Safari Camps in Namibia

Like a fine wine or a well-aged cheese, some things only get better with time—and Etosha Mountain Lodge is one of them. Nestled in the vast, game-rich wilderness of the Etosha Heights Private Reserve, this classic Namibian safari lodge has been welcoming guests for over 15 years. Located on the southwest border of Etosha National Park, it offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and untamed adventure.

With just nine spacious, air-conditioned chalets, including a dedicated family unit with a private plunge pool, the lodge ensures an intimate and exclusive stay. Each chalet is designed to make the most of the sweeping 180-degree views across the plains, and features ensuite bathrooms, indoor showers, and large bathtubs ideal for post-safari relaxation.

At the heart of camp lies the bright and airy lapa area, where thatched roofs and open-plan living create a welcoming space to gather. Here, you’ll find the restaurant, bar, and plenty of cozy corners to enjoy a drink or admire the endless Namibian horizon. Cool off in the swimming pool, browse the curio shop, or explore the wine cellar for the perfect sundowner selection—every moment invites you to slow down and take it all in.

The real magic, though, is out in the wild. Morning and afternoon game drives across the reserve deliver thrilling encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Etosha Heights is known for its strong populations of black and white rhino, as well as big cats like lion, leopard, and cheetah. Elephant roam the savannah, kudu and springbok graze the plains, and dainty antelope dart between the trees. With expert guides at the wheel, the wildlife action is never far away. And when the sun dips below the horizon, the experience is far from over. As darkness falls, settle in at the camp’s waterhole, where rhino emerge under the stars for a drink—a truly unforgettable, goosebump-inducing moment.

Etosha Mountain Lodge is proof that in the wilderness, age brings wisdom, warmth, and a deeper connection to nature. Whether you’re here for the epic landscapes, the rare wildlife, or simply the peace of the African bush, this is Namibia at its most soulful.

Opening May 2026: Forget everything you thought you knew about Namibia. Tucked away in the far north-eastern corner of the country, where Namibia meets Botswana and Zambia, Nkasa Rupara National Park reveals a dramatically different side of the Namibian landscape — a lush, untamed world of wetlands, rivers, and floodplains, forming a vital artery in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).

Often called the “Linyanti Swamps” or “Kwando Delta”, this remote corner of Namibia shares the same ecological heartbeat as Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta — but with one major difference: solitude. Here, you’re unlikely to share your wildlife sightings with crowds.

At the center of this watery wilderness lies Nkasa Linyanti, the only camp on Nkasa Island. Opening in May 2026, this under-canvas retreat blends low-impact luxury with wild immersion. Set on a private concession embraced by the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers, Nkasa Linyanti features just six elevated tents, each offering sweeping floodplain views and total privacy.

Inside, décor is earthy and elegant: woven baskets, canvas textures, natural wood, and billowing mosquito nets, creating a seamless blend of contemporary African design and safari authenticity. Outdoor and indoor showers, a sparkling plunge pool, and evenings around the communal firepit under a canopy of stars complete the experience.

The park itself is a conservation powerhouse: a critical wildlife corridor linking Angola, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia, where animals roam freely across borders. In the cooler months, the seasonal wetlands flood, creating a mirror-like landscape alive with hippos, red lechwe, sitatunga, and the largest herds of buffalo in Namibia.

Elephants migrate through in impressive numbers, following ancient routes, while predators like lion, leopard, and the elusive brown hyena trail the diverse herds of antelope, zebra, and wildebeest. Wild dogs make rare appearances, avoiding the dominant lions.

And for bird lovers, Nkasa Rupara is a dreamscape: Namibia’s most productive birding destination, with over 430 recorded species, including rarities like the wattled crane, Pel’s fishing owl, and black crake.

Fully solar-powered and sustainably built, Nkasa Linyanti is not just a place to stay — it’s a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most important conservation frontiers. This is Namibia, reimagined: wild, wet, and wonderfully undiscovered.

Shipwreck Lodge is unlike any other safari experience in Africa. Nestled deep within the remote Skeleton Coast National Park, it offers guests an unforgettable blend of raw wilderness, stunning solitude, and architectural wonder. Surrounded by enigmatic shipwrecks and whale bones scattered across the coastline, this is a land shaped by wind, sand, and time - one of the most hauntingly beautiful places on Earth.

Stretching over 500 kilometers along Namibia’s Atlantic edge, the Skeleton Coast is famous for its towering dunes, wind-swept plains, and the icy, fog-bound sea that has claimed many a ship. It is a place of paradox -harsh yet alive, barren yet brimming with surprises.

At the heart of it all is Shipwreck Lodge, located in the Skeleton Coast Central Concession Area. Designed to mirror the shipwrecks that litter the coastline, each of the lodge’s 10 solar-powered cabins - 8 twins/doubles and 2 family units - blends seamlessly into the landscape. With wood-burning stoves to warm chilly mornings and ensuite bathrooms, comfort meets creativity in every detail.

