Coward Springs, South Australia
Camel Safaris

Join us in 2009

When

June 9^th - 15^th

June 23^rd - 29^th This is an art safari. It is a slow-paced seven days to allow time to paint in a variety of landscapes with professional artist and tutor Pam McIntyre.

We will be taking some of our camels to the Marree Camel Cup (Saturday July 4th) so meet us there for a different and exciting day then join us for our last safari.

July 8^th - 14^th

Where - Oodnadatta Track, Outback South Australia

Each safari begins with your arrival at Coward Springs on the Oodnadatta Track on the evening before Day 1 (unless otherwise arranged on booking). We leave the next morning and return in the afternoon of the last day.

What to expect from your outback experience

• Feel the singular peace of this area: camels travel quietly into remote country and our group size is small.
• Discover the desert details: whether walking or riding you will notice bird and plant life, signs of ancient Aboriginal life, remnants of historical European settlement and more.
• Laugh and relax during evenings around the campfire.
• Sleep snugly in your swag, usually under a dome of brilliant stars as only seen in the outback.
• Become part of the team: help to shepherd and load camels or learn the art of campfire cooking (try your hand at a damper).

Travel through a range of outback landscapes

Safaris usually leave from Coward Springs on the Oodnadatta Track into the surrounding country. This is the catchment area for Lake Eyre South and has a range of typical and spectacular outback landscapes. There is an option to include Lake Eyre North as a focus.

• mound springs - 'mounds' created by mineral deposits as water from the Great Artesian Basin seeps through fissures in the bedrock. Often rivulets of water flow from the top of the mound and are surrounded by luxuriant reeds.
• sand dunes - low, vegetated dune systems.
• gibber plains - shiny, wind polished pebbles often forming pavements that appear to change colour with the light during the day.
• creek lines - usually dry, these are creeks of white sand, wooded with coolabahs and with the occasional waterhole.
• mesas - the Turret Range is a colourful backdrop or part of the landscape that we walk through.

Get to know our well-trained camels

Our camels are an experience in store for you. They are gentle, well-trained and very expressive animals and therefore easy to get to know. Most of our camels have been with us for years.

All safaris travel with two strings of camels - a riding string and a pack string. More often than not we also take a camel-drawn wagon, which makes it easier for families or if you are not as fit as you would like to be. The pack camels carry everything except your daypack. You will probably spend at least a part of the day walking (some people like to walk the whole way) but you can usually ride a camel or the wagon when you feel like it.

About us and our safaris

Peter Chantler lives in Casterton, Victoria and works camels throughout the year. You will find him taking camel rides at Port Fairy over the summer season. Pete's daughter Grace now joins us only in school holidays.

• We have been working and training camels since the 1980's and several of our first camels or their offspring are still in the team.
• Our aim is to make your experience both relaxed and memorable. Our combined local knowledge of the natural, cultural and local history will also enhance your understanding of this outback region.
• Evenings are around the campfire. Campfire cooking is a tradition in itself and our cook has years of experience both on safaris and at home.
• We take particular care to look after the land we are travelling through; we leave no sign of our passing and even our tracks will be blown away by the wind.
• Your safety is assured: we carry a comprehensive emergency kit, use a reliable communication system and have a well-rehearsed emergency procedure.

How fit do you need to be?

A reasonable level of fitness is necessary. We will be travelling between 12 and 20 kilometres each day (perhaps less on our art safaris). Camels or the camel wagon are available for riding, however expect to walk for at least part of the day. We cater for your comfort but remember that you are in the 'great outdoors'. If you are fairly active, enjoy the natural environment and like camping, this is a relaxed adventure.

The outback climate in winter

At this time of the year outback temperatures can range from cool to hot during the day to cold at night. It does sometimes rain but it is always unexpected since this is one of the lowest rainfall regions in Australia.

What do you need to bring?

• your swag (a roll of canvas, mattress and blanket)
• tents (only in case of random and rare rain)
• all your food from the night of your arrival at Coward Springs. Plenty of drinking water but limited washing water.

We will send you a list of suggested things to bring when you book. When you are packing remember that the camels carry everything - your gear will need to fit into a small soft bag. We travel comfortably but light!

How to get to Coward Springs

Costs and conditions

• $200 + GST per day each person.
• Non-refundable 10% deposit to be paid on booking, the remainder 30 days before departure date. Family rate on application. No card facilities.
• Minimum number of people is 6.
• You must advise on booking of any health issues or special dietary needs.
• Occasionally rain closes outback 'dirt tracks' and therefore access to your starting point. If this happens we will either reschedule if this suits you or refund.
• We strongly advise that you take out travel insurance in case of illness, injury or a delay in schedule due to rain.

Contact and Booking details

Email us

Phone:
Greg Emmett or Prue Coulls (08) 8675 8336
Peter Chantler (03) 5581 1903

Postal:
Coward Springs Campground
PO Box 20
Coober Pedy SA, 5723