Luxury Travel Advisor - September 2007 - (Page 27) Unlike Botswana and South Africa, where game is the main draw, Namibia’s appeal is its stark scenery. Much of the country is desert, with the Great Namib Desert on the west coast and the Kalahari on the border with Botswana. Although the country does boast wildlife—elephant, oryx, zebra, giraffe—the numbers aren’t as large as in other African countries. However, this means crowds are noticeably absent, and it’s not uncommon to run into more animals than tourists while on safari. Wilderness Safaris (www. wilderness-safaris.com) offers various camps throughout Namibia, each offering a very different experience. These camps are often small and intimate, some with only three rooms. Internet and phones are scarce, and the affect is a wonderful feeling of remoteness. Wilderness Safaris doesn’t sell directly to the public or to travel agents; rather, camps and air charters can be booked through one of their U.S.-based Africa specialists, such as Travel Beyond (www.travelbeyond.com). Travel advisors can contact Craig R. Beal (craig@travelbeyond. com; 952-475-9975), president and owner of Travel Beyond, for VIP bookings; he can book private scenic flights, hot-air-balloon rides, exclusive bush dinners and other VIP activities. Start a stay in Namibia at Little Kulala Lodge (www.little kulala.com), the flagship of the extraordinary Sossusvlei area— home to the giant sand dunes— and a must for any traveler to the country. The intimate lodge has 11 thatched villas, which blend in beautifully with the desert landscape. Tip: Book rooms 1 through 4; they offer the best views of the watering hole, where oryx, ostrich and other game can be seen throughout the day. Request guide Richard Jantjiers; he can arrange for a private sunrise excursion, serving a gourmet brunch on the dunes before leading travelers on a hike to the top. For those who’d rather see the dunes without the hike, book a hot-air-balloon ride over the Namib Desert. After travelers spot a variety of animals from the air and get a sense of just how vast this region is, the balloon lands and a champagne breakfast is served. We found this to be one of the highlights of the trip. Days are spent either in a safari vehicle tracking animals or on nature walks, during which Richard explains the desert plants and lifestyle of the local tribes. Each evening, sundowners are enjoyed in the bush—cocktails and canapés are passed around as the sun melts over the acacia trees and giraffes. Back at Little Kulala Lodge, the staff caters to guests and can easily set up a romantic dinner on the balcony or a private meal served by candlelight in the wine cellar, which boasts a variety of international wines, many from neighboring South Africa. Before departing, guests should take a scenic flight over the Namib Naukluft National Park with Sefofane Air Charters (www.sefofane.com). While the hot-air balloon gives travelers a glimpse of the giant sand dunes, the scenic flight follows them all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. After clients get a feel for the deep-red dunes of the Namib, they should head to Etosha National Park in the north, home to the greatest variety of animals in the country. One of the most luxurious accommodations and one of our favorites is Little Ongava (www.littleonga va.com). Situated within the Ongava game reserve, a private reserve bordering Etosha, the LITTLE KULALA’s thatched villas resort is built along the crest of a hill, offering wonderful views of the plains below and easy access to Etosha. Very exclusive, Little Ongava only has three villas, making it the perfect place for honeymooners, families and those seeking the most deluxe, private accommodations. Each suite has its own plunge pool, a large patio offering expansive ACCESS: Because Namibia is such a vast country, most travelers fly between camps. Small planes—usually six-seaters—offer travelers amazing views of the landscape as well as wildlife from above. Sefofane Air Charters (www. sefofane.com) is owned in part by Wilderness Safaris and can be booked as part of the overall safari package. The rates for the Wilderness Safari camps include all meals, game drives, most drinks (except imported or specialty liquors) and daily laundry service. blend in beautifully with the desert landscape (below). THE SOSSUSVLEI REGION is home to giant sand dunes and offers travelers a breathtaking and remote experience (left). September 2007 | LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR 27 http://www.sefofane.com http://www.wilderness-safaris.com http://www.wilderness-safaris.com http://vwww.littleongava.com http://vwww.littleongava.com http://www.sefofane.com http://www.sefofane.com http://www.travelbeyond.com http://www.littlekulala.com http://www.littlekulala.com
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