The main lounge and restaurant are equally striking, with a wide wraparound deck offering uninterrupted views over the sand dunes and out to the wild Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're sipping a sundowner or enjoying freshly prepared local cuisine, this is the perfect place to take in the surreal, untouched beauty of the coast.

A Wilderness Teeming with Hidden Life:

While wildlife sightings here are rare, they’re all the more magical for it. Desert-adapted elephants roam the dunes, digging for water beneath the sand. Lions, giraffes, baboons, and the elusive brown hyena follow, drawn to these water sources in this seemingly inhospitable land.

Flora and fauna thrive in surprising ways, supported by the cold Atlantic fog that rolls inland and sustains thousands of desert-adapted insects and plants. Along the rocky shoreline, Cape fur seals gather in large, noisy colonies - drawing in aerial predators like jaegers and skuas. Inland, avid birders can spot rare species such as Rüppell’s korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark, and tractrac chats.

A Destination Like No Other:

Shipwreck Lodge is more than a place to stay - it’s a gateway to a forgotten world. From beachcombing for relics to exploring the surreal Clay Castles, or simply soaking in the serenity of the dunes, this is a journey into one of Africa’s last true wildernesses. If you're looking for freedom, beauty, and solitude - and a deep connection to one of the most otherworldly landscapes on the planet - Shipwreck Lodge is waiting.

In a country defined by epic landscapes, Kaokoland may be Namibia’s most jaw-dropping region of all. Tucked away in the remote northwest, this is a place of raw beauty—towering mountains, ochre sand dunes, ancient riverbeds, and wide-open desert plains teeming with desert-adapted wildlife and scattered Himba settlements. Wild, untamed, and barely touched by time, it’s one of Africa’s last truly remote frontiers—and exactly why Hoanib Valley Camp was built here.

Set deep in the heart of this extraordinary terrain, the camp offers six beautifully appointed tents, blending natural textures and earthy hues that mirror the dramatic surroundings. Inspired by the colours of the dunes, the geometry of Himba culture, and the grace of the desert giraffe that roam nearby, the camp is an elegant expression of its environment.

After a day spent tracking desert-adapted elephants, endangered black rhino, or stately giraffe, return to your private deck, sundowner in hand, to take in the sheer scale and silence of the wilderness around you. From every angle, the views stretch for miles, uninterrupted and soul-stirring.

Crafted by Hand, Built with Purpose:

True to Natural Selection’s eco-conscious ethos, the camp is built using sustainable practices and locally sourced materials. Furniture is handmade by Rundu carpenters and Himba artisans, and the beautifully woven baskets come from Windhoek’s Omba Project. Each tent is set on raised decks made from a composite of recycled materials, and the entire camp runs on solar power, leaving a light footprint on this delicate desert ecosystem.

A Living, Breathing Desert:

Game drives through the Hoanib Valley reveal a landscape alive with surprising abundance. You may spot desert lions lounging in the shade, or oryx and springbok dancing across the dunes. Zebra, kudu, klipspringer, and steenbok navigate rocky terrain with ease, while birdwatchers can look out for Monteiro’s hornbill, Rüppell’s korhaan, and the soaring Verreaux’s eagle overhead. And for a true bucket-list experience, spend time tracking black rhino on foot—a rare and humbling opportunity to witness one of Africa’s most iconic creatures in the wild. These valleys are home to the largest population of free-ranging black rhino in the world.

An Authentic Encounter:

Hoanib Valley Camp isn’t just about wildlife; it’s also about connection—to land, people, and purpose. Meeting the Himba communities of the region offers meaningful insight into a traditional, semi-nomadic way of life that is as inspiring as the landscapes themselves.

Remote. Responsible. Remarkable:
Hoanib Valley Camp is for those who crave genuine wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Here, in one of the planet’s last untouched corners, nature and culture come together in a soulful, sustainable safari like no other.

Opening May 2026: In the rugged, wind-carved heart of Namibia’s Kaokoland, where jagged mountains descend into sunbaked riverbeds and the silence is broken only by the crunch of elephant footsteps on sand, Hoanib Elephant Camp emerges—offering a rare, intimate glimpse into one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring natural adaptations.

Set to open in May 2026, this under-canvas, solar-powered retreat invites the adventured traveller to immerse themselves in the untamed majesty of northwest Namibia. Here, desert-adapted elephants roam free, tracing ancient migratory paths through ephemeral river valleys in search of water, food, and shade. This is a place shaped by wind, time, and resilience—where every encounter is earned and every moment humbling.

Desert Luxury, Thoughtfully Delivered:

Elevated on low wooden decks, 10 spacious guest tents (8 twins and 2 family units) blend seamlessly into the environment. Each room is crafted with sustainability and comfort in mind, featuring rammed earth walls, insulated canvas roofs, and air-conditioning for a naturally temperate stay year-round. Expect indoor and outdoor showers, double vanities, and private plunge pools—all oriented to embrace the sweeping desert panoramas and endless skies. The design treads lightly, with solar energy powering the entire camp and a full water treatment system ensuring minimal environmental impact.

