Kulala Desert Lodge, Kulala Wilderness Reserve

From Windhoek International Airport you will travel to Kulala Desert Lodge. As the perfect gateway to the iconic sights of Sossusvlei, Kulala Desert Lodge is a favourite among Wilderness travellers. Magnificent views of the famous dunes, surrounding mountains and vast open plains will be the setting during your stay. The camp comprises 23 en-suite thatched and canvas ‘kulalas’ and a veranda for you to enjoy the outstanding scenery. On balmy nights, sleep under the clear night skies on your rooftop and awaken to the rising sun.

Kulala Desert Lodge, Kulala Wilderness Reserve

Start the day with a game drive or guided walk. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, characterised by huge dunes and flat valley floors. To escape the midday heat, a cooling plunge pool provides the ideal sanctuary.

Spot desert-adapted wildlife from our lounge and dining area overlooking a waterhole. You can witness sparsely distributed desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok, oryx, spotted and brown hyaena, and bat eared fox.

Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund

Depart camp early and drive through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains, eventually arriving in Walvis Bay before moving north into the quaint town of Swakopmund, a drive of about 5 – 6 hours (approximately 370 km / 230 miles). Discover the town of Swakopmund and bed down in an iconic hotel that forms part of city’s architectural culture. Included: Bed, breakfast and one dinner [excludes dinner on the second night].

Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund

Today, we explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast with a “Dolphin and Seal” catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay (weather permitting). Guests will meet with pelicans, view playful seals, and if luck permits, see leaping dolphins and shy turtles. Our initial route takes us past oyster farms as we approach Pelican Point with its landmark lighthouse and 60,000 resident cape fur seals. In season (July to November), larger mammals such as the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whales are often spotted, while other whale species, such as the Gray whale and the Pygmy Right whale have made appearances. Bottlenose, Heaviside and Dusky dolphins are regularly seen, as are Mola Molas and Leatherback Turtles. Accompanying our three catamarans throughout are a variety of seabirds, such as the Kelp Gull, Hartlaub’s Gull, Pelicans and Cape Cormorant.

Back at the hotel, a short walk will bring you to the heated Olympic-sized indoor public swimming pool, the museum, lighthouse and Kristall Galerie, as well as several good restaurants if you wish to try an alternative to the Hansa’s tasty fare.

Desert Rhino Camp – Kunene – Palmwag Concession

At Desert Rhino Camp you will take part in a thrilling and exclusive conservation success story. We work closely with Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) which is almost singlehandedly responsible for the preservation of desertadapted rhino in the area. A portion of guest revenue goes to SRT. Tracking Africa’s unique and endangered desert-adapted black rhino is an unforgettable experience. To set the scene, you will be shown into one of the eight en-suite Meru-style tents elevated off the ground. You can absorb the panoramic views over the rolling, rocky hills beyond from the privacy of your veranda. Full day excursions are on offer; otherwise, between activities, relax in our tented living area. Evening meals are taken around the fire pit. As a wonderland of unusual plant life, fascinating wildlife and sparse wilderness, Desert Rhino is begging to be explored.

Desert Rhino Camp – Kunene – Palmwag Concession

Other than tracking rhino, you can fill your days with game drives, walks and cultural visits. Along with the rhino you may see desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok and kudu as well as cheetah, leopard and spotted hyaena. Birdlife is varied with endemics such as Bokmakierie and Ruppell’s Korhaan.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp – Palmwag Concession

Travel to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp which is located on the Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld. Exclusivity is taken a step further as the camp comprises only seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit. The camp looks out over stunning yet rugged scenery and offers you all the luxuries and amenities needed for an unforgettable stay.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Activities include nature walks, game drives, dune drives, use of hides, exploratory day excursions with picnic lunches and coastal visits (weather permitting). Explore the historic coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colony and shipwreck remains.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Set in one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world, the camp is eco-friendly and has minimal impact on the environment. Furthermore, an in-house training programme ensures that the local communities are empowered and able to contribute to sustainable development of their areas. Continue on your journey home, inspired by your visit to this bewitching and starkly beautiful part of the planet.