This GIRAFFE CONSERVATION – ‘The Silent Extinction of Forgotten Giants’ focussed guided Namibia safari affords you the chance to experience this magnificent and memorable country in a very personal way. You will have your own professional and experienced naturalist safari guide who will enhance your enjoyment of this unique country by making it a fascinating and stress-free journey of discovery amidst very dramatic scenery. The knowledge, experience and attitude of our guides are critical to a successful safari which is why we ensure that they are both personable and very professional. In addition to this you will be hosted by Dr Julian Fennessey of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in Namibia’s Doro Nawas Conservancy whilst at Onduli Ridge. Julian is considered Africa’s authority on giraffe and giraffe conservation, and will orchestrate the perfect themed safari, ranging from giraffe ecology and conservation to misconceptions regarding these highly threatened animals. (UltSafaris)

Dates: Jul 27-Aug 8, 2025 *
* Please note that this itinerary can be done as an independent trip and customized. Enquire for rates & availailibity. 

The highlight of the safari will be spending time in field at Onduli Ridge with Julian, giraffe conservationists and vets, whilst partaking in a giraffe GPS Satellite tagging operation. Giraffe will be immobilized and fitted with a GPS Satellite tag/device, you forming an integral part of the ground team during this operation. At the same time, you will learn all there is about giraffe conservation and their ecology. A life enriching experience and more than likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

GCF’s giraffe conservation program in northwest Namibia is the first long-term ecological monitoring effort on the desert-dwelling Angolan giraffe. The project collects, collates and disseminates information – both popular and scientific. This information is used locally and internationally for government, NGOs, communal conservancies and other interested partners to help with the conservation and management of giraffes. Surprisingly, this is one of the first ever long-term ecological monitoring efforts of giraffes in Africa. As part of a larger Namibian countrywide initiative, GCF works closely with communal conservancies in order to support the first ever Giraffe Conservation Status Assessment in Namibia, which will form an important baseline to inform the potential development of the first ever National Giraffe Conservation Strategy for Namibia.

ITINERARY

DAY 1:  Arrive Galton House
After landing at Windhoek’s International Hosea Kutako Airport, about 40km outside the city, you will be welcomed by an Ultimate Safaris representative who will transfer you into town and to Galton House where you will stay overnight in their beautifully designed rooms.

DAY 2: Okonjima
Check out from Galton House. Guided Drive Windhoek To Okonjima. After a leisurely breakfast you will be collected by your guide and set off on your journey, which today takes you to Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation, located at the base of the Omboroko Mountains near Waterberg. You will arrive in time for lunch at Okonjima Bush Camp. Here you can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, superb accommodation and fantastic activities; starting with a guided afternoon excursion (usually tracking leopard by vehicle) and a possible visit to the night hide after dinner, if on offer.

DAY 3: Guided Activity Okonjima Bush Camp
Cooler early mornings in the 200km² Okonjima Nature Reserve are perfect for exploring and that's how you'll begin your day.  The morning game drive allows you more time to enjoy and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a natural typical ecosystem within Central Namibia. As the Nature Reserve was established primarily to conserve some of our more threatened mammal species, it provides an increased chance to encounter these relatively rare animals. There are more than 40 mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, both large and small, including brown hyena as well as a good representation of the typical flora.

DAY 4: Guide Drive Okonjima To Mobile Camp in the North West
Continue on your safari, heading north and west into Kaokoveld enjoying a picnic lunch en route before entering the Hoanib River. The afternoon will be spent on an extended scenic drive as you make your way to your Mobile Expedition Camp, a mobile camp set up specifically for you in the heart of desert giraffe habitat.

DAYS 5 - 6: North West Mobile Camp
The next two days are spent with local GCF field crew in the area, setting the tone for the tagging operation which will take place at Onduli Ridge. Learn more about the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) which is an international science-based conservation organization that provides innovative approaches to save giraffe in the wild.

DAY 7: Guided Drive North West Mobile Camp to Camp Doros
Today you make your way into the heart of Damaraland as you make your way to Camp Doros. Enjoy fireside sundowners at the camp that will be your home for the next two nights. Damaraland is typified by displays of color, magnificent table topped mountains, rock formations and bizarre-looking vegetation. The present day landscape has been formed by the erosion of wind, water and geological forces which have created rolling hills, dunes, gravel plains and ancient river terraces. It is the variety and loneliness of the area as well as the scenic splendor which will reward and astound you, giving one an authentic understanding of the word ‘wilderness'.

DAY 8: Guided Activity Camp Doros - Desert Black Rhino
Today you will spend an exciting and memorable morning out rhino searching with the assistance of local trackers. It is worth noting that these black rhino form part of one of the only free-roaming black rhino populations in Africa and searching for animals in an unfenced and uninhibited environment is an absolute privilege. You will return to camp for a freshly prepared lunch and with time to relax at camp during the heat of the day. Later in the afternoon you head out again for a scenic nature drive or walk to explore this vast and astounding ecosystem.

DAY 9: Guided Drive Camp Doros To Onduli Ridge
After breakfast you will be treated to an exciting 4x4 excursion along the ephemeral Aba Huab River valley to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, especially the elusive desert adapted elephants, if they are in the area. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic location before making your way to Onduli Ridge

This evening you meet up with Julian from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and his crew to spend the evening preparing for tomorrow’s giraffe GPS satellite tagging operation. Hugely pertinent to conservation in Africa at the moment, this safari promises to engage, educate and encourage your participation in becoming part of the solution.

DAYS 10 - 11: Activities in Damaraland
The next two days are spent working as an integral part of the ground team - be prepared to be awed! You will be part of team tracking giraffe, immobilizing and monitoring them and assisting with the GPS satellite tagging of the giraffe with the new ear tags, which have proven to be very successful in various landscapes across Africa. These new tags are fitted to the ear of the giraffe and reduces the time that giraffe is ‘down’ and allows them to recover quicker. These tags are at the front of cutting-edge technology which will prove to be the new way going forward.

DAY 12: Guided Drive Damaraland To Windhoek
After breakfast we say our goodbye to the GCF team and make our way (in our specially modified safari vehicle) back to Windhoek where you will spend the last night at Galton House.

DAY 13: Transfer to Windhoek International Airport
After a leisurely breakfast this morning you are transferred back to Windhoek International Airport in time for your international flights out. This is also the official end for your privately guided Namibian Safari.We wish you safe travels onwards and hope that your Namibian safari has been full of unforgettable highlights and memorable experiences.…Bon Voyage!