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FROM US$9,720-US$14,490

Skeleton Coast Safari

An epic flying safari exploring some of Namibia’s most spectacular and remote wildernesses. Exceptional pilots, among the best guides in the country and exclusive camps – this a real bucket-list adventure.

Skeleton Coast Safari: Summary

Skeleton Coast Safari in a nutshell

Run by the legendary Schoeman family, this Skeleton Coast flying safari is one of the most exciting and fascinating way to explore Namibia’s wild north-west

The pilots and guides are experts with decades of collective experience who hop you around in a light aircraft like most use 4WDs, covering big distances to visit really diverse areas. This trip is all about scenery, wildlife, geology and, above all, real wilderness areas.

On spectacular flights see shipwrecks, seal colonies and flamingos; whilst on the ground, you'll explore in modified classic Land Rovers and on foot. On a typical trip you'll cross enormous dunes, track some of the area's desert-adapted wildlife and marvel at a landscape littered with semi-precious stones. Accommodation throughout is at remote camps used only on these trips. Simple but comfortable, they are well-equipped and add to the expedition experience.

We can arrange a number of epic trips with the Schoemans, starting and ending in Windhoek. This particular route heads first for the Skeleton Coast via Conception Bay and Swakopmund to the Huab River, with amazing low-level aerial views of red dunes, wrecks, wildlife and lunar rock formations, touching down at various points to explore, refuel and for a picnic on the beach. The first camp, Kuidas, is close to ancient rock engravings and has a powerful telescope for looking up at the night sky.

Learn more about the Huab Valley and what it takes to survive here, then fly up the coast over more dramatic shipwrecks and bleached whale bones, landing to walk where few people have ever been. Tonight’s stop is at Leylandsdrift Camp, overlooking alley that is frequented by desert-adapted elephants, a small lion population and, with luck, black rhino. You may also get to visit a settlement of the nomadic Himba people.

After flying further north towards the Kunene River and the border of Angola, you'll take a scenic drive inland between the mountains and dunes of the Hartmann Valley to the final camp, one of the most isolated in all Africa. The next morning, take to the river by boat on the lookout for crocodiles and endemic birdlife, flying back to Windhoek by late sunset for one last night in the capital.

At a glance

Starts: Windhoek International Airport
1 night Weinberg Hotel - Windhoek, Namibia Bed & Breakfast
1 night Kuidas Camp - Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia Full Board & Activities
1 night Leylandsdrift Camp - Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia Full Board & Activities
1 night Kunene River Camp - Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia Full Board & Activities
1 night Weinberg Hotel - Windhoek, Namibia Bed & Breakfast
Ends: Windhoek International Airport

Weinberg Hotel

Day 1

The Weinberg Hotel, formerly known as Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel, is an understated but upmarket hotel in a quiet suburb of Klein Windhoek, within a short drive of the centre of the Namibian capital. Set on an established estate that was originally a vineyard, it is contemporary in style with plenty of facilities, yet at its heart is the original estate house, now a national monument.

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Kuidas Camp

Day 2

Nestled within the reed-beds of Namibia’s Huab River valley, Kuidas Camp is accessible only with Skeleton Coast Safaris. The most southerly of the Schoeman family’s camps, it is normally used for the first night of their trips, before continuing north towards the Angolan border. The surrounding landscape is typical of southwestern Damaraland, with some Bushman rock art within walking distance of the camp.

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Leylandsdrift Camp

Day 3

Bordering Namibia’s Skeleton Coast National Park, Leylandsdrift Camp is almost hidden within the remote Hoarusib Valley. It’s a simple yet comfortable camp, close to a Himba settlement and a good location for tracking desert-adapted elephants. It may be visited only with the family-run Skeleton Coast Safaris, usually on the second day of one of their 4-day trips.

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Kunene River Camp

Day 4

On the banks of the Kunene River, Namibia’s northern border with Angola, lies the simple Kunene River Camp. As one of Namibia’s few permanent rivers, the Kunene is a magnet for wildlife, especially birds. The camp is accessible only on a Skeleton Coast Safaris, run by the Schoeman family, and is usually the third and final camp on one of their trips.

View full itinerary

Weinberg Hotel

Day 5

The Weinberg Hotel, formerly known as Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel, is an understated but upmarket hotel in a quiet suburb of Klein Windhoek, within a short drive of the centre of the Namibian capital. Set on an established estate that was originally a vineyard, it is contemporary in style with plenty of facilities, yet at its heart is the original estate house, now a national monument.

View full itinerary
Weinberg Hotel

Weinberg Hotel

Windhoek, Namibia

Kuidas Camp

Kuidas Camp

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia

Leylandsdrift Camp

Leylandsdrift Camp

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia

Kunene River Camp

Kunene River Camp

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia

Weinberg Hotel

Weinberg Hotel

Windhoek, Namibia

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Skeleton Coast Safari.

  • Seeing awe-inspiring views of the Skeleton Coast
  • Explore remote spots visited by a handful of people
  • Some of the best guiding in Namibia
  • Every moment of every day is part of the adventure
  • Encounter and learn about fascinating desert wildlife

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Skeleton Coast Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

About image

Key species to see on the Skeleton Coast Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Skeleton Coast Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Lion

0% chance

Leopard

0% chance

Cheetah

0% chance

Black Rhino

0% chance

Brown Hyena

0% chance

Elephant

0% chance

Giraffe

0% chance

Oryx

0% chance

Meerkat

0% chance

Spotted Hyena

0% chance

Wildebeest

0% chance

Zebra

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this trip

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Skeleton Coast Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek City Tour

three hour Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek city tours offer a mix of history, culture, and local flavour, showcasing Namibia’s colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and cuisine.

More about Windhoek City Tour
100% (1 reviews)

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