A World-Exclusive Wildlife Adventure
Namibia: Desert Lion Conservation Safari
Overview
Namibia is one of the most hauntingly beautiful safari destinations on earth, brimming with jaw-dropping landscapes and exotic species found nowhere else—including desert-adapted lions. On this one-of-a-kind safari, limited to just six participants, we’ll see the work of, and if conditions allow, meet up with the legendary Dr. Flip Stander, the world’s leading authority on desert lion, as we track these elusive creatures in the remote wilds of Kaokoland in Namibia’s northwest. Our journey also brings us to AfriCat, where we’ll track leopard on a special behind-the-scenes visit with the vets, and to dramatic Damaraland, where we track desert-adapted rhino and meet the field staff of the Save the Rhino Trust. A portion of your trip fee goes directly to the Desert Lion Project.
Arrive: Windhoek, Namibia
Depart: Windhoek, Namibia
Highlights
- Experience a world-exclusive safari with our expert safari guide Jason Nott and meet with Dr. Flip Stander, the world's authority on desert lion
- Search for desert lion in the remote Kaokoveld region
- Go behind the scenes with the vets at AfriCat for close encounters with leopard
- Track desert-adapted rhino in the dramatic landscape of Damaraland
- Meet with field staff of Save the Rhino Trust
- Walk among prehistoric rock engravings at Twyfelfontein
- Enjoy a very small group size—just six participants!
Itinerary
We head to Okonjima Bush Camp and AfriCat, the famed big-cat rehabilitation center. Here we track leopard, look for rare animals including aardvark and brown hyena, and go behind the scenes with the vet team, possibly even witnessing a full health check on one of the reserve’s animals—an up-close way to see these amazing creatures.
We’ll be on the lookout for desert-adapted elephant as we travel to remote Damaraland, a pristine setting of stark plains and massive granite kopjes. Here we experience true wilderness tracking of desert-adapted rhino by vehicle and on foot. The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) team protects the last free-roaming black rhinos in the world (WT contributes to their work) and we get an insider’s look with SRT researchers at their base camp.
Kaokoland is bound by the Namib Desert, the flowing Kunene River, and the wild Skeleton Coast. Dr. Flip Stander, Namibia’s celebrated lion whisperer, has tracked big cats here for decades. We learn about his work as we track and search for lions from our mobile expedition camp. Your participation in this unique safari contributes directly to the Desert Lion Project.
Explore the prehistoric rock art of Twyfelfontein, depart on Day 13, or join our Sossusvlei Dunes extension.
These are our planned activities for the trip. Please note that we will make every effort to do all of these activities, however as the trip involves wildlife in an extreme environment, conditions at the time of departure may make it necessary to alter the order of the itinerary or some activities. We will work with out partners to ensure that you have the fullest experience possible.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system, and includes gameviewing by 4WD vehicle, nature walks, and long driving days. Any African safari is an adventure, and the traveler to Africa should bring along flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.
Review Trip Level Details
Although this is not a particularly rigorous trip, we still recommend you undertake a preparatory program of physical conditioning. Daily walking or regular hiking, jogging, and stair-climbing are excellent preparatory exercises.
Our accommodation is in hotels (2 nights), superb permanent safari chalets and camps (7 nights), and in our mobile tented camp (3 nights). Our safari accommodations include African-style chalets at Okonjima, partially open-air suites at Onduli Ridge, and fully furnished walk-in tents on permanent decks at Camp Doros. Each of these permanent safari camps offers en suite bathrooms. Our mobile tented camp offers incredible access to the desert lion habitat of Kunene, and here we'll stay in more basic domed tents that are comfortably outfitted with cots, linens, a shade canopy, chairs, and en suite toilet facilities. Wonderful al fresco meals are prepared by our camp crew and served at our dining table with comfortable canvas-backed chairs.
While on safari most breakfasts and evening meals will be taken at our camps and lodges. Lunches while traveling between destinations will be served picnic style at a scenic location en route, or at a café or restaurant should there not be a suitable picnic site. Bottled water, soft drinks, juice, house wine, and beer at meals are included throughout the trip. All vehicles are equipped with a fridge or cold box stocked with bottled water for your convenience. Tea and coffee are offered by most accommodation establishments free of charge with meals and at afternoon tea time.
It is important to note that an integral part of any Namibia safari is driving, and it's part of the adventure. We will be in the company of the Trip Leader, who will make the road journeys very interesting and point out many highlights and hidden treasures en route. While the driving times may appear long, please note there is a lot to see and the scenery is dramatic and beautiful. Our vehicles are air conditioned and very comfortable and the Trip Leader brings along supplies for the stops, such as tea, picnic lunches, etc.
Client Testimonials
"Jason conveyed intense interest in protection and behavior of wildlife. He increased the value of this trip to make it one of searching for wildlife, and wildlife conservation, caring, and management, not just a safari to see wildlife and check off species on a list."
Bill K.
Portland, OR
"This trip was beyond excellent—extraordinary with close interaction with some of the animals and wonderful hospitality."
Charlotte F.
Redwood City, CA
"This was truly an incredible adventure; Namibia should be high on anyone’s destination list for a safari. Such an honor and privilege to spend time with conservationists and wildlife veterinarians."
Gayle L.
Round Rock, TX
"This was a wonderful, exotic trip to an immensely beautiful country with varied landscapes. Jason, the main leader, had a depth of knowledge over a range of subjects that was utterly astounding. He also has a good sense of how to manage itineraries and people. John and I commend him to Wilderness Travel in every possible way."
Ginny W.
Healdsburg, CA
"No one but Jason Nott could do justice to this trip. His intimate knowledge of the country and experience with the wildlife and conservationists—especially his relationship with Flip Stander—were extraordinary."
Glynda and Don R.
Atlanta, GA
"Jason is more than an outstanding guide. He is able to handle everything and anything, and is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of conservation, as well as all the animals, birds, trees, plants, grasses, etc., that one sees on this trip. Jason knows a great deal about Namibia in general and one can learn a great deal from him. He is exceptionally pleasant and friendly and takes the time to know each of his guests. He is a top guide in every respect and we who've just taken this amazing trip will miss him."
Jane C.
Bethesda, MD
"Jason is a wealth of knowledge and has a nice way of imparting that knowledge to us. He does an excellent job of guiding and seeing that everyone is taken care of."
Jean R.
Honolulu, HI
"This trip was simply amazing. We were able to experience the wildness of Namibia and see animals in their native habitats in ways that are unparalleled to anything else. We were completely immersed in nature, and learned so much every day from the time the sun rose until well after sunset. The people we met across Namibia who care for the natural environment were truly amazing and so passionate about their work. My family will cherish these memories for the rest of our lives."
Kristopher L.
Sandusky, OH
"Jason is a superstar, one of the best trip leaders I have ever traveled with. He is extremely empathetic and thoughtful, and works extraordinarily hard and demonstrates endless passion and energy about travel and conservation. He has a lot to offer to anyone willing to listen and learn."
Nicole C.
San Francisco, CA
"This was a great experience and I am fortunate to have done it; nothing else in Africa compares. Jason was a fabulous companion and the sights will never be forgotten."
Peter D.
Bradenton, FL
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.