Namibia, a country of breathtaking landscapes, vast desert plains and abundant wildlife, has become a coveted destination for discerning travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unparalleled natural beauty. With its pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and a commitment to sustainable tourism, this is a holiday destination that offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and a generous sprinkle of opulence.
A country with a population of just 2.5 million people, yet over three times bigger than the United Kingdom, Namibia is the ultimate destination to reset, decompress and simply revel in, well, nothingness. The captivating blend of dramatic landscapes range from the towering dunes of the Namib Desert to the rugged mountains of the Damaraland region and the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park. The country’s commitment to conservation also means that visitors can immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the country.
Luxurious Retreats in the Heart of Nature
Namibia offers a selection of exclusive accommodation that harmoniously blend into the natural surroundings, rivalling any first world destination. Think lavish tented camps, eco-lodges and remote desert retreats, each providing a truly unique and intimate experience.
Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of the desert, enjoying private game drives, and unwinding in lavish accommodation that cater to your every need. These retreats offer a seamless integration of elegance and wilderness, allowing travelers to relax in luxury after an exhilarating day of exploration.
Wildlife Encounters
Namibia is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. Luxury safari experiences in Namibia go beyond the ordinary, offering personalised itineraries that showcase the country’s diverse ecosystems and enable close encounters with wildlife. Expert guides lead private game drives, walking safaris, and even hot air balloon rides, ensuring an unforgettable adventure. Moreover, Namibia’s commitment to conservation shines through in its community-based tourism initiatives, where travelers can actively participate in conservation projects and support local communities.
Adventures for the Discerning Traveler
Namibia is a playground for any adrenaline junkie. Helicopter rides over the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, hot air ballooning above the vast plains of Etosha, and quad biking through the dramatic landscapes of Swakopmund are just a few of the adventures that await. Tailor-made itineraries allow travelers to curate their own extraordinary experiences, whether it’s exploring shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast or embarking on a luxury camping expedition in the heart of the Namib Desert.
Commitment to Conservation
Namibia’s dedication to sustainable tourism is unrivalled. The country has implemented innovative conservation practices, community-led initiatives, and responsible tourism models. Visitors can rest assured that their experiences in Namibia contribute to the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage, leaving a lasting positive impact on the environment, as well as its local communities.
10 Delightful Days
Namibia is larger than any European country, excluding Russia, and nearly the size of Germany and Spain combined. Needless to say, this makes it impossible to see the entire country one visit. Nevertheless, a carefully thought-out itinerary is the key to maximizing a trip to this bucket-list destination. Planning a trip in a country of this sheer size and vastness can be daunting and at times overwhelming. However, there is a host of fantastic destination management companies to design the perfect visit. We asked Abenteuer Afrika Safari to curate a 10-day Namibian adventure fit for even the most discerning traveller.
Day 1: Windhoek
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is located in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains. It is 1,680m above sea level, 650km north of the Orange River and 360km from the Atlantic Ocean. Whether due to pure luck or a brilliant stroke of Germanic planning, the city is situated in almost the countries epicentre. This location makes it the ideal place to start and plan any Namibian travel. The city centre is characterized by a proliferation of German style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia’s early colonial history.
Stay: The Weinberg Windhoek
The Weinberg Windhoek provides all the exclusivity and privacy you might expect from this prestigious Estate, making it the perfect retreat when visiting Namibia. Aside from the location and spectacular views, guest can also enjoy the Soulstice Day Spa, Be Hair Salon and five restaurants.
store.gondwana-collection.com/accommodation/the-weinberg
Day 2: Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is the home to the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and any photographer’s dream. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei – Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei – other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.
Stay: Desert Whisper Gondwana Collection Namibia
Creatively constructed with sublime desert views, Desert Whisper is designed as a luxuriously special desert retreat for two. Inspired by nature and natural shapes, material and colours, this contemporary desert home is one that you would never want to leave. Your own dedicated host and scenic drive ensure ultimate exclusivity. Meals are also pre-arranged to suit any dietary preferences.
store.gondwana-collection.com/accommodation/desert-whisper
Day 3 & 4: Swakopmund
This beach town is characterised by palm-lined streets, seaside promenades, fabulous accommodation and a pleasant summer climate. The cool Namibian coast offers relief from the intense heat of the interior, making this an ideal place to delve into a host of adrenaline-fueled outdoor activities. From sandboarding and quad biking to parachuting and deep-sea fishing, visitors can certainly earn their supper at one of the many, exquisite seafood restaurants.
