Western Swing – your venture into Namibia – Exclusive
Package Overview
NAMIBIA AND SOUTH AFRICA
When responding please feel free to comment on of the destinations we have suggested – particularly if there is a specific place you want to include on your itinerary or if typical activities at the camp we’ve identified don’t interest you. Also, if you can afford the time, we recommend that you make a three-night stop at one (or more) of the destinations on your itinerary. Clients who have done so comment that the extra night at camp allowed them a respite from flying considerations, which otherwise can seem relentless. Soley with two-night stops, they’ve commented, you are either flying or planning for a flight the following day. Clients who have done more than one Self-Fly Safari have invariably scheduled at least one three-night stop along their itinerary.
Price for two people sharing is approximately $30,000 per person assuming 1 pilot and 1 non-pilot sharing an aircraft and accommodation. Exact quote will be given when booking is placed with us subject to Rand/Dollar exchange rate and lodges chosen.
Price includes: see below section Included.
Not included: see below section Excluded.
Package Itinerary
Arrive in the AM at Johannesburg International Airport where you will be transferred to the Pivot Hotel next door to the Monte Casino Centre, Fourways, on the outskirts of Johannesburg for 3 nights while completing your pilot validations. We will meet you after your arrival and will commence briefing as soon as you have settled in. We are flexible, however have a lot of work to cover, therefore the sooner we get started, the better. Non-pilots can go to all the briefings if they wish.
Check in is at 14H00 only, so if you are arriving early in the morning, and wish to go directly to a room advise us and we will book an extra night for you.
Throughout your time in Johannesburg, optional tours for non-pilots can be arranged with the Hotel concierge Desk to do various activities such as visit the Lesedi Cultural Village, Origins Center, Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind, Lion Park, and Botanical Garden.
(Bed & breakfast, transfer)
Instructor’s briefing and handling check ride. You’ll geta chance to focus on some of the differences of flying in Africa. Professionals do all the briefings. You’ll get the lay of the land and a taste of how ATC works (and sounds) in Africa’s busiest airspace.
Completion of Validation exercises if not done, time on your own and a final afternoon briefing. Arrange to settle your hotel bill that evening and for an early breakfast.
Transport yourselves to the departure airport via Uber where we’ll meet you to assist in our Self-Fly Safari departure. Sign out the aircraft, load it, check the fuel, top off the tanks, and take care of all the last-minute details. We can store any excess luggage at our offices as required. Soft duffle type bags are recommended for your safari. Soon, you are on our way!
UPINGTON, South Africa
(410nm South West – direct flight)- , 1 night, Bed & Breakfast.
AFRICAN RIVER LODGE– As timeless as the river, so is the hospitality of the Africa River Lodge, which welcomes old patrons and shared memories, as well as new friends, on order for them to experience this warmth and friendliness for themselves. Consisting of 10 individual furnished en-suite bedrooms and 2 self-catering family cottages, every guest will be able to relax and luxuriate in the tranquility of the riverside realm. With rooms fully equipped with air-condition, television and en-suite bathrooms, to full internet and fax facilities for the business man away from his office. All rooms open into the garden on their own private courtyards, giving the guests the well-deserved feeling of privacy and tranquility after a long day of travel or business meetings.
https://www.africariverlodge.co.za/
SUN RIVER KALAHARI LODGE – Situated along the picturesque banks of the Orange River in Upington, our luxury riverside guesthouse offers a remarkable setting where the natural beauty of the area takes center stage. Nestled away from the clamor of urban life, this idyllic location provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere that enhances your overall stay. Our Luxury accommodation provides an array of amenities designed to pamper and delight guests. You can expect features like spacious rooms, plush furnishings, excellent food, concierge services, and more, ensuring your stay is comfortable and indulgent.
