Overview
Namibia is one of the most hauntingly beautiful safari destinations on earth, brimming with jaw-dropping geological wonders and exotic species found nowhere else. It is also an amazing story of wildlife conservation and hope. With a phenomenal forty-five percent of its land under conservation management, Namibia shelters the world’s only growing population of black rhino, the largest free-roaming population of desert lions, and fifty percent of the earth’s population of wild cheetahs. On this extraordinary—and utterly unique—safari, limited to just six participants, you will track these fascinating species, have incredible behind-the-scenes access to the conservation projects and the wildlife biologists working to protect them, and contribute directly to their survival. With renowned safari guide Jason Nott, whose family has been involved in conservation efforts for decades, you will experience the magnificent wildlife and unforgettable landscape of Namibia up-close, and be part of some of the most important conservation initiatives in the modern era.
Our journey begins at AfriCat, a foundation dedicated to conserving wildlife based at Okonjima Nature Reserve, where we’ll track leopard, brown hyena, and rhino. At the base camp of the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT), you’ll meet the field staff and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary work that is being done to ensure the survival of the black rhino. The climax of our safari finds us in the wilds of Kaokoland, in the magnificent Kunene region, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the work of Dr. Flip Stander, the world’s leading authority on the elusive desert lion. “Dr. Flip” has tracked desert lion throughout this austere landscape—often walking barefoot alongside the tracks of the lions—to chart their territory and habits, working to help the surrounding communities understand and co-exist with this extraordinary creature. Your safari guide, Jason Nott, is Dr. Flip’s godson, and has spent countless hours with him, tracking desert lion and working with him to devise strategies that will ensure their survival. A portion of your trip fee goes directly to supporting this critical work.
Namibia is also renowned for its exquisite safari camps, ensconced in shifting dunes, where end-of-day sundowners allow you to savor the grandeur of the country’s vast and pristine open spaces. This safari is your chance to be part of one of the greatest African wildlife recovery stories ever told, and to experience wildlife as few others ever will. We invite you to make Namibia’s mystery, majesty and inspiring conservation efforts part of your story as well, on this unique adventurer’s safari.
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
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4
Windhoek / Okonjima / Leopard Tracking
We head to Okonjima Bush Camp and AfriCat, the world’s largest big cat rehabilitation center. We’ll track leopard, brown hyena, and rhino, and have exclusive access to join the Vet Team as they monitor the reserve’s wildlife. The leopard population here is thriving, and the viewing is up close!
Days 5-6
Damaraland / Tracking Rhino
Amid the rock-ribbed mesas of Damaraland, we search for desert-adapted elephant as we travel through rugged landscapes to our remote lodge in the Huab Conservancy. We’ll do true wilderness tracking, by vehicle and on foot, in search of desert-adapted rhino. Save the Rhino Trust works here to protect the last, free-roaming population of black rhinos in the world (WT contributes to their work). At SRT’s base camp, we get a behind-the-scenes look at their conservation projects.
Days 7-13
Kunene / Desert Lion Territory
The climax of our safari is the opportunity to meet Dr. Flip Stander in the wilds of Kaokoland. The world’s leading authority on desert lion, Dr. Stander has tracked desert lion in this austere landscape for decades, charting their territory and habits to help reduce human-lion conflict. Your participation in this safari contributes directly to the Desert Lion Project, which has brought a three-fold increase of this rare population. We'll also hike through the amazing gallery of prehistoric rock art of Twyfelfontein. Depart on Day 13 via Windhoek, 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.
Check out our Webinar
Join WT Trip Leader and safari guide Jason Nott for a virtual exploration of one of the most hauntingly beautiful safari destinations on earth, brimming with jaw-dropping geological wonders and exotic species found nowhere else. With a phenomenal forty-five percent of its land under conservation management, Namibia shelters the world’s only growing population of black rhino, the largest free-roaming population of desert lions, and fifty percent of the earth’s population of wild cheetahs. In this webinar, learn more about our extraordinary—and utterly unique—safari, In the Realm of the Desert Lion, where you will track these fascinating species, have incredible behind-the-scenes access to the conservation projects and the wildlife biologists working to protect them, and contribute directly to their survival. With renowned safari guide Jason Nott, whose family has been involved in conservation efforts for decades, you will experience the magnificent wildlife and unforgettable landscape of Namibia up-close, and be part of some of the most important conservation initiatives in the modern era.
Behind-the-scenes of Wilderness Travel's Desert Lion Safari
In the Realm of the Desert Lion
