The ultimate Namibia safari: Himba people and desert lions

SKELETON COAST
After a first night in a boutique hotel in Windhoek, fly to the Skeleton Coast.
The name designates the entire dune-lined coastline stretching along the ocean front between the Ugab and Kunene rivers.
This coast takes its name from the many shipwrecks scattered along its shores, which give the place a mysterious atmosphere…

North of the Hoanib River, in an area closed to the public, Wilderness chose to set up one of its finest camps: Hoanib Camp.

On arrival, a 4×4 vehicle will be waiting to take you to the camp, which appears like a mirage in this wild, desert territory.

You will stay 3 nights at Hoanib Camp.

Your stay includes: 4×4 safaris in search of local wildlife (desert elephants, springbok, oryx, giraffes, brown hyenas, jackals and even lions, harder to spot); a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast; an excursion on the Hoanib River with picnic; full days exploring the surrounding desert oases; and interaction with researchers studying the coast’s wildlife (in particular Dr. Philip, or “Flip,” Stander and his desert lions)

HARTMANN VALLEY
At sunrise, a low-altitude flight takes you to Hartmann Valley, landing in the heart of a breathtaking landscape… or perhaps “landing on the moon” would be more fitting, given how lunar and otherworldly the scenery is…

A 4×4 vehicle will be waiting to take you for 3 nights to the luxurious Serra Cafema camp, whose reputation as one of the finest lodges in southern Africa is well established.

The camp, named after the Angolan mountain range that dominates the region, sits on the banks of the Kunene River, the natural border with Angola.

Built entirely on stilts, in the shade of enormous century-old Albida trees, the camp consists of 8 luxury safari tents connected by wooden walkways.

The region offers vast scope for active travelers: quad bike rides, boat excursions on the Kunene River, 4×4 outings, hiking, excursions to Epupa Falls, visits to Himba villages…