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.

The Strand Hotel Activity & Adventure Travel Office, staffed by local professional Travel Consultants, will help Guests plan their sojourn in Swakopmund ensuring they experience and enjoy all on offer in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and along this exciting and very unique Southern Atlantic coastline and neighbouring Namib Desert. Their sole objective is making sure that every guest's stay is personalised and filled with interesting, exciting, educational and cultural activities and adventures.

It provides:
* Airline Re-confirmations
* Car & Bicycle Hire
* Transfer Arrangements
* Restaurant Reservations
* Shopping Advice & Information
* Personalised Consultation

Morning and afternoon nature drives reveal the dramatic scenery, and fascinating wildlife of the region. Desert-adapted elephant are the highlight of the area, although the natural cycle of rainfall dictates the seasonal movements of wildlife along the Huab River.

Learn more about the ancient geological wonders of Damaraland; as well as the unique plants, birds and reptiles that have superbly adapted to this arid area.

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

Damaraland is known for its ancient rock art. Guests on stays of three nights or more can take a day drive to Twyfelfontein, and visit some of these remains and marvel at the artists of ages past. Picnic lunch provided.

* Subject to guide and vehicle availability.

Learn about the unique heritage of the local peoples, which include Nama-Damara, Herero, Owambo, and the displaced Riemvasmaakers of South Africa. This activity allows you to respectfully engage with these communities, and includes a visit to the local school (when available as per the school calendar).

Full- or half-day guided morning game drives in the Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area, allow you to see the massive salt-pan and perennial springs that provide the water required by the Park’s high-density big game population. Full day activity on request and comes with packed lunch.

Offered seasonally and subject to an available walking guide, the guided nature walks through the reserve will proudly showcase the abundant array of life, from the unusual plants to the arid-adapted animals with a chance of potentially approaching white rhino.

Andersson’s hide allows for unobtrusive game viewing of the camp’s waterhole. Often frequented by plains game including warthog, zebra, giraffe and an array of antelope, the waterhole also attracts larger game such as rhino and sometimes even lions.

Guided afternoon/evening game drives take place on the private Ongava Game Reserve. The reserve is famed for its population of rhino and lion, as well as other game such as the endemic black-faced impala.

Guests can interface with science and research across Anderssons and part of this experience is an immersion into the world of natural history and science at the new Ongava Visitor Centre. With dozens of in-depth displays that feature information on the geology, animals, plants and ecological functioning of this fascinating region, guests are encouraged to meander through the self-guided exhibition area.