Curator’s statement
Namibia has had a special place in my heart since my first visit as a young girl. I remember wanting to drive on every single road in Etosha Pan, and I think we just about did. The salt pans gave this safari experience a silver halo glow. The animals were unique, even if they were the usual suspects from parks I was so accustomed to in South Africa. The lions had a white wash, as did the elephant and rhino. But I was completely taken in by the sheer size and power of the eland, an antelope I wasn't familiar with, as well the accuracy with which the Oryx was able to knock a stone thrown at its giant spear-like horns (and its bravery) - my first encounter of one was at a waterhole with the Gemsbok, as we know them, on one side and a huge lion on the other.
But that's not all Namibia has to offer. A completely unique safari is just the icing on the cake. Namibia is an awe-inspiring land of extremes, with ancient dunes as high as skyscrapers drawing photographers and explorers in from across the globe to marvel at their majesty.
In my weeklong, Namibia scoop, you'll get to experience the best of the country from the iconic Deadvlei and Sossusvlei dunes in the south, a gorgeous stopover around Winghoek area in the middle to keep the travel experience founded in pleasure and then Etosha Pan and an Uber luxe and unique safari on the salt pans of the north.
The itinerary is perfectly paired with Cape Town. South African local airline, Airlink has a daily flight (or two) into Windhoek. Properties recommended in the itinerary offer transfer flights from Windhoek, making it a completely seamless experience threading this all together. (It can also be combined with neighboring Botswana and the Okavango Delta and/ or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.)
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Day 1: Arrive in Sossusvlei
You're likely to arrive at your luxury lodge in Sossusvlei perfectly in time for lunch and then check in. My recommendation is andBeyond. Luxury accommodation, meals and beverages as well as daily experiences of the area come standard in your nightly rate.
Sip your refreshment poolside while your lunch is being whipped up to perfection and the final touches to your desert villa are being made. You'll soon start to feel the ancient wisdom of this place seeping into your body and soul.
Take the afternoon at your leisure. A dip in your private infinity plunge pool is the order of the day. Swarovski Optik Binoculars are provided in your room, so you can simply observe and be in awe of your surroundings.
Day 2 & 3: Explore Dune 7 and Deadvlei
Three days is a good amount of time to set aside here. You'll be guided to explore Dune 7, Deadvlei and all that Sossusvlei has to offer. You will have a view from various vantage points including helicopter, quad bike, open-air land rover and/or hot air balloon.
There's also opportunity for self-exploration with hikes and e-bikes, (and viewing a night-sky full of stars every night from the open roof above your bed).
I recommend the Living Dunes, Desert People and Desert Rock Experiences — all included in your room rate.
Day 4: Fly to Windhoek
After breakfast, it's time to head north. A short one-hour transfer flight gets you into Windhoek. Here you'll have the opportunity to explore the town and enjoy a wellness stop-over at a gorgeous desert property. Our Habita's Namibia is not far from the airport, where you'll hang your hat for the night. Open-air yoga, bush meditation, art, music and traditional treatments are on offer to punctuate the experiences of some of Africa's most ancient sites.
I highly recommend indulging in the "Calabash Caress" a tension-release anti-inflammatory massage that takes the Swedish massage to a new level. Each movement of the unique and smooth contours of the calabash softens muscle tissue & relieves stress stored in the body.
Day 5 & 6: Camp Kala
Time for a final journey north and another fantastic lunchtime feast. This time at Camp Kala- the luxury camp owned by Onguma, a private game reserve concession that borders Etosha Pan.
Don't be fooled by my reference to safari. The experience here is second to none. All your usual included game viewing activities like walks and drives to encounter incredibly precious wildlife like the incredibly rare and endangered black rhino, (white rhino are more prolific, although numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate too), desert lions, eland and oryx, but so more to occupy your time is available right at the camp, you may not want to leave. Starting with your private villa, which overlooks a well-used waterhole. Your private deck, which has its own private plunge pool and separate wood-fired hot tub, allows you to observe the unique and diverse natural surrounds. Super cool is a state-of-the-art air conditioning system that allows you to have the doors of your villa wide open and only cool air focused on the bed area.
If you do feel social or are traveling in a group, there's a community area central to the four exclusive villas of the camp. With an interactive kitchen and all-day deli snacks available, a yoga pavilion and gym as well as a game-viewing hide for photography (also aircon-cooled).
Day 7: Say goodbye to Namibia
Time to say goodbye to Namibia and take a private transfer flight back to Windhoek and Cape Town.
Travel Advisor
Sharon Schneider
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Namibia page.