1. Serra Cafema
Surrounded by rushing rapids and shaded by expansive albida trees, Serra Cafema is a luxury desert retreat located in a remote corner of Namibia’s isolated Kunene region. On-site accommodation consists of eight elevated riverside villas, each with a private deck, ensuite bathroom and breathtaking views of the towering Cafema mountain range. With the region housing a large population of Nile crocodiles and Hartmann’s mountain zebra, nature excursions are a must, as is the obligatory sundowner.
Price: from US $694 per person per night.
Tel: +27 11 807 1800
2. Little Kulala
If you fancy a night beneath the stars in the expansive Namib Desert, Little Kulala could be the retreat for you. Situated at the heart of the 37,000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a stone’s throw from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, this lodge comprises 11 climate-controlled, thatched ‘kulalas’, each with a private plunge pool and rooftop ‘skybed’/dining area; perfect for a romantic sunset meal or a late night stargaze.
Price: from $668 per person per night (includes all meals, local drinks and twice-daily camp activities)
Tel: +27 11 807 1800
www.wilderness-safaris.com
3. Wolwedans Dunes Lodge
The dramatic surroundings of Wolwedans Dunes Lodge makes it an unforgettable place to stay. The lodge's locale atop a dune plateau means panoramic vistas can be enjoyed from every direction. Here, guests have a choice to stay in one of nine spacious chalets. For an unrivalled luxury safari experience, spend a couple of nights in the Mountain View Suite, a 200-square-metre space set a short distance away from the main lodge complete with private lounge and sundeck.
Price: from $310 per night. Mountain View Suite from $1,052 per person for two nights.
Tel: +264 61 230 616
4. &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Cradled by ancient mountains within the 180,000-hectare NamibRand Nature Reserve, there is no better place to enjoy the placid tranquillity of Africa’s wilderness than at &Beyond's Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. On arrival, you can choose from one of 10 air-conditioned villas, each boasting a split-level bedroom and occupying its own space on the curve of a sweeping escarpment. As one of the only lodges with a fully equipped observatory, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge will make it hard for stargazers to get an early night's sleep — well worth it, we say.
Price: from $464 per person per night.
Tel: +27 11 809 4300
www.andbeyond.com
5. Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge sits in Namibia’s Purros Conservancy just 55 kilometres from the Skeleton Coast, home of desert-dwelling lions, elephants and black rhino. Accessible only by 4x4 or light aircraft, this remote lodge offers the ultimate secluded getaway, complete with turquoise infinity pool, private gazebos and open-air library. With organised activities ranging from night safaris to local Himba village visits, you won’t be short of things to do at this isolated gem.
Price: from $432 per person per night (all-inclusive). The Presidential Suite starts from $1,736 per night based on two people sharing.
Tel: +264 6568 5018
www.okahirongolodge.com
6. Mowani Mountain Camp
Nestled between ancient granite boulders and the historical site of Twyfelfontein, an area decorated with the rare rock engravings of Stone Age hunter-gatherers, sit the thatched roofs of the luxurious Mowani Mountain Camp. Top-of-the-range lodging here is the Mountain Suite, which comes with luxuries including a dedicated on-call butler, satellite television and private dining/bar facilities. For those who want to really embrace nature, the Mountain Suite has its own outdoor bush bath and shower.
Price: Mountain Suite starts from $412 per person per night (included dinner and breakfast and a guided nature walk).
Tel: +264 61 232 009