Namibia is a country of astonishing contrasts, named after the Namib – the oldest desert on the planet which creates a sea of red sand along the Atlantic coastline. Celebrated for its vast open landscapes, remote tribes and desert dwelling wildlife, it offers a safari experience like no other.  Namibia’s north-west is opening up with pioneering community safaris and camps where visitors can see desert-adapted rhinos, lions, elephants and giraffe.  We highlight the best new safaris and camps in Kaokoland, the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland.

Hoanib Valley Camp, Kaokoland – opened May 2018

A joint venture between the Sesfontein community and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Hoanib Valley Camp is set deep in north-western Namibia. In a country packed with vast and spectacularly beautiful landscapes this Kaokoland region, with towering mountains, sand dunes and huge expanses of desert, is certainly no exception. With six stylish, solar powered tents overlooking the Hoanib river valley, the camp is elegant and intimate, blending seamlessly with the environment. You could simply sit awe-struck enjoying the view, but it is also the perfect location for drives to track desert adapted lion, rhino, elephant and giraffe, and to meet the Himba, Herero and Damara communities in the area.

Aerial view of Hoanib Valley Camp, Kaokoland, Namibia, Natural Selection

Desert adapted lioness at Hoanib Valley Camp, Kaokoland, Namibia, Natural Selection

Shipwreck Lodge, Skeleton Coast National Park – opened June 2018

Having opened its doors in June, Shipwreck Lodge in the Skeleton Coast National Park is already making a name for itself. With ten innovative ‘shipwreck’ style cabins hidden in the sand dunes it’s one of Namibia’s wackier accommodation options. It’s a perfect getaway for desert adventures and alternative safaris – an opportunity to spot desert elephants digging beneath the sand for water, or explore the Suiderkus and Karimona shipwrecks.

‘Ships in the desert’ – Shipwreck Lodge, Skeleton Coast, Natural Selection

The Skeleton Coast takes its name from the number of shipwrecks along the Atlantic shore

Video of Shipwreck Lodge and the Skeleton Coast

Special offer – 3 nights for the price of 2

With a three for two offer at both Shipwreck Lodge and Hoanib Valley Camp there’s even more reason to visit. Combine both areas for the ultimate desert adventure. The special offer is valid between 1st and 18th December 2018 or 10th January to 28th February 2019.

Huab Trails Experience, Damaraland

This new three-night trail experience, available to guests staying at Huab Under Canvas, is a wonderful opportunity to explore on foot. Walks vary between 5 to 7.5 miles per day with various trail treats – picnic lunches, hammock siestas, strategic drinks and ice cream stops – along the way. Nights one and three are spent at Huab Under Canvas, and the middle night at Huab Trails, sleeping under the brilliant stars of the Namibia night sky. It’s a life enriching experience, with expert guides exposing guests to the true raw beauty that Namibia offers in a visually stunning wilderness area.

Sundowners, Huab Under Canvas, Damaraland, Ultimate Safaris

Tracking desert adapted rhino, Huab Under Canvas, Damaraland, Ultimate Safaris

Serra Cafema – Kaokoland, reopened 18th September

Northern Namibia’s Kunene region is a magical place, home to very little other than spectacular scenery, nomadic Himba tribes and a scattering of desert adapted wildlife. It’s also where you will find Wilderness Safaris’ completely re-built Serra Cafema Camp. Even the journey from the airstrip is special – across the astonishingly beautiful Hartmann Valley with desert grasses, towering mountains and pink dunes vying for attention. The camp itself is a luxurious desert retreat, set under trees on the banks of the Kunene River where guests can truly disconnect, unwind and relax. Activities include exploring one of the driest deserts in the world, respectful interaction with the semi-nomadic Himba community, fascinating nature walks, boating (water levels permitting), and low-impact guided quad-bike excursions.

Glorious dining setting overlooking the Kunene River, Serra Cafema, Wilderness Safaris

Guests have an opportunity to meet the Himba community at Serra Cafema.

Any questions on a Namibian desert safari?

If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have that we should have included, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.

What next?

We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris.  If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.

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