Skeleton Coast Safaris
SKELETON COAST SAFARIS, operated by the Schoeman family of Namibia since 1977, specializes in taking its clients to the Skeleton Coast, Namib Naukluft Park, western Namaraland and western Kaokoland; undeveloped and remote wilderness areas of Namibia.
A major feature of the safaris is the flight, which provides an outstanding bird's eye view of shipwrecks scattered along the coast, diverse and ever-changing geological formations and the refuges of the desert dwelling animals such as the endangered black rhino and desert adapted elephant.
Guests are taken on excursions by Land Rover to introduce them to the scenic and ecological aspects of the environment with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. Highlights are the desolate coast with its roaring dunes, the Ugab rock formations made up of numerous black ridges in stark contrast to the white desert surface, the colourful red lava and yellow sand-stones of the Huab environs, ancient Bushman rock engravings, the living "fossil" tree, Welwitschia mirabilis, a visit to a settlement of the nomadic Himba people, who still live and dress according to ancient customs and traditions, and the panoramic vistas of the Hartmann Valley which extends to the Kunene River on the Angolan border.
Accommodation is in three fully equipped camps, which supply all basic needs. The first of these is in the lower reaches of the Huab River in Damaraland, the second under camelthorn trees in the Hoarusib Valley in Kaokoland and the third on the perennial Kunene River.
The SKELETON COAST, which starts south of the Orange River, includes the whole Namibian coastline and continues across the Kunene River some 200km into Angola. It is part of the Namib Dessert, various sections of which have conservancy status, namely the NAMIB NAUKLUFT PARK in the south, the SKELETON COAST PARK in the north (between the Ugab and the Kunene Rivers) and the IONA PARK in Angola. The coastline and adjoining Namib Desert form a sparsely populated area with landscape, animal and plant diversity, which varies from region to region.
The region north of Swakopmund to Angola consists of rocky desert strips of dune belts, primarily between Torra Bay and the Huarusib River and also at the Kunene River. Adjoining the northern section of the Skeleton Coast Park is KAOKOLAND, a rugged region inhabited by the Himba people, who still live and dress according to ancient customs and traditions. Adjoining the southern section of the park is DAMARALAND, inhabited by the Damara people, who have to a large extent adopted western customs and lifestyles. Both Kaokoland and Damaraland are renowned for their diversity of the desert landscape and interesting fauna and flora, such as the desert adapted elephant, endangered black rhino and the strange "fossil" tree, Welwitschia mirabilis.
The region south of Swakopmund to Lüderitz consists of sandy desert dunes where dunes start directly on the beach and extent some 70km into the interior. The desert region is conserved as the Namib Naukluft Park, with the highest dunes to be found at Sossusvlei. The true nature of the Skeleton Coast is borne out by the high proportion of exiting and relatively intact shipwrecks to be found along the southern coastline.Rocky outcrops at places such as Spencer Bay present a magnificent contrast against the dunes. Seals, birds, jackal and brown hyena are the only inhabitants.
The Diamond Area south of Lüderitz is once again rocky coast and desert with access to features such as the Bogenfels Rock Arch, the Atlas Bay fur seal colony and old diamond diggings and ghost towns representing former endeavours of German settlers.
Our introduction to the Namib Desert and coastline by aircraft is one of the highlights of the safari. The flight from Windhoek across the Khomas highlands into the desert dune terrain south of the Kuiseb River proceeds to Conception Bay, where part of the southern section of the Skeleton Coast with its shipwrecks, encroaching dunes and marine life, are presented.
Due to the fact that early morning fog on the coast is nearly always present, departures by aircraft from Windhoek are arranged to arrive at the coast an hour before midday.
Although several game species occur in these regions, it must be borne in mind that the PRIME PURPOSE OF THESE SAFARIS IS NOT TO VIEW GAME, BUT TO EXPERIENCE THE FREEDOM, BEAUTY AND STRANGE SOLITUDE OF THE AREA. Seeing game should therefore be considered a bonus.
An air charter company provides all aircraft and experienced commercial pilots. Radio transmitters ensure that communication with the camps or Windhoek is always possible and is maintained for the duration of the safari. An airborne medical unit called AEROMED, stationed in Windhoek is available for medical emergencies. Malaria seldom, if ever occurs in the desert regions. Nevertheless, it is recommended that visitors take the necessary precautions.
The safaris are conducted in an exceptionally beautiful and interesting environment, but the terrain is generally wild, undeveloped and sometimes even rough. It is far from civilization and there is no infrastructure and only few roads. Because of our longstanding knowledge and experience of the terrain, the weather and other conditions in these areas, and because the safety of our guests and their maximum enjoyment are priorities, AT ALL TIMES, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE WITHIN REASON A PROGRAMME AND/OR ITS SEQUENCE SO TO ADAPT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MAY ARISE.
SAFARI DEPARTURES, PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF
The cold Benguela Current along the Namibian coast ensures prevailing moderate weather at the coast and adjacent desert, which enables safaris to be undertaken all year round on any day of the week. Transport to and from Eros Airport can be arranged on request.
Before departure, a group consisting of at least four and not more than ten participants, must be assembled. Groups larger than 10 people will be divided into separate safaris. If possible, these safaris will then run concurrently, using separate camps.
A self-assembled group may reserve a departure date at will. The safari will be confirmed by our organization if we have the resources available to conduct a safari on that particular date.
Those individuals or couples unable to form their own groups, who want a specific departure date, may reserve a safari. We will then attempt to assemble a group for this safari. All persons concerned, will be notified as soon as the safari becomes viable.
It is possible that individuals or couples may be accommodated on a safari up to the day before departure. Therefore, even at short notice, please contact our organization to obtain the present state of departure dates.
As outlined in the general information section, it is more advantageous for participants on the safari to start from Windhoek. The pick-up of passengers in the southern Namib Desert at places such as Namib Naukluft Lodge, NamibRand and Sossusvlei is possible without detracting significantly from the safari. The pick-up of passengers from Swakopmund without the introductory part of the safari is likewise possible. The pick-up of passengers in the northern part of Namibia from places such as the Etosha National Park, however, will detract considerably from the safari and is therefore not an option.
The drop-off of passengers after a Skeleton Coast Safari to places in northern Namibia such as the Etosha National Park or even Swakopmund can be arranged at special request. Drop-off at places in the southern parts of Namibia is not possible, due to a lack of daylight flying hours.
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