Namibia trip | Luxury private tour Northern Namibia

Sossusvlei is where you’ll find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib Desert. The clear blue skies contrast with the gigantic red sand dunes, making this one of Africa’s natural wonders and a perfect spot for photographers.
As well as the attractions near Sossusvlei such as Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei, other sights in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Where Kaokoland meets the Skeleton Coast, in western Namibia, the 270-kilometre-long Hoanib River is one of the last water oases in the country, a haven for countless animals. Home to 75% of Namibia's endemic species, including the largest numbers of desert-adapted, free-roaming elephants, lions and rhinos in the world, as well as zebras, kudu and giraffes, this is truly an exceptional and awe-inspiring place. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful four-wheel drive trail, adventure hiking, descending huge sand dunes or climbing massive, strangely shaped rock formations, as well as several guided nature walks.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city. It is also the economic heart of South Africa, home to all the major financial and industrial companies. Johannesburg was founded following the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand in 1886. At that time, the Witwatersrand lay within the borders of the South African Republic, of which Paul Kruger was president. The Republic had been established in consultation with the British government, which was administering the Cape Province at the time. Following the discovery of gold, control of the region became a matter of dispute.
Johannesburg’s city centre is colourful, lively and exotic, with its diverse cultural offerings. Of particular interest is the ‘Carlton Centre’ on Commissaris Street. This skyscraper was built in the 1970s, stands 220 metres tall and remains the tallest building in Africa. On the top floor is a viewing platform called ‘The Best of Africa’. From a height of 202 metres, you can enjoy an impressive view over Johannesburg.
Outside the city centre, in the Fourways district, you’ll find the new theme park “Monte Casino”, whilst “Gold Reef City” is situated in the south of the city. Here, you can learn about the history of gold mining in an entertaining way. The new Apartheid Museum is also well worth a visit. And if you’re looking for the best shops in the country, head to Mandela Square in Sandton.

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province, but it is the commercial and administrative heart of the country and indeed of the whole of southern Africa.
The name Gauteng is the Sotho name for ‘Place of Gold’. In fact, a huge gold vein was discovered in this province in 1886, and gold quickly became the foundation of the national economy. During mining operations, further riches were unearthed, such as diamonds and coal.
But Gauteng is more than just cities, money and politics. For example, the Sterkfontein Caves were designated a World Heritage Site after bones dating back no less than 3.5 million years were found there. This site is also known as the Cradle of Humankind.

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, home to an international airport and an abundance of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation. The city is clean, safe and well organised, with a colonial heritage reflected in the many German restaurants and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historic architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth seeing, including the Alte Feste (Old Fort), the 1896 Christuskirche (Christ Church), and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is surrounded by beautiful mountains, fertile farmlands, lodges and luxury guest farms. The landscape of the Greater Windhoek area surrounding this bustling city is characterised by vast valleys, thick bush, rocky hills and a golden savannah. Visitors can enjoy the many birds, and view large amounts of other wildlife to the north.Also be sure to visit the more arid eastern part with its olive and potato plantations; explore the rolling hills of the Khomas Hochland Mountains in the west of Greater Windhoek and enjoy the epic views along a number of scenic passes leading to the high plateau, including Bosua Pass, Gamsberg Pass and Spreetshoogte Pass.

The central Namibian highlands are much cooler and less extreme than the arid lowlands that make up the majority of the country. This is an ideally suited area for cattle breeding, and more recently large and small game breeding.

With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders, exploring Namibia is truly a delight. Visit the capital Windhoek and the beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country's German influence, reflected in its architecture, culture, gastronomy and annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you need to get out of town in search of the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon Park; the sprawling Etosha National Park filled with local animal species, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the terrifyingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and, of course, the Namib Desert that stretches for almost 1,000 km along the beautiful Atlantic coast. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in uniquely beautiful unspoilt wilderness.

The Namib Rand Reserve covers an area of 172,200 hectares, includes four different ecosystems and is one of the largest private game reserves in southern Africa. Here you will find a mix of dunes, mountains, rocks, sand flats and gravel plains. The reserve was established to preserve the unique environment and flora and fauna of the south-western Namib Desert. It provides habitats for a diversity of mammals - including hyenas, jackals, foxes, antelopes and several wild cats - as well as an abundance of bird species, reptiles, insects, frogs and flora. Visitors can explore the mysterious 'fairy circles' that depict the landscape and drink sundowners while the sun sets over this pristine ancient landscape. Declared Africa's first international 'dark sky' reserve, it is one of the least light-polluted areas in the world, so don't miss this excellent stargazing opportunity.

