Located north of South Africa, along the Atlantic coast, lies the vast and sparsely populated desert country of Namibia—arguably one of the most breathtaking and unique destinations in the world. The country offers a series of spectacular natural wonders that will leave you in awe, with its pristine beauty and rugged landscapes unlike anything else. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Namibia shines with its magic, from the mesmerizing deserts to awe-inspiring safaris teeming with incredible wildlife and fascinating encounters with the diverse local communities representing 11 different ethnic groups.

Namibia is a year-round destination, though most travelers choose to visit between May and September, during the winter months. This is the dry season when roads are in good condition, perfect for exciting excursions. It’s also the best time for safaris, as animals gather at waterholes, offering you exceptional opportunities to witness a variety of species up close. Keep in mind that nighttime temperatures can drop, so don’t forget to pack a warm jacket.

Having once been a German colony, Namibia later became a territory under South African rule after World War II. It wasn’t until 1990 that the country held its first democratic elections. In Windhoek, the capital city, you can still find traces of colonial architecture alongside modern shopping malls and exclusive boutiques offering luxury items, including fine jewelry and diamonds for those in search of high-end shopping experiences.

Etosha

Etosha National Park is located in northern Namibia and is mostly made up of a dry lakebed, a salt pan. The park was established in 1907 and is the most popular destination in Namibia for spotting a wide variety of wildlife. Etosha is home to four of the Big 5: leopard, elephant, rhino, and lion. The African buffalo is absent due to the lack of water sources. The park was created to allow visitors to embark on self-drive safaris, and it is easy to explore the park independently. However, we recommend booking a guided safari through one of the nearby lodges for a more enriched experience. Contact us for more details.

Little Ongava

Little Ongava is an elegant retreat perched atop a hill, offering a magical view of the expansive Ongava Game Reserve, which spans 30,000 hectares. To the north, it borders the vast Etosha National Park. This intimate, secluded lodge is one of Namibia’s most exclusive, with only three lavish suites. Each spacious suite is beautifully furnished with natural materials in earthy tones, equipped with every modern comfort imaginable. The expansive bathrooms feature bathtubs that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

All suites come with both indoor and outdoor showers, a private pool, and a large terrace that opens onto a stunning view of the nearby waterhole. This enchanting view extends to the lodge’s restaurant, where delectable meals are served under the clear African sky. The waterhole, located right in front of the camp, frequently attracts both white and black rhinos who come to drink.

In addition to morning and evening safaris, Little Ongava offers the unique experience of a night safari, providing guests with the opportunity to explore the reserve under the stars. Little Ongava is the perfect haven for honeymooners—there is no place more private and romantic than this.

For inquiries regarding children’s stays at Little Ongava, please contact Safari Collection.

Andersson at Ongava

With a blend of ultramodern design and Afro-Mediterranean style, Anderssons at Ongava has created a bold new take on eco-tourism. The lodge, named after Charles Andersson, an explorer from Värmland, Sweden, who was one of the first Europeans to visit and discover Etosha, features nine spacious suites. Each suite is elegantly furnished with natural materials, luxurious details, and offers a refreshing, climate-controlled sanctuary in the heart of the bush.

Every suite has a private viewing deck with a 180-degree panoramic view, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness. In addition to the inviting and well-stocked bar, there is a spa offering stunning views of a frequently visited waterhole, and a hide where you can get incredibly close to the wildlife.

For inquiries regarding children’s stays at Anderssons at Ongava, please contact Safari Collection.

Skeleton Coast

Skeleton Coast, located in the northwestern corner of Namibia, gets its name from the countless shipwrecks that have washed up along its shoreline over the years. It is the desolate landscape, where hundreds of ships lie half-buried in fine white sand, that draws visitors from around the world. The many wrecks, combined with the dense fog that often forms here, give the coast a haunting atmosphere, and the area is surrounded by mystery. Portuguese explorers referred to the coastline as the “Gates of Hell,” while the indigenous people called it “the place that God created out of anger.”

Only day trips are permitted to the Skeleton Coast, with a few access points into the park. One way to experience this unique place is through a Fly-in Safari, which allows guests to stay in locations that are usually inaccessible and offers a special opportunity to view the Skeleton Coast from the air.

Shipwreck Lodge

Shipwreck Lodge is one of the most unique accommodations in Namibia, situated along the iconic Skeleton Coast—named after the countless shipwrecks that have washed up along the shore due to the harsh weather. The lodge’s ten suites are designed to resemble stranded ships, scattered along this infamous stretch of coastline, offering an unparalleled sense of place.

Powered by solar energy, the suites provide stunning views of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. The interiors feature light wood tones complemented by vibrant, colorful details, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In the charming main building, you’ll find a cozy restaurant and a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. Outside, on the spacious wooden deck, you can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the breathtaking views.

Shipwreck Lodge offers a wide range of activities, including quad biking on the dunes, sandboarding, and fishing (including shark fishing). Despite its eerie name, the Skeleton Coast National Park is teeming with wildlife, providing another layer of fascination to this extraordinary destination.

Children of all ages are welcome at Shipwreck Lodge.

