Ruppell's Korhaan Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Ruppell's Korhaan Fly-in Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Windhoek International Airport
Windhoek Airport to the city by road
Your driver will meet you at the international airport and guide you to a waiting vehicle. It's then a journey of about 45 minutes through the rolling hills outside Windhoek to the Olive Grove in one of the capital’s leafy suburbs – just 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre.
Olive Grove
Mirroring the surrounding trees, the soft palette that defines the Olive Grove oozes tranquillity and relaxation. From the moment you arrive, whether off a long flight or after a busy safari, the old house exudes a warm welcome, matched by a friendly yet professional team of staff.
Mirroring the surrounding trees, the soft palette that defines the Olive Grove oozes tranquillity and relaxation. From the moment you arrive, whether off a long flight or after a busy safari, the old house exudes a warm welcome, matched by a friendly yet professional team of staff.
Much is made of natural materials, from stone floors and walls to neutral-coloured cement bathrooms, creating a contemporary yet stylish feel that is hard to resist. Beautifully furnished rooms with soft lighting add to the mood, with hot-water bottles to offset winter chills – and a cool plunge pool for warmer months. Wrought-iron tables and chairs add a gentle Mediterranean touch, enhanced by Moroccan lanterns and mosaic detail.
"...rooms were spacious, well-appointed and comfortable..."
Mr & Mrs RfromSyderstoneArrived 12 Aug 2024, 1 night
Even the setting, in a quiet residential street, feels far from the bustle of the small capital, yet just a five-minute drive brings you to the heart of the city. But think first before you head out to dine. The à la carte restaurant here is open for lunch and dinner (as well as an excellent breakfast), with an open-plan kitchen that encourages you to feast on culinary delights with your eyes as well as your tastebuds. With the bonus of a small wellness centre, this is truly a place to savour. See our full report on Olive Grove
Windhoek to Damaraland by road & air
Today you’ll be driven back to the international airport to board a light aircraft to northern Damaraland. Your flight takes you past the mighty Brandberg Mountain, Namibia’s tallest, before arriving in the vast Palmwag concession, probably stopping at Doro !Nawas en route. The transfer takes 4–5 hours.
Desert Rhino Camp
To track black rhino on foot from Desert Rhino Camp is one of the world's most thrilling wildlife adventures. Deep in the Palmwag Reserve, these rare animals are protected by the Save the Rhino Trust. Their desert home – like the camp's – is truly remote, the sense of wilderness enhanced by the sheer scale of the reserve.
To track black rhino on foot from Desert Rhino Camp is one of the world's most thrilling wildlife adventures. Deep in the Palmwag Reserve, these rare animals are protected by the Save the Rhino Trust. Their desert home – like the camp's – is truly remote, the sense of wilderness enhanced by the sheer scale of the reserve.
To encounter a rhino on foot is a truly heart-pounding moment. Set off each morning to explore the desert home of these antediluvian beasts, a world shared with giraffe and elephant, lion and hyena. When rhino are spotted, it’s time to leave your 4WD in favour of walking, in the hands of expert guides with years of rhino-tracking experience.
A picnic lunch in the desert is a further highlight, before returning to your contemporary oasis. Cooling off in the plunge pool might be your priority, or freshening up in your outdoor shower, before relaxing on your private veranda looking out over the desert – or indulging in afternoon tea and cake.
"Wonderful staff... the best !"
Mr A.fromFontainebleauArrived 24 Jun 2023, 2 nights
As the sun sets behind the mountains, the flickering light of the campfire beckons, backed by a floodlit waterhole beneath the magic of the Namibian night sky. To pull yourself away is to follow the sandy paths to a warm and comfortable bed, or even – for extra adventure – to sleep under the stars. See our full report on Desert Rhino Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Damaraland to the Hoanib Valley by 4WD & air
It's a short drive to the airstrip to catch your flight, which may go via Doro !Nawas. Heading north, you're treated to jaw-dropping aerial views of some of Namibia's most remote wilderness. On landing, it's a short drive to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, completing a transfer of 1–1½ hours.
Hoanib Skeleton Camp
Opened in August 2014, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a beautiful camp in a very remote location of northern Damaraland, about 1km outside the boundary of the Skeleton Coast National Park. Built in a private concession, or reserve, close to the ephemeral Hoanib River, it is surrounded by gravel plains, mountains and large yellow sand dunes. It is viewed as a successor to the Skeleton Coast Camp, which closed a few years ago.
Opened in August 2014, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a beautiful camp in a very remote location of northern Damaraland, about 1km outside the boundary of the Skeleton Coast National Park. Built in a private concession, or reserve, close to the ephemeral Hoanib River, it is surrounded by gravel plains, mountains and large yellow sand dunes. It is viewed as a successor to the Skeleton Coast Camp, which closed a few years ago.
"Our stay in this camp was the highlight of our trip."
S FamilyfromCardiffArrived 26 Aug 2024, 3 nights
Hoanib isn’t for the budget conscious, but we think that the truly remote location, the chance to spend time in the Skeleton Coast National Park, and a scattering of really interesting desert-adapted wildlife combine to make it worth the money. Come for these rather than for the camp itself, no matter how stylish. But don’t expect a parade of animals – this is a tough environment in which to eke out an existence. See our full report on Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Hoanib Valley to Serra Cafema by 4WD & air
Taking around 4–5 hours, this transfer can be a real trip highlight. From the Hoanib Valley your light-aircraft flight may detour via Doro !Nawas before heading north to Hartmann's Valley. Then you’ll enjoy an exceptionally scenic drive to Serra Cafema through some of Namibia's most remote wilderness.
Serra Cafema
Serra Cafema stands as an oasis of luxury in perhaps Namibia's most remote wilderness. nestled at the extreme north-western tip where the expansive Hartmann Valley culminates. This luxurious lodge nestles in a lush belt of riverine forest beside the Kunene River, overlooking the mountains of Angola’s Iona National Park beyond. The juxtaposition of this vibrant river against the arid desert and rugged mountains creates an enchanting and unique setting.
Serra Cafema stands as an oasis of luxury in perhaps Namibia's most remote wilderness. nestled at the extreme north-western tip where the expansive Hartmann Valley culminates. This luxurious lodge nestles in a lush belt of riverine forest beside the Kunene River, overlooking the mountains of Angola’s Iona National Park beyond. The juxtaposition of this vibrant river against the arid desert and rugged mountains creates an enchanting and unique setting.
"Excellent - lovely."
Mr & Mrs FfromLondonArrived 3 Nov 2022, 2 nights
Serra Cafema harmoniously combines one of Namibia's most remote location with an exceptionally luxurious camp, creating a truly unique and almost magical destination. Whether exploring Martian landscapes, meeting the Himba tribespeople who call this harsh land home, or simply indulging in ultimate luxury, Serra Cafema offers arguably the ultimate escape from everyday life. See our full report on Serra Cafema
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Kaokoland to Windhoek by 4WD & air
Today’s 6–7-hour journey is one of the most scenic of its kind in Namibia. Having headed to the airstrip through the desert plains and mountain passes of Hartmann’s Valley, you’ll board your light aircraft for Windhoek, probably stopping several times en route, and almost certainly to refuel at Doro !Nawas.
Ends: Windhoek International Airport
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Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.