Northern Namibia Circuit

Fly in to Windhoek and connect with your flight down to the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Naukluft Park spending three nights at Kulala Desert Lodge. Situated on over 46 000 acres of private property and bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, the lodge offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, as well as the surrounding mountainous plains. 14 thatched and canvas chalets with en-suite bathrooms and showers are set on wooden platforms. For outdoor enthusiasts, mattresses can be moved to the rooftop to sleep under the stars from a private star gazing platform. 

Fly via Swakopmund to Damaraland where you spend the next two nights at Damaraland Camp, situated in the Torra Conservancy. The camp consists of 10 elevated adobe-styled, thatched units offering unimpeded vistas across the surrounding landscape. A spacious, thatched living area is complete with a fireplace, bar, and swimming pool. Activities at Damaraland Camp revolve around exploring the Haub River system, surrounding desert plains, ancient valleys framed by the Etendeka Mountains. Close by is Twyfelfontein – famed for the thousands of rock paintings and engravings found here.

Spend the next three nights at Desert Rhino Camp in the Damaraland. Remote, exclusive and specialised, Desert Rhino Camp was previously known as Palmwag Rhino Camp and is a joint venture between Namibia’s Save the Rhino Trust and Wilderness Safaris. Set in a wide valley, accommodation is in a raised Meru-style canvas tent with front veranda to take in the sweeping views in front dotted with scattered euphorbia and ancient welwitschia plants, and the dramatic Etendeka Mountains. Evening meals are often taken around the fire pit under the starry skies, known for their clarity. Activities, as you’d expect, centre on tracking black rhino.

Transfer by light aircraft from Doro Nawas to Wilderness Serra Cafema in the far north of Namibia. This is one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa, set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, looking across to Angola, with the backdrop of the vast Hartmann’s Valley behind. The contrasting topography results in richly diverse wildlife. As the Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creates an oasis along its banks. The camp consists of 8 canvas suites set on elevated decks. The main area includes a swimming pool and affords spectacular views over the Kunene River. Activities at Serra Cafema include nature drives as well as travelling the dunes on foot and by quad bike.

Fly to the southern section of Etosha National Park to Encounter by Ongava in one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, bordering Etosha. This classic safari style camp is tucked in a hidden valley at the foot of a dolomite hill in Ongava Game Reserve. Encounter by Ongava offers luxury accommodation in 8 large, comfortable Meru-style en-suite tents. The main area, built of stone, canvas and thatch, fronts onto a much-frequented waterhole; watching wildlife coming to drink from here or from the swimming pool is a favourite pastime. 

Fly back to Windhoek airport where you transfer to spend the final night at Hotel Heinitzburg – a restored castle with a unique architecture, set on top of a hill in Windhoek. It features a pool in a manicured garden, a wine cellar and two restaurants – including the famous Leos at the Castle. The rooms are gracefully decorated with classic finishes.