Namibia is the King of wild and rugged safaris, bursting with contrasting landscapes and mind-boggling scenery.
Namibia is all about wild and rugged safaris, bursting with contrasting landscapes and mind-boggling scenery. But there’s one area of the country that’s worth every superlative in the dictionary and that’s the north, in particular the Kaokoland and the Skeleton Coast – and that’s exactly where this Namibia desert safari will be taking you.
You’ll begin in the Hoanib Valley region of Kaokoland, with game drives through dust-blown landscapes in search of desert giraffe and elephant and interactions with the fascinating Himba people. Then, you’ll drive from the inland valleys of the Hoanib, past the cracked pans and sandy rivers, to the ochre dunes of the Skeleton Coast. The sheer beauty of the area is striking and it’s all yours to explore for the next three nights…
**Please note that no road or air transfers are included to any of the camps. Please contact reservations for flying and/or driving quotations.
Today, you’ll arrive at the stylish Hoanib Valley Camp and get settled into the safari way of life with a G&T at the campfire and a hearty dinner under the stars.
Hoanib Valley Camp is tucked deep into the mountainous landscapes of the Kaokoland in a sheltered cocoon overlooking the Hoanib riverbed. A joint venture including the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Fund (GCF) , the camp is a stylish and peaceful retreat, perfect for returning to at the end of the day to wash off the dust and relax with a G&T.
Spend the next two days in your vehicle, searching for desert-adapted elephant and giraffe, enjoying morning coffee in the shadow of the mountains, and visiting the traditional villages of the nomadic Himba peoples.
In Namibia, the breath-taking scenery is just as much of an attraction as the wildlife. The stark, dry landscapes of the north are an inhospitable place for animals to survive – but dig a little deeper and you’ll find an astonishing and varied assortment of wildlife hidden in these desert plains.
In the Hoanib Valley, you’ll spot desert elephant digging deep holes in the river bed and stately giraffe trimming the leaves from the trees. There’s also the chance to track black rhino and we highly recommend bringing your binos along for the ride so you don’t miss any of the smaller creatures that call the desert home.
Just when you thought you couldn’t get any more remote, you’ll drive west to the Skeleton Coast, a strange yet utterly beautiful slice of Namibian wilderness.
The ‘shipwrecked’ cabins of the aptly-named Shipwreck Lodge are scattered amongst the wind-rippled dunes of the Skeleton Coast with magnificent views over the surrounding sands. Each cabin is cozy and comfortable and the main area is equally so, with plenty of plush armchairs and squashy cushions to relax in. You might be in one of the harshest landscapes on earth, but there is no comfort to be sacrificed.
Some might say this is when the adventure really begins! Visit the seals at Mowe Colony, walk across the lunar landscapes and discover the secrets of the desert, and clamber over the whale-bones and shipwrecks on the coast.
At the Skeleton Coast, spot rare brown hyena, lion (if you’re very lucky), jackals, desert elephant and the ever-present seals of the Mowe Bay colony.
This trip that can be taken at any time of year. November to January is the hot, summer season in Namibia and temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees! By April, the temperature cools down a little and by June, it can be very cold at night and in the morning, especially in the northern, desert areas. Generally speaking, the temperatures in the winter dry season (from June to September) are pleasant and you can expect lovely, sunny days and blue skies.
The weather in the desert can change at the drop of a hat and we highly recommend bringing clothes to suit all eventualities on this trip. As well as your usual safari attire, pack a light jacket, fleece and hat for the cold mornings, and some flip flops and t-shirts for the hotter days. Suncream and a hat are a must, as always!
Child Policy: Children of all ages welcome. Please contact reservations for child pricing and policies.
Disabled Access: Please enquire with reservations.
Wifi: Wifi is available at both Hoanib Valley Camp and Shipwreck Lodge.
Excluded: Light aircraft/road transfers to/from Hoanib Valley Camp or Shipwreck Lodge, car rental, premium brand drinks, gratuities and fully comprehensive travel insurance & any other services not mentioned here (Please contact reservations for flying and/or driving quotations).
Be inspired by our other suggested safari packages below and remember, all our packages are totally flexible and can be adjusted to suit you.
