Namibia has seen an exciting rush of new camps and lodges open in recent years, making it one of the most exciting destinations to visit in southern Africa. After years of having a very low-key luxury safari industry, it is finally up there competing with its neighbours.
Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Opening at the end of October 2019, &Beyond Sossusvlei's new, refurbished look is sure to make this one of the premier lodge from which to experience the world famous Deadvlei and the vast dunes of the Namib Desert.
With unending vistas across the desert and mountains which surround the lodge, &Beyond Sossusvlei is a masterpiece of architecture and style. The 10 huge suites, alongside the epic Star Dune Suite, provide guests with unadulterated luxury, cosy fireplaces for the cold desert nights, and beautiful sky lights just made for some of the best stargazing in the world.
The experience in Sossusvlei centres around the concept of holistic safari, so concentrating on the smaller details that Namibia has to offer. Ancient San people rock paintings, guided nature walks, stargazing, quad bike safaris and, of course, excursions to Sossusvlei itself are all things which guests can experience at &Beyond Sossusvlei.
Shipwreck Lodge
After a glut of media coverage across the last year, Shipwreck Lodge has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most striking lodges in the world. It is, in fact, one of the only lodges situated within the Skeleton Coast National Park itself, so offers an experience like no other.
The rooms are designed to match the 'skeletons' - the shipwrecks which litter Namibia's coast, but these versions offer a welcome and luxurious retreat from the harsh environment of the National Park. Given the remoteness of the lodge, the experience is also completely original. You can explore the dunes and shores of the Skeleton Coast with your expert guides, visiting the hulking shipwrecks, searching for the wildlife which roams the coast (including the fabled brown hyena and desert adapted lion), or get under the skin of the area and learn about the amazing vegetation and insects that survive in such a barren environment.
Shipwreck Lodge is undoubtedly one of our favourite off the beaten track locations in Namibia, and offers some of the most remote and dramatic accommodations on the planet.
Omaanda Lodge
Zannier Hotels' new opening on the outskirts of Windhoek has instantly become the epitome of luxury and spoiling experience in Namibia. While it is situated in a game reserve with plenty of resident wildlife, Omaanda works as the perfect lodge to end an exciting, tiring self-drive itinerary or adventurous flying safari.
Omaanda's spa, food and wine, service, and luxurious chalets provide for the ultimate 'last stop' chill out area. The quiet sophistication of the lodge, with a beautiful sala bar, swimming pool and exquisitely thatched main area, offers amazing relaxation and an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Namibia from a more gentle pace.
Serra Cafema
One of the most remote lodges in Namibia (and Africa!), the newly refurbished Serra Cafema is one of the ultimate bucket list experiences. Perched on the banks of the Kunene River, which serves as the border with Angola, Serra Cafema offers a true wilderness experience in an area untouched my modernity.
The surrounding conservancy is primarily owned by the local Himba people, one of the last semi-nomadic peoples in Africa. Serra Cafema offers an amazing opportunity to visit their roving communities and learn about their traditions and culture.
The Kunene itself is a huge focal point for wildlife in the area, including Nile crocodiles, springboks, gemsboks, and even rare Cape foxes. Birding in the area is particularly special, because a lot of the species who live along the Namibia-Angola border are near endemic.
Serra Cafema is incomparably remote, utterly luxurious and truly stylish; it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic camps in Africa, and it's amazing new refurbishment has only helped cement that status.