Namibia Archives - Great Safaris

Hoanib Valley Camp, Kaokaland

Hoanib Valley Camp is located in the Sesfontein Community Conservancy, set back in a hidden valley and surrounded by a range of jagged mountains, just outside the private Palmwag Concession.

Hoanib Valley’s six guest tents blend almost perfectly into the rugged environment. The colours, textures and patterns are inspired by the experience of the Hoanib; the rich ochre of the dunes, the geometric patterns of the Himba people and, of course, the giraffe that inspired the project. True to the ethos of Natural Selection, they’ve sourced materials locally, and you’ll find furniture shaped by the local Rundu carpenters and Himba carvers, and baskets weaved by the people of the Omba Project in Windhoek.

The whole camp is a clean and green sort of place, leaving virtually no footprint on this fragile eco-system. It’s entirely solar powered to ensure carbon emissions are kept to a minimum, and the tents sit on decks made of a wood, bamboo and 70% recycled-material composite.The area is a melee of towering mountains, sand dunes, and huge expanses of desert, scattered with unique wildlife and nomadic Himba settlements. It’s also one of Namibia’s most remote and wild environments, and one that not many will get the chance to discover in a lifetime.

Shipwreck Lodge, Skeleton Coast

Ten guest rooms are available here – eight standards and two for families. Inspired by the shipwrecks lining Skeleton Coast, this is absolutely stunning accommodation! Each unit is constructed from wood and glass, featuring details such as beams and portholes. Appropriately, there’s a deck, set with chairs and a small table. A timber-framed glass door leads into the room, which in the case of a standard includes a double bed or twin beds with lighting over, bedside tables, a seating area, and a tea-and-coffee station. The en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, washbasin, and shower. Each family room benefits from all these amenities, in addition to sleeping space for a maximum of two children. And all rooms boast a wood-burning stove, perfect for keeping cozy!

The design of the communal structure at Shipwreck Lodge also owes much to the property’s surroundings. Another timber-and-glass build, it too has a deck where guests can relax and admire the spectacular scenery! Inside, there’s a lavish lounge, featuring armchairs, sofas, and even a swing seat, all with sumptuous throws. A wood-burning stove adds to the warmth of this space, while a sand-colored floor and a classic explorer’s chest continue the national park theme. In the lodge’s dining area, chic wooden separate tables and chairs beneath elegant lighting provide the setting for delicious meals. The adjacent bar is well stocked, and the chunkiness of its fittings lends an attractive ship’s cabin feel! Outside, there’s a swimming pool.

Activities on offer during your two days here include game drives, sundowner drives, 4×4 excursions, and shipwreck visits – a great range of things to do.  Game drives take place within the national park, and among the rolling dunes you can look out for species such as desert-adapted lion, black rhino, elephant, brown hyena, baboon, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and black-faced impala. Towards the ocean, there are large colonies of beautiful Cape fur seals! Keen birders enjoy spotting skuas and jaegers here, with Rüppell’s bustard and Benguela long-billed larks sometimes appearing farther inland.

 

 

Kwessi Dunes Camp, Namibrand Reserve

At Kwessi Dunes, you’ll find 12 cool and comfortable (and air-conditioned) chalets all with canvas walls and thatched roofs.  In the bedrooms, you can expect vintage four-poster beds, striped canvas walls and a separate ‘star gazer’ room that’s completely open to the sky for maximum galaxy-gazing as you fall asleep. Each bedroom also has an ensuite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers and a shaded, outdoor veranda. High thatched roofs will keep you cool during the hot desert days (and nights!) and you’ll be pleased to hear that the bedrooms are air conditioned too.

The view from the lodge is spectacular and the glass windows and doors at the main area look out onto the undulating sand that only ends when it meets the mountains, far in the distance. Inside, there’s a well-stocked bar, library area and several seating and dining areas. When the sun rises in the morning, head to the camp fire for a morning cuppa, while in the heat of the day, the swimming pool is the only place to be. Enjoy quad biking, scenic drives and walks and day trips to Sossusvlei.  Hot air ballooning and helicopter flights are available at additional cost.

 

Safari Court Hotel

Perfectly positioned near Eros Airport, The Safari Court Hotel offers 215 ensuite rooms and suites which are spacious and include a sitting area, air-conditioning and heating, en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower, toilet, electrical sharing plug and hair-dryer. In each room, there is also a TV with 20 channels, a fridge, and coffee and tea facilities.


The Acacia Restaurant and Acacia Annex are beautiful and elegant seating over 200 guests. Breakfast is usually served in the sunny and bright Annex while an extensive à la carte menu as well as an upmarket carvery buffet are available for dinner. The Palms Ladies Bar offers a peaceful and elegant atmosphere while The Terrace is a relaxing outdoor venue offering cold drinks and snacks throughout the day.

The Safari Wellness Center, with an exclusive gym, sauna and steam room, is available free of charge for all guests. The new Okulele Spa offers beauty and wellness treatments at extra cost. After a long flight, unwind, relax and refresh in the sauna or steambath.