https://www.sunriverlodge.co.za/
COUNTRY LODGE – When you are en-route to or from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park or Namibia, the Upington Country Lodge is perfectly located for your stay-over in Upington. The Upington Country Lodge is literally on the main route to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Namibia. The Upington Country Lodge is a short walking distance from fuel stations with a Woolworths food-stop and other convenience across the street, with 4×4 dealers and maintenance services, outdoor stores and the Farmer’s Cooperative all just a mere stone’s throw away, thus making the Country Lodge the most central stay-over on all the major routes through Upington. The Lodge boasts a coffee shop and the well- known Wickens Butchery with it’s acclaimed top-class meat selection and other offerings which allows you to stock up for your trip to the Kgalagadi, or spoil yourself with treats to take back home. You can place your order beforehand by phone and just pick up on your way.
FISH RIVER LODGE, Fish River Canyon, Namibia
(290nmfirst Northeast then then South Southwest with 1 immigration and fuel stops) – Private airstrip, 2 nights, all meals, 1 sundowner drive and 1 half day Canyon outing and airstrip transfers.
Your next destination is Fish River Lodge – on the edge of eternity. The 45,000-hectare Canyon Nature Park is a sanctuary for Karoo succulent flora where the Aloe dichotoma, locally known as Kokerboom, stands sentinel and wildlife, including the rare Hartman’s zebra, oryx antelope and ostriches, appear and disappear in the rocky side canyons. The unique landscape has provided the inspiration for the contemporary design of the Lodge. Dry stone walls, tall windows and wrap around decks allow views of the canyon to take priority. A rim pool providing cool comfort in the hot summer months also overlooks the canyon, whilst crackling fireplaces in the main lodge offer warmth and coziness in winter. A platform outside each chalet allows for outdoor yoga and clerestory windows frame a myriad stars at night.
The Fish River Canyon is one of the world’s top hiking destinations. With access down to the Fish River and meandering paths on the rim of the canyon, we offer a host of adventure activities, guided and unguided. These include hiking, cycling and canyon drives to experience the beauty, the grandeur and the serenity of the Fish River Canyon.
https://fishriverlodge-namibia.com/en
CANYON LODGE, Fish River Canyon, Namibia
(290nm (290nmfirst Northeast then then South Southwest with 1 immigration and fuel stops) – Karios Airstrip, 2 nights, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, 1 guided drive, airstrip transfers to Canyon.
Your next destination is in the Fish River Canyon. Stunning Canyon views prior to approaching the airfield! We stay at Canyon lodge situated on a plain near the edge of the Fish River Canyon, which is touted to be the world’s second largest canyon after the Grand Canyon, USA. You’ll be able to follow the Fish River from its source to within a few miles of the airstrip. The lodge’s chalets are built among huge boulders. The bar is a comfortable place and meals are served in the restaurant. While the lodge will drive you to an impressive lookout point on the canyon rim, the prize view of this colossus is from the air. Flying west from there, take a look at the site of a huge crater resulting from the impact of a meteorite believed to be the size of a car.
KULALA DESERT LODGE, Sossusvlei, Namibia
(193nm North Northwest – direct flight / or via Luderitz for refuelling) – Geluk Airstrip, 2 nights, all meals, local drinks (excludes premium imported brands and champagne), laundry, activities and airstrip transfers.
A 2-hour 30min flight takes you up to the Sossusvlei area. After departure from this airstrip, you are presented with a stunning view of the Canyon.
Kulala Desert Lodge borders the Namib-Naukluft National Park and is accessible through an exclusive-use gate, it is close to the iconic red dunes of the Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. Set on 27 000 hectares of pristine private land bordering the Sossusvlei. The Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers endless spectacular desert scenery and an extraordinary, unexpected range of desert-adapted wildlife. A surprisingly diverse array of insects, reptiles and rodents make their home around Kulala Desert Lodge. At dusk the call of barking geckos can be heard, and walks reveal the smaller creatures – the buck-spoor spider with its multi-entrance burrow or the ambush specialist antlion, to name but a few. Comprising 23 units (including two family units), Kulala Desert Lodge is a convivial camp well suited to groups, families and self-drive guests. Each canvas and thatch room has a flat rooftop, ideal for sleep-outs under the extraordinary night sky.
https://www.wildernessdestinations.com/africa/namibia/sossusvlei/kulala-desert-lodge
ANDERSSON’S, Etosha National Park, Namibia
(450nm North Northwest – with 1 fuel) – private airstrip, 2 nights, all meals, local drinks (excludes premium imported brands and champagne) laundry, activities, airstrip transfers.
