Epic landscapes, remote coastline, and Africa's rarest wildlife await in Namibia with Boundless Journeys

This morning, we gather as a group and depart Windhoek, beginning our journey with a scenic drive through the rugged Khomas Hochland mountains and descending into the dune-filled Sossusvlei region, a driving time of approximately five to six hours (about 200 miles). En route, we stop at a scenic spot for lunch. Soon we find ourselves surrounded by the classic view of the Namib Desert as an ocean of sand with ''waves'' of bright red and dark shadows. Also known as the 'Sand Sea,' Sossusvlei is sandwiched between the Atlantic's cold Benguela Current and a rocky escarpment that runs parallel more than 60 miles inland and presents not only a spectacular visual experience, but also a unique ecosystem, to which our guide will introduce us in the coming days.

This afternoon, we settle into our accommodation for the next two nights, a convivial desert retreat with each tent built on an elevated platform with its own veranda, bathroom, and rooftop deck, ideal for optional sleep-outs under the extraordinary Namibian night sky. You may enjoy a drink by the pool or take a dip to cool off and take in the spectacular landscape before us.

Accommodations

Kulala Desert Lodge
Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Featuring magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei and vast open plains, Kulala Desert Lodge offers 23 ensuite thatch-and-canvas ‘kulalas’ each with a veranda to enjoy the outstanding scenery. By day, a plunge pool provides a cooling sanctuary. On balmy nights, enjoy the option of sleeping under the star-filled skies on your rooftop deck, and awaken to the rising sun.

We depart camp early for the interior of Sossusvlei, where towering dunes rise dramatically, some more than 1,000 feet above the surrounding plains. We plan our activities for early morning to enjoy the fine weather before the day gets too warm. This morning, perhaps you'll choose to challenge yourself to climb to the peak of "Big Daddy" the highest of the famous red dunes, for epic views across the sea of sand. Or perhaps you simply want to enjoy photographing the native wildlife and stunning landscapes in the beautiful morning light. Desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok, and gemsbok eke out a carefully balanced existence here. Larger predators include hyena, the almost mystical shaggy-coated scavenger. One bird, the aptly named Dune Lark, has its entire global distribution limited to this region, so dependent is it on the area's characteristic sands.

We also explore the moon-like landscape of Dead Vlei today, a clay pan characterized by the haunting remains of ancient camelthorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor. The flat pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded and an abundance of water allowed camelthorn trees to grow here. However, shifting dunes blocked the river from reaching the area, resulting in the dead trees, estimated to be approximately 900 years old, which have not decomposed due to the extremely dry climate.

This evening we find ourselves again enjoying life at camp.

Accommodations

Kulala Desert Lodge
Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Featuring magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei and vast open plains, Kulala Desert Lodge offers 23 ensuite thatch-and-canvas ‘kulalas’ each with a veranda to enjoy the outstanding scenery. By day, a plunge pool provides a cooling sanctuary. On balmy nights, enjoy the option of sleeping under the star-filled skies on your rooftop deck, and awaken to the rising sun.

We say goodbye to Sossusvlei this morning, departing camp early and driving through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto expansive gravel plains, eventually arriving in Walvis Bay before continuing north into the quaint coastal town of Swakopmund.

We arrive in Swakopmund and settle in to our accommodations for the next two nights, a historic hotel centrally located in town. This afternoon you are free for lunch and time to explore town.

Accommodations

Hansa Hotel
Swakopmund, Namibia

Century-old colonial charm permeates the landmark Hansa Hotel, centrally located in the seaside outpost of Swakopmund. Providing up-to-date service and comfort, bedrooms are spacious and tastefully appointed, with a blend of modern luxury and antique décor, and the sites of Swakopmund only steps away.

After breakfast, we depart for our marine safari, exploring Walvis Bay Harbour aboard a large, luxury catamaran and keeping our eyes out for all manner of marine creatures.

