We recently returned from the Great Namibian Journey with an extension to Serra Cafema. As others have reported, the scenery is magnificent with sand dunes remarkable for their size and color. The country is so vast with such a ra nge of vistas. The Skeleton Coast looked every bit as rugged as we were led to believe. Serra Cafema was beautiful and tranquil, a great contrast to the Skeleton Coast. We saw lions at Etosha and elephants, gnu, zebras, kudu, springbok and oryx in different areas as well as in Etosha.

We had a wonderful time but if I had it to do over again, I would fly from one camp to another rather than spend so much time driving. The driving was both interesting
and tedious while the camp activities were always great.

I would have a hard time picking out my favorite place. Skeleton Coast was great; my husband loved Ongava. We both enjoyed Serra Cafema, but then there's Kulala and Palmwag Rhino Camp. We had a good time in Swakopmund but because we were there on the weekend, we couldn't explore the shop. We were in Damaraland only overnight, arriving late afternoon and leaving the next morning, so I really can't say anything about the camp.

We looked at the pictures tonight and they brought back memories of the many incredible things we saw. I loved Namibia, Botswana, and we'll just have to go back to Africa to see more wonderful sights.

Welcome back Mollybee! Post some pics please when you get a chance. Thanks!

Hello!!! Welcome back....

Hari

Welcome home, Mollybee. I've been anxiously waiting for your post as I'm considering this trip for next year (with the Serra Cafena extension). Could you elaborate a bit more on the driving times? That would definitely make a difference for me. A couple of years ago I was in Uganda and so much of the time was taken up by driving--some trips as long as 10 hours. It was grueling.
Thanks,

Fern

Welcome Home Molly,

Phernska, Isn't it about time for Southern Tanzania?

Dear Fern;

The drive from Windhoek to Kulala was about 6 hrs. The road was tar. We stopped for lunch along the way and arrived at camp about 4. Next day was dune exploration day.

Kulala to Swakopmund - 155 miles over a good gravel road. I didn't write down the time, but we arrived late in the afternoon so I am asssuming it took about 6 hours. We did stop along the way to look at the weltwischia plant and the moonscape, both of which were interesting. Next day Walvis Bay and dune activity.

Swakopmund to Damaraland- about 7 hrs, over gravel and game drive roads. Stopped atTwyfelfontein to look at etchings. Long, hot drive. STayed overnight at Damaraland, no activity since we left early the next morning to go to Palmwag Rhino Camp. Along the way we ate lunch at Palmwag Lodge. In my opinion, the drive from Swakopmund culminating in Rhino camp was really tiresome. The scenery was lovely, but we seemed to be driving forever. Even though Rhino camp was only 37 km from Palmwag Lodge it took 2 1/2 hrs due to the rocky road. We arrived at 4:30.

Drive from Rhino camp to Ongava- I don't have the exact time but from my notes I am estimating 5 hours. At first the road was very rocky but then it improved

If you need any more info, plase let me know.

Helene

Flight from Ongava to Skeleton Coast was 1 hour, very pleasant.

Skeleton Coast to Serra Cafema 45 minutes. Serra Cafema to Windhoek about 3 hrs +.

In addition to the driving from place to place, you then drive in the Land Rover to track the animals.

Fern,
I neglected to say that you fly from Skeleton Coast to Serra Cafema.

Thanks Helene...That's alot of time driving...Shoot. Now I'm thinking that the 7-day Best of Namibia Wing Safari plus the Skeleton Coast Flying Safari would be the way to go...

How was the group, by the way?? How many of you were there? And, how were the guides?

thanks in advance

fern


p.s. Hey Lynn...good memory!! I leave for Tanzania on Oct. 13

We were 6 plus the guide. The 4 others were really nice people but the women did not speak although they understood English and the men spoke some English. It was possible to have a conversation but we all needed to concentrate. They were from Verona, Italy. I was surprised that they went on an English speaking tour but I guess they felt they understood English sufficiently.

Our guide was pleasant, knowledgeable and took good care of us. He was attentive and knew his way about all of the areas. My husband and I have been traveling for years, and except for the time we went to Cuba, we have never been on a tour. I have only praise for Roger,and can only say positive things about our group-mates but we did not like being with the same people in such close quarters all the time. When we went independently to Botswana, we flew into the various camps that we had selected, and had the guides from the camps take us on activities. Local color adds alot to the experience in my opinion.
Perhaps our opinion would be different if we had been able to converse with the 4 others.

Welcome back - would love to see some pics if you're able to get some online?