Andersson’s at Ongava links the past, present and future of eco-tourism in one memorable, luxurious experience for our guests. Generously proportioned suites with expansive views across the landscape and an underground hide with a water level view of the animal and birdlife on Ongava Game Reserve, Andersson’s at Ongava provides a setting that inspires intimacy without intrusion and a stunning connection to the wild. The natural stone and spacious solid build with innovative roof structure, private viewing deck with 180-degree panorama, television monitor offering 24hour live views of the waterhole, air-conditioning, mosquito net, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, electronic safe and 220V power. Bird watching, game drive, game viewing, nature walks, rhino approaching, viewing hide and access to Ongava Research Centre Information Service and Visitor Centre.
CHOBE PRINCESS BOAT CRUISE, Chobe National Park, Botswana
(570nm first North East then East – with 1 fuel stop and 2 immigration stops) – 2 nights, all meals, transfers, water-based activities soft drinks, local beers & wines (excludes premium imported brands and champagne)
We will fly to Rundu to refuel and clear customs out of Namibia. The flight to our next destination takes us along the southern banks of the Zambesi River all the way into Botswana (Kasane Airport). Total flight time today is just under 6 hours. The next 2 nights will be spent on the Chobe Princess houseboat which is in Namibian territory. As you drift down the Chobe River and spot incredible wildlife scenes, you’ll be able to completely relax in an intimate river safari experience. With only a small number of guests per boat staying in one of the three Chobe Princesses is like being on your very own houseboat. The Chobe Princess houseboat itinerary is flexible so while we have a range of activities on offer, you can choose just how much you want to pack into your holiday or how relaxed you want to be. Perhaps you want to enjoy a water-based safari or a village tour on the Namibian side of the river? Or perhaps you’d prefer a spot of bird watching or fishing instead? You may even decide to simply remain on board and soak up the spectacular view as the Chobe Princess houseboat glides its way along the banks of the Chobe River.
https://zqcollection.com/chobe-princesses/
ICHINGO CHOBE RIVER LODGE, IMPALILA ISLAND, NAMIBIA
(570nm first North East then East – with 1 fuel stop and 2 immigration stops) – Impalila Island, 2 nights, all meals, transfers, water-based activities, soft drinks, local beers & wines (excludes premium imported brands and champagne)
We will fly to Rundu to refuel and clear customs out of Namibia. The flight to our next destination takes us along the southern banks of the Zambesi River all the way into Botswana (Kasane Airport). Total flight time today is just under 6 hours. Nestled on the secluded Impalila Island in Namibia, Ichingo Chobe River Lodge is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, birdlife and direct access to the Chobe River. Quieter, more secluded and personalized the lodge is ideal for families, couples or groups who wish to enjoy the very best of an African river safari and fishing experience. The accommodation consists of eight large, air-conditioned Meru safari tents with en suite bathrooms and private balconies. The main lodge buildings include a relaxing lounge area, a welcoming bar, outdoor pool with a viewing deck with loungers overlooking the river, and a separate open-air dining room for all meals. Unwind and enjoy the sights, sounds and fun activities of a true river safari experience. Your private balcony is a great place to relax and take in those Chobe River views.
SHINDE – Shinde Lagoon
(145nm Southeast – direct flight) – Private airstrip, 2 nights, all meals and local drinks, laundry, activities, airstrip transfers.
Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an iconic camp, one of the first in Botswana and loved by many. The new Shinde is built in a way that pays homage to its former self. Located on the edge of the Shinde Lagoon, the area simply teems with animals and birdlife. The camp’s unique main area is built in a “treehouse style” comprising of lounges, dining areas (indoor and outdoor) and a fire deck all with beautiful views over a permanent lagoon and under the shade of Ebony and Mangosteen trees. The new tents and main area provide a luxury experience with a touch of historical charm. Each tent comprises of a large bedroom, en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower. Every possible comfort has been catered for – from full solar electricity, standing and ceiling fans through to yoga mats and hair dryers! Courtesy of its location Shinde can offer both water and land activities year-round. Motorboats or Mokoros provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. This blend of environments provides the habitat for a consistently wide variety of wildlife, including the elusive Sitatunga antelope and a healthy population of leopards.
https://www.kerdowneybotswana.com/our-camps/shinde/
GOMOTI PLAINS CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
(160nm Southeast – direct flight) Private airfield, 3 nights, all meals, laundry, activities, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks) & transfers
The camp is situated along the Gomoti River system, an area known for its large concentrations of wildlife which thrive on the Gomoti plains and waterways. Wild dog frequents the area, as well as some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights. Polers take you in mokoros (dugout canoes) in the morning to appreciate the stillness of the delta waters, or guided walks in the morning focus on the plants and smaller creatures such as dung beetles or ant elephants.
https://www.gomotiplains.co.za
KWANDO LAGOON, just North of Okavango Delta, Botswana.
(115nm west – direct flight) Private airfield, 2 nights, all meals and local drinks, laundry, activities, transfers
Lagoon Camp lies on the shady banks of the Kwando River studded with tall Ebony and Marula trees. Accommodation is in 6 Safari tents with ensuite facilities. Day and night game drives. A double deck boat is also used for game viewing. Excellent area to catch tiger fish. Lebala Camp located a few kilometers away is surrounded by the Linyanti marshes. Accommodation is in 8 Safari tents with ensuite facilities. The area surrounding Lagoon and Lebala is home to large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as many antelope species. Predators including lions, leopard cheetah and wild dog are in this area.
MASHATU CAMP, Tuli Block, Southern Botswana
(382nm South East – with 1 fuel stop) – Limpopo Valley airstrip, 2 nights, all meals, game drives, special airstrip transfers. (Drinks and laundry charges are extra)
Mashatu is situated on the eastern fringes of the Kalahari Desert and water is its most precious resource. Mashatu camp is near water in thickets of vegetation, which locates the visitor in an enclave populated by birds and animals.
MASHATU EUPHORBIA VILLAS – is an intimate composition of 8 luxury villas. The shape of the villas draws inspiration from the local Mopane pod. The Mopane tree is hugely significant in this area, as it is the main source of food for all the animals during the very dry winter months. The curves and unique shapes are molded with local raw materials, to echo the breath-taking natural beauty of the reserve. Guests are welcomed into their own private villas with decks overlooking the ravine below. The 8 secluded villas embody a stillness, a peaceful solitude to unwind and let go. They boast an inside shower and outside shower, an inside W.C and second “loo with a view” and are spacious with many seating areas and relaxation points.
https://mashatu.com/mashatu-euphorbia-villas/
MASHATU LODGE – is an oasis among the undulating and seemingly endless plains of the wild. 14 luxury suites lie along the camp’s perimeter and are designed to allow absolute privacy and a communion with the bush and its inhabitants. Watch elephants splashing at the waterhole, listen to the lyrical melody of the Woodland’s Kingfisher on a branch overhead, smell the grassy scent of the bushveld, touch the bark of an ancient tree, and inhale a breath of air so pure, it’s intoxicating. Meals are a sumptuous celebration of traditional African Cuisine – flavorsome but lacking in ostentation. Fresh fruits, vegetables, home-made breads and pies, succulent meat dishes and delicious desserts will appeal to a guest who appreciates home cooking at its best.
MALAMALA MAIN CAMP, Sabi Sands, Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa
(235nm South – with 1 fuel and 1 immigration stop) Private airstrip, 2 nights, all meals and local drinks, game drives, airstrip transfers.
