Planet Earth III Filming Locations: Episode 3 - Deserts and Grasslands
Exploring Zakouma National Park, Chad
Fast becoming the poster-child as the unique and wild African safari destination of the moment, Chad - and more specifically Zakouma National Park - is a magical blend of conservation success story, and rugged wilderness adventure blended into one. Recent political events have started to settle and if you are looking to expand your horizons, it is certainly somewhere to consider getting to in the next couple of years before it starts to become too well-visited, losing its uniqueness.
Planet Earth III chose to film here, to not only showcase this rare wildlife spectacle, but because Zakouma has come from the brink of destruction to be a model of modern wildlife conservation. Through a strong emphasis on security, stability and local communities, the park has become a stronghold for many species that are endangered or extinct in other parts of central and west Africa. Zakouma is a beacon of hope for conservation with nearly 500 elephants now here. The elephants trust humans again, showing the amazing capabilities of these sentient creatures.Game viewing centres upon the magnificent pans in the eastern part of the park. Their reliable water draws an abundance of wildlife and rare sub-Sahelian species like Kordofan giraffe, Lelwel’s hartebeest and northern greater kudu. Predators are much in evidence including wild dog, leopard, cheetah, lion and both spotted and striped hyena. There are also plenty of smaller cats such as serval.
Following a decade of regeneration this beautiful region of pans and Sahelian forest is thriving. After heavy rains from June to November the landscapes dry out, making February to May the perfect time for a safari. Camp Nomade, set in the heart of Zakouma National Park, is a classic mobile tented camp that moves seasonally to follow the wildlife herds, meaning explorers are always in a prime location for wildlife viewing. Only open for a short period in the dry season this camp is exclusive and very sought after.
Dating back 7,000 years this rock art, comprising mostly petroglyphs, is a testament to the historic role nomadic people have played in this landscape. Today, despite the harsh climate and environment, as many as 30,000 community members move through Ennedi every year and are dependent on the resources the reserve provides. Visiting Ennedi is truly exploring a road less travelled. Camp Warda gives the opportunity to explore this exceptional part of the Sahara in depth.
We can arrange a private Chad safari for a small group of family or friends, combining 5 or 6 nights at Ennedi, followed by 6 or 7 nights at Zakouma.
Indigenous people live here, too, and in the deserts, the San, Nama and Damara people might well be your guides. Their knowledge of the landscape and wildlife has been passed down through the generations, and when you travel with them, the journey is an opportunity to open yourself up to their ancient wisdom, soaking up the enchantment and mythos of the desert.
In Damaraland and along the Skeleton Coast, you’ll find Namibia’s big game. The desert rhino, desert elephant, and Angolan giraffe have all evolved over the millennia; the animals you see are the heroic survivors who have adapted to the drought and benefited from a remarkable intergenerational understanding of where to find reliable water sources. These desert adapted species include the chacma baboon and ostrich.
Planet Earth filmed ostriches in the Tiras Mountains in the Tirasberg Conservancy in the South, and Chacma baboons in the Tsaobis Nature Park in the North. However we can recommend better locations for spotting wildlife in the parks in Namibia.
We can arrange a Namibian safari combining two or three wildlife areas. The Namib Rand is a dark sky reserve too so there are opportunities for stargazing here.
&Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is nothing short of magnificent, a secluded palace in a rugged oasis in the heart of the desert, lying beneath an endless sky.
The Hoanib Valley is a truly unique environment, strikingly beautiful and remote. Staying at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp you will see the valley at its finest, and get close to the wonderful wildlife residing here.
Set in one of the most private areas of Damaraland, Onduli Ridge is the perfect property if you relish tranquillity. The unusual, dry landscapes of this part of Namibia are harsh but beautiful in equal measures, and are characterised by huge red, dusty rock formations that feel as though they belong on another planet. It’s a quiet, peaceful place to stay run by a warm and welcoming local team who provide excellent guiding outside the lodge and outstanding hospitality and culinary experiences within it.
Shipwreck Lodge is the newest and most exciting property on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. It opened its doors in summer 2018, and cuts a truly striking look. The design is influenced by the shape of a shipwreck, and is the perfect addition to the raw and rugged landscape in which it sits. Inside, however, it’s a different story: the interiors are both luxurious and attention grabbing.
Hansa Hotel is the oldest and finest hotel in Namibia, a monument in its own right in Swakopmund. The building dates from 1905, so is an important part of the town’s architectural heritage, and is a very charming place to stay.
This luxury tented camp is situated close to the Hoanib River and straddles both the Palmvag Concession and the Skeleton Coast National Park. The Hoanib Valley is a truly unique environment, strikingly beautiful and remote. Staying at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp you will see the valley at its finest, and get close to the wonderful wildlife residing here.
Unique design set in the heart of Namibia’s sun-bleached coastal dunes, Shipwreck Lodge is one of Africa’s most innovative new camps.
Natural Selection’s Hoanib Valley Camp is a joint venture between local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. It’s an elegant, intimate camp in the desert with strong ecological and sustainability credentials, reflecting the priorities of its local partners.
&Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is nothing short of magnificent, a secluded palace in a rugged oasis in the heart of the desert, lying beneath an endless sky.
