with photographers in the dry season who flock to the waterholes (along with the wildlife).


    When to go:
    Namibia has a dry climate typical of a semi desert country where droughts are a regular occurrence. Days are mostly warm to very hot and nights are generally cool. Sporadic rain falls in summer from November to March, and travelling at this time can be extremely hot!
SATSA No. 207
 

Hartley’s Safaris is registered with Southern Africa Tourism Association Registration number 207.

Legal

Hartley’s Safaris
South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Reg no: 2001/006019/07
United Kingdom
Copyright © 2016 Hartley's Safaris SA

Okavango Explorations (UK) Ltd
T/A Hartleys Safaris
Registered in England No. 2348880
Copyright © 2016 Hartley's Safaris UK

SATSA No. 207

The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Our ATOL number is ATOL 3958. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website.

Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected.

Copyright 2024 by Hartley's Safaris | Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement | Powered by: WoW Interactive Login
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LISTS