Drive across flat salt plains in the most famous national park of Namibia, the Etosha National Park.On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides. In general, safari accommodations and vehicles are not climate-controlled and, depending on the season, temperatures can range from quite cold to extremely hot, so it is critical that travelers come prepared. Days spent on safari are often long, as mornings typically start before daybreak and evening meals are served after sundown. Climbing the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and walking over rocky terrain in search of rhinos constitute the most strenuous activities on this safari, but other more moderate walks without incline are also available, which still allow for enjoyment of the dunes. While any walking safaris are considered optional, travelers must be able to walk unassisted to and from the vehicle to our camp accommodations, sometimes walking over uneven ground or on boardwalks and you will get the most out of your safari experience if you can walk a mile or two over uneven ground and rough or steep terrain without assistance. Travelers with back or neck problems, or other health issues that could be exacerbated by such conditions, should take this into consideration. Wildlife drives pose a particular type of physical demand on the body, as they require long hours of sitting and take place over terrain that is often very rough and bumpy, including dirt roads with many ruts and potholes.
NAMIBIA AFRICA SAFARI FULL
To participate in this trip, you must be able to walk unassisted at a steady pace for at least one mile over uneven terrain, climb steps to get into and out of our raised safari vehicles, and be able to tolerate daily outdoor excursions that may last 4-5 hours or even a full day at a time, sometimes in hot, windy and/or dusty conditions.
Vehicles are updated or replaced regularly and meticulously maintained to provide our guests with an unmatched safari experience. Each custom-built vehicle sports front bull bars and runner boards, as well as a full recovery kit, including spare tires and a high lift jack. Both vehicles have a mini-fridge stocked with cold drinks and a small library with reference books and field guides. The closed 4x4 vehicles have eight cushioned seats with a spacious interior providing plenty of room for travelers and their belongings. The open vehicles have 10 cushioned passenger seats, one in front next to the driver, followed by three rows of three seats each, though we limit our capacity to just seven travelers, allowing a window seat for each guest, for maximum comfort and the best viewing opportunities.
In other regions, we will use open 4x4 Land Rovers or Land Cruisers with a unique suspension system and an open-top, open-sided, tiered seating arrangement designed to maximize wildlife viewing and provide a comfortable and safe ride over the often uneven terrain of Namibia's desert environs. During our time in the Sossusvlei region, we explore in closed 4x4 Land Cruisers or Land Rovers that provide protection from the wind (and the sand that travels with it) in this vast, sandy landscape. An essential element that makes this safari successful is our use of various specialized vehicles designed to provide unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities.