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.
Let 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.

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Prepare for your trip
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When you return
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Other ideas for Namibia trips
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