My first and only visit to Namibia consisted of a quick 4-day self-drive to Sossusvlei. So I was thrilled to explore more of the country on my first-ever Kusini-hosted FAM with ultimate.earth! My expectations were high, but I did honestly wonder what could possibly beat the magic of Sossusvlei and whether our trip would feel complete without it.
After covering countless kilometers over ten unforgettable days on the road, it was clear that Namibia isn’t a place you visit just to check a box. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in another world of changing landscapes. It is far more than just its world-famous dunes!
As we explored northwest Namibia, including Windhoek, Etosha, Damaraland, Kaokoland, Skeleton Coast, and Swakopmund, here are a few things that stood out to me:
Etosha National Park
I often heard that Namibia is not a wildlife destination, but I beg to differ, as I think it’s the perfect destination for travellers who are truly passionate about wildlife and have a sense of adventure!
Our visit to Etosha National Park pleasantly surprised me. We encountered some of Africa’s tallest elephants, a very shy black rhino, more springbok than I have ever seen anywhere else in my life, countless bird species that I may not remember all the names of (much to my husband’s disappointment), and even spotted a Damara dik dik on Dik-Dik Drive.
We had beautiful, clear blue skies as we made our way through the golden grasslands, stopped by some busy waterholes, and stepped out onto the striking, shimmering white sand that makes up the Etosha Pan. Despite the lack of big cat sightings (they are there – we just missed them on our accelerated FAM pace), the wildlife was plentiful, and there weren’t too many other vehicles, making for a lovely experience.
We stayed in the Onguma Nature Reserve and Etosha Heights Private Reserve. These pair well with a visit to Etosha NP and offer a far more exclusive safari experience with fewer crowds, more flexibility with off-roading, and various activities such as immersive walking safaris.
Tracking Desert-Adapted Elephants
While I enjoyed Etosha, the wildlife encounter that I was most excited for and that completely stole the show was tracking the desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland!
After our visit to the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, we began searching for these resilient creatures along the Huab River valley. Scanning the ephemeral riverbed with the majestic Brandberg Mountains in the distance, it was hard to comprehend how elephants could survive in such a harsh environment.
We started following a set of tracks, and within twenty minutes, Franco, our guide, spotted our first elephant – a young bull keeping cool under a mopane tree. Not too far from him, we found a large, beautiful female using her trunk to expertly gather and feed on some grass, accompanied by two younger females.
It was very special to spend time with these creatures in a way that felt entirely unrushed. Instead of hurrying off to the next sighting, we sat quietly, watching these dust-covered giants move so gracefully through the riverbed and learned about the fascinating adaptations that make them unique. We observed how their wide feet help them traverse the deep, soft sand and tried to wrap our heads around the significant distances they travel just to survive.
Onduli Ridge & Onduli Enclave
Damaraland is without a doubt one of those places you will think about long after you leave! Watching the terrain shift as we entered the Doro Nawas Conservancy was spectacular. The dramatic desert landscape showcased deep hues of orange, beautifully complemented by the lush green grass resulting from recent rains and the endless mountains in the distance. Damaraland is truly a photographer’s dream!
When we finally pulled up to Onduli Ridge, one of ultimate.earth’s premier properties, I was struck by how seamlessly the architecture blended into the granite boulders. The view from the main area is nothing short of breathtaking, making it instantly clear why this exact spot was chosen for the lodge.
With six luxury suites that offer total privacy, Onduli Ridge leaves absolutely nothing to be desired! From the roll-out starbeds that allow you to sleep beneath a blanket of stars to the spacious decks, sun loungers, and perfectly stocked minibars, every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
A few members of our group stayed next door at Onduli Enclave, an exclusive-use luxury villa with 3 incredibly spacious private suites, each complete with their own private deck, wood-fired hot tub, and indoor and outdoor shower. Discreetly perched at the very top of a granite kopje, the villa offers expansive desert views from every single corner, all while a private chef and butler cater to your every need.
We all gathered at their signature sundowner spot for some local Namibian G&Ts. As if the views weren’t enough, we were treated to a brief rain shower that was followed by a vibrant rainbow and the kind of magical golden hour that only exists in the desert!
Beyond the jaw-dropping surroundings and design of these properties, the service at Ondlui Ridge and Enclave was by far the best we experienced in Namibia. The staff anticipated our every need, knew us all by name, and made us feel instantly at home! The food was also exquisite, ranging from elegant multi-course meals to a fun, relaxed build-your-own-pizza night under the night sky.
Overall, it was a highlight of the trip, and I am already dreaming of the day I can return!
Shipwreck Lodge
Further north, Shipwreck Lodge deserves an honorable mention because it left a lasting impression, not just for its famously unique architecture, but for the sheer variety of adventure it offers!
Nestled between the dunes and the Atlantic, the cabins are designed to look like the wooden shipwrecks that line the Skeleton Coast. It feels like you have reached the absolute edge of the earth, yet you are wrapped in all the warmth and comfort you could ever dream of, complete with fantastic food and warm hospitality.
What really blew me away here was the activities, as there is so much to do! Our days were filled with beach walks, quad biking across the dunes, sundowners by the ocean, and exploring historic shipwrecks. They even treated us to a surprise pop-up braai right in the middle of a dry riverbed, which was much needed after all the energy it took for us to climb those roaring dunes.
We were lucky enough to see brown hyena, jackal, and thousands of seals. Tie that in with the thrilling stories of the elusive desert lions that patrol the area, and our trip was filled with wildlife in far more ways than I would have expected.
ultimate.earth
To put it simply, our journey would not have been the same without the incredible team at ultimate.earth! First and foremost, our guide, Franco Morao, truly brought Namibia to life. Franco is the exact kind of person you would gladly choose to spend ten days in a car with! His deep knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and insights into every single destination we visited were remarkable.
This level of service extends across the entire ultimate.earth team, as they always seemed to be a few steps ahead when thinking about the guest experience! I was continually impressed by the thoughtful touches along the way, with everything from lost luggage kits to detailed species checklists to engraved personalized bottles of birthday champagne. We had absolutely everything we needed and more for a seamless journey from the comfort of our fully customized Land Cruiser!
What resonated with me most is their commitment to the protection and conservation of the fragile areas in which they operate. Spending so many hours gazing out the window, I was in complete awe of the vast, wide-open spaces that still exist in Namibia. These were places where Mother Nature remains firmly in control, and humans have yet to leave a heavy mark.
Through their Conservation Travel Foundation and trusted conservation partners, ultimate.earth actively supports initiatives that protect these ecosystems, empower local communities, and create a meaningful, lasting impact. I feel grateful for a deeply memorable FAM trip that was the kind of travel experience you can feel genuinely good about supporting!
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