Best of Namibia

The 37 000-hectare (91 429-acre) private Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers visitors exclusive wildlife-viewing opportunities which include the likes of gemsbok (oryx), bat-eared fox, brown hyaena and birdlife. Enjoy a coffee or sundowner stop in scenic parts of the reserve as a highlight.

World-famous Sossusvlei is both the name for the area in general as well as an enormous clay pan, flanked by immense sand dunes. Nearby, at the foot of some of these dunes the skeletons of trees dominate the landscape, where once water flowed. This is known as Dead Vlei.

This fascinating geographical formation is well worth a visit. The result of millions of years where water carved its way into the earth, Sesriem Canyon is today three kilometres long. Views from the top are breathtaking while walks through the canyon reveal distinct geographical layers which were laid down over aeons.

Walking trails focus on becoming immersed in this remote area, as well as its scenic beauty and the fascinating, and surprisingly, diverse array of insects, reptiles and rodents which make this dry and harsh region their home. The Tsauchab River Trail takes a stroll along the dry riverbed close by the camp.

Set out in the late afternoon for a nature drive and complete your excursion in a remote and dramatic spot on the reserve, sipping a gin and tonic while watching the sun set over the distant mountains or sweeping dunes.

Ideal for introducing your family to the natural wonders of Namibia, take in the sweeping scenery riding electric powered fat-wheeled bikes. A fun way to explore the spectacular open plains with your guide.

Private rooftop area for sleep-outs accessed by wooden stairs behind the tent. Sleep-out under the twinkling skies of the Namib and be lulled to sweet slumber by the magical night sounds of Africa.

The balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing site.

* This activity is at additional cost and is closed from 15 January to 15 February.

Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing desert-adapted wildlife including the iconic black rhino, elephant, giraffe, antelope, Hartmann's mountain zebra – and possibly even the area’s predators such as lion and leopard.

Discover the details of the desert and learn more about the lesser-known flora and fauna that survive in this incredibly harsh environment. Adaptation is a necessity for desert wildlife and walking through this arid environment offers unique insights on this phenomenon. Marvel at the miracles that withstand this seemingly inhospitable landscape.

* Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

Typically set out in the morning by vehicle, following behind the Save the Rhino (SRT) monitors as they track one of their charges – the remarkable desert-adapted black rhino. Due to the vast terrain, long distances can be covered, with other wildlife to be seen along the way. Once a rhino has been located, tracking by foot can take place depending on the position and/or location of the rhino. It is impossible to feel anything other than amazingly fortunate when in the company of such incredible Perissodactyla.

* Note: Rhino tracking remains the key focus and purpose at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, a standard activity included on a FI rate basis and available to all guests.

Travel amongst rolling, rocky hills with scattered euphorbia, ancient welwitschia plants, scrubby vegetation, and isolated clumps of trees through the 450 000-hectare (1 111 974-acre) Palmwag Concession and search out the fascinating desert-adapted wildlife of the region. During this full day spent exploring vast tracts of this famed conservation area, a scenic spot will be set up to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna found in the Palmwag Concession. Key species to look out for include Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and possibly even Herero chat with some focused searching. Verreauxs' eagle are often sighted above the rocky hillsides.

Informative nature drives in open game vehicles allow guests to experience the true Namib in its unbridled glory. A broad spectrum of wildlife, from desert-adapted oryx, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra are familiar sightings. While walking provides unique opportunities to see the smaller denizens of the desert, from the famous fairy circles to the desert chameleon.

For a truly remote experience, the vast expanse of the Marienfluss Valley offers a much-needed sense of space and enables new interpretation of the concept of beauty. A safari at Wilderness Serra Cafema will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Namibia and its wildlife..

One of our highlights, guided quad bike excursions through the fragile environs, is conducted with the utmost care along specifically allocated pathways, so as to tread lightly on the dunes and preserve the unique and delicate habitat of this landscape.

In this isolated area, the Himba people continue their traditional semi-nomadic way of life and, when they are in the area, guests have an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and customs.

Boating on the wondrous Kunene River provides our guests with the opportunity to venture through the lush riverside oases. Nile crocodiles and water birds seem out of place in this surreal, lunar-like landscape.

* Seasonal and water levels permitting.

Wilderness Serra Cafema’s prime location means that it has a unique combination of water and desert birds.