Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is where you will find 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 a photographers heaven.

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.

Overnight: Sossusvlei Lodge View iBrochure

Luxury right at the entrance gate to Sesriem Canyon and the famous Sossusvlei

Situated at the Entrance Gate to the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees of Dead Vlei and the remarkable depths of the Sesriem Canyon.

The Superior Accommodation units at Sossusvlei Lodge feature a patio to enjoy views over the Desert landscapes, a spacious air-conditioned twin-bedded room and a full en-suite bathroom. The Standard Family Units feature two rooms back to back connected by a lockable inter-leading door between the two private bathrooms. An elegant Junior Suite boasts a spacious bedroom, living area, patio with a splash pool, large bathroom and inspiring views.

Experience the true art of Hospitality with the thoughtful touch of attentive staff to contribute to a truly memorable experience. Facilities include a sparkling pool, bar, sundowner deck, beer garden and an al fresco terrace where one can enjoy exquisite food, award-winning wines and magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole.

The Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre provides a range of activities including Guided Excursions to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, Elim dune walks, Sundowner Trips, Quad Buggy Nature Drives, Hot Air Ballooning, Scenic Flights and much more to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Swakopmund

Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular.

Overnight: Strand Hotel Swakopmund View iBrochure

With its extensive, unique and creatively entertaining Restaurants, Bars, Deli, Lobby-Lounge, Sea Facing Terraces, Beach Kiosk and state of the art Conference & Banqueting Center, all set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by Ocean on three sides, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is a social epicenter and destination in itself for all visitors to and residents of Swakopmund.

Its architectural inspiration finds its roots deep in Namibian German history and reflects this in a tasteful contemporary manner. The interiors are residential in nature, and the brief to all designers involved was to create a non-hotel, hotel. One as charming and welcoming as the town it is located in. Simply very warm and comfortable, and as they say in German: “gemütlich” providing a genuine “sense-of-place” atmosphere adding to any Namibian visit.

Arriving at the Strand is a dramatic experience as one passes through its 13m high and 9m wide Ocean View Atrium which travels right through the Hotel offering sea views at either end. Off this Atrium Lobby is Reception, consisting of three individual desks and an inviting open fireplace which rounds off the residential feel and warm welcome.

Damaraland

Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest.

Overnight: Mowani Mountain Campsite

Mowani offers campers 7 stunning campsites with individual bathrooms facilities; hot water provided by a ‘donkey’, flushing toilets and private kitchen wash-up areas. All sites offer stunning views of the area.

Damaraland
See Above

Overnight: Desert Rhino Camp View iBrochure

Desert Rhino Camp offers an original, exclusive wilderness experience and the possibility of seeing some of the largest free-ranging population of desert-adapted black rhino in Africa. The desert plains – transformed overnight by summer rains – are starkly scenic, and home to other unique species, from Hartmann’s zebra, lion and giraffe to the bizarre welwitschia plant. The camp consists of eight comfortable Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, and shady main area with refreshing plunge pool. Run in conjunction with Save the Rhino Trust, Desert Rhino Camp offers rhino tracking by vehicle and on foot with experts from this conservation NGO.

– INSIDER TIP –

Explore this extraordinary landscape in search of desert-adapted wildlife and gain amazing insight into the ecology and conservation of this area. A picnic lunch is the perfect complement to your day’s outing!

– OR –

Just by staying here, a portion of your revenue goes to the Save the Rhino Trust and its conservation operations.

Ongava Private Game Reserve

Sharing a common boundary with Etosha National Park, the prolific 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, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and a variety of other antelope species. Additional, it is one of the few private reserves in Southern Africa where both black and white rhinos can be observed. The recorded bird life has reached over 340 species.

Each Ongava property has its own unique style, layout and atmosphere; but all offer the same wonderful sense of luxurious seclusion. Built from local materials in traditional fashion, they blend tastefully into the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to feel at one with nature.

Spacious lounge areas, reflecting the colours and textures of the African bush, invite guests to relax, enjoy a drink from the bar, or simply gaze out into the distance and be surprised as Ongava’s spectacular wildlife emerges from the bush. Every guest suite is individually designed for quality and comfort, and our dedicated guides and catering staff are always available ensuring an unforgettable Ongava stay.

Overnight: Ongava Lodge View iBrochure

Ongava Lodge is one of Namibia’s premier lodges on one of the country’s most important private game reserves.

The well-established Ongava Lodge is situated in the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park. Placed as it is close to the top of a hill in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana range, the vantage point is beautiful and overlooks a well-frequented waterhole and the plains beyond.

Ongava Lodge offers luxury accommodation in 14 rock-and-thatch en-suite chalets. There are impressive views over the camp’s waterhole from the main lounge and dining areas and there is also an inviting pool to cool off in the heat of the day. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch or on the dining deck under the stars.

Activities include game drives into Etosha, spending time in the camp hide, and nature drives and walks on the reserve. Ongava has resident white and black rhino, giving guests staying at Ongava the opportunity to see both species.

Okonjima Nature Reserve
Halfway between Windhoek and Etosha lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 ha Nature Reserve is surrounded by 96 km of fence and was finally completed in 2010. Okonjima is home to AFRICAT, a Carnivore Conservation, which gives the captive carnivores a second chance to be released back into the wild and to take the time it needs, to become a completely independent hunter – in a protected area right in the middle of commercial farmland! Also in the Reserve is a 2000 ha ‘safe’ zone around Plains Camp, Bush Camp, Bush Suite, the Omboroko Campsite as well as the PAWS Environmental Education Centre.

Overnight: Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp View iBrochure
Okonjima’s Luxury Bush Camp is situated on the edge of a wilderness area. Each exclusive chalet enjoys complete privacy and is a combination of earthy, ochre walls and khaki-green canvas, under a thatched roof.

Activities offered on Okonjima range from Tracking Leopards from a game-view vehicle; Tracking rehabilitated Cheetah on foot; Tracking rehabilitated Spotted Hyaena on foot; Tracking rehabilitated Wild Dog on foot , Guided walking / Bushman trail as well as a visit to AfriCat’s Carnivore Care and Information Centre. Not only is Okonjima a luxury lodge, but it is also home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation, committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetahs leopards and lions. A visit to Okonjima will give you an opportunity to witness some of AfriCat’s work.