BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Namibia: Desert Sophistication

Where wilderness meets refinement

Those looking for an introduction to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Africa should pay a visit to Namibia, a nation that’s home to big cats and black rhinos at reserves including the Etosha National Park, the Ongava Private Game Reserve and the Purros Conservancy, one of the planet’s only deserts that provides a habitat to animals ranging from lions to elephants. Besides premier game-viewing destinations, Namibia boasts pristine beaches with fascinating shipwrecks, canyons, and mountains that run through the country’s heart. And then there are the communities, who range from the Himba tribe of the northwest to the San of the east, plus colonial-era settlements like Lüderitz, Swakopmund and Windhoek.

If you make the most of ten days in Namibia, you can discover the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei, take private flights to remote reserves, encounter the nation’s indigenous cultures, explore history museums, spend nights in an African desert lodge, and soak up views of some of Earth’s most otherworldly landscapes. History, nature and wildlife combine to make Namibia a must-visit destination on any serious traveller’s bucket list.

Namibia at a Glance

Bordered by South Africa and the Atlantic Ocean, Namibia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, yet its sparse population that’s spread amid vast and varied landscapes makes it the ideal destination for a vacation focused on escapism. Unlike nations like Botswana, Namibia is very dry, characterised by photogenic landscapes such as deserts, salt flats and clay pans. Spring-fed water holes attract big game to Namibia’s reserves. Even in places where you won’t find many people, surprises like ancient rock art, exclusive lodges, and dry river valleys are waiting to be discovered. The best time to visit Namibia is between July and October, when temperatures hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and rainfall is minimal.

We should note that homosexual activity between men is illegal in Namibia (it’s legal for females), and there are no laws that make discrimination illegal. You also won’t find any vibrant gay scenes in Namibia given the nation’s conservative attitudes. However, a visit to Namibia is less about letting your identity loose and more about taking in views of treasures that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else on the planet. Various groups are fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, and the locals are friendly, welcoming, and eager to share the history of their nation with visitors. Avoid public displays of affection, keep your wits about you with regards to the safety of yourself and your belongings, and you’ll forge unforgettable memories while travelling around Namibia.

10-day travel itinerary

Embark on a 10-day luxury journey through Namibia’s diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Begin in Windhoek, the capital city, before travelling to Sossusvlei to explore the iconic red dunes and the striking Deadvlei. Continue to the Ongava Private Game Reserve adjacent to Etosha National Park, where you can experience guided 4x4 safaris and nocturnal game drives, observing an abundance of wildlife around the park’s watering holes. Fly to the Purros Conservancy near the Skeleton Coast, staying in an African lodge and exploring the unique desert-adapted wildlife. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the Himba communities, gaining insight into their traditional way of life. This meticulously curated itinerary offers a harmonious blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and luxurious experiences, providing an unforgettable Namibian safari.

DAY 1

Arrive in Windhoek

On day one, check into a hotel on a private reserve in the countryside of Windhoek.

DAY 2

Ongava Private Game Reserve

Today, you’ll visit the reserve’s sanctuary to meet animals like rhinos and elephants that are being treated before being re-released back into the wild. After lunch, take a chartered flight to the Ongava Private Game Reserve to embark on an afternoon game drive. You can expect to see lions, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. In the evening, settle down at an intimate safari camp.

DAY 3

Ongava Private Game Reserve

Rise early to explore the Okaukuejo area of the Etosha National Park via a 4x4 safari. You’ll see an abundance of wildlife around the park’s watering holes. At night, you’ll embark on a nocturnal game drive.

DAY 4

Purros Conservancy

After breakfast, take a private flight to the Purros Conservancy near the Skeleton Coast, where you’ll check into your African lodge. In the afternoon, either relax at your lodge or join a guided walk or drive through the desert environment.

DAY 5

Purros Conservancy and the Himba

Today, you’ll gain an insight into the lives and heritage of Namibia’s nomadic Himba tribe. Stop to admire the sunset while returning to your lodge.

DAY 6

Purros Conservancy and Desert Wilderness

Today, you’ll head off the beaten path to find distinctive rock formations, unusual plants, and rare desert wildlife like black rhinos, giraffes and elephants.

DAY 7

Swakopmund

This morning, board a private flight to the former German colonial town of Swakopmund, where you’ll discover half-timbered homes, seaside promenades, and windswept beaches. You might be lucky enough to spot dolphins swimming just off the coast.

DAY 8

Sossusvlei

Today, fly from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei, during which you’ll take in views of the Namib Sand Sea, deserted mines, seal colonies and shipwrecks. Upon landing, check in at your desert lodge backdropped by the sand dunes and mountains of the Namid Desert.

DAY 9

Sossusvlei

On day nine, you’ll witness some of Namibia’s most breath-taking vistas at Sossusvlei, including terra cotta sand dunes rising nearly 1,000 feet, bands of vermillion, copper and amber cutting through the desert, and the clay pan that rarely fills with water. You’ll also see the dunes that line the Tsauchab River. We recommend climbing the tallest dune, the Big Daddy, in the afternoon.

DAY 10

Depart from Windhoek

On the final day, board a private flight back to Windhoek, where you can catch an onward flight home or to your next destination.

Transform Your Namibia Dreams into Reality

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