Travel advice for Namibia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Namibia
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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 03.06.2024
Private personalised game drives in the company of the best local guides. Fine dining under the stars. Bedding down in elegant lodges. Who said safaris meant roughing it?! In fact, as revealed in this feature on the best luxury safaris in Namibia, with the right research and input from a local expert, you can walk on the wilder side in lavish style, without compromising on adventure, and certainly not compromising on comfort.
Before digging deeper into where you can enjoy the best luxury safaris in Namibia, here’s a rundown of ways to add more than a touch of lux to the experience, no matter where you decide to focus your trip.
Opt for a private guide and vehicle for your game drives.
Offering a more personal flexible experience that can be tailored to your interests and schedule, the private option is also likely to be more comfortable than joining a group tour.
To make your trip all the most magical — and memorable — research exclusive activities that can be enjoyed throughout your itinerary.
We’re talking everything from hot-air balloon rides over the Namib Desert, and private dinners under the stars, to conservation activities that offer hands-on immersion.
And, given how awe-inspiring Namibia’s landscapes are, you could book an exclusive photography safari.
We also recommend checking out lodges that offer guided cultural tours that offer insights into local history and traditions.
When deciding where to stay, consider lodges that offer spa treatments and wellness activities, among them massages and yoga sessions.
Given that you’ll most likely spend a lot of time on thrilling game drives, having these facilities to hand will ensure you’re well rested ahead of the next adventure.
Look for lodges that emphasise gourmet dining experiences.
Many luxury lodges employ top chefs to prepare high-quality meals paired with premium South African wines.
Providing a unique perspective on the vastness and beauty of Namibia’s terrain, be sure to include a scenic flight in your itinerary.
Editor’s tip: covering everywhere from from Sossusvlei's immense dunes and rugged Damaraland, to the remote beauty of Kaokoveld, our Wilderness Safari by Flight itinerary will see you experience epic views, and stay in luxury lodges
Private excursions are a memorable part of the best luxury safaris in Namibia © Shutterstock
One of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, Etosha National Park is best-known for its huge salt pan – it can be seen from space — and home to an equally huge range of wildlife. This includes lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and hundreds of bird species.
When it comes to experiencing Etosha in luxurious style, in addition to heeding our tips above and booking private game drives, consider a fly-in safari to one of the private airstrips located near or within Etosha.
First up, it’ll save you time. Secondly, you’ll be wowed by incredible aerial views as you approach, setting you up for a remarkable experience before you've even hit the ground (so to speak) and checked-in to your luxury accommodation Talking of which...
When it comes to choosing where to stay in in luxurious style, we suggest choosing a luxury lodge or tented camp on the immediate outskirts of the park, or right within it.
Alongside saving you time, such accommodation typically gives guests exclusive access to thrilling guided night drives to see nocturnal wildlife that isn't active during the day — truly a special experience you're likely to talk about for years.
Here are a few recommended places to stay in Etosha in luxury:
Sunset in Etosha, Namibia © Lottie Gross
One of Africa’s largest protected areas — it’s larger than Switzerland — the Namib-Naukluft Park offers some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the world.
Home to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes, which are among the largest in the world, this region is loaded with opportunities for extra-special experiences.
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia © evenfh/Shutterstock
Known for its rugged, remote landscapes, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is named for the whale bones and ship skeletons that speckle its beaches — the wild Atlantic waters around these parts have claimed many lives over the centuries.
These days, though, the Skeleton Coast is a place of stark beauty and solitude, with a hauntingly beautiful landscape that’s ripe for unforgettable experiences.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia © gg-foto/Shutterstock
From intimate tented camps and exclusive game reserves, to high-end lodges and boutique, here’s an overview of luxury accommodation types in Namibia.
Luxury lodges in Namibia are known for high-end amenities, exceptional service, and prime locations — they’re often situated within or near national parks and nature reserves.
What to expect
Blending luxury and adventure, tented camps offer a closer connection to nature, while still providing high levels of comfort.
What to expect
Private game reserves offer exclusive wildlife experiences with a focus on conservation and personalized service. If that wasn’t enough, they also feature luxurious tooms and suites, with a sense of exclusivity and privacy.
What to expect
Often located in scenic or historically significant areas, boutique hotels and guesthouses in Namibia often combine luxury with local charm and character.
What to expect
Windhoek, Namibia © Vadim Nefedoff/Shutterstock
Covering hot-air balloon trips and champagne breakfasts, and bespoke boat safaris, here’s an overview of some of the best luxury safari experiences in Namibia.
Ready to plan your trip? Get The Rough Guide to Namibia, and discover unforgettable things to do in Namibia
Not fond of planning? See our customisable Namibia itineraries, or talk to our local experts.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 03.06.2024
Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Namibia