Galton House

Windhoek: 1 Night

The capital of Namibia, Windhoek is set amongst green hills in the centre of the country. It is a relatively small city, and has a very relaxed feel to it, with little of the angst associated with the other major cities in Southern Africa.  It is also one of the cleanest cities in Southern Africa.

The city has a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and also in the widespread use of the German language.

Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Just outside of Windhoek (25 km away) you will find the Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve, which is a pleasent place to spend a few hours if you want to get away from the city and into the bush. One of the great attractions here is that you can walk around the reserve, following the guided trails, as the reserve is only home to non-dangerous wildlife, including blue wildebeest, zebra, kudu, baboons, gemsbok, eland and springbok, plus over 200 species of birdlife.

Galton House is named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Galton, and has a relaxed style which creates a very welcoming atmosphere. A mere 10 minute drive from the centre of town and perched on the edge of Windhoek's northernmost affluent suburb of Eros, guests staying here will be ensured of peace and tranquillity.

The 9 guest rooms all have internet connectivity and satellite television. The main guest areas consist of a a large lounge, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. The decor is a combination of modern minimalistic and understated chic, and impressive wildlife photography adorns the walls. There is also a swimming pool.

Hoodia Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert: 2 Nights

Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of Hoodia Desert Lodge, surrounded by majestic mountains on the banks of the Tsauchab River, where kudu and oryx can often be seen browsing. A 20 minute drive will bring you to the Sesriem Gate, entrance of the world famous red sand-dunes of Sossusvlei.

You will meet enthusiastic people, keen to share your adventures and the friendliness and personal attention of the staff will make your stay memorable. The guided tours are an ideal entrance to the magical world of the desert.

Activities include sunrise tours to Sossusvlei, where you can discover the world of dunes and vleis, and enjoy the photographic beauty of the desert. A highlight of this tour is an exclusive dune lunch with fine wines, delicious food and ice cold beverages. End with a hike in the Sesriem Canyon before heading back to Hoodia Desert Lodge in the late afternoon.

In addition, balloon safaris over Sossusvlei, horse trails in the Namib Desert, scenic and helicopter flights over Sossusvlei and quad bike adventures in the area can also be arranged (additional cost).

There are 11 luxury thatched, partly tented chalets, all of which have en-suite bathrooms with open air showers for the adventurous, and generous bathtubs. Along with a private shaded deck, they are air conditioned and include mosquito nets, tea/coffee station and fridge.

The main lodge has a shaded pool area and outside lounge deck, an indoor lounge area with a fireplace for chilly nights, and an elegant bar.

Cornerstone Guest House

Swakopmund: 1 Night

Surrounded on 3 sides by the Namib desert, and on the 4th by the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is an interesting blend of African and German heritage, and one of the most friendly towns in Southern Africa. Many of the locals are of German descent, and together with its beautifully preserved German colonial architecture, the availability of German style beer, and the precise orderly manner which is evident everywhere, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in a small town in Germany, and not on the edge of the Namib Desert.

Probably the most popular single activity is quad-biking over the large red sand dunes that start from the edge of the town, or try sandboarding down the dunes as an alternative. The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is a 125 km drive north of Swakopmund, and home to breeding colonies of thousands of Cape fur seals. 

Several operators also offer scenic flights. The 2 most popular options are to take a flight north up the coastline, over the Skeleton Coast and back round, or to  fly across the desert to the Sossusvlei Dunes and back to Swakopmund along the coastline, taking-in a number of shipwrecks.

Occupying a quiet corner of Swakopmund's old town near the marine museum and the old brewery, Cornerstone Guesthouse offers the charm and intimacy of a family-run B&B combined with the modern amenities of a luxury hotel. Within a few minutes from the guest house you can walk to beaches, cafes, restaurants, lively pubs, Swakopmund tourist attractions and a variety of interesting shops and markets in the town.

The guest house has 5 double/twin rooms and 2 family rooms each sleeping four. The 3 self-catering apartments all sleep up to 6 people with 3 double rooms in each apartment.

Ai-Aiba Lodge

The Erongo Mountains: 2 Nights

Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge is dramatically set against imposing granite boulders in the foothills of the magically beautiful Erongo Mountain range. Steeped in history these ancient rock formations are the eroded remains of a volcanic complex about 130 million years old. The lodge is set on the 200,000 hectare Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, a pristine wilderness area which is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the plant, reptile, mamal and bird life, as well as the wealth of cultural heritage, of the Erongo landscape.

Activities during your stay here include morning or afternoon nature drives to the Bushman rock art. Each drive takes about 3 hours as you travel through the scenic reserve with selected stops at sites to view and learn about Bushman rock art, which depict age‐old hunting rituals, human and animal life. The drives also include a stop for refreshments and snacks.

Walking the area surrounding the lodge is highly encouraged and is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Erongo Mountains. The guides have been very well trained on the interesting fauna and flora of the area and are available to escort guests through the property. There are also self-guided walking trails which go past Rain Cloud Cave and Elephant Wall - both rock art sites.

