Jetsettersblog

Conservancy Safaris in Kunene, Namibia, part of the Kamili portfolio (www.kamili.co.uk ), has announced departure dates for their new limited edition Specialised Safaris, guided by internationally acclaimed wildlife experts.

Conservancy Safaris’ tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to get off the beaten track in north-west Namibia and engage with the people and wildlife that live in this region.

Their range of Specialised Safaris, unique to Conservancy Safaris, enable visitors to spend time with internationally renowned specialists for exceptional wildlife encounters in small, intimate groups of no more than eight people. Guests join knowledgeable conservationists in the day‐to‐day running of their projects for an authentic and in‐depth experience.

The safaris are 5 days / 4 nights and include a mix of luxury, fully serviced camping with some lodge nights.

The itineraries are flexible to mirror game movements and the priorities of the projects. One of the main aims of all Conservancy Safaris’ tours is to help offset the cost of living with wildlife for the isolated Kunene communities, with 100% of the profit from the safaris going to the local Himba and Herero communities. The Specialised Safaris cost US$3,155 per person including all arrangements from Swakopmund or Etosha, full board accommodation and conservation fees (excluding international flights).

The Specialised Safaris for 2010 are:

DESERT LION SAFARI – Desert Lion Conservation is trying to find real solutions for the human/lion conflicts that inevitably arise when man and beast share the same area and resources.

These cautious survivors of the desert are not the semi‐tame cats frequently encountered in national parks; they are awesome, shy and lords of their environment.

Dr Philip Stander has been working with carnivores for 25 years and has dedicated the last 10 years to the conservation of desert lions.

The itinerary depends entirely on the lions and could take the form of searching remote and rugged areas or perhaps investigating a human/predator conflict situation. Departs 7 June, 7 September, 17 October and 20 November 2010.

KAOKOLAND NATURALLY – This is the ultimate safari for guests interested in natural history. Steve Braine has a love and passion for the bush and is recognised as one of Namibia’s top naturalists and ornithologist.

Not only does he have an in-depth knowledge of the larger mammals and birds but has a special interest in the reptiles and smaller creatures which often go unnoticed. The general area in which this excursion operates extends from Etendeka Mountain Camp northwards to Orupembe Conservancy. Departs 9 February, 21 May and 26 November 2010.

CONSERVATION AND CULTURE – Submerge yourself in this vast and breathtaking environment and learn about the fascinating culture of the people. Garth Owen-Smith and Dr Margaret Jacobsohn, conservationist and anthropologist, are people of rare vision.

Join these legends on an intense journey into the heart and soul of Koakoveld. Let two of the people who were there tell you the history of an African success story, the award winning Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) organisation. Departs 3 August and 15 November 2010.

DESERT ELEPHANT PROJECT SAFARI – Learn what it is to live with elephants and the compromises required to ensure the future of these rare desert animals.

The Namibian Desert Dwelling Elephant Project has been underway for eight years and focuses on the collecting and sharing of identification and monitoring data.

The primary aim is to improve the understanding of elephants in general and to include this information into elephant management programmes.

Dr Keith Leggett who leads the project will be moving to take up a position at a research institute in Australia but has offered his services to guide on two desert elephant safaris in 2010, departing 25 September and 12 October.

Private departures are available on request.

All of the Specialised Safaris can be easily combined with one of Conservancy Safaris other tours, Katiti Kunene, Kunene Kaleidoscope, Kunene Collage or Desert Whirlwind.

For more information visit www.kcs-namibia.com.na

For further information on the Kamili portfolio please visit www.kamili.co.uk  

Tour operator packages for any property in the Kamili portfolio are available on request.