Your last destination is MalaMala, located in the prime game area of Sabi Sands, South Africa. You’ll fly over the Drakensburg Mountains and descend the Escarpment into the famous Kruger National Park area of rolling woodland bush and grassland savanna. The variety of game is extraordinary. They’re all here: leopard, cheetah, lion, rhino, hippo, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, warthog, spotted hyena, impala, and more. MalaMala, located along the Sand River, is in South Africa’s prime game viewing area. Rooms are large, thatched chalets. The food is delicious and the service outstanding. The guides who will drive you throughout their traversing area are well informed and you will have extraordinary animal viewing experiences. Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon into the evening. During the middle of the day, you can sit by a waterhole, relax by their pool or rest in their lounge area.
https://www.malamala.com/camps/malamala-camp
THE BUSH HOUSE LODGE, Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
(295nm first South then West Westsouth – with 1 fuel and 1 immigration stop) Private airstrip, 2 nights, all meals (excl drinks), game drives, airstrip transfers.
Your last destination is Madikwe Game Reserve. It is in the northwestern area of South Africa along the Botswana border. Madikwe is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora. Exclusive as there are only six tastefully furnished ensuite rooms, four of which have private verandas, one overlooking the garden and waterhole, another having the soothing sounds of a water feature outside the sliding door. All have air-conditioners, ceiling fans, safes, hairdryers and coffee and tea facilities. The bathrooms have separate baths and showers with a variety of toiletries. There is cell phone coverage and free Wi-Fi should you need to stay in touch. Enjoy relaxing in the large, shaded garden overlooking the best waterhole in Madikwe. Lounge at the pool while their staff take care of your every need. Activities include two daily open vehicle game drives, walks, and stargazing.
(Southwest 207nm/ Southeast 130nm- direct flight): 1 Night Bed & Breakfast & airport transfer.
An early start for a long flying day as there will be 2 immigration stops and 1 refueling stop. On your arrival back in Johannesburg we will assist you with refueling the aircraft, direct you to parking bays, help to off-load the planes and check nothing is left behind. You will be transferred to the Tsogo Sun in Fourways. Call home and tell them you are back in civilization! We will join you for dinner and once completed you can return to your room for a good night’s sleep.
(Bed & breakfast, transfer)
A chance to do last minute shopping and repack your bags. Transfer to OR Tambo International airport for your flight home. Let the stories be told!
Include
All accommodation and meals, except where only Bed and Breakfast is noted. Drinks as noted.
Lodge standard activities and any extra activities as noted.
All road transfers to and from airports/airstrips.
National Park entrance fees, where applicable.
Rental of a Cessna 172 / Cessna 182 or similar for 32 hours on a dry basis (min 2 hours/day).
All aircraft landing, passenger, and approach fees while in Johannesburg.
Excess insurance (hull deductible).
Licence validation fees, Instructor briefings and dual flight time for your validation for 1 Pilot.
A subscription to EasyCockpit flight planning software and with preprogrammed flight legs.
Detailed Flight Itinerary, and Comprehensive TripKit in Pdf and printed form (your bible for your safari).
All flight clearances
Pre-completed Customs and Immigration documentation.
Pre-completed flight plans for your flights (pre-filed where possible).
Flight following using a Satellite Tracker
Ground support for the entire duration of the Safari from our offices in Johannesburg
All Safari briefings
An escort aircraft from African Aero Adventures to assist with flight briefing and formalities en-route.
Exclude
Airfare to South Africa and return
Personal Medical and Travel insurance
Visa and entry/exit fees.
Avgas, oil and aircraft charges and fees en-route (outside Johannesburg).
Curios, tips, laundry, and drinks unless otherwise noted.
Items of a personal nature
Conservation or tourist levy fees charged at some of the lodges (about $3 – $10 per person).
Transportation in and around Johannesburg. We suggest using Uber while you are in Johannesburg.