Namibia is characterized by its breathtaking vast open spaces and contrasting scenery: oceans to dunes, and mountains to deserts! 2 spectacular deserts are located in Namibia, the Kalahari and Namib, each with their own distinctive wildlife and scenery. The Namib, at 80 million years, is the oldest desert in the world and home to the infamous Sossusvlei, the largest sand dunes in the world and crystal night skies perfect for avid star gazers! BUT if you don't want to just sit back and take it all in, then Namibia has endless activities that allow you to explore this fascinating country and diverse culture including: quad biking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, birding, and game drives at numerous national parks! Low population density (2 people per square km) means that Namibian wildernesses remain unspoilt, BUT some of the best infrastructure in Africa allows its lucky visitors to explore its wonders with relative ease! Why not look at our recommendations on places to stay below...BUT don't forget that we can arrange accommodation anywhere, just contact our dedicated Seyexclusive team.
Hidden within the enormous Hartmann Valley, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa. The mountains, from which Serra Cafema gets its Portuguese name, dominate the northern skyline, while guests are soothed by the sounds of the Kunene River's bubbling waters flowing past the camp. It is the Kunene, as the only permanent water source, that makes this camp ideal for those wanting an interesting cultural experience, as it is what keeps one of the last truly nomadic people, the Himba people, in the area. The camps 8 luxuriously thatched en-suite tents, including family and honeymoon tents, are raised off the ground, each with their own private viewing decks overlooking the dunes, hills or river valley. The camps main area is comprised of multiple dining areas, sunken lounge, library, viewing decks and plunge pool.
"Arguably Namibia's most civilised and certainly most comfortable accommodation," Little Ongava is considered one of the most exclusive and luxurious safari destinations, and with only 3 spacious suites personal attention can be guaranteed! The camp is located within the 30,000 hectare private Ongava Game Reserve, perched on the crest of a hill with magnificent vistas of the African savannah. Its close proximity to the Etosha National Park also makes it ideal for exploring Namibia's premier wildlife reserve! The air-conditioned suites, each have their own en-suite bathroom, outdoor 'al fresco' shower, sitting room, sala, mini bar and viewing deck with glorious views of the floodlit waterhole below. For those who don't wish to take advantage of the in-room dining facility, preferring to be more sociable, the camp also boasts a stylish lounge and fireplace, dining beneath the stars or thatch, and public viewing deck.
Stylish Ongava Lodge can be found within the privately-owned Ongava Game Reserve, situated along the southern, unfenced boundary of Etosha National Park. Its spectacular vantage point, on a small hill overlooking a waterhole and the plains beyond, allows guests great viewing of the multitude of game that arrives to drink. Its proximity to the National Park also makes it the ideal base for exploring Etosha's kaleidoscope of wildlife, and birdlife which move freely between Reserve and Park. Accommodation at the Lodge consists of 14 en-suite and air-conditioned, rock and thatch chalets, including a family unit, all with private veranda’s overlooking the bush. The split level bar, dining and lounge areas also have impressive views of the waterhole BUT it is the hide at this same waterhole that provides the exceptional photographic opportunities!
The luxurious desert retreat of Little Kulala is situated with direct access to the infamous Sossusvlei, in the private 37,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve - "the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea with its towering red dunes and clear starry nights.” Set amongst camel thorn trees, the camps 11 climate-controlled, en-suite, thatched "kulalas" ( meaning "to sleep" in Oshiwambo) merge gracefully into the desert landscape, each with private pools, bleached decks and a rooftop 'sky bed' for romantic stargazing. Little Kulalas elegant communal areas include a shaded pool, library, wine cellar, craft boutique and lounge, dining areas. The camps varieties of activity allow guests to acquaint themselves with the splendour and solitude of the Namib Desert.
Kulala Desert Lodge is located in the arid Namib Desert on the private 37,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, bordering the Namib Naukluft Park. Hidden at the foot of the famous Sossusvlei dunes, it boasts spectacular views of not only of these, but spectacular mountain scenery and open plains! The camps 15 en-suite "kulalas" ("to sleep in Oshiwambo) are quite magical, built on wooden platforms to catch cooling breezes and with flat roofs where bed rolls can be placed for guests to sleep under the stars. The main area, overlooking the waterhole and with wrap around veranda, is the perfect photographic location! This camp is perfect for those seeking to experience the solitude and tranquillity of the desert BUT still engage in interesting activities like trips to the Sossusvlei, Sesriem and Deadvlei areas or even a Desert Winery!
Damaraland Camp is located in the Huab River Valley, possibly the most pristine wilderness area in Namibia, and home to the rare Desert elephants and even some Black rhino! Overlooking the stark plains, ancient valleys and soaring Brandberg Mountains, the camp offers its guests endless vistas. BUT for those looking to soak up the Namibian history and culture, trips are also offered to the local farmstead and school or to the world famous, newly proclaimed World heritage site, Tywfelfontein rock art! The camps 10 uniquely designed safari cottages, including a family unit, are raised off the ground, with private decks to contemplate the wonders of the desert. The spacious stone communal living area combines dining room, bar and importantly a refreshing pool!
Doro Nawas Camp is located in prime desert-adapted elephant country, within the Doro Nawas Conservancy. It rests on a rocky knoll in the breathtaking Aba-Huab River Valley of Damaraland, north-western Namibia. By night the camp with crystal clear skies offers incredible stargazing and by day it commands spectacular views of the Etendeka Mountains to the north and red sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein to the south. A World Heritage Site, the prehistoric rock art of the San at Twyfelfontein offers a fascinating insight into Africa's ancient heritage. The camps 16 luxurious units, designed to blend into their surroundings, consist of bedroom, en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower and veranda for stargazing or sleep outs! Doro Nawas also boasts a main building with indoor and outdoor dining, Namibian Art Gallery, curio shop and rooftop for relaxing sundowners.
You can travel to Namibia at any time of the year, with 300 days of sunshine on average a year, it is a truly sunny place and it offers exceptional wildlife and scenery year round. The best time, however, is Apr - Jun, when the temperatures are around 25 degrees during the day and the sky is blue. The nights are cool and ideal for a good night's sleep. It is also important to take note that certain seasons are ideal for special interest travellers. Nov - Mar are the best months for birding because of the greater variety of species to be found. Botanical season Dec - May is when most plants are in flower. Photography is excellent in Aug - Sept with cloud build-up in the afternoon that offers spectacular scenes.
High season (general) Jul - Oct: Due to the low number of rooms in most of the Namibia lodges and camps, availability is at a premium over this time, so it is essential to book well in advance.
High season (local holidaymakers) Christmas & New Year & April
Shoulder season May - Jun: This is also a ‘busy time’ in Namibia’s national parks and reserves.
RAINY SEASONS Sept - Nov & Jan - Apr: The first rainy season only small showers fall from time to time across most of the country, but never enough to soak the whole of Namibia. The later big rainy season is where heavy thunderstorms are more prevalent and driving is difficult because despite bridges and tarred main roads smaller roads are often still flooded.
SUMMER Nov - Feb: Heavy thunderstorms saturate the dry river beds, especially in the north where flash flooding is not unusual. With temperatures climbing up to 40 degrees coastal resorts are usually better this time of year as heavy fog which often smothers coastline until late morning dissipates the heat. Birding is good though.
WINTER Jul - Sept: The day temperature usually stays above 20 degrees. But on the Central Plateau and in the Namib Desert the nights can be freezing. Best game viewing during this period.
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Our ATOL number is ATOL 9318. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk
