Namibia Highlights

Waiting for you at Hosea Kutako International Airport is your driver who whisks you to your accommodation for your first night in Namibia. The airport is quite a drive outside the city, giving you the chance to absorb the fresh air, bright skies and sheer amount of open space that characterise this interesting country. By the time you reach the Olive Exclusive All-suite Hotel, you will be ready to check into your well-appointed room, freshen up and relax or head out for sightseeing. Why we love Olive Exclusive All-Suite Hotel: Mountain and olive grove vistas Individually decorated suites Lovely restaurant on the premises Compact self-catering option

A good night’s sleep and a breakfast overlooking the olive groves kickstart your day, which sees you being driven from Windhoek, the capital, down south. This is one of the most sparsely populated places in the world but is packed with mountain passes, quaint towns and landscapes that seem to change colour. ‘Home’ for two nights is Dead Valley Lodge, perfect for visiting Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Dune 45 – all wonders of nature and dream for keen photographers and hikers. Why we love Dead Valley Lodge: Great location in Namib-Naukluft National Park Access to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon Surrounded by rugged mountains Modern design sympathetic to the desert

The sea is waiting! After being awed by the special areas of Namib-Naukluft National Park, it’s time to head to the Atlantic Ocean coast and the historic town of Swakopmund. Often thought of as frozen in time, it still has its original salt streets, Germanic buildings and charming cafes. The Swakopmund Luxury Suites are a no-fuss base from which you can go quad biking in the dunes, skydiving over the desert, take a scenic flight up the Skeleton Coast or any other adventure. Why we love Swakopmund Luxury Suites: Ideal for very active travellers Serene, minimalist décor In the heart of Swakopmund Walking distance to attractions

After the fun of ‘Swakop’, it’s back to the open road for the drive to Damaraland and unbelievable geological sites such as Twyfelfontein, the Organ Pipes (ancient lava flows) and Brandberg (Burnt Mountain). Not only that but mesmerising rock paintings, too. At Camp Kipwe, your room is half-timber, half rock, with seemingly never-ending views over the valley (even the open bathroom lets you appreciate your surroundings). Activities include looking for rarities like desert-dwelling rhino, elephant and – if you’re lucky – lion. Why we love Camp Kipwe: Built right into magnificent boulders True open-air architecture Unique setting in the Aba Huab Valley Chance to spot desert elephant and rhino

The drive north takes you some of Namibia’s most sublime safari areas and Etosha Heights Nature Reserve is no exception. Classic game drives, sundowners in beautiful places, nights around the campfire… all are on the menu at Etosha Mountain Lodge. Your accommodation is spacious with traditional thatched roofs and elevated deck overlooking the plains. This is one of the country’s largest private reserves with plenty of both predators and prey as well as specialised guides to find them. Why we love Etosha Mountain Lodge: Elevated decks for sensational views Night drives in the private reserve Encounters with white rhino Sundowners and meals out in the bush

Today you travel from the southwestern to the eastern border of Etosha, where Onguma Nature Reserve is situated. Like Etosha Heights, it shares a perimeter with the national park, giving you the option of venturing into private and public wildlife areas. Onguma Tented Camp offers rooms that go beyond a mere ‘tent’ to safari chic with plenty of mod cons. In addition, the camp offers a spa, a hide and a very unusual sleep-out: a fully equipped rooftop ‘mobile bedroom’! Why we love Onguma Tented Camp: Access to Etosha National Park Time in the private hide Very unique sleep-out Extremely comfortable tents

Today you head back to Windhoek, leaving behind the friendly staff and intriguing wildlife of Onguma. Namibia’s road network is extensive and takes you through yet more peaks, passes and plateaus before flattening out as the city limits draw ever nearer. En route back to the Olive Exclusive, you may stop at the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima Nature Reserve, a centre for preserving and researching lion, cheetah, brown hyena and other endangered large carnivores, to see their live-saving work.

After a reunion and a last night at the Olive Exclusive All-suite Hotel, it’s time to pack your bags for your journey home. Depending on your schedule, you may be able to explore Windhoek, marvelling at its soaring stone church or shopping in its safari shops for thoughtful mementoes of your holiday. Soon it’s time to retrace your steps to Hosea Kutako International Airport – it may be hard to believe you were last here only two fun-filled weeks ago!