Exploring Namibia: A Jewel of Africa's Natural Beauty

In Namibia, the experience of observing a solitary elephant can surpass the impact of an entire herd, and gazing at vast sand dunes can evoke a spiritual awakening. This is partly due to the surreal landscapes that elevate every wildlife encounter to a remarkable level. During my recent journey through this sparsely populated African nation, I was mesmerized by the sight of a lone bull elephant gracefully walking along a straight path in the parched Huab River, with majestic mountains painted in shades of purple and blue looming behind him, his gentle footsteps gradually becoming audible.

Namibia showcases beauty in both the small and the grand — a haven for photographers, even novices. While it may not be completely uncharted, well-known wildlife spots like South Africa, Tanzania, and Botswana often attract those looking for abundant wildlife. Though Namibia may host fewer animals in comparison (albeit with a healthy rhinoceros population), it is truly about the richness of experiences over sheer numbers, with colors so vivid they seem almost surreal.

Recent years have seen a remarkable surge in tourism in Namibia, highlighted by the emergence of numerous luxury lodges and camps such as Zannier Hotels Omaanda, Zannier Hotels Sonop, Shipwreck Lodge, Hoanib Valley Camp, Camp Sossus, a complete overhaul of andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, and renovations at Wilderness Safaris' Little Kulala.

While thrill-seeking road trippers can explore Namibia on their own, the expert travel curators at Extraordinary Journeys can craft an extraordinary itinerary and manage the logistics of charter flights. Trusting them with the details leads to unforgettable experiences, like a breathtaking Scenic Air flight from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei. From the sky, witness the convergence of dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, seals playing in the surf, ghostly shipwrecks, and thousands of flamingos soaring in perfect formation. It feels like you're gliding over an alien landscape.

'Art and beauty are essential to truly appreciate the world around you,' remarked Scenic Air pilot Anthony during our inaugural flight from Windhoek. We were en route to Onduli Ridge, yet it felt as if we had touched down on Mars. In truth, we had arrived at Damaraland's Doro Nawas Conservancy, an area that resembles Joshua Tree taken to the extreme.

'The roads may be rough, but they say such paths lead to breathtaking places,' our guide William noted as we neared a modern circular lodge nestled among colossal boulders. He was spot on: opened by the Namibian conservation travel company Ultimate Safaris in April 2021, Onduli Ridge is a remarkable semi-arid paradise that becomes especially enchanting as the sun sets, casting brilliant orange hues over the granite.

From the expansive wraparound deck, restaurant, and bar unfolds a vast, enchanting vista that is both exhilarating and soothing. In the distance, Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases striking sandstone carvings created by the San people between 4,000 and 8,000 years ago. One day, we set out in search of the elusive Angolan giraffes, and another day we tracked desert-adapted elephants, following their large footprints until we stumbled upon a mother and her calf nursing, frolicking, and bathing in the mystical sand. I felt like a superhero riding an e-bike through the flat, intricately textured landscape while learning about significant anti-poaching initiatives, fairy circles, and local flora and fauna, including the euphorbia damarana bush (harmless to rhinos but dangerous to others). 'Those [rhinos] are treated like royalty,' William remarked. The desert-adapted rhinos present another noble pursuit, demanding dedicated and purposeful effort.

Adventure isn't the only offering: savoring Namibian-made gin and tonics during breathtaking sunsets is a must, leading to innovative dining experiences. The stunning free-form pool might just be the most tranquil spot in Africa, and the six luxurious huts are uniquely designed, with bathrooms ingeniously built around massive boulders. Turndown service takes full advantage of the suite's 180-degree louvered doors, allowing the staff to roll the plush king bed out onto the expansive wooden deck for nights spent beneath the stars.

The landscapes of the remote NamibRand Nature Reserve are boundless, intricate, and vibrant. Kwessi Dunes is perched on a wavy pink dune, offering plenty of opportunities for leisurely days spent observing iconic oryx (the national animal of Namibia), striking zebras, a solitary ostrich, and even black-backed jackals quenching their thirst at the watering holes near the elevated turquoise pool. The Natural Selection lodge features 12 thatched-roof canvas chalets that undergo astonishing transformations every hour, with a color palette that includes vivid neon oranges, pastel pinks, and haunting purples that deepen as the day progresses.

Quad biking adventures, leisurely scenic drives, bird-watching, sunset excursions, and stargazing (from your chalet equipped with an outdoor shower in Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve) all create unforgettable, surreal experiences. Additionally, a day trip to Sossusvlei within the UNESCO-protected Namib Sand Sea is a must for any travel itinerary.

Experiencing this natural marvel—a sweeping view of towering coral dunes alongside salt and clay pans—is far more captivating than photographs convey. The array of sculpted sand is truly awe-inspiring, particularly during the challenging hour-long ascent up Big Daddy, a 1,066-foot dune that feels like traversing a tightrope made of fine grains. I wobbled my way up, stepping into my husband’s vanishing footprints as if climbing stairs that gradually dissolved. The descent, akin to a black diamond ski run, was even tougher—like an imagined journey through space. At the base, we beheld the sun-baked white clay pan of Deadvlei, where ancient camel thorn trees stand like ghostly figures.

Located less than an hour from Windhoek, the uniquely physical and spiritual Habitas Namibia, which debuted in 2021, combines safari experiences with wellness. Upon arrival, we were greeted with warm hugs and a ritual of intention-setting around a clay pot of Himba myrrh. The atmosphere throughout the 15 tented accommodations and the bohemian main tent, restaurant, and pool is festive, creating a sensory embrace of art, culture, and music.

In this expansive lowveld savanna, which is also a commercial farm undergoing rehabilitation and rewilding, our guides shared insights—like the amusing fact that springboks jump as a sign of joy and health—while driving cautiously along the roads. 'You can’t advocate for conservation while neglecting the smaller creatures and their burrows to chase after larger animals,' our guide, Shaanika, reminded us as we observed two white rhinoceroses through binoculars.

Some days at Habitas start with yoga atop a hill, perfectly timed with the golden sunrise, while others conclude with meditation in the bush, complemented by artisanal sundowners. Johannes, a San guide, shares captivating stories around bonfires and enlightens guests about the tribe's hunter-gatherer traditions during nature walks that resemble mini survival lessons. Spa treatments feature cala gourds, Eastern techniques, and red hematite body masks reminiscent of the iconic Himba women. Each creative and locally inspired meal is as nourishing and beautiful as the black wildebeests, giraffes, and elephants grazing below. At this lodge, elements of surprise are essential, bringing joy and meditation together. For example, a thrilling performance by artists drumming, stomping, chanting, and dancing against a backdrop of purple skies melted our inhibitions and elevated the entire camp's energy. This experience was the ultimate liberating gift, fostering genuine connection—not only to Namibia's wilderness but to the wild spirit within us all.