Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

In the Realm of the Desert Lion AN EXCLUSIVE CONSERVATION SAFARI IN NAMIBIA

Have you ever dreamed of getting up close to Africa’s wildlife? How about helping firsthand on conservation projects that protect these species for future generations? On this spectacular and unique adventure, we bring you behind the scenes to conservation groups that are pioneering ways to protect Namibia’s amazing wildlife, including endangered black rhino, the world’s greatest population of free-roaming cheetah, and the magnificent desert lion, which exists nowhere else on earth! You’ll track leopard and cheetah, meet with biologists of Save The Rhino Trust, and help contribute directly to Namibia’s preservation. Our groups have the exclusive experience of tracking desert lion alongside renowned conservationist Dr. Flip Stander. With only six participants per departure, this is the safari of a lifetime! Days 1-3 Windhoek / Okonjima From Windhoek, head to Okonjima Bush Camp and visit the AfriCat Foundation, the largest cheetah and leopard rescue-and-release program in the world. Setting off at dawn in open vehicles, you’ll search for leopard, track cheetah on foot,

and keep an eye out for the many bird species found here. On our June departure (two extra days), enjoy the exclusive opportunity of being the only observers (and assistants!) of the annual “Vet Check”—an incredible experience with the big cats. Days 4-6 Damaraland / Desert Rhino Camp In the heart of Damaraland, with its magnificent mesas and bizarre vegetation, explore the prehistoric rock art at Twyfelfontein—the largest petroglyph site in all Africa, with thousands of images, both animal and spirit, carved into the cliff face. At lovely Desert Rhino Camp, home to Save the Rhino Trust, meet some of the guardians of the rare black rhino and enjoy an insider’s look at the extraordinary work being done to ensure the survival of this species. You’ll track rhino by 4WD vehicle and on foot, and search ephemeral riverbeds for desert elephant. Days 7-12 Desert Lion Project / Damaraland / Windhoek From our mobile camp in the heart of the Kunene, which stretches to Namibia’s legendary Skeleton Coast, search for desert lion, with the chance to meet (and even track with) Dr. Flip Stander. His work has been critical in ensuring the survival of this unique species. Our days may be long, with early starts and late finishes, but the overall experience is unforgettable! After a final night in the wilds of Damaraland, depart on Day 12 via Windhoek.

HIGHLIGHTS • Go behind the scenes at AfriCat for close encounters with cheetah and leopard, including our special “Vet Check” Departure • Exclusive safari—just 6 participants— with expert tracker and naturalist safari guide Jason Nott • Track desert-adapted elephant and the world’s only population of desert lion • Walk among prehistoric rock engravings at Twyfelfontein • Meet with field staff of Save the Rhino Trust, responsible for saving Namibia’s black rhino from extinction • Special bush breakfasts, lantern-lit dinners DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Windhoek (June departure is 14 days) • 8 nights hotels and lodges, 3 nights mobile camp • All meals included DATES May 14-25, 2017 Jun 23-Jul 6 Vet Check Departure (14 Days) Sep 3-14 TRIP COST 12-day Itinerary: from $6495 14-day Vet Check departure: $7495 Single supplement: from $1190 Internal airfare: $570 (subject to change) Donations to conservation projects: $900-$2350, depending on departure

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 4WD game viewing, bush walks

Opportunities to assist vets at AfriCat and track desert lion with a renowned conservationist are just some of the highlights of this unique safari.

DONAL MULLINS

MARY MCDONALD

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 73