Days are also spent game viewing in open 4 x 4 Land Rovers where you can search for giraffe and desert-adapted elephant. Walk amongst the granite outcrops, spotting desert dwelling plants and interesting lizards whilst learning about this fabulous, ancient area. Explore caves where carbon dating has placed them at 600 million years of age.
You can also have the most exhilarating experience of sleeping out under the stars in comfortable camp beds set on to the sand of an ancient riverbed. You walk with your guide to the sleepout and then enjoy sundowners and a bush dinner cooked on an open fire. The night skies in Namibia are world-renowned for star gazers and your guide will teach you about the galaxies, planets, stars and meteors that can be seen. In the morning you are awoken by the dawn and a hot cup of coffee brought to you by your guide.
A mobile camp can also be set up in the Namib Desert just for you on an exclusive basis. This is the worlds’ largest desert with some of the highest sand dunes in the world and is certainly one of the most dramatic in the whole world. Here your camp is be erected in a private concession. One can go out by vehicle to see desert adapted species, including oryx and springbok antelope. There is horse riding here, too.
Explore this region on foot or by e-bike as well. Marvel at all the smaller, desert adapted vertebrates and invertebrates. There is also hot air ballooning over the highest sand dunes which is simply breath taking and mesmerising as all the dunes change hue at sunrise.
The northern Namib is home a long-studied population of desert dwelling lion. With a donation towards the Desert Lion Fund we might be able to arrange for you to spend some time with the world authority on the desert lion Dr Flip Stander.
What is the accommodation like?
In Damaraland/Kaokoveldt you stay in private mobile Meru tents set up along the banks of a river on mobile platforms. The camp has a low environmental impact and is 100% powered by solar-powered electricity. The decks are a wonderful place to watch the river from the day bed. The communal areas are spacious and comfortable and there is a lounge, dining area and a campfire circle where you can sit in the evenings sharing stories.
The tents have all the necessities including cupboards, solar power and an en suite open-air bathroom with flush toilet and bucket showers with hot water.
What activities are available?
- Hot air ballooning over the Namib Desert
- Walking safaris
- Tracking desert-adapted black rhino
- Game drives
- E-bike safaris
- Sleep outs under the stars
- Horse safaris
- Track desert-adapted lion with researcher and conservationist
Are Namibia tented camps suitable for family safaris?
Yes, Namibia can provide fantastic experiences for families, but if you want time alone there are also nanny services in many camps. However, road journeys through Namibia can be long and arduous, so we would recommend private charter flying for families.
When is the best time to take a safari to Namibia?
The best time to visit the Namib Desert and Damaraland is from March/April through to November.
How can I make a difference to conservation on my safari to Namibia?
With sufficient notice and an agreed donation, we can arrange for time to be spent with Dr Flip Stander or one of his researchers from the Desert Lion Conservation foundation, or from the Lionscape Coalition of which we are a stakeholder.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is a mobile safari safe?
Yes! All of our private mobile safaris have 24 hour guards and you have all your camp crew, too. There is a fire made at night which keeps animals at bay, so you are completely safe.
What about battery charging?
These days, there is no problem with recharging all your batteries for you.
Can the safari camps wash my laundry?
Laundry is undertaken on all these mobile camps. It is subject to the vagaries of weather, but you will never have better ironed clothing with the most amazing creases! Regular laundering means you don’t have to take much luggage with you!
What is the food and drink like on a mobile safari to Namibia?
Given sufficient notice, we can cater to all dietary requirements. You will be amazed at the quality of the food given the limited facilities in a mobile camp that the chefs work with. If you have a particular drink that you favour please do let us know and we’ll try to ensure that is available in camp, too!