An early start with Torra Conservancy game guards looking for desert-adapted black rhino and other fascinating animals and plants. This might entail covering some of the terrain on foot. Later we head north via the village of Sesfontein (which means six springs). The route takes us through typical basalt hills, a signature feature of Damaraland. We travel north via Sesfontein and into the dry bed of the Hoanib River, a linear oasis with majestic Ana, Leadwood and Camelthorn trees marking its course.  The remainder of the day is spent exploring, searching for elephants, lions, giraffe, oryx and other wildlife which seasonally use this ephemeral river’s resources. In the late afternoon we climb out of the river bed and make our camp at the foot of high hills providing us with a fantastic view across the Hoanib Valley. 

Day 2

Our morning will be spent searching for elephants, lions, giraffe, oryx and other wildlife which seasonally use this magnificent ephemeral river’s resources.  We then head north, across magnificent landscape, towards the 3568 square kilometre Puros Conservancy. This vast area, with a population of less than 300 Himba and Herero herders, is one of the conservancies that own our company and we will be hosted here tonight. Spend the evening around the campfire in the Puros Conservancy Campsite, where elephants may stroll past your tent.  This is a good opportunity, if you are interested, to obtain insights into the real conservation problems and their local solutions.

Day 3

We take a scenic drive up the Hoarusib River, cross the flank of the Etendeka Mountains and descend into the Khumib dry riverbed.  Our route, through dramatic landscapes, passes small Himba settlements and we may see goats browsing with springbok nearby or a line of ostrich high-stepping past peacefully grazing cattle. Our destination for the next two nights is “Etambura Camp”, Namibia’s first Himba-owned camp, on a hilltop with views that will take your breath away. Relax in comfortable accommodation units, each with an en suite bathroom and private deck area.  KCS guests have exclusive use of this camp! Meet our conservancy hosts and spend an interesting evening at the fire talking to Himba game guards or conservancy staff.

Day 4

Today’s emphasis is on the interesting and intricate culture of the local Himba people. A member of the conservancy will give us an insight into the collection of resin/myrrh. In the months of December to April, Himba women harvest resin from commiphora wildii – the perfume plant or myrrh made famous by the Bible’s three wise men. Hear how IRDNC, the local support NGO, has assisted conservancies to earn a regular annual income by sustainably harvesting and marketing this valuable product to international cosmetic companies. Understand the challenges of living in an arid and harsh environment and see the fascinating adaptations that one needs to make to survive as an individual and society in such circumstances.  Overnight again at Etambura Camp.

Day 5

After a hearty breakfast, we head south, traversing vast and silent plains. We once pause briefly in Puros, before  following the course of the Gomatum River and cross the spectacular Giribis Plains with its mysterious Fairy Circles.  We overnight at Sesfontein Conservancy’s Ganamub Mountain Camp built on a hillside among granite boulders.  Immerse yourself in the sounds, scents and flavours of an African night around a crackling campfire, knowing your presence is making conservation sustainable for the people and animals who share this vast region.

Day 6

Please note that activities in the conservancies described on particular days are flexible and interchangeable as these are not “staged” but depend on the current day to day activities and events of the communities themselves.

Jan 17th, Feb 23rd, Mar 3rd + 21st, Apr 4th, May 2nd, Jun 6th + 12th, Jul 4th, Aug 8th + 14th, Sep 5th +11th, Nov 21st , Dec 5th + 11th.

RATE PER PERSON SHARING:  USD 3.400