Hotel Zum Kaiser

Perfectly positioned on Sam Nujoma Avenue in the picturesque Swakopmund, the luxurious Hotel Zum Kaiser offers direct access to the beach and the town’s vibrant street life, quaint architecture, shopping and fine dining. This exclusive hotel houses 21 fully air-conditioned bedrooms, each featuring a  television, coffee-and tea making facilities, bar fridge, electronic safe and wireless internet as well as a wardrobe with sufficient hanging and packing space.The full en-suite bathroom is equipped with a deep-soaking bath, spacious shower, toilet and wash-basin.

The tastefully decorated hotel offers a combination of Court Yard Suites, Front Facing Suites and 3 Family Rooms with inter-leading doors. Each of the Front Facing Suites is equipped with a private balcony to enjoy splendid views of the historic town and partial views of the nearby Atlantic seaboard. Uniquely combining modern furnishings with a touch of classic elegance dating from imperial times, the Hotel Zum Kaiser creates a truly authentic and intimate ambiance.

Enjoy delectable cuisine at the on-site Bistro Zum Kaiser and sip sun-downers whilst experiencing the spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic from the hotel’s idyllic Roof Terrace.

Namibia Flying Safari

Windhoek | Etosha | Damaraland | Swakopmund | Sossusvlei

Experience Namibia’s entirety from an Eagles perspective. Visit the surreal dunes at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. Join a mesmerizing catamaran cruise through dolphin filled waters at Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbor, visit southern Africa’s largest open-air museum at Twyfelfontein and discover exceptional and abundant desert adapted wildlife in the Etosha National Park. This is a truly unique African experience, encompassing extremely varied landscapes and cultures, and is an adventure not to be missed. 

For the ultimate in contrasts, combine this with our Great Wing Safari Botswana.

Tour length:  9 days

Land from $6,095 per person.

Namibia Flying Safari – Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Windhoek (1 night)

Welcome to Windhoek! On arrival at Windhoek International Airport you will be met and assisted by a Great Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel. 

The balance of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Day 2-3 Windhoek / Etosha (2 nights)

Wake up to your first morning under an African sun.  After a leisurely breakfast, you are collected and transferred to Eros Airport for the beginning of your wing adventure across Namibia.

Your flight takes you north to the border of Etosha National Park. The following days are devoted purely to game drives in search of the abundant wildlife found in the park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. Game viewing in the park is largely focused around the waterholes, an ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, in excess of 340 bird species.

Day 4 Etosha / Damaraland  (1 night)

After a relaxed breakfast, the flight continues across the mountainous region of Damaraland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein. In the afternoon you join a local ranger to explore this spectacular semi-arid desert in search of the elusive desert elephants that roam this area. 

Your lodge is situated in close vicinity to the geological attractions that are visited in the afternoon or during the morning of the next day. The highlight of these attractions, Twyfelfontein, represents Namibia’s Only World Heritage Site and belongs to one of the world’s largest rock-art sites. Enjoy a visit this afternoon or tomorrow morning before flying on to your nest destination.

Day 5-6 Damaraland / Swakopmund (2 nights)

Leaving the majestic mountain ranges far below, travel past Namibia’s highest mountain – the Brandberg and across endless desert plains to the coastal town of Swakopmund. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. 

Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the “playground of Namibia”, it has numerous activities, one of them being a catamaran cruise exploring the marine life around the lagoon and harbor of Walvis Bay. You may get a chance to see swooping pelicans, seals, dolphins and – during the season – even whales, sunfish and turtles!

Day 7-8 Swakopmund / Sossusvlei (2 nights)

Your flight takes off into the heart of the Namib desert at Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. The afternoon can be spent at leisure or on an optional nature drive exploring the desert surrounding your lodge.  

 The following morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park with the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. 

Day 9 Sossusvlei / Windhoek / Departure

After breakfast you fly back to Windhoek, arriving in the late morning. You are met on arrival, any stored luggage is returned to you and then you are transferred to Josea Kutako International Airport for the departure of your homebound flight.

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Damaraland

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is nestled along the mountainside, beautifully blending in with its surrounding environment. Using natural stone, carefully selected paint colors and thatched roofs, its design compliments the sandstone rock formations with minimum visual impact on this picturesque landscape. Magnificent views from the deck over the Huab Valley, desert plains and distant mountains provide for hours of relaxed comfort, peace and tranquillity.

Country Lodge is situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy in close vicinity to the geological attractions of Namibia’s only World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest rock-art sites. Twyfelfontein Country Lodge offers 56 en-suite rooms of various layout and sleeping arrangements, a reception area, lounge, curio shop, open dining room, bar and swimming pool.

The lodge caters for a host of activities, ranging from swimming facilities, cycling the area or on guided nature walks and safaris. The many Namibian plant species, among which the unique Welwitschia, will delight plant lovers. Elephants, rhinoceros and giraffe are some of the wildlife that adapted to the desert climate of the Namib that can be seen roaming the area. The lodge is run in partnership with the community with some of the profits going to help support local community projects.

