Luxury In Namibia’s Deserts: Where Nature's Canvas Comes Alive

Luxury In Namibia’s Deserts: Where Nature’s Canvas Comes Alive

From the otherworldly dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, Namibia offers a unique and captivating experience. It’s Sub-Saharan Africa’s driest country and its desert landscapes offer a distinctly different experience from some of the more verdant landscapes of its neighbouring countries. While the wildlife is not as highly concentrated as in some other areas in Africa, you can see the big five and many desert-adapted species like the gemsbok, with its spear-like horns, and the endangered black rhino.

One of the highlights of a visit to Namibia is the opportunity to stay at the Wolwedans Desert Lodge, a luxurious oasis set in the NamibRand Nature Reserve.

Here, guests are treated to unparalleled views of the surrounding desert, with its red dunes, mountains and endless sky. The lodge offers a range of activities designed to immerse visitors in the natural beauty of the desert, from guided nature walks and scenic drives to hot air balloon rides over the dunes. For those seeking relaxation, the lodge’s spa treatments include a Marula Oil Massage to help you unwind and rejuvenate in the tranquillity of the desert.

Situated in one of the naturally darkest areas of Earth that is still easily accessible, the NamibRand Nature Reserve is recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve and boasts incredible night skies for you to marvel at.

Nearby, Little Kulala provides a base for exploring the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei. Situated on a private reserve bordering the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the lodge offers unrivalled access to some of the highest dunes in the world.

You can embark on guided hikes to watch the sunrise over the dunes, or take a scenic drive to explore the starkly beautiful landscape. We always recommend an early morning hot air balloon ride. This memorable experience will give you a birds-eye view as the sunlight dances on the dunes below.

To the north west, Shipwreck Lodge offers a different but equally unforgettable experience. Located on the remote Skeleton Coast, this eco-friendly lodge is inspired by the shipwrecks that dot the coastline, blending seamlessly into its rugged surroundings. Here you can explore the eerie beauty of the Skeleton Coast on guided excursions, learning about the area’s history, geology and wildlife.

If you want to enjoy a safari, Etosha National Park – Namibia’s premier wildlife destination – is ideal. Home to an array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffe, the park is also a great destination to see the critically endangered black rhino. When visiting Etosha, you may have the opportunity to witness the drama of predator-prey interactions at the park’s numerous waterholes. As the sun sets and temperatures cool, animals gather at these vital oases to quench their thirst, drawing predators. Even if you don’t see something quite so dramatic, photographers also love capturing iconic night time images at the floodlit water holes, for example, of a black rhino standing alert, or a giraffe bending down to drink.

The comfortable Anderson’s Camp is an ideal base from which to explore both Etosha and Ongava. It’s situated in the Ongava Game Reserve, on a water hole and borders the Etosha National Park. Here, you can enjoy guided day and night game drives to explore both parks’ diverse ecosystems.

In addition to these highlights, Namibia offers a wealth of other attractions for you to explore. From the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure activities abound, to the ancient rock art of Twyfelfontein, you’ll be sure to find many ways to fall in love with this vast and diverse country.

Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, relaxation, or the chance to connect with nature, Namibia awaits.

Happy Travelling,
The Leopard Team

P.S To get the smallest inkling of what the night skies in NamibRand Nature Reserve look like, watch this timelapse video taken in 2023, by DarkSky Advocate Jeff Dai — “The view showcases the Milky Way stretching from the Southern Cross to the Northern Cross. The Small Magellanic Cloud and Large Magellanic Cloud are visible on the southern horizon. You can also find the faint zodiacal light and dazzling planet Jupiter at dawn.”