Pleasure Flights Safaris: Flights from Swakopmund

ROUTES & PRICES

The "FORBIDDEN COAST": (360 km = 1h30min)
This scenic flight takes you from Swakopmund, east via the "Moon landscape" and along the Swakop riverbed to the Swakop and Kahn river intersections, crossing the Oasis Goarnikontes. Routing southwards, passing the Walvis Bay airport and the Kuiseb river bed - the natural border for the dune formations. Over the "sea" of shifting sand dunes we reach the coast at Conception Bay passing the shipwrecks "EDUARD BOHLEN" (1909) and the "SHAUNEE" (1976) . Further, along the coast with the Atlantic surf on the one side and the "long wall" (Namib dunes) on the other, we reach Sandwich Harbour, a wetland of international importance and protected by the Ramsar Convention. In harmony with the surroundings we find Namibia's' coastal salt mines, south of Walvis Bay, attracting thousands of birds. Walvis Bay, Namibia's major harbour town and a former enclave to South Africa, which was incorporated into Namibia on March 1, 1994 is our next destination. Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund we pass the Langstrand (Long Beach) Holiday Resort and the Dolphin Park Recreation Resort on our way back to Swakopmund.

"SOSSUSVLEI": (610 km = 2h20min)
This is the most popular scenic flight, guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday! From Swakopmund we take you in a light aircraft over the Namib Desert, past the Walvis Bay Airport to the Kuiseb river. Low-level along the Kuiseb river onto the Desert Ecological Research Unit, Gobabeb founded in 1959. Passing Tsondab vlei, the only known breeding area of the Lappet faced Vulture in southern Namibia, towards Sesriem and the Sesriem Canyon to the highest shifting sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. No part of the desert is visually more stunning than Sossusvlei. The warm tints of the sand range from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, vividly contrasting with the large white clay pans at some of their bases. From Sossusvlei into the Diamond Restricted Area flying over the remains of three old diamond camps and crossing the coastline at Conception Bay. We continue coastwise, as above to Swakopmund.

"SOSSUSVLEI EXCURSION": (630 km = Day trip)
This is the most popular scenic flight, guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday! From Swakopmund we take you in a light aircraft over the Namib Desert, past the Walvis Bay airport to the Kuiseb river. Low-level along the Kuiseb river onto the Desert Ecological Research Unit, Gobabeb founded in 1959. Passing Tsondab vlei, the only known breeding area of the Lappet faced Vulture in southern Namibia, towards Sesriem and the Sesriem Canyon. Landing at Sesriem you will be driven in a 4x4 vehicle to the highest shifting sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. No part of the desert is visually more stunning than Sossusvlei. The warm tints of the sand range from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, vividly contrasting with the large white clay pans at some of their bases. Admire, climb and photograph the scenery and enjoy a refreshing picnic in the shade of a camel thorn tree. When you are ready, return to the landing strip. We continue
our flight, passing the remains of old diamond camps to the coast at Conception Bay. Low-level scenic flight along the "Forbidden Coast" with it's shipwrecks, seal colonies and the flamingoes at Sandwich Harbour, passing Walvis Bay Harbour on our way "back" to Swakopmund.

"The DESERT BUSHMAN Trail" (1000 km = day trip) DISCONTINUED TILL FURTHER NOTICE, PRIVATE CHARTER ONLY ON REQUEST
Early morning flight over the Namib Desert past the picturesque Gamsberg to the Intu Afrika Lodge in the Kalahari. Set in the red dunes of the dramatic Kalahari Desert, Intu Afrika Lodge is home to the !Xoo Bushmen. While enjoying breakfast you will receive information to prepare you for your visit to the Bushman Community. After breakfast you will be driven to the Bushmen settlement. Spend the morning learning about the ancient traditions of the earliest inhabitants in Namibia. The Bushmen are great storytellers, and love music, mimicry and dance. The simplest instrument is the hunters bow, spanned with animal hair and equipped with an empty melon or tin can as a sound box. Learn more about their hunting techniques and tracking skills. Return to the lodge for lunch, after which we continue our flight via the Naukluft mountains over the highest shifting sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. From Sossusvlei into the Diamond Restricted
Area flying over the remains of three old diamond camps. From the diamond camps we head to the coast at Conception Bay where the wreck of the passenger liner, EDUARD BOHLEN lies. Stranded in 1909, she now lies 200m away from the shore. From Conception Bay we fly along the coast passing colonies of Cape Fur seals and another shipwreck, the SHAUNEE stranded in 1976. From the SHAUNEE we fly overfly Sandwich Bay at 1500 feet so as not to disturb the flamingo colony. The highest recorded density of Lesser and Greater flamingos was recorded at low tide with 7 791 birds/km. Further flight, past Walvis Bay salt works, the lagoon with its varied bird life and Walvis Bay Harbour, the hub of Namibia's fast-growing fishing industry. We return via the Dolphin Park Recreation Resort and Langstrand Holiday Resort back to Swakopmund.

