Sam says
“It was a privilege to spend time in this vast, affecting country and to enjoy visiting a variety of accommodation from five-star enclaves, rustic boltholes, desert lodges and rock-hewn camps. Speak to me about putting them together to form an itinerary or road trip.”
Gmundner Lodge, near Windhoek
Located 40 minutes southeast of Windhoek International Airport, this Relais & Chateau lodge is a high-end property that works well for a spoiling beginning or end of a stay in Namibia. All 12 suites are beautifully appointed in a stylish ‘Out of Africa’ feel with four-poster beds, outdoor bathtubs and a help-yourself bar situated in a sumptuous living area that has exceptional views of the Namibian wilderness.
Set amid the back-to-nature environ, Gmundner Lodge has a tranquil infinity pool surrounded by cloud-like loungers with rolling views that often include passing wildlife. There’s also a spa where you can rejuvenate after a long flight with holistic rituals. A must is to take a sundowner on the top of a nearby hill, where a bar awaits, allowing you to acquaint yourself with Namibia’s endless plains. As the days closes out, be amazed by Namibia’s extraordinary night sky and the twinkling Milky Way.
Camp Sossus, near Sossusvlei
A pared-back eco-lodge with just six tented guest rooms created largely from salvaged materials, Camp Sossus has a low-key ambience. The focus here is to enjoy the encircling wilderness of the Namib Desert and the camp’s proximity to the fiery-red sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Great Namib Sand Sea which is a World Heritage Site.
Located within the Namib Tsaris Conservancy and framed by the Nubib and Zaris Mountains, Sossus is a great choice for independent travellers on a road trip through Namibia, and the unique swimming pool – a five-minute drive away – makes for a refreshing dip in a refurbished water tank. The tented bedrooms are simply furnished with extras such as rooftop star beds that overlook a waterhole frequented by wildlife such as oryx and springbok.
Camp Doros, Damaraland
With just six tents, Camp Doros is small and intimate allowing you to merge seamlessly into the heart of Damaraland, located in a dry riverbed surrounded by groves of bristly mopane trees and opening out onto sweeping views. Many are lured to this eco-friendly camp in search of the desert adapted black rhino – at Doros, their experienced and qualified rhino ranger team will give you a good chance of spotting this elusive beast.
At other times, life at Doros is very relaxed, with a highlight the end-of-day drinks around the boma. It’s also a very welcoming camp to children over the age of six, with a family tent, kids’ menus and specific activities for younger ones. There is also a small plunge pool and sundeck and a communal tent where delicious meals are served up from the wood-fired oven.
Onduli Ridge, Damaraland
With views of Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, Onduli Ridge is cradled between large boulders allowing the wood and steel structures to blend into the rugged landscapes of the Doro Nawas conservancy in central Damaraland. With a high design yet homely feel, Onduli Ridge is a very unique and memorable place to stay.
Domed suites are built into rocky crevices with louvered shutters, beds that become star beds, indoor/outdoor showers and astonishing views. A short walk through rock fissures brings you to the inviting pool and onto a commanding sundowner spot, with sunset vistas. By day, explore the semi-arid desert, sparse savannah and rugged hills, spotting desert adapted elephant and rhino. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein, where our ancestors daubed rocks with their art over 6,000 years ago.
Anderssons at Ongava, Etosha
Recently renovated, Anderssons at Ongava in southern Etosha is a polished and upmarket lodge characterised by a contemporary design crafted from natural stone. Set on the southern edge of Etosha National Park, guests benefit from easy exploration of both the national park and the private Ongava Reserve.
Anderssons stand out feature is its busy waterhole which forms the central hub of the lodge, overlooked by the open-air dining room. Alongside this is an underground photographic hide so you can observe the prolific wildlife with ease plus the comfortable suites all have a CCTV live-feed from the watering hole. While you’re here you can also spend time in the Ongava Research Centre, to see the work being undertaken to help conserve the landscapes and wildlife.
The Strand Hotel, Swakopmund
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Strand Hotel sits in front of Palm Beach in coastal Swakopmund, allowing for wonderful sea views from the restaurants and many of the bedrooms. It’s worth plumping for a Junior Suite that has a sliding door onto a balcony or for a spoiling treat opt for the Presidential Suite which has a private terrace, fireplace and walk-in wardrobe.
The hotel is also a wonderful foodie destination with a wide range of culinary choice throughout its three restaurants including a sushi and sashimi spot, a German and Namibian meat dining room, a farmhouse deli, a beach café and a micro-brewery. It’s also easy to wander into town to dine out in Swakopmund, known as the gastronomic capital of Namibia. Back at the hotel, The Strand has a rejuvenating wellness centre with a steam room, rain shower and African-inspired therapeutic treatments.
