Namibia self-drive & the Himba

Wilderness Kulala Desert Lodge’s location at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei dunes allows for stunning views in every direction, while its private entrance to the Namib Naukluft National Park makes it the closest location to Sossusvlei. The camp is ideal for self-drives and groups. Twenty-one thatched and canvas tents (including two family units), each built on raised wooden platforms make for airy, comfortable accommodation, with a rooftop area for sleep-outs under the stars. Afternoons around the pool provide relief from the heat, while the wraparound veranda at the main area overlooks a waterhole, and private tours of the dunes provide the ultimate Sossusvlei experience. Insider's Tip: Try your hand at desert photography – whether capturing the red colour of the dunes in the early morning light or the otherworldly tree skeletons standing starkly across the floor of Dead Vlei.

Swakopmund sits at one of Africa's more unlikely intersections: the cold Atlantic on one side, the Namib Desert on the other, and a town that absorbed over a century of colonial and coastal history between them. The Strand Hotel Swakopmund occupies a prime position on the waterfront, steps from the beach and within easy reach of the town's museums, markets, and dune activities. Rooms are well appointed and en suite, with many facing out to sea. The wellness centre offers spa treatments for unwinding after days spent sandboarding or quad biking across the dunes. Dining covers considerable ground: Ocean Cellar for fresh seafood, Brewer and Butcher for craft beers and hearty plates, and the Farmhouse Deli for breakfast or a relaxed afternoon coffee. All three include sea-facing terraces. Swakopmund is perfect for slow strolls on foot, and the hotel's location makes that easy. The Swakopmund Museum is close by, the beach is nearby, and the desert starts where the town ends. Insider's Tip: The fire pit terrace at Brewer and Butcher faces directly west; position yourself there as the sun drops towards the Atlantic for one of the best sundowner spots in town.

From a hillside above the dry Aba-Huab River, Wilderness Doro Nawas provides guests with far-reaching views across rugged Damaraland. The camp is ideally located as a base from which to learn more about both the area’s ancient inhabitants and the visionary ecotourism partnership with today’s communities. The petroglyphs and San rock art of Twyfelfontein are within easy reach. Sixteen guest units (including a family room) blend in with the scenery, and feature private verandas and outdoor showers. Sleeping out under the stars is also an option. Nature drives and walks reveal more of the desert’s surprising and superbly-adapted flora and fauna. Insider’s Tip: Without bright lights and far from pollution, the camp is the ideal setting for marvelling at the night sky. Opt for a night in the Star Bed to experience superb stargazing.

Set amongst shady trees on the banks of the Kunene River, Wilderness Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa, its Portuguese name originating from the mountains that dominate the northern skyline. Guests fall asleep to the sound of rushing water, while by day they explore one of the driest deserts in the world. Activities here are varied, including boating (water levels permitting), walking, viewing breathtaking landscapes, as well as carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes. In this isolated region, the Himba people continue their nomadic, traditional way of life and when in the area, guests have the opportunity to meet them and learn about their lifestyle and traditions. Insider's Tip: Most authentic Himba cultural experience in all of Namibia!