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei, home to the world’s most famous sand dunes, is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about locations in Namibia. The dunes are located within Namib-Naukluft Park, the country’s largest park, which is part of the Namib Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. The massive dunes rise more than 300 meters into the air, with Dune 45, the most photographed dune, and the famous Sesriem Canyon located in the same area.

Little Kulala

Little Kulala is an elegant retreat featuring eleven tastefully designed and luxuriously appointed suites. Here, you have the extraordinary choice of sleeping indoors or under the stars on your own private veranda, where a bed is prepared for you each night, allowing you to decide your ideal sleeping spot with ease.

Set in the world’s oldest desert, the Namib Desert, where there are few insects or animals, sleeping under the open sky offers a truly magical experience. After a day of exploration, you can cool off in your private pool while taking in the timeless, red, and ever-changing sand dunes of Sossusvlei.

The lodge’s elegant lounges, well-stocked wine cellar, inviting restaurant, and cozy library provide the perfect places to relax after your exciting adventures. Surrounding the lodge, you’ll find a wealth of wildlife including ostriches, springboks, gemsboks (oryx), jackals, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes.

Little Kulala also offers a variety of activities beyond safari, such as hot air ballooning and sandboarding.

Children aged six and older are welcome at Little Kulala.

Kwessi Dunes

Nestled in the heart of the desert, Kwessi Dunes offers twelve comfortable, stylish, and air-conditioned tented suites, each designed in classic safari style. Each suite features two bedrooms—one indoors and one outdoors. The outdoor bedroom, completely open to the sky, provides the perfect setting for stargazing, with the night sky’s celestial display being nothing short of breathtaking.

On your wooden veranda, you can relax with a drink in one of the lounge chairs while watching hundreds of gemsboks (oryx) visit the lodge’s waterhole daily. The lodge’s welcoming lounge and pool overlook the vast, sweeping desert views. Here, the focus is not on traditional safari wildlife, but on immersing yourself in the beauty of the vibrant landscape.

Kwessi Dunes offers a wide variety of activities, including quad biking safaris over the dunes, scenic walks, hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, horseback riding, and more.

Children of all ages are welcome at Kwessi Dunes.

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is nestled on a hillside, offering sweeping views of an endless horizon framed by mountain peaks. This peaceful oasis of elegance is meticulously designed down to the finest detail. The sleek villas, spread over 130 km², are built from stone and decorated in earthy tones that blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert. The large bed is topped with a glass ceiling, offering an awe-inspiring celestial display each night.

Each villa is equipped with its own bar, fireplace, Bose sound system, air conditioning, and ceiling fan. The bathrooms feature both indoor and outdoor showers, adding to the sense of connection with nature. The magical view is framed by a vast panoramic glass wall that leads out to your private veranda, complete with comfortable sofas, a fireplace, a telescope, and a private pool.

The lodge’s fashionable lounge area is a harmonious blend of aesthetics, luxury, and tranquility. The large pool is fed by an underground spring, and when it’s time to dine, a delicious meal is served on the open deck or amidst the serene sand dunes. As night falls, an astronomer and the lodge’s state-of-the-art observatory are at your disposal for an unforgettable stargazing experience.

Children of all ages are welcome at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.

Epako

Epako Private Game Reserve offers breathtaking views of the Erongo Mountains in central Namibia. The reserve is ideally located between Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Etosha National Park. Covering 15,000 hectares, Epako Game Reserve is home to black rhinos, white rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and a wide variety of antelope species.

Epako Game lodge

Epako Game Lodge is Namibia’s only member of Relais & Châteaux, ideally situated on an elevated spot next to a popular waterhole. The lodge consists of ten tastefully decorated and fully equipped suites, featuring a blend of modern design and metallic accents in earthy tones. From your private veranda, you can watch the wildlife at the waterhole.

The lodge’s elegant lounge includes a fireplace, a well-stocked bar, and both indoor and outdoor dining areas with views of the waterhole. Additionally, there is a spa, a pool, and a fully-equipped gym (with sauna), all offering stunning views of the wildlife. The talented chefs prepare delicious dishes in their distinctive style, known as “Namibian & Gourmet Fusion cuisine.”

In addition to jeep safaris, Epako Game Lodge offers a variety of activities, including walking safaris, night safaris, and tracking both white and black rhinos.

Children of all ages are welcome at Epako Game Lodge.

Contact Safari Collection for more information about trips to Namibia.

Curated Add-On I

Cape Town and its surroundings are a world-renowned haven for gourmet experiences. Combine your journey to this iconic city with a luxury tour filled with indulgence. Let us guide you to the ultimate wine and culinary adventure, where every moment is a feast for the senses. Contact Safari Collection to learn more and start planning your unforgettable getaway.

Curated Add-On II

Enhance your exclusive safari journey with a truly unparalleled train experience. Begin or end your adventure aboard a moving masterpiece of timeless elegance and unmatched luxury. The world-famous Rovos Rail and the iconic Blue Train offer journeys spanning 2 to 15 days, seamlessly blending with our spectacular safari destinations. Let yourself be captivated by the grandeur of this enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reach out to us for all the details!