Travel Detail

The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricots, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this impressive landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. After this thrilling experience, we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning back to our lodge and cooling off along the swimming pool or with a refreshing drink at one of the quiet retreats located all around the lodge.

The fusion of old and new at the Elegant Desert Lodge allows you to indulge in a refreshingly different experience. From the outside it has the typical old lodge look and feel. As for the inside the thoughtful touches and elegant interior give it a modern and stylish twist.

After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like we have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Here it is worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple pie written about in so many travel books before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa's lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups. Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long-stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa. For the international guest, Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms, a laid-back attitude with adrenalin activities, misty mornings and desert heat. It is colourful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is pure fun.

Nestled in the centre of Swakopmund, the hotel is constructed around a garden area and close to the sea (a 3-minute walk). With the town having been built during a German Colonial the hotel which originally dates back to 1905 (one of the first in the area) forms part of period, the area resembles a Bavarian village. With a timeless quality the towns culture. Located close by are a golf course, tennis courts, and horse/camel riding. The hotel boasts 58 rooms with underfloor heating.

Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the "playground of Namibia", it has numerous activities ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café's. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this excellent, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad-biking and sandboarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades, and beach bar that has transformed into its personality through the vibrant use of color and the bohemian lifestyle.

Nestled in the centre of Swakopmund, the hotel is constructed around a garden area and close to the sea (a 3-minute walk). With the town having been built during a German Colonial the hotel which originally dates back to 1905 (one of the first in the area) forms part of period, the area resembles a Bavarian village. With a timeless quality the towns culture. Located close by are a golf course, tennis courts, and horse/camel riding. The hotel boasts 58 rooms with underfloor heating.

Today our journey continues through Uis past the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain (2.579m), into the Damaraland, one of the least populated and most geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino, and free-roaming antelope species. We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon, where we have the remaining day at leisure.

Ondjamba Hills is nestled within some of the most iconic landscapes in Damaraland, 40km northwest of Uis next to the Ugab River. Ondjamba Hills offers an eclectic fusion of nature, rustic old-world safari charm with modern chic, creating harmony with the dramatic environment and nature. Ondjamba Hills offers 20 randomly placed large Meru-style safari tents (10m x 5m) with en-suite bathrooms and outside veranda with seating arrangements that offers spectacular views over the Brandberg Mountain. The camp is fully off-grid, having its own boreholes for water and being powered by solar energy with a back-up generator. Although the camp is powered by solar, water is heated using old-school, traditional “donkies” (geysers heated by fire) adding the sense of uniqueness of the great outdoors and the smell of woodsmoke. Everything at Ondjamba is about the romance and experience of travel in Africa. Untouched wilderness at your doorstep, with views on the majestic Brandberg (Namibia’s highest Mountain) and the ephemeral Ugab River Valley and the granite “koppies” dotted in the landscape. Even the restaurant lights were placed with the starry Namibian skies in mind. The common areas are built from brick, wooden poles, thatch, and canvas – all circular structures to fit in aesthetically with the granite boulders in the area. Its architecture lets the structures blend into the surrounding boulders dotted around the area with some even being part of the infrastructure. The highlight however remains the pristine landscape the camp is located in.

On an early morning scenic nature drive through, at times untouched wilderness area of the Otjimboyo Concession, we head out towards the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain. This is the best time to capture the perfect light of sunrise and catch the last mist engulfing the mountain. We continue down into the dry Ugab riverbed, which we follow back towards the camp. Stopping under one of the majestic camelthorn trees we enjoy a light picnic lunch. On our drive along the meandering river, we might encounter the elusive desert elephant that roams the dry riverbeds of Damaraland, feeding on the nutritious pods of the trees lining the riverbanks. Arriving back at the camp we have enough time left to enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails (Classic Version). A highlight is the sundowner drive that offers you unforgettable photo opportunities of the Brandberg and the surrounding landscape (Classic Version).

Ondjamba Hills is nestled within some of the most iconic landscapes in Damaraland, 40km northwest of Uis next to the Ugab River. Ondjamba Hills offers an eclectic fusion of nature, rustic old-world safari charm with modern chic, creating harmony with the dramatic environment and nature. Ondjamba Hills offers 20 randomly placed large Meru-style safari tents (10m x 5m) with en-suite bathrooms and outside veranda with seating arrangements that offers spectacular views over the Brandberg Mountain. The camp is fully off-grid, having its own boreholes for water and being powered by solar energy with a back-up generator. Although the camp is powered by solar, water is heated using old-school, traditional “donkies” (geysers heated by fire) adding the sense of uniqueness of the great outdoors and the smell of woodsmoke. Everything at Ondjamba is about the romance and experience of travel in Africa. Untouched wilderness at your doorstep, with views on the majestic Brandberg (Namibia’s highest Mountain) and the ephemeral Ugab River Valley and the granite “koppies” dotted in the landscape. Even the restaurant lights were placed with the starry Namibian skies in mind. The common areas are built from brick, wooden poles, thatch, and canvas – all circular structures to fit in aesthetically with the granite boulders in the area. Its architecture lets the structures blend into the surrounding boulders dotted around the area with some even being part of the infrastructure. The highlight however remains the pristine landscape the camp is located in.

During the cooler hours of the morning, we start our adventure-filled day in the company of a local Damara guide, who takes us to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2.500 pictures some 6.000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living Museum of the Damara, we proceed to the Petrified Forest - a geological phenomenon depicting the creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth. Here we also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant -- the oldest living desert plant on Earth. Our onward journey takes us to the wildlife haven of Namibia - the Etosha National Park. We check into our lodge located on the border of the Etosha National Park and can unwind after the adventure-filled day alongside the pool.

Eldorado Lodge is located on a family run farm located approximately 8 kms from Etosha Natioanl Park's Anderson Gate. Passed down through generations for around 66 years, the farm is populate with gemsbok, eland, impala, springbok, steenbuck, duiker, zebra, blue and black wildebeest, ostriches and a variety of indigenous birds. With 11 twin and 3 triple guests rooms at the lodge and a campground, there is a multitude of choices of accommodation. Come experience true Namibian farm life, hospitality and food.

The day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino. The Park was proclaimed as Namibia's first conservation area in 1907 by the then Governor, von Lindequist. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the southern edge of the pan is accessible to visitors. Game viewing in the park is primarily focussed around the waterholes, some of which are spring-fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, more than 340 bird species. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah, and the black-faced impala are all found here. An extensive network of roads links the over 30 water holes allowing visitors the opportunity of a comprehensive game-viewing safari throughout the park as each different area will provide various encounters.

Eldorado Lodge is located on a family run farm located approximately 8 kms from Etosha Natioanl Park's Anderson Gate. Passed down through generations for around 66 years, the farm is populate with gemsbok, eland, impala, springbok, steenbuck, duiker, zebra, blue and black wildebeest, ostriches and a variety of indigenous birds. With 11 twin and 3 triple guests rooms at the lodge and a campground, there is a multitude of choices of accommodation. Come experience true Namibian farm life, hospitality and food.