The Namib Desert, or simply the Namib, is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. This sandy desert, approximately 200 kilometres wide, stretches from north to south along Namibia’s Atlantic coast for a distance of around 2,000 kilometres, from Angola in the north to the Orange River in the south. However, when people refer to the Namib, they usually mean the sea of sand that stretches between Lüderitz and Swakopmund. This sea of sand was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.
The Namib Desert forms part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which is Africa’s largest wildlife reserve. In the centre of the desert lies Sossusvlei, a picturesque valley where water occasionally collects. Together with the neighbouring Dodevlei, Sossusvlei is one of the country’s major tourist attractions.

Enjoy the stunning landscapes of Damaraland Enormous, untamed and rugged, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The main attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest. In addition, this gigantic area is home to desert elephants, among others, which have fully adapted to the living conditions of this rugged landscape.

Kaokoveld is an arid, mountainous and relatively underdeveloped area, a combination of the raw beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the copper-coloured sands of the northern Namib Desert. The area is inhabited by three major ethnic groups - the Damara, Herero and Himba people - each with their unique customs, traditions and rituals.

The Hartmann Valley is a desolate but enchanting moonscape of sand and rock. The Kunene River provides lush vegetation amidst one of the driest deserts on earth, while sea fog creeps in from the coast and one wave of dunes beckons down. The valley is home to the Himba, one of Africa's last true nomads.

One of only five remaining rivers in Namibia is the Kunene, an invaluable source of water for the local Himba people and the mainstay of their livelihood for hundreds of years. For travellers, the river’s most striking feature is the Epupa Falls. Rafting and kayaking are both popular activities on the Kunene.

This reserve borders with Etosha National Park. Considered one of the finest private game reserves in the region, Ongava Game Reserve has global recognition for exceptional conservation, pioneering research and exciting safari experiences. The reserve is home to the lion, eland, impala, zebra and a variety of other antelope species, among others. In addition, this is one of the few private reserves in Southern Africa where both black and white rhinoceros can be observed. As many as 340 bird species also live in this area.

Located just south of the Etosha National Park border, Etosha South forms the southern region of this wild paradise. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern border with Etosha National Park and offers a range of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant flora and fauna. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson's Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino. Popular activities include game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks or watching the sunset over this beautiful landscape.

Etosha West, located in the western part of Etosha National Park, is a new addition to this world-renowned nature reserve. Visitors to Etosha West can look forward to exploring the beautiful Namibian landscape to the north, which is characterised by lush undulating terrain and reddish-brown soil, providing a stark contrast to the white, dusty clay soil on the vast plains of Etosha East. The area has numerous waterholes that attract elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and several species of animals. Don't miss this chance to catch a glimpse of the rare Hartmann's Mountain Zebra and black-faced impala.

Etosha means ‘Big White Spot’ and is one of the larger nature reserves in Southern Africa. The park is roughly three-quarters the size of the Netherlands and consists largely of a vast salt pan surrounded by bush and scrub. At the natural and man-made waterholes, you can spot large numbers of wildlife.
Elephants, zebras, lions and various species of antelope can be found at these waterholes, which are vital for survival during times of drought. Some of the watering holes are situated closer to your accommodation, and in the evening, after dark, you can enjoy watching rhinos and large herds of elephants coming to drink. The watering holes are often illuminated, which gives this nocturnal experience a unique character.

Northern Namibia stretches from the remote Kunene River in the west of the country to the densely populated region of Ovamboland in the north-east. Central Ovamboland forms part of Namibia’s vast Kalahari system and is home to one of Africa’s largest wildlife parks, Etosha National Park. The park offers phenomenal opportunities for wildlife viewing, and travellers can look forward to visiting the spectacular Etosha Pan.
Damaraland lies in the north-west, featuring some of the most impressive rock art adorning this rugged landscape. Further east, the Caprivi stretches for over 450 kilometres and is Namibia’s most tropical region. It serves as a corridor for African elephants migrating to Angola. Northern Namibia is a remote wilderness with incredible landscapes and magnificent wildlife, making it more than worth visiting.