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Namibia isn’t most travelers’ first African vacation; it tends to be the destination of choice for a savvy third- or fourth-time visitor. But don’t let that stop you if you’re planning a first visit to the continent. Namibia rivals any African destination with Sossusvlei desert dunes, Etosha watering holes, Swakopmund sundowners, and and the epic Skeleton Coast. It often follows East African safaris in Tanzania and Kenya or is an add-on to South Africa, Botswana, or Zambia, as it shares borders with each country, but it’s worth a visit in its own right. If you’re heading over, here are but a few highlights to hit while you’re there:
WindhoekAfter a long-haul flight, the Olive Exclusive in the capital city of Windhoek is a welcome respite and the perfect place to spend a night before setting out on safari. There’s an easy elegance to the hilltop property, and the suites are each individually designed with distinct decor nods to regions of Namibia. Head into the city to take in the interesting mix of Namibian and German-influenced architecture (a holdover from its colonial past) or simply relax in your room and soak in your tub or large plunge pool with glass of local wine in hand and views of the city.
SossusvleiSossusvlei is Namibia’s most iconic tableau: an expansive white clay pan punctuated by stark black acacia trees and flanked by red sand dunes and a blazing blue sky in the background. Climb the equally evocative Big Daddy—the highest dune in Sossusvlei area at well over 1,000 feet. Running down Daddy’s red dunes is a cross between skiing and floating. Once you've caught your breath, do it all over again on Big Mama, another high dune which faces Daddy, naturally. Once back in your luxe villa at Little Kulala, you have 67,000 acres to explore via quad bike, nature drive, or hot-air balloon. Finish your day with a dinner under the stars.
SwakopmundSwakopmund, the country’s largest coastal beach town, is where locals go for holiday. The desert shoreline adjacent to the Atlantic is one of the most difficult-to-reach places in Namibia. Namibia Desert Explorers takes you there via quad bike or jeep for an adventurous tour. Enjoy a candlelit dinner in the undulating dunes at the luxurious Swakopmund Hotel or stay at the more modern Strand Hotel Swakopmund, where Tom Cruise stayed while filming The Mummy. Head into town for a seafood meal at the Jetty on a charming little pier. If you’re a curious carnivore, try a meal at the Hansa Hotel’s Equestrian Restaurant, where dishes like springbok, gemsbok, kudu, and zebra are on offer.
Skeleton CoastThe Skeleton Coast, also known as the Namib Coast, is in northern Namibia on the westernmost stretch of the Namib desert, hugging the Atlantic. This stark, formidable coastline is dotted with shipwrecks, whale bones, and large seal colonies. In particular, the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, the largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals, is a true sight to behold. Staying at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp you have a front-row seat to wildlife roaming free in the moonlike landscape of dry riverbeds and steep desert dunes. If you opt for a stay at Serra Cafema camp, you’ll have sundowners over a sea of sand in one of the most remote camps in southern Africa. If you drove up the coast to get there, opt to fly back to get the best of both views.
Desert Rhino CampThe Desert Rhino Camp feels incredibly remote, with a million acres of arid land and the dramatic Etendeka Mountains in the Palmwag Concession seemingly all to yourself. You have a better chance of spotting black rhinos than you do humans—the camp has the largest population of free-ranging rhinos in all of Africa. Save the Rhino will take you out in a jeep and eventually on foot, where you’re eye to horn in no time. At camp, it’s dinner by the fire and drinks under the stars.
DamaralandThe best part about the Damaraland Camp is that it’s run and owned by the local community. Dinner comes with dancing. Drinks are poolside by a roaring fire. Breakfast sometimes means sitting down to dine on a mountaintop. Game drives in the Torra Conservancy come with views of surrounding desert plains, with the valleys and peaks of Brandberg Mountain in the distance, and elephants are common sights.
EtoshaCome here for unbelievable game sightings. By day, venture to one of the watering holes at Etosha National Park. It’s bush theatrics at its best. By night, take a game drive in neighboring Ongava, a 125-square-mile private game reserve, which means you can off-road and pull up right next to a pride of lions sunbathing a few feet below your face.