Wilderness Safaris recently offered me an amazing opportunity to do a biodiversity study at Kulala Desert Lodge. This lodge is situated on 35 000 hectares of […]

We moved into the area in 2012. This was after some massive rainfall  across Namibia in 2011. It meant that we arrived into a landscape in […]

Press Release received from Wilderness Safaris - June 2020    The current rebuild of Little Kulala, Wilderness Safaris’ acclaimed desert retreat in Namibia’s Sossusvlei area, celebrates […]

Text Lee Tindall ‘’How does one end up here?” asks the cyclist parked under the tree outside our house. ‘Here’ is our house in the middle […]

Deadvlei’s iconic fossilised camel-thorns are synonymous with images of Namibia. Set against a backdrop of burnt orange sand dunes and bright blue skies, this is one of the country’s top tourist attractions. The vlei, a spectacular white pan surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, is located close to the legendary Sossusvlei. The surrounding area is known as the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Proclaimed in 1975, it is an amalgamation of several areas into one unified reserve. Skip the crowds by visiting one of the private nature reserves nearby, and fall in love with the dramatic beauty that is Namibia’s red sand dunes, special desert fauna and flora, and endless horizons

Of all the top things Namibia is known for, wine is not really on the list. It’s time that we introduced you to the establishments on Namibia’s very own wine route and, of course, the wines they produce. Travel News Namibia‘s own wine expert/connoisseur, Le Roux van Schalkwyk, explores…

Step back in time to discover the dramatic landscape of the Namib with the opening of Zannier Hotels Sonop Lodge.

Honeymoons are a big deal… apparently. It’s supposed to be the most romantic holiday a couple can take. That’s a lot of pressure on one trip. Where in the world is this destination for two people that is sure to deliver on all of their rose-tinted expectations while still being affordable enough to leave the bank balance dent-free?

Small towns tend to have loads more character than cities, not even to mention the actual characters who call these towns home. When travelling, we often drive through these tiny places without giving them a second glance, because we are in such a rush to get to our destination.

How did it come about that a scrambled note written on a serviette in a Starbucks Café in Washington, D.C., in 2013 ended up as, well, a message about water conservation written in the sand at Namtib Biosphere Reserve in 2016? In May 2019 Anni Snyman, PC Janse van Rensburg and a team of volunteers from the Site-Specific land art collective fine-tuned the last lines of the giant earth drawing of a desert horse at Klein Aus Vista. This message of intent recently evolved into yet another possible new chapter – as I made my way down a secluded gravel road to a breathtakingly beautiful house in the middle of the desert: an artist’s retreat in the making at Wolwedans. But more about the other outcomes later: drawings of a wild horse – and the realm of “dancing wolves”.

TREAD LIGHTLY ON THIS LAND Text Rièth van Schalkwyk Photographs  Venture Media Team How does one describe a landscape and the emotions it evokes in such […]

Text and Photographs by Nina van Schalkwyk To the south of Windhoek, as the central plateau falls away in warm reds and cool purples to the […]

Circle around southern Namibia from Windhoek to the Kalahari, the canyon, Sossusvlei and Swakopmund for some of the finest scenery on the planet... Our journey begins […]

What does it take to save the rhino? The list is long – tracking teams, vehicles, food, uniforms, binoculars, support staff and supporters, among many other things. But the most essential element needed to save the rhino is passion.

What makes a moment truly romantic? Is it about the atmosphere, the candles and the roses? Or the fact that it is you and your significant other spending time together? Does it have to be at a remarkable destination, or is it about the journey there?

When it comes to romantic experiences, Namibia is full of them. Here we have listed the top five activities that are sure to send sparks flying.

Travel News Namibia’s Elzanne Erasmus takes to the skies in a floating, scenic love affair and finds out why a hot air balloon safari over the […]

Namibia is one of the most romantic countries on the continent, with a variety of places to set hearts alight, from the open spaces of the south, to the lush greenery of the northeast. So before you get absolutely overwhelmed with all things Valentine’s, take a look at our list of the most romantic destinations in Namibia every couple should visit this Valentine’s Day, or whenever!

All over the world visitors are attracted to the obvious must-sees. To those images which catch the eye on a TV screen, in a travel magazine or on a billboard. Images are the most powerful tool in tourism and luckily, Namibia is one of the most photogenic destinations. There are so many places in our country begging one to come closer, look deeper and become part of the picture.

The best thing about camping at Namibgrens is that you do not need to be a seasoned camper. Their team can easily pitch a tent for you kitted out with stretchers and bedding. Each campsite offers a large shaded area, with its own wash-up and braai area, as well as its own bathroom set among the boulders. And if camping is not your thing, there are plenty of other accommodation options.