Etosha Village, Etosha

Etosha Village offers luxurious accommodations with canvas suites on raised timber decks, with air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom and canvas doors that offer panoramic views of the beauty of nature from the comfort of your bed.  Uniquely positioned amid an indigenous Mopane forest, the accommodation units at Etosha Village ensure maximum privacy and tranquility. The individual units offer a spacious air-conditioned bedroom and a modern en-suite bathroom with shower. Each twin-bedded room features a fridge, coffee- and tea making facilities, electronic safe as well as a sleeper couch where 2 small children (under 12 years) can be accommodated. The patio and outside seating area create an ideal space to sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. The handicapped and wheelchair friendly units are designed with a ramp instead of stairs, a more spacious bathroom for easy wheelchair access and the room has a different interior arrangement for easier access.

Etosha Village is proud to be widely accredited for their exquisite cuisine. The scrumptious breakfast buffet gives you the best start to your day and the exceptional dinner buffet is the best you will find in Namibia! Luncheons are served a la carte with a mouth-watering menu. Etosha Village has three restaurant seating areas, a unique bar with a big screen television, two sparkling pools plus a kiddie pool as well as a fully stocked utility and curio shop.

Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund

Nestling in the very center of the charming little town of Swakopmund, the Hansa Hotel is wrapped in a timelessly classical building dating from 1905 and is an integral part of Swakopmund’s architectural heritage.  The Hansa Hotel has 5 family units, 4 suites and 49 twin/double rooms.  Each room is individually decorated and fitted with under tile or under carpet heating, 15 satellite television/radio channels, direct dialing telephones, hairdryer, safes, coffee/tea facilities and en-suite bath/showers.

Centrally situated, the Hansa Hotel serves as the perfect getaway for all tourists to experience all that Swakopmund and surrounding areas have to offer, from sand-boarding some of the highest dunes in the world to big game viewing in one of Namibia’s world-known game parks. Surrounded by local tour operators, aviation and safari offices and five minutes from the beach, the Hansa Hotel is perfect for the discerning traveler looking for an adrenaline filled holiday or merely a bit of relaxation.

Sossusvlei Lodge, Sossusvlei

Blending perfectly with the spectacular desert surrounds, Sossusvlei Lodge combines eco-friendly design, a spectacularly beautiful location, and spacious and serene suites to envelope guests in pure indulgence. Situated in the northern foothills of the vast, privately owned Namibia Rand Nature Reserve, tt is adjacent to the oldest desert in the world. The 45 individual luxurious accommodation units are fully air-conditioned and each unit has a patio, en-suite bathroom with shower and a spacious bedroom under canvas with adobe-style plaster walls to give the visitor a distinctive sense of being close to nature.


The units  feature a there is a refreshment area with tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, luggage space and in-room safe . The en-suite bathrooms is equipped with  a double vanity, toilet, spacious walk-in shower and signature amenities. Sossusvlei Lodge facilities include a sparkling pool, bar, beer garden and an al fresco terrace where one can enjoy exquisite food, award-winning wines and magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole where you can watch the passing parade of orynx, springbok, jackal, ground squirrel and hyena.


The Lodge Adventure Center provides a range of activities including quad-biking, guided excursions, sun-downer trips, hot air ballooning, scenic flights and much more to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Olive Grove Guest House, Windhoek

Olive Grove Guest House offers its guests stylish comfort, ideal location and warm hospitality in the heart of Windhoek!  Situated close to the Windhoek city center in a quiet, peaceful area, Olive Grove Guest House is a small, upmarket accommodation establishment. The 11 en-suite rooms are spacious and the cemented brick cupboards and bed bases are beautifully rounded off with thick mattresses, quality linen, cane basket drawers, wrought-iron furniture, and as a special touch, different Moroccan lampshades and a silver Moroccan teapot. Care was taken to ensure that the mini-bar is stocked with everything from wine to nuts and that every room has proper filter coffee and a plunger. The contrast between the rustic cement, off-white linen, old silver and luxurious touches, is enchanting.  Each room has a large veranda with tables and chairs for al fresco dining.  One of Olive Grove’s main features is the large veranda in front of the rooms.

The open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia’s open skies.  The Wellness Room offers a selection of professional services to help guests relax and de-stress after a long flight or for just the perfect end to an adventurous holiday.  The inside lounge is tastefully decorated, with comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax. The stunning open plan kitchen creates a homely feel while providing tasty meals.  Whilst each of the 10 rooms cater for the every need of the most discerning traveler, the emphasis remains one of simplicity and elegance.

Namibia – 8 Days

Namibia - 8 Days towering dunesOur Namibia – 8 Days is an awe-inspiring exploration of this vast land, via air and land. Our itinerary stretches from the endless, rippling sands and towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the dolphin-filled waters at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, through the stark plains of Damaraland and onto the Etosha Pan. Etosha, meaning ‘Great White Place’, is made of a large mineral pan, where abundant wildlife has adapted to this wild and arid landscape. This is a truly unique African experience, encompassing extremely varied landscapes and cultures, and is not to be missed.

Great Safaris Namibia – 8 Days extension includes 9 nights accommodation, all meals, activities and transport between camps via light aircraft.