EJ Latitudes 1/08.qxd - Frontiers Elegant Journeys

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Himba child
The Ever-
Changing
Landscapes of
Namibia
LOCATED ON AFRICA’S SOUTHWEST COAST, NAMIBIA
PORTRAYS THE ESSENCE OF TIMELESSNESS as its towering
burnt-orange sand dunes evoke an incredible sense of freedom
far removed from the rest of the world. The ethereal
quality of the shifting sands at dusk draws photographers
from all over to capture this spectacle of changing hues.
Our friends at Wilderness Safaris represent thirteen camps in Namibia, including
three premier camps in diverse areas that create an ideal circuit. An acclaimed
desert retreat, Little Kulala is located near the majestic, world-renowned
Sossusvlei dunes. The eleven climate-controlled, thatched rooms merge into the
natural surroundings, each with a rooftop ‘skybed’ for stargazing, indoor and
outdoor showers, and a private plunge
pool. A myriad of activities aid guests in
appreciating the overwhelming magnitude,
solitude and tranquility of the surroundings.
Especially popular is a hot-air
balloon flight soaring silently above the
colorful desert.
Serra Cafema, the most remote camp,
is set among huge, ancient albida trees on the banks of the Kunene River. The
camp features eight canvas and thatched rooms. Activities here are many and
varied including boating, swimming, walking, quad-biking excursions, and visiting
the nomadic Himba people, who represent one of the most colorful and
ancient tribes in all of sub-Saharan Africa.
Serra Cafema – Room interior and private deck
Little Ongava is situated in the Ongava Game Reserve adjacent to the Etosha
Pan within Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s finest. The park is home to elephant,
rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, zebra, blue wildebeest, a variety of buck,
the unique black impala, and the endearing Damara dik-dik plus remarkable
birdlife including ostrich, flamingos and pelicans. Little Ongava is an intimate
and exclusive lodge with only three spacious luxurious suites, each with its own
plunge pool, sala and outdoor shower.
Namibia is also host to one of the most intriguing areas anywhere on earth —
the infamous Skeleton Coast Park. The coast is named for the bleached whale
and seal bones covering the shore, remnants of the defunct whaling industry,
as well as over 1,000 shipwrecked vessels that litter this inhospitable area. The
Skeleton Coast has everything, from the fascinating “roaring” sand dunes and
windswept plains to towering canyons and saltpans. The early morning mist off
the Atlantic Ocean sustains a surprising amount of life, from large mammals to
the extraordinary welwitschia plant that can live for 1,000 years.
Namibia, also known by the ancient Bushman as “the land that God made in
anger,” is a harsh, mysterious, but strikingly beautiful country. Its untamed
sandy wilderness rich in fossils and gemstones, desert-adapted wildlife, hardy
species of fauna and flora, and cultural heritage provides memories and
impressions ranked among the best in Africa. Namibia does not have the high
density of wildlife that neighboring countries such as Botswana possess, but
rather the emphasis is on the fascinating environment and dramatic landscapes.
Namibia is enjoyed by first-timers and veteran travelers to Africa alike.
Etosha National Park – Black rhino
Rose McKay
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