Namibia’s most famous landmark, the Deadvlei at Sossusvlei, is now more accessible than ever. The Gondwana Collection brings grace to the desert with the opening of its newest establishment, the Desert Grace.

East of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast National Park, a 2-hour drive from the north-western settlement of Sesfontein on the bank of the ephemeral Hoanib River, a new lodge is nestled amongst the enigmatic geological wonderland characteristic of the region.

Salvadora persica, which goes by many common names such as miswak and arak in Arabia, or the mustard bush or toothbrush tree because its twigs can be used as a natural toothbrush.

April 24th, 2018 marked 20 years since well-known hotelier Ulf Grünewald decided to nest his hotel on a secluded rocky bay in the town that is entirely built on rock. Inaugurated in 1998 by then-President Sam Nujoma, the Lüderitz Nest Hotel has a reputation for delivering unparalleled service as a four-star establishment and being the leading tourism industry employer in town.

There’s a quirky little restaurant a couple of kilometres southwest of Rehoboth in Namibia’s dry and dramatic Hardap region. Called Conny’s, the establishment is a famous stop-over for many a tour bus or camper. It’s a place to relax and recharge over lovely local cuisine made in the Baster-style of the area. Try to Google it, though, and you might not find much about the area. In fact, without the weathered sign next to the road one might miss it altogether.

Namibia has some of the most diverse landscapes. Go figure since the country covers more than 825,000km. The best way to marvel at it all is by lacing up your boots and hiking your way over the mountains and through the dry river beds.

On a recent trip to Wolwedans I found myself in awe of the thriving desert life. It hasn’t rained here in the last five years, but that doesn’t mean that this part of the world has come to a standstill. Au contraire. We discovered life, and more significantly, growth in the desert. Inspired by the acacia forest we came across I dug up some interesting facts about the hardy camel-thorn tree. My motto for 2018 is “Be as tough as a camel-thorn.” Here is why:

The camping bug bites the most respectable members of our community. Deputy Judge President Hosea Angula started exploring Namibia with fellow supreme court judge Dave Smuts and the late photographer Tony Figueira in the early 80’s. And even though work seems to be getting in the way of his hobby, we do believe that once a camper, always a camper. Here Judge Angula shares his thoughts on the best camping cars, scaling the Brandberg and why you should never leave your shoes outside the tent.

Imagine yourself floating across gentle waves of air as the first golden rays of a bright morning peek over towering sand dunes and ragged mountain tops. It is an otherworldly glow. It is early still, yet the Namib Desert’s famous sunshine beckons from the horizon as you drift along. Below, a sea of sand creates a mosaic of hues and patterns on the earth’s surface.

A stunning location like Namibia is bound to have its fair share of isolated spots with which to tempt the starry-eyed newlyweds. That is why we’ve compiled a short list of the ten most romantic places in Namibia for royally in love couples to spend their honeymoons.

Namib-Naukluft National Park was our destination – the largest park in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. For the next three days, the answer to any question was ‘bikini’.

Your stay at the Kanaan N/a’an ku sê Desert Retreat is bound to be memorable. The 35 000 hectares of land served as a sheep farm before it was gradually returned to its natural state. The Kanaan N/a’an ku sê Desert Retreat shares 36 km of its border with Namib- Naukluft National Park. Its desert landscape is characterised by the same rust-coloured dunes and dramatic grey clouds when a thunderstorm approaches.

Three days and three nights in Lüderitz. The cool weather welcomes us after the heat that drove us from the desert near Sossusvlei. Settled in at the Nest Hotel’s Crayfish Bar and Lounge with a beer, overlooking the bay, we are glad about the exchange of sand for sea. Exploration

A trip down to Namibia’s south has many exciting stop-overs in store and more than one stunning landscape to keep visitors in awe.

When exploring the vast Namib Sand Sea, one may come across the occasional small rock, as seemingly lifeless as the surrounding area. Upon lifting the rock, a pseudoscorpion or two may be found – kilometres away from other visible life forms, let alone civilisation. Pseudoscorpions are tiny creatures, several millimetres long, resembling scorpions yet lacking the tail or stinger. Occasionally found perching on flowers, they can wait for flies, bees, or butterflies in order to catch a ride by clinging to a leg and then detaching themselves whenever it is deemed suitable, hence these tiny terrestrial arthropods show up in distant and remote places. In 1969 biologist Peter Weygoldt wrote in his aptly named academic book The Biology of Pseudoscorpions, “Sometimes I am asked why I study animals so unimportant to human life and economy as pseudoscorpions. There is one simple answer: every aspect of nature that interests the human mind is worthy of study whether or not it is of direct importance to man”.

