namibia
A vast desert canvas
Location Highlights
Sossusvlei – Home to the desert dunes over 400 meters high and endless roads, the must-visit “Dead Vlei”. Incredible scenery that includes the scientist baffling “fairy circles” and of course the best stargazing on the planet. Sossusvlei is an exquisite way to experience the stark beauty of the desert. Whether you choose to brave the soaring temperatures and hike up the Big Daddy dune or take a scenic flight to admire the view from above, Sossusvlei is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Best time to visit is May – Oct, while it is still cool before the suffocating summer heat.
Damaraland – Known for its wide rivers, incredible structural diversity, desert-adapted black Rhino and extreme climate. A harsh but beautiful experience. Whether you choose to explore by foot, bike or car, Damaraland will leave you with an unforgettable experience.
Skeleton Coast and Kaokoveld – A desperately unforgiving land with endless views that end at the wind torn coastline of the skeleton coast. Visit the Himba people, watch Brown Hyenas and Cape Fur Seals or take a light aircraft and see a truly unique landscape.
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is situated in the Namib Desert. Its scenery is quite indescribable, and its vastness mesmerizes the mind with gorgeous red sanded dunes. It is untouched and untamed. Amongst the dunes is the “Dead Vlei” a fossilized forest cemented into a salt bed, an absolute “have to” when visiting Sossusvlei. 4x4ing and quad biking prove an excellent way to explore the terrain and guests are reminded to keep their eyes out for evasive Aardwolf as well as the landscapes mysterious “Fairy Circles” that still have scientists scratching their heads today. The area has been declared a “Dark Sky Reserve” with the closest town 140km away. Accommodation like &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is not only spectacularly romantic but also has its own telescope (not that you need one for the scene) for stargazing or if you prefer you can sleep out at the Kulala Desert Lodge and wake up and enjoy a ballooning trip across the desert.
Skeleton Coast & Kaokoveld
The Kaokoveld is a desperately unforgiving land, its limitless views across wide barren plains, rocky peaks and ancient valleys end at the wind torn beaches of the Skeleton Coast. Amongst the desolation is an oasis in the form of the Kunene River – a true wonder. It is in here that the beautiful Serra Cafema Camp can be found and where you can enjoy boating, walking, quad biking and cultural visits to the tribal Himba people. The vegetation that fringes these rivers sustains the Himba and their future, but it also allows for a rich array of desert-adapted wildlife. If you follow the non-perennial rivers toward the ocean you will eventually arrive at the Skeleton Coast. Famous for its shipwreck beaches, huge Cape Fur Seal colonies and Brown Hyenas. Hoanib Skeleton Coast offers 5-star accommodation that includes tours to the oasis, dunes and coast. It is highly recommended to fly back to the lodge from the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy a birds eye view of this unequalled landscape.
Damaraland
The Damaraland is a desert landscape with incredible structural diversity. Its wide riverbeds, overhanging cliffs and flat-topped mountains set the scene for an abundant yet particularly harsh landscape. Its desert-adapted animals are particularly wondrous considering the extreme climate in which they live. Desert-adapted Elephants, Black Rhinos and Lions can all be found along with abundant antelope species. The Damaraland holds a unique beauty and while visiting one of the lodges on our circuit you will have the opportunity to mountain bike, walk, do rock excursions, and enjoy incredible game drives during your stay.
The area is known for its unique geology and spectacular views, which have made it a favourite for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. With striking rock formations, mysterious canyons, and hidden oases, travelers will be in awe.
