Namibia's known highlights

Your trip starts with an overnight stay in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, situated in the scenic Central Highlands region. The Olive Exclusive, your home for the night, is without question the most luxurious guesthouse that Windhoek has to offer. Situated in the upmarket suburb of Klein Windhoek, it boasts fabulous views over the surrounding mountains. Accommodation comprises three junior suites and four premier suites – all are expansive and each has been stylishly decorated to reflect a different region of Namibia. The Olive Exclusive also has a very highly regarded on-site restaurant and offers an exceptional level of service. Windhoek is an attractive city, surrounded by rolling hills, and has a relaxed and cosmopolitan feel.

Flying south-west out of Windhoek, you will pass over the spectacular Naukluft Mountains and the expansive rolling dunes of the Namib, before touching down on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve and transferring to Wilderness Little Kulala. Like its sister property, Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge, Little Kulala is located within the 27,000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve. It has its own private airstrip and a private access road into the dune fields, enabling guests to avoid any waiting time at the main gate when taking guided excursions. Arguably the most luxurious lodge in the area, Little Kulala boasts 11 beautifully designed chalets. Each is climate controlled for guest comfort, and features indoor and outdoor showers, a private plunge pool, and separate star beds. This region is truly breathtaking, with towering orange sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, all set under a cloudless blue sky.

Leaving the Namib behind and heading north-east towards the coast, you’ll fly over the ancient wilderness of Damaraland and continue on up to the Skeleton Coast National Park. Here, you’ll stay at Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, the most unique property in Namibia, and one of the most isolated. It is situated in the midst of the vast Kaokoveld region, an area as desolate as it is beautiful. The camp itself has only eight large and innovatively designed tents and is surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery that typifies the region. Surprisingly, for such a stark environment, life persists here and guests can take guided excursions in search of desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, and lion. It is also possible to visit the coast itself, which is dotted with shipwrecks and home to huge colonies of cape fur seals. A stay at Wilderness Hoanib is something that will not be forgotten!

Leaving Hoanib behind, you will continue your journey on to the Ongava Game Reserve, which lies along the southern border of Etosha National Park. With 30,000 hectares of land, Ongava is a haven for large concentrations of wildlife and offers visitors a truly memorable safari experience. Your accommodation here, Anderssons, has just undergone a huge refurbishment! It includes the Ongava Research Centre and a photographic hide, and it has an admirable conservation and ecotourism focus. Guest accommodation consists of eight suites, each housed in a building that’s specially designed to blend with the landscape. Every structure features a natural stone buttress and a fabulous location close to a busy waterhole.