"The ULTIMATE SOUTH": (1570 km = day trip)
Early morning flight over Kuiseb river to Sossusvlei with the highest shifting sand dunes in the world. From Sossusvlei flight over the 2 000 m high dolomite Naukluft mountains past the extinct Brukaros volcano to Keetmanshoop to refuel. From Keetmanshoop low-level flight to the largest canyon in Africa, the Fish River Canyon up to Ai Ais. We continue our flight over the diamond restricted area directly to Luderitz Bucht. Stop over at Luderitz with a guided tour of the ghost town, Kolmanskop. Kolmanskop was once the focal point of a glittering diamond rush. Former stately homes, their grandeur now scoured and demolished by the wind, bear witness to one of the most vivid periods in Namibian history. We return to Luderitz for a city tour. The sheer isolation of the town and distinctly German colonial architecture give it a historic charm. Round off the day with a picnic lunch at the Yacht Club. Afternoon flight along the "Forbidden Coast" past the shipwreck OTAVI (1945) at Spencer Bay, Meob Bay on to Conception Bay, the shipwreck EDUARD BOHLEN (1909) which lies' approximately 250 m inland and the SHAWNEE (1976). Further flight, along the coast with the Atlantic surf on the one side and the "long wall" (Namib dunes) on the other, we reach Sandwich Harbour, a wetland of international importance and protected by the Ramsar Convention. In harmony with the surroundings we find Namibia's' coastal salt mines, south of Walvis Bay, attracting thousands of birds. Walvis Bay, Namibia's major harbour town and a former enclave to South Africa, which was incorporated into Namibia on March 1, 1994 is our next destination. Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund we pass the Langstrand Holiday Resort and the Dolphin Park Recreation Resort on our way "back" to Swakopmund.

"The CLASSIC SOUTH": (1200 km's = day trip)
Early morning flight over Kuiseb riverbed to Sossusvlei with the highest shifting sand dunes in the world. No part of the desert is visually more stunning than Sossusvlei. The warm tints of the sand range from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, vividly contrasting with the large white clay pans at some of their bases. We continue our flight over the diamond restricted area , turning towards the coast, we pass the Bogenfels Rock Arch, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. From the Bogenfels we pass Black Point, Pomona Island and Albatross Island on our way to Luderitz. Stop over at Luderitz with a guided tour of the ghost town, Kolmanskop. Kolmanskop was once the focal point of a glittering diamond rush. Former stately homes, their grandeur now scoured and demolished by the wind, bear witness to one of the most vivid periods in Namibian history. We return to Luderitz for a city tour. The sheer isolation of the town and distinctly German colonial architecture give it a historic charm. Round off the day with a picnic lunch at the Yacht Club. Transfer to the airfield and we continue our flight along the "Forbidden Coast" past the shipwreck OTAVI (1945) at Spencer Bay, Meob Bay and on to Conception Bay, where the shipwreck EDUARD BOHLEN (1909) lies approximately 250 m inland and the SHAWNEE (1976). Experience the timelessness and beauty of the Namib on one side, it silence and solitude contrasting with the turbulence of the Atlantic Surf on the other. Further flight past Sandwich Harbour, a wetland of international importance and protected by the Ramsar Convention. In harmony with the surroundings we find Namibia's coastal salt mines, south of Walvis Bay, attracting thousands of birds. Walvis Bay, Namibia's major harbour town and a former enclave to South Africa, which was incorporated into Namibia on March 1, 1994 is our next destination. Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund we pass the Langstrand Holiday Resort and the Dolphin Park Recreation Resort on our way to Swakopmund.

"The SKELETON COAST": (780 km = 3h10min)
Low-level flight along the coast from Swakopmund airfield past the salt works, Henties Bay and the seal reserve, Cape Cross. During the November / December breeding season as many as 200 000 seals gather at Cape Cross. It was also here that the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao, erected a stone cross in 1486. From Cape Cross we continue our flight along the treacherous Skeleton Coast. The Skeleton Coast Park is about 40 km wide and covers 16 390 sq km. The park in the northern Namib Desert stretches from the Ugab river in the south to the Kunene river, which forms the northern border with Angola. This region is generally cold and windy with mist in the mornings and evenings. The Skeleton Coast is littered with whalebones, shipwrecks and the remains of sailors and explorers. Further flight past Toscanini and Palgrave point to the Uniab river mouth. Along the river bed in search of the desert elephants, rhino's, giraffes and other game up to Palmwag. We continue our flight over the Damaraland Table Top Mountains, the Brandberg, the Spitzkoppe and via the Rossing Uranium Mine back to Swakopmund.