Watch oryx and other desert-adapted wildlife cross the highest sand dunes on earth when you stay at Little Kulala in Namibia’s stunning Sossusvlei.
Treat yourself to an authentic desert camp experience when you sleep under canvas in the well-appointed luxury chalets at Wolwedans Dunes Lodge.
Give yourself plenty of flexibility in Namibia’s historic Swakopmund when you choose Cornerstone Guesthouse or its seaside sister property, the self-catering Atlantik Sicht.
The Strand Hotel is a modern, well-run property right on the beachfront, so you can walk out straight onto the sands and along the coast.
Few guests ever venture to this remote part of Namibia, but if they knew the secret which is Okahirongo River Camp, they’d be flocking here in great numbers.
Canyon Lodge is located in a semi-arid remote region near the Fish River Canyon in the southern reaches of Namibia.
Set in a grove of ancient Kokerbome, Fish River Lodge has been carefully designed to echo the terraced and rugged terrain as well as the colours and textures of the landscape.
Lianshulu Lodge is located in the western section of the Caprivi Strip overlooking the Kwando River.
Nunda River Lodge sits at the entrance to Namibia’s beautiful Caprivi Strip just a short distance from the entrance to the Mahango Game Park nestled at the mouth of the Okavango Pan Handle.
Here’s our list of ten wonderful experiences to consider including in your Namibia safari:
Namibia has a diverse cultural heritage and is home to one of the most distinct African tribes — the Himba — a group of semi-nomads who live in the Kunene region.
Etendeka Mountain Camp offers a unique, pristine wilderness experience which will appeal to photographer, naturalist, astronomer and geologist alike, as well as lovers of peace, quiet and open space.
The Huab Conservancy, about 90km north-west of Khorixas in Damaraland, is a core desert-adapted black rhino area and a pioneering community and conservation development. Ultimate Safaris has entered into an agreement with the conservancy which has secured exclusive use area for the purposes of their Journeys Under Canvas camp.
Embark on a journey through the wild terrains of Botswana and Namibia, experiencing the epitome of a luxury safari. Encounter majestic wildlife in the Okavango Delta, traverse the surreal landscapes of Namibia's deserts, and unwind in opulent lodges amidst nature's grandeur.
Etosha is a unique safari location in the heart of Namibia. The 1,900 square-mile Etosha salt pan is vast and extremely flat, creating an otherworldly landscape and one-of-a-kind location for spotting wildlife.
Damaraland is a glorious mix of Namibia’s diverse and dramatic landscapes. Take in the vast deserts, flat-topped mountains, wide canyons and classic savannahs, each proffering its own array of highly adapted wildlife.
Kunene, in northwestern Namibia, is among the most remote areas of the country. The Kunene River flows south through undulating dunescapes and rocky ridges, creating an unbelievable landscape flanked by golden-green grasslands.
Skeleton Coast’s ominous name comes from the shipwrecks and whale bones that litter the shore. An estimated 500 ships rest here, having long ago met their end against the harsh breaks of the Atlantic Ocean.
The giant red dunes of Sossusvlei are a quintessential sight on a Namibia safari. Landscapes here are surreal, with multicoloured sand formations and dramatic canyons, along with a surprising array of plant and animal life.
Swakopmund looks more like a village in Germany than a Namibian seaside town, but it’s a lovely stopover for boating and seal watching during your overland safari.
Sculpted by its namesake river, Namibia’s Fish River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views during guided day or multi-day hikes along the canyon’s edge.
The Caprivi Strip is the part that juts out from the north of Namibia over the top of Botswana. It’s a fertile, lush area unlike the rest of this spectacularly desert-covered country.
Stay at Little Ongava, the natural home of luxury safaris in Namibia, to explore a beautiful private reserve and the thriving Etosha National Park, abundant with intermixed flocks and herds of uncountable numbers.
Safarihoek is a spacious and elegant lodge with the main building on an elevated deck to catch the breeze and positioned under vaulted thatch, allowing for infinite 180º views over the plains below.
In the local Herero language, Onguma means, "the place you don't want to leave." Having stayed here, we can say without question that you’re sure to agree.
Set in one of the most private areas of Damaraland, Onduli Ridge is the perfect property if you relish tranquility.
Nestling among rugged boulders on a ridge that provides panoramic views over the surrounding area, Mowani creates the impression of an African village. The asperous landscape is a magnificent backdrop to the camp’s thatched cottages, and the desert-adapted wildlife remains completely undisturbed as its environmental footprint is so light.
Sorris Sorris blends a Scandinavia-influenced minimalism with luxurious comforts, spread beneath a dramatic red granite backdrop.
Looking across the river the scenic mountains of Angola, a remote sense of peace envelopes you at Serra Cafema.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes and rugged tranquillity.
Spectacular desert landscapes and dark skies meet a storied coastline.
Named after the area’s resident giraffe, Onduli Enclave is your own private Damaraland retreat. This refined and elegant lodge is set in an otherworldly landscape of dusty red plains, huge boulders, mountains and several jagged rocky outcrops. With a private guide and a helpful team back at the lodge to look after you, you can explore entirely at your own pace.