AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert: 2 Nights

Experience the haunting beauty of the Namib Desert at AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, situated in the foothills of the private NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia. This extraordinary lodge is renowned for its luxurious and private accommodation.

Thanks to conservation efforts, the NamibRand spans 180,000 hectares of pristine desert wilderness, and is the largest private nature reserve in Southern Africa.

The Namib - known as 'The Living Desert' - is a world of vast space, endless horizons, dramatic desertscapes and jagged mountain heights.

Led by Sossusvlei's expert rangers and naturalists, explore the desert by quadbikes (all-terrain four-wheeled motorcycles), open 4x4 vehicles - even by hot-air balloon.

Excursions to the famous Sossusvlei sand dunes, the highest in the world, and Sesriem Canyon will add to this unforgettable desert experience.

The lodge comprises of 10 air-conditioned stone and a glass desert villas set along the curve of the escarpment that feature a bedroom with retractable skylights for in-bed star-gazing, a living room with a fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º views, and a perfectly-positioned private plunge pool for some sublime respite after a long day in the desert heat.

The guest area features floor to ceiling, frameless glass panels that fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. An interactive kitchen allows guests to create their own dishes and a fine selection of wines complements sublime meals. Other features include a one-of-a-kind gym, a 2-part wellness centre offering a treatment room and a private spa-bath, as well as a wet treatment room.

For those wishing for more privacy, the 2 bedroomed Star Dune Suite is ideal for families or groups of friends. Linked by a covered walkway, the suite features a private lounge and dining space, and the amenities of this extended accommodation provide the perfect space for one and all to enjoy.

The Strand Hotel

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.

With it's extensive restaurants, bars, lounges, deli and sea-facing terraces, the Strand Hotel is the social epicentre of Swakopmund.

Uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole and surrounded on 3 sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean. On the fourth side, it backs up to the town's central park, through which it is a short 5 minute walk to the historic centre of this charming German/Victorian era colonial seaside town.

Arriving at the Strand is a dramatic experience as you pass through its 13m high and 9m wide Ocean View Atrium which travels right through the hotel, offering sea views at either end. Off this Atrium Lobby is the main Reception, consisting of an inviting open fireplace which rounds off the warm welcome.

All the 125 rooms and suites offer uninterrupted sea, beach or garden views. The Standard Rooms have panoramic sliding windows from which to admire the views. The Luxury Rooms have a 'step out' balcony, whilst the Suites have a 'sit on' balcony. The Presidential Suite has its own private terrace.

Camp Kipwe

Damaraland: 2 Nights

Huddled in the rocks, with sweeping views across the Aba Huab valley, Camp Kipwe is full of surprises, starting when you first arrive. It appears as if rocks have tumbled down the hill to reveal this gem of a camp.

Guests staying here can enjoy guided nature walks around the Twyfelfontein Conservancy, as well as trips to see the Bushman etchings and the mysterious Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. For a very special experience, an Elephant Nature Drive is a must-do - explore the terrain in search of these elusive desert-dwelling elephants who have adapted to the dry and sandy conditions of northern Namibia. You may also be lucky and find a desert black rhino too!

In between activities, relax around the pool which is built into the rocks, enjoy a drink at the bar, or make yourself comfy in the lounge/dining room areas and enjoy the scenery. At sunset, make your way to the viewpoint and have a sundowner drink while taking in the 360 degrees of breathtaking views.

The rainy season here is from October/November through to March, but as this area receives minimal rainfall at best, the rain seldom last for more than an hour or 2 at most.

The Kipwe Suite is an air-conditioned, luxury elevated thatched suite that has a private lounge equipped with a satellite television and minibar with drinks included. The large double room with kingsize bed opens up onto an en-suite open air bathroom with a beautiful bath area.

Ongava Lodge

Etosha National Park: 2 Nights

Ongava Lodge is situated within the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve, a 30,000 hectare private reserve which is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park.

The lodge offers the full Etosha experience, whilst providing superb accommodation and service. The main lounge and bar area both overlook the floodlit waterhole with wonderful views across the plains below, as does the dining area, where meals are served around a large 'family' style table. There is also a swimming pool for guest's enjoyment in-between game drives.

Activities include morning guided game drives in an open Land Rover into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha, where it is possible to see elephant, lion and many plains game including springbok, gemsbok, giraffe and hartebeest.

Guests can also enjoy day and night drives on the private reserve, which is home to resident white and black rhino. Tracking white rhino on foot is a highlight. Walks with a guide are also available, as are visits to a hide overlooking a waterhole - a fantastic place to relax and while the hours away up close and personal with wildlife coming to drink. The arid environment where little water occurs makes this a popular drinking spot for game.

Guests are accommodated in 14 luxury brick and thatch chalets, each with air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower.  Each chalet is built on an elevated deck, which are linked by walkways. Glass fronted doors lead out onto a private veranda, where guests can relax and look out over the bushveld and the waterhole.

The Family Chalet consists of 2 en-suite bedrooms, joined by a boardwalk. A private vehicle can be booked at an extra cost (subject to availability).