"SKELETON COAST / DAMARALAND EXCURSION": (860km = day trip)
Flight from Swakopmund airfield past Namibia's Matterhorn, the Spitzkoppe. We continue our flight via the Brandberg and Damaraland to Hobatere Lodge. Hobatere derives it's name from the Damara language, meaning "this place is good for me" . Situated on the western border of the Etosha National Park, the farm is approximately 32 000 hectare in size. Enjoy a guided game drive where you will have the chance to see elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and other wildlife. After the game drive return to the lodge where a light lunch will be served. Return afternoon low-level flight along the Uniab river bed, in search of the desert elephant, Oryx and other game to the river mouth. Further low-level flight along the treacherous Skeleton Coast with it's remains of shipwrecks, the seal colony at Cape Cross, past Henties Bay, Wlotskasbaken and the salt works to Swakopmund.

"OVAHIMBA DAY TRIP": (1110 km = day trip)
Direct flight early morning from Swakopmund airfield past the Brandberg, over Damaraland and Kaokoland to Opuwo. In Opuwo, accompanied by a guide and translator, you will be driven to an Ovahimba village in the area. Spend the morning with the Ovahimba' in their "kraal". The Ovahimba are a tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists who still live and dress according to ancient traditions. They area tall, slender and statuesque people, characterized by their proud yet friendly bearing. The women are noted for their unusual sculptural beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional adornments. The Ovahimba rub their bodies with red ochre and fat to protect their skins against the scorching sun. At lunch time we return to Opuwo where a light lunch is served at the guesthouse. Relax at the pool side. Afternoon flight over Kaokoland, past Sesfontein to the Uniab river. Low-level flight along the river bed in search of the desert elephants, rhino and other game to the river mouth. Further along the Skeleton Coast with remains of shipwrecks, the seal colony at Cape Cross, past Henties Bay, Wlotzkasbaken to Swakopmund.

RATES PER PERSON
FOR THE PERIOD: until 31 October 2008: due to rising fuel costs rates are quoted on request only

(1) "Conception Bay/Forbidden Coast": (+-1h30 = 360 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes: Flight only)

(2) "Sossusvlei Classic": (+-2h15 = 630 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes: Flight only)

(3) "Sossusvlei Excursion": (day trip = 630 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Prices includes: flight, guided 4x4 drive to Vlei, lunch at Sossusvlei Lodge)

(4A)
A) "Ultimate South": (day trip = 1570 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes: flight, Tour Kolmanskop, Tour Luderitz, lunch, refreshments)

(4B) "Ultimate South, Fish River Canyon Excursion": (day trip = 1570 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -0.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes: Flight, Fish River Canyon Excursion, Lunch, refreshments)

(5) "Classic South": (day trip = 1200 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes: Flight, Tour Kolmanskop, Tour Luderitz, picnic, refreshments)
(Price excludes : Lunch at the Nest Hotel)

(6) The "Harnas Wildlife Foundation Excursion" (Day trip = �1300km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes : Flight, Wild Cat Package, Lunch)

(7) "Skeleton Coast Uniab River": (+-3h15 = 780 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes : Flight only)

(8) "Skeleton Coast Ugab River": (+-2h15 = 630 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes : Flight only)

(9) "Skeleton Coast - with Damaraland Excursion": (day trip = 860 km)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes: Flight, game drive, lunch, refreshments)

(10) "Epupa Falls - Ovahimba Excursion": (1410 km = day trip)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes: flight, visit to Himba Village & Epupa Falls, lunch, refreshments.)

(11) "Opuwo - Ovahimba Excursion": (1110 km = day trip)
with 5 pax: N$ -.00
with 4 pax: N$ -.00
with 3 pax: N$ -.00
with 2 pax: N$ -.00
(Price includes: flight, visit to Himba Village, lunch, refreshments.)

Flight without door
N$ 4 500.00 per hour
1. The flight will be invoiced for after the flight - this gives the photographer the freedom to decide for how long he wants to fly. He can then also decide which route or where he wants to go to.
2. Host aircrafts (Cessna 210) take 5 passengers + 1 pilot and all the passengers have window seats for viewing scenery and taking photographs.
Aircraft are high winged, ensuring best visibility for scenery.
3. Windows cannot be opened, but they are all clear enough for taking photos. Otherwise operator suggests a private flight with the door taken off for people who are interested in photography.

PLEASURE FLIGHTS + SAFARIS accepts no responsibility for any delays caused by unforeseen circumstances, mechanical breakdowns, diversions or cancellations due to adverse weather or circumstances beyond our control. Confirmation is subject to availability of aircraft and pilot (s). The prices are firm for the indicated date only. We do reserve the right to alter these prices with any new, unforeseen increases in fuel prices, new government taxes, etc.

Reservations & information:

Elena Travel Services & Car Hire CC
P.O. Box 3127 Windhoek, Namibia
Fax: +264 61 244558
E-mail: info@namibweb.com

Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.