Francolin Fly-in Safari: Summary
Francolin Fly-in in a nutshell
This a trip for those who don’t fancy the drives yet have a little more time to discover Namibia’s northern highlights, while staying at some great lodges and camps. By flying between stops you’ll not only have a far more relaxing time, but each flight is an experience in itself with incredible views over the Namib Desert, the Atlantic coastline up to Swakopmund and the rugged interior. It also maximises the time you get to explore each area.
After a night in the small capital, Windhoek, take your first light aircraft for the flight to the ancient sands of the Namib Desert. Appreciate this sand sea’s enormity from above then touch down by Kulala Desert Lodge. Thoroughly comfortable, relaxed and with a great setting close to its own entrance to the national park, you’ll be among the first to ascend the towering apricot dunes around Sossusvlei and marvel at Deadvlei’s surreal camel thorn trees.
The next hop follows the desert and Atlantic coastline north to Swakopmund, a quirky Germanic seaside town where you’ll stay in a colonial era house. It’s a great base for a whole host of adventure activities, from sandboarding and skydiving to kayaking alongside a raucous colony of sealions.
Turning back inland, fly across the hills of Damaraland to Mowani Mountain Camp with its smart rondavel rooms tucked between great orange boulders. Highlights here include game drives to see herds of desert-adapted elephants and the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein.
End with three nights perched atop a kopje looking out over Ongava Game Reserve at the edge of Etosha National Park. Explore the huge reserve, tracking rhino on foot and finding lion prides on game drives, or allow wildlife to come to you as you watch from Ongava Lodge’s hide. You can also take guided trips into the park to the edge of Etosha’s dusty salt pan where you may see the iconic sight of elephants, giraffe, zebra, oryx and more congregating around precious water sources.
At a glance
| Starts: | Windhoek International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | Galton House - Windhoek, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Kulala Desert Lodge - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | Villa Margherita - Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Mowani Mountain Camp - Damaraland, Namibia | Half Board |
| 3 nights | Ongava Tented Camp - Etosha National Park, Namibia | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | Windhoek International Airport |
Galton House
Windhoek, Namibia
Kulala Desert Lodge
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Villa Margherita
Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia
Mowani Mountain Camp
Damaraland, Namibia
Ongava Tented Camp
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Francolin Fly-in Safari.
- Climbing the dunes of Sossusvlei at dawn
- Aerial views of Namibia's iconic landscapes
- A day of adventure from Swakopmund
- Tracking desert elephant in Damaraland
- Safaris in and around Etosha on foot and by 4WD
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Francolin Fly-in Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Hot air ballooning
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Night drive
Quad-biking
Self-guided walking
Sleeping under the stars
Key species to see on the Francolin Fly-in Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Francolin Fly-in Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
90% chance
58% chance
30% chance
26% chance
20% chance
20% chance
11% chance
10% chance
3% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this trip
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Francolin Fly-in Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Ballooning in the Namib Desert
Half day, including breakfast
Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.
More about Ballooning
Kayaking with seals
Morning incl. tea, coffee & sandwiches
Get up close and personal with a colony of Cape fur seals on a kayaking excursion from Walvis Bay. Enjoy a gentle morning’s paddle in Walvis Bay Lagoon as seals surround and interact with you and your kayak. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of some Heaviside’s or bottlenose dolphins.
More about Kayaking with seals
Coast and Sandwich Harbour
Full day
Experience this usually inaccessible part of the Skeleton Coast, where the dunes of the Namib plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. One of our top recommendations, this is an adventurous 4WD trip, guided by experts. You'll explore the Kuiseb Delta and (tides permitting) traverse dunes and the beach to reach Sandwich Harbour, a remote freshwater lagoon with abundant birdlife.
More about Coastal tour
Dolphin and seal cruise
Half-day inc brunch
A boat cruise around Walvis Bay lagoon is a must for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors. Seek out the ‘marine big five’ – from Cape fur seals to bottlenose dolphins – and marvel at the range of bird species for whom this haven on the Skeleton Coast is home. Then round off the morning with an oyster brunch.
More about Dolphin & seal cruise
Desert tour
Variable, depending on the tour
Discover the unexpected on a trip into the desert surrounding the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A must for wilderness lovers, this extraordinary landscape encompasses the Welwitschia Plains, sculpted dunes, the magic of the Kuiseb Delta – and much more. There are plenty of options, each with its own unique focus.
More about Desert tour
Scenic flights in Namibia
Variable, depending on the flight
Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.
More about Scenic flightsLet us help you customise your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
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Prepare for your trip
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When you return
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