Luxury Namibia and Botswana Wilderness Safari

Placed at the confluence of two tributaries in a broad valley of the Kaokoveld Desert, the camp offers an unforgettable gateway from which to experience both the thrillingly desolate Skeleton Coast and the private Palmwag Concession, alive with desert-adapted wildlife. You’ll get a feel for the exclusivity and wonderful remoteness of your accommodation as you fly in by light aircraft – the only way to access the camp. The imitate, luxury tented camp consists of just seven twin-bedded suites and one family unit, each complete with shaded outdoors decks from which to contemplate the valley’s starkly stunning, moon-like landscape. Scenic flights over desert shores reveal lonely shipwrecks, massive dunefields, floodplains and the Auses Spring. Explore the Hoanib Riverbed for sightings of elephant, lion, giraffe, gemsbok and springbok, shaggy brown hyaena and opportunistic black-backed jackal, or head to the rocky shoreline to get an earful of the noisy Cape fur seal colony. Unravel the mysterious history of the original ancient Strandloper people and the enigmatic stone circles they left behind and encounter the Welwitschia on a nature walk – one of the oldest and strangest plants on the planet.

Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River in the Hartmann Valley. Undoubtedly amongst the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is only reachable by light aircraft which adds to the exclusivity of this beautiful property. Serra Cafema is an intimate, peaceful camp with a unique mix of rustic and luxury elements nestled amongst the shady Albida trees on the banks of the Kunene. Rapids just below camp provide a calming ambiance with guests often lulled into dreamland by the gurgling waters after a day exploring one of the driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world. Accommodation at Serra Cafema consists of eight riverside Meru-style canvas and thatched villas on spacious, elevated decks blended smoothly into the picturesque surroundings. Each fully furnished tent has an en-suite bathroom, ceiling fan and mosquito nets. A late afternoon spent lounging on the front deck soaking up the breathtaking vistas of this contrasting wilderness is an absolute must.

Named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Galton, this small hotel has a relaxed but efficient style which creates a very welcoming atmosphere. Impressive wildlife photography adorns the walls whilst the rest of the interior is a combination of modern minimalistic and understated chic. A mere ten 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. There is Wi-Fi throughout the property and the eight guest rooms all have wired internet connectivity and satellite television. The communal areas are really comfy, especially after a long international flight and consist of a large lounge, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a swimming pool as well as understated garden areas. There is also a delightful ‘al fresco’ dining area by the pool where freshly prepared and very tasty meals can be served (including lunch and dinner). There are also a number of shops, restaurants and supermarkets within easy striking distance – a real gem to have as a base when staying in the capital.

Your home before you venture off into the barren and beautiful Namibian Desert, this stylish boutique hotel is hidden away in the Eastern corner of Namibia’s capital and only proclaimed city, Windhoek. The city itself is the seat of the country’s cultural and administrative powers but despite this, it remains one of the smallest capitals in the world with just 250,000 residents. The Olive reflects Windhoek’s small size, providing a cosy but luxurious bolt-hole with great access to the surrounding wilderness. Reminders of the prevalent Namibian culture are spread throughout the hotel as the modern is combined with the traditional. Rough-hewn wooden benches sit on plush carpets around sculpted granite coffee tables, animal-skin rugs lay beneath large beds covered in crisp white cotton and wide glass doors lead out onto your personal terrace for a view across the small city.

Simply one of the most beautiful tented camps in Africa, Zarafa is a triumph of conservation and attention to detail. There are just 4 immense tented suites set on raised wooden platforms overlooking the floodplain of the Zibadianja Lagoon. The tents are decorated in a style befitting of the explorations of the early 20th Century matched with modern comforts and technological surprises. In your separate lounge area, an antique wooden chest contains a top of the range Canon camera and lens for your exclusive use whilst in camp (the camp manager will give you the low-down on how to use it). A polished copper bath tub and fireplace adorn the bedroom. The camp is set inside the 320,000 acre Selinda Private reserve, created to conserve and protect the wildlife of the area and provide corridors for migration around Botswana. This is home to a diverse and rich abundance of species similar to those found in the Savuti and Chobe National Parks but with the exclusivity of a private reserve.