There’s no question about it: Namibia is filled to the brim with fantastic destinations. Namibia Wildlife Resorts’ Naukluft Campsite to the south is one of them. It’s easy to get to from Windhoek and is a fun getaway for those precious Namibian long-weekends. Take a few tips from us and make sure your stay at the Naukluft is one to remember:

For the love of hyenas: Emsie Verwey shares insight into the Skeleton Coast Brown Hyaena Project, which she runs from the research centre at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp.

Words & photos by Annelien Robberts On a recent trip to Wolwedans I found myself in awe of the thriving desert life. It hasn't rained here […]

A short history of some amazing Namibian locations, now managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts

By Ron Swilling Although today the roofs of the old ghost town are tumbling in and sand blow through doorways to create artistic masterpieces and provide […]

Text by Ron Swilling Photographs Dan & Brenda Shout The unruly south-westerly wind died down. “We checked our musical instruments one final time on the stage […]

This guest blog was written by French visitor Natacha Faullimmel who jotted down her impressions – all the weird, wonderful idiosyncrasies she picked up on – while […]

by Sven-Eric Kanzler There is no doubt about it: Naukluft is a fascinating picture book for geologists and laymen with an interest in geology. And those […]

by Michaela Kanzler Large basins of clear water sparkle among rocks polished to a velvety smoothness. Bright-red dragonflies sunbathe on the short brush lining the banks. […]

By Sven-Eric Kanzler A steep rock face broken by the odd ledge towers above our heads. Despite the iron chain it is not easy to make […]

By Mary Seely, Desert Research Foundation of Namibia The Namib: The oldest desert in the world. The desert with the highest biodiversity of any hyper-arid area. […]

By Marita van Rooyen South Africa has Table Mountain, Botswana has vast numbers of wildlife, Zimbabwe has Vic Falls, Angola has diamonds and Zambia has the […]

From the icy waters of the Atlantic to the swamps of the Caprivi, shimmering white fortresses to extraordinary plants, the sweeping landscapes, magnificent game viewing and […]

The Desert Homestead lies three kilometers north-west of the C19 and D854 roads junction, approximately 32km south-east of Sesriem. The wide grassy valley is sheltered by […]

The Desert Homestead Outpost is situated 30 km south-east of Sesriem, the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, on a private nature reserve bordering the Unesco […]

Replete with history and romance, Duwisib Castle is an ideal stopover for visitor's en route to the south of Namibia. It is a historical site and […]

Into the wild... Discover beauty in remote locations. Journeys Namibia is a reputable management company that takes the strain off lodge owners by taking care of […]

This enchanting reserve borders the Namib-Naukluft Park with its breathtakingly photogenic dune belt to the west and Tiras Mountains to the east. Kanaan N/a'an ku se […]

Kulala Desert Lodge boasts magnificent views of the famous sand dunes of Sossusvlei, breathtaking mountain scenery and vast open plains. Set in the 37 000-hectare Kulala […]

Little Kulala is a luxurious desert retreat situated in the private 27 000 ha Kulala Wilderness Reserve - the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea with its […]

The Naukluft section of the park was created to serve as a sanctuary for Hartmann's mountain zebra, which are endemic to Namibia. Other wildlife includes kudu, […]

This unique winery is set on the edge of the Namib Desert in the foothills of the majestic Naukluft Mountains. Only an exclusive amount of bottles […]

At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length. At the foot of […]

Sossus Dune Lodge is NWR's first exclusive lodge in the Namib Naukluft Park. Built primarily from wood, canvas and thatch in an attractive 'Afro-village' style, Sossus […]

Situated about 45 kilometers south of Wolwedans and hugged by massive granite rocks, Boulders Camp is the southernmost of all the Wolwedans Collection. Sleeping a maximum […]

Wolwedans nestles into the dunes, set against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. Located in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, the camps provide the […]

Positioned on the edge of a 250-metre high dune, the Dune Camp sleeps a maximum of 12 guests in a totally unspoilt setting. Guests stay in […]

The Dunes Lodge is perched on top of a dune plateau, overlooking panoramic vistas in all directions and capturing the beauty of the desert in a […]

Situated in a quiet and idyllic valley, this splendid suite caters exclusively for six guests.  It is the perfect getaway for honeymooners or individuals seeking uncompromising […]