A Camp Made for Discovery:

At the camp’s centre, the main lodge houses an open-plan lounge and dining area, leading onto a spacious outdoor deck with a swimming pool and firepit—a perfect gathering spot beneath the stars. There’s also a small wellness spa for those seeking a quiet moment of relaxation after a day’s exploration.

Adventures of a Lifetime:

Hoanib Elephant Camp is your base for deep desert discovery. Guided game drives lead you through starkly beautiful terrain in search of desert-adapted wildlife: elephant, giraffe, oryx, zebra, springbok, and kudu, along with rarer species like klipspringer, steenbok, and, if fortune smiles, desert lions and black rhino. A visit to a local Himba community offers cultural insight into one of Namibia’s most iconic tribes, while full- or half-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast reveal otherworldly dunes, hardy succulents, and the stark drama of the Atlantic’s icy edge. Nearby, a seasonal waterhole draws a constant parade of wildlife—watch giraffe stride in silhouette at dusk, or hear the echoing call of the elusive brown hyena at night. Birding here is equally rich, with sightings of Verreaux’s eagle, Monteiro’s hornbill, and Rüppell’s korhaan adding to the desert's quiet magic.

A Place for the Privileged Few:

Hoanib Elephant Camp is more than just a destination—it’s a window into a resilient world where life survives against the odds. With immersive wildlife encounters, sustainable luxury, and one of Africa’s last great wildernesses on your doorstep, this is desert escapism in its purest, most profound form.

Kwessi Dunes is a remote safari camp located deep within Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast desert expanse covering over 200,000 hectares. Unlike traditional safari destinations focused on the Big Five, Kwessi Dunes offers a different kind of wilderness experience—one that centers on the raw, untouched beauty of the desert, the subtle movements of desert-adapted wildlife, and the profound stillness of one of the most remote corners of Africa. 

The landscape here is striking, with endless plains of red sand, craggy mountains on the horizon, and a sky so clear it feels infinite. The lodge is designed to reflect the surrounding environment while offering comfort and style. Each of the 12 air-conditioned chalets features high thatched roofs, striped canvas walls, indoor and outdoor showers, and a shaded veranda. A highlight of every room is the separate “star gazer” chamber, open to the sky and designed for guests to lie back and watch the celestial display above—a nightly theatre of stars thanks to the reserve’s dark-sky status.

The main lodge area features large glass windows and doors that frame the surrounding dunes and distant mountains. Inside, guests will find a well-stocked bar, a library, and multiple areas for dining or simply relaxing with a view. A central swimming pool provides a refreshing escape from the midday heat, while a morning cup of coffee by the campfire becomes a cherished ritual. Activities at Kwessi Dunes are tailored to the unique environment. Guests can explore the desert on quad bikes, scenic drives, or guided walks, and more adventurous experiences include horse riding, hot air ballooning, and helicopter flights. Day trips to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes and Deadvlei clay pan are also available.

Wildlife viewing here is quieter but no less fascinating. Antelope such as gemsbok, springbok, kudu, and steenbok are commonly seen, often silhouetted against the glowing red sand. Burchell’s zebra roam the dunes, and more elusive creatures like black-backed jackals, aardwolves, and African wild cats are sometimes surprisingly easy to spot. Though leopard and cheetah exist in small numbers, the true wildlife highlight lies in the extraordinary adaptations these animals have developed to survive in the harsh desert. The gemsbok, for example, cools its brain with a special vascular system and reflects the desert heat with its pale underbelly, while the bat-eared fox uses its enormous ears to detect predators. At Kwessi Dunes, the desert reveals itself slowly and beautifully—through color, quietness, and the rhythms of a landscape shaped by time.

A place where time stretches and quiet wonder unfolds, this secluded desert sanctuary is nestled deep within 12,715 hectares (31,419 acres) of private reserve in the heart of the Namib Desert. Here, silence isn't emptiness - it's presence. It’s perspective. It’s the rare privilege of being completely alone with nature - and with yourself.

Whether you venture out across the towering dunes, explore the vast ochre plains, or simply surrender to stillness, every moment here is entirely your own.

Crafted from stone, glass, and light, the lodge blends so seamlessly into the desert that it feels like a natural extension of the landscape. Ten elegant suites - along with a spacious family Star Dune Suite - open onto an ever-changing desert palette, where private plunge pools offer a refreshing pause between adventures, and skylights invite you to sleep beneath a canopy of stars.

Guest spaces embrace the outdoors, flowing into the land with fold-away glass walls, a walk-in wine cellar, and a wellness space perfectly positioned to capture both sunrise and sunset. Indulge in a desert-inspired treatment, or simply step outside to witness the brilliance of some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

This is light-footprint luxury, where sustainability and solitude meet. Come for the dunes, stay for the stillness, and leave with a stirred soul and a heart made full.