Inspiration Itinerary

Skeleton Coast

Flying Safari, Namibia

An air safari at 'see' level

The Skeleton Coast is a desolate region in north-west Namibia of rare beauty, with jagged mountains, endless sand dunes and a coastline that is almost impossible to access by any means other than air. The breathtaking landscapes, silence, tranquility and solitude is its great appeal, but the rare desert flora and fauna inhabiting the region underlines how unique it is.

Your ‘once in a lifetime’ three night flying safari over the length of the unforgiving Skeleton Coast offers expert commentary along the way and a birds-eye view of the shipwrecks that remain along the coast, the diverse and ever-changing geological formations and the refuges of desert-dwelling animals.

Each trip is escorted by one of four brothers of the Schoeman family, who have been operating safaris in Namibia for over 20 years. They grew up in the desert and with their late father, Louw, were instrumental in formulating the Skeleton Coast’s protection as a national park. They use light aircraft flying low to maximise the breathtaking views as they hop between remote beaches and private airstrips. Your pilot also acts as your driver and expert guide. When not flying over shipwrecks, dunes, and seal colonies, on the ground you will explore in a modified Land Rover and on foot. You will spend every night in a different area, sleeping in dome tents at tiny permanent camps in Damaraland, the Hoarusib River Valley and on the lush banks of the Kunene River on Namibia’s remote border with Angola. You will have proper beds, hot bucket showers and usually dine by candlelight under the stars – invariably with excellent food, fine wine and lively conversation.

These trips are hugely informative, the Schoemans will reveal all the secrets of this wilderness, offering unparalleled insight into the area.

4 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

PLEASE NOTE

The Schoemans offer this three night itinerary as the core safari. They can extend the flying adventure by one to two nights or even add regions such as the dunes of the Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park. Please contact us to discuss the options.

DAY 1 | HUAB RIVER VALLEY

Arrive and meet at Eros Airport in Windhoek at 10h00 for departure to the Skeleton Coast via Conception Bay. The Kuiseb Canyon and adjoining red dunes are a spectacular view from the air. The flight includes an aerial view of the famous Eduard Bohlen shipwreck at Conception Bay.

After landing and refuelling at Swakopmund, continue with a low-level flight north along the Skeleton Coast past the seal colony at Cape Cross for a light picnic lunch near the beach. After lunch, cross the desert by aircraft to the Ugab formations, a nearly lifeless ‘moon landscape’ of numerous black ridges in stark contrast to the white desert floor. From here, proceed to Kuidas Camp in the Huab River Valley where you will stay for the night. Ancient rock engravings are found amongst the rocks within walking distance of the camp.

DAY 2 | HOARUSIB VALLEY

After breakfast, depart by Land Rover to explore the colourful red lava and yellow sandstone of the Huab River environs and to be introduced to the ecological aspects of this area with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. This includes the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a tree that has been dwarfed by the rigours of the encroaching desert climate. Have lunch at Kuidas camp before flying along the coast to Terrace Bay in the Skeleton Coast Park. The most prominent shipwrecks along this part of the coast are the Montrose and Henrietta.

At the coast you will access the roaring dunes by Land Rover, which always proves to be a stimulating experience. We also visit the beach with its profusion of multicoloured pebbles consisting of agate, lava, granite and quartz. Interesting to see are old bleached whale bones scattered along the beach above the high tide mark. Return to the aircraft and continue north to Leylandsdrift Camp in the Hoarusib Valley in the Kunene Region, where you will stay for the night.

DAY 3 | KUNENE RIVER

After breakfast embark on a scenic drive along the Hoarusib Valley to visit a settlement of the nomadic Himba people. You might be lucky enough to come across the desert-dwelling elephant who frequent this valley. From here, continue north along the Skeleton Coast by aircraft to the Kunene River acting as a border to Angola. The Kaiu Maru shipwreck and pieces from old sailing vessels lie scattered along this part of the coast. From the airfield take a scenic drive by Land Rover to a favourite lunch site. After lunch, continue through the mountains and dunes of the Hartmann Valley – which extends to the Kunene River – reaching Kunene River Camp in the late afternoon.

DAY 4 | END OF SAFARI

An early morning boat trip on the Kunene River as it flows through scenic desert landscape, observing bird life and possibly some crocodiles. Birds vary from aquatic species on the perennial waters, to endemic desert varieties and those that inhabit dense riverine vegetation. After lunch at camp, fly back to Eros Airport in Windhoek, arriving in the late afternoon.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

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If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

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Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

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Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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