Private: Namibia

Deadvlei, meaning “dead marsh,” is famous for the breathtaking view of dead camel thorn trees in a white clay marsh, set against rust red sand dunes and a brilliant blue sky. It is located near another famous sight, the Sossulvei salt pan, which is surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world.

Situated just south of Swakopmund, a beach resort with several examples of German colonial architecture, Walvis Bay is Namibia’s principal harbor. It is known for its natural lagoon, pink salt pans dotted with flocks of flamingoes, seal colonies, striking orange sand dunes and wealth of outdoor activities, including fishing, bird-watching, sailing, sandboarding, swimming, and surfing.

Stretching from the Swakop River to southern Angola, the Skeleton Coast is known as the ‘Land God Made in Anger.’ Here, thousands of miles of sandy desert dotted with shipwrecks meet with the cold waters of the Atlantic. This otherworldly area is a paradise for surfers, photographers, and nature lovers for its landscape and wildlife.

Straddling the Angola/Namibia border, the Kaokoveld is a dry, mountainous and relatively undeveloped region stretching over 45,000 sq. km. The area is inhabited by three main ethnic groups – the Damara, Herero and Himba people – each with their own unique customs and traditions. A diverse variety of wildlife can be found in this desert.

Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher’s Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets. The reserve features over 34,000 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species.

Etosha National Park spans an area of nearly 22,270 sq. km, with 23% of that area covered by the Etosha Salt Pan. The park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, and reptiles including the endangered black rhinoceros, some of the largest elephants in Africa, and the heaviest flying bird, the kori bustard.

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is renowned for its luxurious accommodations overlooking the starkly beautiful Namib Desert. Designed to capture the solitude of the desert, the Lodge has just ten stone and glass suites, each with a private veranda, split-level bedroom and living room with fireplace, ensuite glass-encased bathroom, outdoor shower and a star-viewing skylight.

Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel is nestled on the edge of the tidal lagoon of Walvis Bay, surrounded by scores of Lesser and Greater Flamingos. Guests can savor the sights and sounds of the Flamingo’s shuffling, and take in magnificent sunsets, from this exceptional retreat that offers superb accommodation, delicious cuisine and exceptional service.

Located in the famous Skeleton Coast concession in the Skeleton Coast National Park, Shipwreck Lodge has 10 ‘shipwreck’ style cabins spread out on the sand dunes, with spectacular views of the desert and the Atlantic Ocean. The design of the cabins is inspired by the famous shipwrecks that can be found along the Skeleton Coast.

Hoanib Valley Camp in the remote Kaokoveld is one of the best places to see desert adapted elephant, giraffe, lion, rhino, mountain zebra, and oryx. Guests can sip cocktails on their private veranda while admiring the stark landscape, or visit the local Herero people to learn how they live in such a harsh climate.

The Fort has a classical African feel combined with a touch of Moroccan and Indian flavors, a huge tower overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha and Fisher’s Pans, decorated only with wild animals and hundreds of Camel Thorn trees, and 11 suites, a honeymoon suite, and the Sultan Suite that are absolutely sublime.