In season (July to November), larger mammals, such as the Southern right whale and humpback whales, are often spotted, while other whale species, such as the gray whale and the pygmy right whale have also made appearances. Bottlenose, heaviside, and dusky dolphins are regularly seen, as are mola molas and leatherback turtles. Accompanying us are a variety of seabirds, such as the Kelp Gull, Hartlaub's Gull, Pelicans, and Cape Cormorant.

We arrive back to Walvis Bay in the early afternoon and have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Swakopmund. Your guide will be happy to make suggestions for dinner.

Accommodations

Hansa Hotel
Swakopmund, Namibia

Century-old colonial charm permeates the landmark Hansa Hotel, centrally located in the seaside outpost of Swakopmund. Providing up-to-date service and comfort, bedrooms are spacious and tastefully appointed, with a blend of modern luxury and antique décor, and the sites of Swakopmund only steps away.

We depart Swakopmund this morning to continue our journey north for approximately 175 miles, partly up the legendary Skeleton Coast (named for the numerous ships the treacherous shores have claimed over the years). We then depart from the coast and drive back roads through the productive Ugab riverbed, where we may encounter wildlife, and travel north past Brandberg Mountain — the second largest monolith on earth after Ayers Rock in Australia — to Damaraland.

A land of stark beauty, the Damaraland area boasts a varied assortment of desert-adapted wildlife and incredible geological formations. We take our time and spend the day absorbing the scenery and pausing to observe any wildlife we may encounter and enjoy a picnic lunch en route.

By late afternoon we arrive to our home for the next two nights. Damaraland Camp is set in the Huab River Valley, one of Namibia's most dramatic wilderness areas: stark plains and ancient mountains turning from rust to purple as the sun sets - a harsh land full of geological wonders and fascinating desert-adapted wildlife. Nearby, trackers patrol and protect one of Africa's largest free-ranging populations of Critically Endangered desert-adapted black rhino. Rhino tracking on foot and by vehicle with these dedicated conservationists is a unique and exclusive wilderness experience; other activities include exploring the area on full-day outings, nature drives or walks.

Damaraland offers endless vistas and one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. Early morning mists, generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river valleys, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region, hence the high density of wildlife in the area.

The breathtaking assortment of desert-adapted species includes one of the highest concentrations of desert elephant and black rhino. Other wildlife includes Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, giraffe, gemsbok, and springbok, with the occasional sighting of cheetah.

Accommodations

Damaraland Camp
Damaraland, Namibia

Each of the ten spacious en-suite, adobe-style thatched accommodations has a large private viewing deck. New technology and ancient knowledge makes for an ultra-light footprint; nature drives and guided walks offer sights of desert-adapted wildlife, ancient rock-art and striking geological formations. Astonishing night skies round out each day’s experiences.

We transfer (6.5-7 hrs) to Onguma Game Reserve on the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park. Etosha is justly famous for being the highest density wildlife area in Namibia. Our final two nights on the private Onguma Game Reserve allows us to explore the area's unique offerings.

Located in northern Namibia, Etosha National Park is a contrasting landscape of woodlands, acacia-strewn plains, and grasslands. But its most defining characteristic is the Pan: over 2,400 square miles of a parched, white salt pan that can even be seen from space.

While there is very little vegetation here, fringing the Pan are a number of waterholes that support over 150 mammal species, including lion, elephant, and huge herds of zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and springbok, as well as rare and endangered species such as the black rhino, tsessebe, gemsbok, and black-faced impala. Our days include game drives both in the park and in the adjacent private concession, where we can explore in relative solitude, and may also include nature and tracking walks.

Accommodations

Onguma The Fort
, Namibia

The Fort is situated facing arguably Namibia's finest sunset view, stretching across the austere pans of Etosha National Park. 13 rooms evoke a desert vibe embracing Moroccan and Arabian influences. The prominent main tower overlooks spacious lounge areas and a plunge pool. Activities include game drives, hide visits, and nature walks. 

Driving 260 miles south, we return to Windhoek by 1 p.m. and bid farewell to our adventure.