Stay: The Strand Hotel Swakopmund
This is a social epicenter for all visitors to Swakopmund. Its architectural inspiration finds its roots deep in Namibian German history and reflects this in a beautiful, contemporary manner. The interiors are residential in nature, and the brief to all designers involved was to create a non-hotel, hotel.
Day 5 & 6: The Skeleton Coast
Known by the Bushmen as the “land God made in anger” the Skeleton Coast is remoteness at its best. Thousands of miles of sandy desert dotted with shipwrecks meet with the cold waters on the Atlantic and somehow an amazing array of wildlife and flora manages to survive in this harsh but beautiful environment.
Stay: Shipwreck Lodge
This fully inclusive luxury lodge is nestled between the dunes, in the heart of the Skeleton Coast. Barren yet beautiful, it is the ultimate place to reset and unwind. There is a daily-changing menu and fabulous excursions such as dolphin and seal cruises and sundowner drives. For something extra special, a Hoarusib River daytrip gives guests the chance to spot the elusive desert-adapted elephants, brown hyenas and lions.
Day 7 & 8: Etosha National Park
Sharing a boundary with Etosha National Park, the 30 000-hectare private Ongava Game Reserve is considered one of the finest private game reserves in the region, enjoying global recognition for exceptional conservation, ground-breaking research and exciting safari experiences. The reserve is home to – among others – lion, eland, black-faced impala and a variety of other antelope species. It is one of the few private reserves in Southern Africa where both black and white rhinos can be observed.
Stay: Anderssons At Ongava
One of four Ongava properties, Anderssons At Ongava offers unparalleled, eco-friendly luxury. The lodge is all-inclusive and offers twice-daily guided game drives, placing much emphasis on conservation and field-based research. Andersson’s sunken hide also allows for unobtrusive game viewing of the camp’s waterhole, a dream for any budding photographer.
ongava.com/anderssons-at-ongava
Day 9: Okonjima Nature Reserve
Halfway between Windhoek and Etosha lies Okonjima Nature Reserve. Okonjima is home to The AfriCat Foundation, established to contribute to the conservation of Namibia’s wildlife, in particular carnivores and endangered species. The reserve is home to the highest density of leopards in Namibia and a healthy population of the brown hyena, making this the ideal place to spot these normally shy and elusive nocturnal animals.
Stay: Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp
This Luxury Bush Camp consists of eight thatched chalets, a junior suite and three en-suite safari tents for pilots and guides. There is a camelthorn pod-shaped lapa that encompasses the reception area, lounge area with inside and outside fireplaces, a restaurant overlooking a watering hole and a glorious swimming pool. Activities include leopard tracking with expert guides, which offers the once-in-a-lifetime experience of observing these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience their fascinating behaviour.
Day 10: Zannier Reserve
Situated just 30 minutes from Windhoek International airport, Zannier Reserve is the ideal place to spend the last 24 hours in Namibia. It stretches for 900 square kilometres and is known for its scenic savanna-covered landscapes inhabited by a vast variety of wildlife, including leopard, giraffe, warthog, antelope, ostrich and jackal. It is also home to the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary, founded by Angelina Jolie, which provides a refuge for injured or abandoned rhinos and elephants.
Stay: Zannier Hotels Omaanda
Omaanda, which means rhinoceros in Oshiwambo – one of the 13 national languages in Namibia – is a five-star lodge set within the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê, an incredible private animal conservation reserve of 9000 hectares. The spectacular lodge offers 10 round thatched huts, paying tribute to the traditional architecture of Ovambo. It also features a restaurant and a bar, overlooking a heated infinity pool. A spa and a boma complete the lodge facilities, making this one of the most wonderful places to stay in Namibia. Its close proximity to the airport also means guests can enjoy one or two final game drives for the road.
Getting there
Lufthansa (lufthansa.com) flies to Windhoek via Frankfurt and British Airways (www.britishairways.com) flies via Johannesburg or Cape Town. Once in Namibia, all private ground and air transfers can be booked via a destination management company, such as Abenteuer Afrika (www.abenteuerafrika.com).
