Hidden Africa: 4 safari surprises in Namibia
Namibia is the country on every Africa insider’s must-visit list in 2018. Rolling red sand dunes, abundant desert wildlife, nomadic tribal encounters and ghostly shipwrecks – it’s time to uncover this hidden gem of Africa.
Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth, and it’s so far from the usual Africa tourist trails you will feel like you have the country all to yourself. Though, when you do come across a cheetah bursting through the Namib desert, or sit down with a Himba tribesman to learn about their captivating culture, we know you won’t be the least bit disappointed with the company.
Bordering South Africa and considered one of the safest countries for travel in Africa, Australians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. There is so much to discover in Namibia we just had to share our must-do experiences to add to your next Africa safari itinerary.
Wake up for the sunrise over the Sossusvlei sand dunes
The red, towering Sossusvlei sand dunes are Namibia’s most famous attraction, and are some of the highest dunes in the world. Staying at the closest luxury camp to the dunes, Little Kulala, means you will be the first to experience the morning light hit the spectacular red sand. Meet your guide, grab your camera and head to the camp’s private gate to capture the yellows and oranges dancing off the desert sea, or just stand still and take in the infinite vastness.
Top tip: Each lavish thatched ‘kulala’ has a private plunge pool, perfect for cooling down after a long day in the desert heat.
Track rhinos on foot at Etosha National Park
Sharing a common boundary with the Etosha National Park, the intimate and luxurious Little Ongava lodge is located in a 30,000-hectare private game reserve. Camp staff study and protect the local black and white rhino populations, and you can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures by tracking them on foot in the company of a trained guide. Lions, giraffes and impala may also make an appearance as you trek across the Ongava plains.
Top tip: As you enjoy breakfast make sure to look down – a waterhole below the camp means you are likely to have visitors at mealtimes.
Visit the nomadic Himba people
You will need to stay at the most remote and opulent camp in Namibia, Serra Cafema, to meet the people of the semi-nomadic pastoral Himba tribe. Numbering only 12,000, the Himba people have distinctive hairstyles and are famous for covering their bodies with a red ochre paste. They move around depending on the grazing and watering needs of their cattle and goats, and when nearby Serra Cafema you can visit the community to learn about their customs and traditions.
Top tip: Make sure to have local currency on hand if you want to purchase craft items when visiting the nomadic Himba people.
View coastal shipwrecks on a flying safari
Don’t let the name deter you – you will want to visit the legendary Skeleton Coast. The rocky shoreline is home to a large Cape fur seal colony and the remains of over 500 ships, which can all be explored on a day trip from the grand Hoanib Skeleton Coast lodge. Drive for four hours, enjoy a picnic lunch and then return by light aircraft, taking in the crashing waves and stunning scenery from above. Unbelievably, even lions and elephants are sometimes seen sauntering along the dazzling white sand.
Top tip: Back at camp you can find the Hoanib Research Centre, where you can chat with researchers who are studying the unique desert-adapted lion and learn about their efforts to conserve these ‘vanishing kings’.