San Living Museum Tours are a unique offering, which gives guests a further insight into the ways of the Bushmen.  These tours include a walk with a Bushman, learning about hunting, snaring, tracking, lighting fire and collecting bush food; or learning more about life in their village as you see how they make rope and jewellry, and understand the meanings behind their local dances and songs.

The main lodge has a high thatched roof restaurant and lounge, which have amazing panoramic views. The swimming pool is an oasis surrounded by tall palms and scenic vistas of magnificent rocky outcrops and bush savannah. There is also a floodlit waterhole.

Towering boulders form the backdrop to the 20 mountain facing chalets. Each tastefully furnished room has twin beds and air conditioning.  There are also Family Rooms with either an additional single bed or a double bunk bed.

In between activities, you can relax around the crystal clear swimming pool, or enjoy the amazing panoramic views from the restaurant and bar.

The lodge is 3.5 hours from Windhoek, making this an ideal start or end to any trip to Namibia.

Etendeka Mountain Camp

Damaraland: 2 Nights

In the foothills of the Grootberg massif, in stunning scenery set amidst the ancient Etendeka lava flows of northern Damaraland, you will find Etendeka Mountain Camp. Here the ancient basalt has been slowly eroded over millennia, leaving scattered boulders lying upon dramatic flat-topped mountains.

The emphasis here is on nature. Your days here are spent exploring the area on foot and in open game drive vehicles with the exceptionally knowledgeable guides. This is not a fast paced safari, but rather a privileged introduction to an environment that holds many of Namibia's unique natural attractions.

Desert adapted wildlife forge a precarious existence amongst the towering basalt mountains and Mopani-shaded rivers beds of the Kunene region. This apparently unforgiving landscape is actually refuge to a diverse number of plant and mammal species.

Desert elephant and black rhino share boulder strewn valleys with watchful cheetah and thundering herds of oryx. Dew darkened game trails show the heavy track marks of lion and the mountain zebra they hunt. Scorpions prowl between volcanic rock shards and snake eagles drift through the warm afternoon breeze.

Accommodation is in 10 en-suite meru tents, which are connected by pathways to the main dining tent. Extensive use is made of solar power throughout, both in the kitchen and the guest bathrooms, as well as for general electricity requirements. Necessary comforts have not been overlooked though, and these include flush toilets, hot-and-cold running water and the stunning open-air 'bucket' shower.

Simple, fresh, wholesome meals are prepared, either on solar or on open fires, and enjoyed under African skies.

Guests are met at the transfer point, the transfer takes one and a half hours, and gives guests a good introduction to the area, so have your camera ready!

Etosha Safari Lodge

Etosha National Park: 2 Nights

Etosha Safari Lodge opens doors to the mystery and magic of Etosha, 'Place of Legends'. This is where stories were woven into the Hai//om mythology of the origin of Etosha's chalky pan, how Elephant saved the world with his generosity of spirit and the many tales about the animals below and the stars above that are part of the cycle of life in Etosha.

Explore the National Park with knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that frequent them. Take this opportunity to be introduced to African wildlife from the comfortable seat of a game vehicle. Early morning or late afternoon visits, in accordance with the Andersson Gate times, provide the best game viewing.

And, after the enchantment of Etosha, return to the lodge to relax, dive into the cool waters of the pools or indulge in quality food and wine - and peace. The lodge, only 10 km from the Park's central entrance and a world away from the hustle and bustle of Okaukuejo, offers top grade Etosha accommodation with easy access to the Park.

Dine under a dome of stars on the outside veranda, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the red orb of the sun sink gracefully below the hoizon from the sunset deck. The day couldn't be better. As the stars begin their celestial show, soft beds and animal dreams begin to call - and the anticipation of a good tomorrow. Etosha, the heart of the country, is beckoning with the immense beauty of the natural world.

The lodge has 65 bungalows, including 5 family rooms. All the rooms have air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and tea/coffee making facilities.

Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima Nature Reserve: 1 Night

Situated halfway between Windhoek and the Etosha National Park, Okonjima is the home of the AfriCat Foundation.

Since being founded in 1991, AfriCat’s mission has been to make significant contributions to conservation, while trying to ensure the survival of Namibia’s predators in their natural habitat. It undertakes research, community support and environmental education projects, as well as conservation work to rehabilitate carnivores such as cheetah and hyena.

A highlight for anyone visiting Okonjima is to learn about their big-cat passion. Leopards roam freely and hunt within the 22,000 hectare reserve, and an opportunity to see them on game drives led by experienced guides is why guests travel continents to stay here. You may also spot other rare and endangered species such as rhino and pangolin. Guests can also get involved in collecting and collating data, and assisting with actual research being conducted by AfriCat.

Okonjima Plains Camp offers a choice of en-suite accommodation depending on your budget - choose from Garden Rooms, Standard Rooms or the spacious View Rooms.  The Standard and View Rooms also offer views across the Okonjima grassy plains, and also each have a verandah.

Guests can enjoy relaxing around the swimming pool, or sitting around the open fire in the evening before dinner is served in the pleasant dining area.  At the nocturnal hide, guests can view after-dinner nightlife, such as porcupine, honey badgers and caracal, amongst others.