From the ITB 2023 issue
With its rolling red dunes and scattered camel thorn trees, the Kalahari Desert is the younger of Namibia’s two deserts. It stretches across Namibia, Botswana and South Africa over an estimated area of 900 000 km². It is regarded as the traditional homeland of the indigenous San people, the country’s oldest inhabitants, famous for their hunter-gatherer way of life.
The best way to truly feel the intense nature experience that the Kalahari offers is to go on a guided overnight Trans Kalahari Walk. Feel the connection with the earth as you watch from atop a dune how antelope herds graze on the vast grassy plains. After the day’s rewarding hike, enjoy a night by campfire under the glittering stars at the cosy but luxurious dune camp.
Experience the magic of the Kalahari with a stay at Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge or Teufelskrallen Tented Lodge. Teufelskrallen’s tent houses are located on the first western Kalahari dune and offer guests a panoramic view over the endless expanse of the Kalahari’s dunes. Only 200 km from the capital Windhoek, Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge is a quaint lodge with individually and lovingly designed chalets that offer guests the true sense of the space and beauty of the Kalahari Desert
The world’s oldest desert at an estimated 55 million years old, the Namib is a place that enchants visitors from all over. It is world-famous for the picturesque Deadvlei with its bleached clay pan, ancient dead camel thorn trees and massive orange dunes that surround it. The Namib Sand Sea, boasting several dunes higher than 300 metres, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
Become intimately acquainted with the Namib and its incredible fauna and flora by going on a sleep-out ride on the stunning, Ondili owned, private nature reserve adjacent to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Explore this incredibly scenic section of the Namib from the back of a horse. After the ride, a simple yet luxurious tented camp awaits – the ideal setting for a delightful night spent under a star-lit desert sky.
Desert Homestead Lodge is famous for its horse safaris and is the perfect starting point for tours into Sossusvlei and its surroundings. Experience the tranquillity and expanse of the desert landscape in the utmost luxury and style at Namib Outpost.
Ondili’s homey boutique guesthouse Ti Melen is the perfect balance between nature and proximity to the capital city’s sights, restaurants and cultural vibe.
Ti Melen is situated high against the slope of a hill at the very end of a quiet cul- de-sac in Windhoek’s Avis neighbourhood. Being literally on the outskirts of the city means that it is almost entirely surrounded by wonderful natural scenery.
Ti Melen offers six spacious rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and stylishly decorated with vintage furniture and finishings that transport you to the splendid living of a century ago. Each room has its own unique character and finishing touches as well as its own balcony or patio to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Ideally situated in the warmly-beating heart of Swakopmund, Brigadoon Guesthouse allows guests to immerse themselves in the daily hustle and bustle of the small coastal town. With its welcoming atmosphere and luxuriously comfortable rooms, the Brigadoon is a stone’s throw away from Swakop’s top attractions including the Mole, jetty, lighthouse and museum.
The Erongo Mountains form part of one of the most impressive areas in the country. The landscape is characterised by 2000-metre-high mountains of volcanic origin and rivers that carry water all year round, offering breath-taking panoramic views. The spectacular geological formations like the Boulder Forest as well as excellent birding and game watching opportunities make this area an excellent choice for nature lovers.
Embrace the wonders of this area with an Erongo Nature Excursion. After a short drive, a guided hike leads guests to the most interesting landscape of the farm, characterised by spectacular rock formations and fascinating vegetation. On the hike, guests learn about the geological highlights of the Erongo mountains, the semi-precious stones such as tourmaline and aquamarine that are mined here as well as the ancient San rock paintings found in the area.
Hohenstein Lodge is located at the foot of the highest peak of the Erongo mountains. Round off an adventurous day on the restaurant terrace and experience the spectacular sunsets that bathe the surrounding countryside in a fantastic red glow.
Spacious chalets effortlessly incorporate natural elements into a delicious blend of luxury and rustic, each has its own private shady terrace overlooking the awe-inspiring scenery.
Situated in the northwest of Namibia, Damaraland is known for its definitive landscapes. The area offers numerous places worth visiting that range from viewing desert-adapted wildlife to learning more about the past, present and ancient cultural heritage of the area.
Visit Twyfelfontein, where guests can see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of over 2000 rock engravings and drawings. These graphic representations are thousands of years old and allow a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited this area centuries ago.
Go on a game drive into the dry Huab River and search for the impressive desert-adapted elephants and other game. Guests will not only learn more about the amazing animals and plants that inhabit the area but also about the interesting geological features.
Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp is nestled in rolling boulders of a granite outcrop, perfectly located only a ten-minute drive from Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, within walking distance of the Damara Living Museum and in the Huab River Valley. A stylish and extremely comfortable tented camp from where Damaraland can be explored.
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s greatest wildlife sanctuary and the most visited destination in Namibia besides Sossusvlei. The park derives its name from the massive 4 730 km² Etosha salt pan. It is so large it can be seen from space and is one of the largest pans on earth. The park is a hotspot for a variety of game – anything from rhino and elephant to lions and leopards.
Take a guided drive into the park in an all-terrain vehicle with one of Ondili’s expert guides. Ondili’s guides have an intimate knowledge of the wildlife in Etosha and will give guests the ultimate safari experience, getting close to elephants and rhinos, giraffes and lions, meerkats and flamingos.
Situated on a 5000-hectare game reserve that shares a 10 km border with the Etosha, Etosha Oberland Lodge combines luxury and style with the utmost privacy. Enjoy the exquisite dining experience, relax by the infinity pool or sip on a drink while spottinggame at one of the many private seating spots. TNN