A safari in Namibia is my next great adventure!
You may be wondering, "A Safari In Namibia... Why? It's just a dessert."
Yes, it is a dessert with fewer wildlife encounters than your more common safari destinations but not many destinations can compete with Namibia's mystical ways in connecting you to nature.
This is a destination where the vast red sand dunes and wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see with the call of the wild echoes through the air. A land of contrasts, boasting some of the most diverse landscapes on the continent. From the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the rugged beauty of the Skeleton Coast, every corner of this country offers a new and breathtaking vista.
I hosted a private guide tour to this special place back in 2022 and you can read that trip report by following the link below:
A safari in Namibia is an adventure that takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of Africa's untamed beauty and is something I cannot wait to return to.
That said, I fly to Namibia next week Wednesday to host a private tour similar to the one I hosted back in 2022. I simply cannot wait!
The biggest change to this itinerary is that we will not be going up to Etosha this time round as this is a destination best visited in the driest months (September, October, November). My guest and I decided to replace Etosha with an incredibly special destination which I will reveal at the end of this blog.
There are three destinations I am really excited about on this tour namely:
- Sossusvlei
- Spitzkoppe
- Our final stop
Sossusvlei
Nestled within the heart of the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is a place of otherworldly beauty and timeless wonder. Here, the towering red sand dunes rise to dizzying heights, casting dramatic shadows across the desert floor. Photographic heaven to say the least and we will explore this place on foot, trekking up and down the dunes. Walking through the iconic dead vlei as well as enjoy a 1.5 hour long scenic helicopter flight.
I must say, this is probably my favourite destination to wake up in. As your eyes open, dead silence after a night filled of jackal and barking gecko calls. At sunrise, the landscape is bathed in a golden glow, a spectacle that must be seen to be believed.
The trek to the summit of Big Daddy (tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area, 325 meters) is a must for a panoramic view that stretches as far as the eye can see. As mentioned, we will also venture into the depths of Deadvlei, where ancient camel thorn trees stand frozen in time against a backdrop of shifting sands.
In Sossusvlei, nature reigns supreme, and every moment is a masterpiece waiting to be discovered.
Spitzkoppe
After a few nights of rugged, hiking, self drive adventures and camping, we will end in a luxurious oasis.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, nestled within one of Namibia's most remote and captivating landscapes. This unique little spot is situated in the heart of the rugged Hoanib Valley in the private Palmwag Concession, this exclusive camp offers a truly unique safari experience in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
Accessible only by light aircraft, the journey to the camp is an adventure in itself, as it will provide us with breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding desert landscapes.
During our time there, our entire experience will be led by an expert guide, while we explore the pristine wilderness of the Hoanib Valley, home to a remarkable array of desert-adapted wildlife including desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, lions, and elusive brown hyenas.
I can envision it...
Lions hunting giraffe...
Or even better, lions hunting seals along the coastal dunes...
Wow. One can only but hope. Regardless as to what we see, it'll be beyond special as no safari to Namibia would be complete without encountering its iconic desert adapted wildlife right??
Speaking of lions hunting seals, one of the highlights of a stay at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is the chance to venture out to the legendary Skeleton Coast itself. Stretching for hundreds of kilometers along Namibia's rugged coastline, this desolate and hauntingly beautiful landscape is home to shipwrecks, colonies of Cape fur seals, and a wealth of birdlife.
At Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, every moment is an opportunity for discovery, adventure, and relaxation in one of Africa's most captivating wilderness settings. The same can actually be said for Namibia as a whole.
Namibia is a land of unparalleled beauty and adventure and has something to offer every traveler in which every moment will honestly feel like a scene from a dream.
I can assure you, and regardless of your itinerary, a safari in Namibia is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
If you have not yet... GET THERE!!!
Also, feel free to reach out if you have any question.
Ready to experience the magic of Namibia for yourself?
Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or embarking on your first African adventure, Namibia promises an experience like no other. Get in touch today and start planning your journey to this unforgettable destination.
