Gemsbok in the desert with sand dunes in the background, 12 day ultimate Namibia safari

A Safari Through Namibia’s Iconic Landscapes Spiritual Desert Escapes & Remote Tribal Lands

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The Best of Namibia

From ballooning over Sossusvlei’s dunes to Damaraland’s wildlife and Kaokoveld’s Himba culture — nowhere does jaw-dropping like Namibia.

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AT A GLANCE

The Essentials

All the details you need to know about your journey

Starts

Windhoek

Ends

Windhoek

Visits

Namibia

Duration

8 Nights

Style

Fly-in

Best time

Nov 26

Price From

10900

Board basis

Fully-Inclusive
Ultimate Namibia safari map

Overview

The Ultimate Namibia Safari

Sand, Stars, and a Little Mischief

Escape the crowds and discover the perfect blend of soulfulness, solitude and safari in this stunner of a country. On the 9 day ultimate Namibia safari, you’ll explore the length of Namibia’s western stretches – from the colossal red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, along the eery shipwreck-strewn coastline, all the way up to the tribal homelands of the Himba people.

The pinch-yourself adventure begins in Sossusvlei, floating high above the dunes in a hot air balloon by day and losing count of the stars by night. (It’s one of the darkest places on earth.) Travelling up through Damaraland and the Hoanib Valley, you’ll track fascinating desert-adapted populations of rhino, elephant and lion. And in Namibia’s far north-western corner, on the banks of the Kunene River in the heart of the Kaokoveld desert, you’ll discover a thriving culture that’s as fascinating as it is ancient. Nowhere does jaw-dropping quite like the 9 day ultimate Namibia safari.

ITINERARY

The Journey at a Glance

3 Nights
Little Kulala, Namibia
Fully Inclusive
3 Nights
Hoanib Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Fully Inclusive
2 Nights
Serra Cafema, Namibia
Fully Inclusive

YOUR STAY

Camps & Lodges

3 Nights

Little Kulala

Set in one of the darkest places on earth, Little Kulala’s sand and stars are a match made in heaven. With its parched clay basin, blood orange dunes, and what remains of a few ghostly camelthorn trees, Dead Vlei is...

EXPLORE
Little Kulala Lodge at sunset, view from the pool, Namib desert, Namibia
3 Nights

Hoanib Skeleton Coast

If you’re ready for a key change from the run-of-the mill safari experience, this is it. Track desert lions and brown hyenas with wildlife researchers, explore caves, tumble down dunes, hunt scorpions and collapse into the comfort of one of...

EXPLORE
Hoanib Camp in the desert, surrounded by mountains with elephants in the foreground. Namibia
2 Nights

Serra Cafema

Serra Cafema isn’t just far from ordinary, it’s far from, well, just about everywhere. Peering out from a dense overhang of acacias on the muddy banks of the Kunene river, the camp is the most remote one of its kind...

EXPLORE
Serra Cafema Lodge in far northern Namibia, view of the deck overlooking the Kunene River

Your Stay

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Some of the Destinations You’ll be Visiting

Aerial view of red dunes and a vehicle crossing the desert plain in Namibia

Namibia

View Area
Sossusvlei desert milky way in the night sky, Namibia

Sossusvlei

View Area
Himba tribe walking through sand dunes

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoveld

View Area

Details Matter

Day by Day Itinerary

The adventure begins on day one. A small charter flight whisks you away from Windhoek down to Little Kulala, for three star-filled nights in Sossusvlei. Thanks to an exclusive side entrance, you’ll beat the crowds into the iconic Deadvlei, taking it all in, in peace and quiet. On one of the three days, you’ll take a scenic hot air balloon flight at sunrise. And if you’re feeling energetic, you can trek to the top of the Big Daddy of all dunes.

Today’s the day you start heading north. You’ll hop on your next charter flight and head up towards Hoanib Skeleton Coast for three days of desert-adapted wildlife sightings. Aerial views of the desolate, foggy coastline will make your heart stop and your hair stand on end. You’ll spend mornings watching herds of desert-adapted elephants, tracking black rhino, or exploring the lunar-esque landscape on foot. Explore the crags and plains in search of lions, brown hyenas, giraffes and gemsbok and fall asleep to the sound of roaring lions, cocooned in the safety of your tented suite. The camp is ideally situated on the border of the Skeleton Coast National Park which is close enough for a day-trip.

Today you’ll fly off to Namibia’s furthest reaches. (Ask your pilot very nicely if you can sit up front.) Venturing north-west of nowhere, you’ll find Serra Cafema where you’ll spend two unforgettable days in the tribal homeland of the nomadic Himba people. You’ll learn their ancient customs first-hand; an experience that’s nothing short of spiritual. There’ll be time to discover mysterious fairy circles, take a quad bike for a skid, and sip sundowners on the Kunene River. It’s magic up here, a truly soulful hideaway at the end of the world.

It's your last morning in Namibia! Venture out at first light for your last game drive, or have a slow morning and soak up the desert peace before making your way to the airstrip and hopping on a plane back to Windhoek.

YOUR STAY

Unmissable Moments

Himba community at Namibia's remote Serra Cafema Desert Safari Camp

Highlights

  • Beating the crowds into Sossusvlei’s iconic Deadvlei for a private audience with its fossilised camelthorn trees.
  • Climbing Big Daddy for a 360 degree view of Sossusvlei from the top – and then tumbling all the way down.
  • Exploring the lunar landscape of the Skeleton Coast, with its seal colonies and desert-adapted wildlife.
  • Meeting the Himba people in their tribal homeland and learning about their ancient ways.
  • The peace and seclusion.

Cool & Unusual

  • Taking a scenic hot air balloon flight over the Namib desert as the sun rises over the dunes below.

ITINERARY

Dates & Rates

Green SeasonShoulder SeasonPeak Season
Double$10900 per person sharing
Single Supp
Local Flights

ITINERARY

Inclusions

  • All Accommodation

  • All Activities as per Itinerary

  • All Airport Transfers

  • All Meals & Selected Drinks

  • All Scheduled Flights

  • Conservation Fees

  • Wifi in Camp Where Available

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll explore Namibia’s wild western flank — from the towering red dunes and fossilised trees of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, to the rugged, otherworldly landscapes of Damaraland and the Hoanib Valley. You’ll travel along the haunting Skeleton Coast, home to shipwrecks, seal colonies, and desert-adapted wildlife, before reaching the remote Kaokoveld region on the banks of the Kunene River, homeland of the Himba people.

This is a fly-in safari combined with scenic overland drives, giving you both dramatic aerial views and immersive on-the-ground experiences. All flights, transfers, and guided drives between destinations are included, so you can simply relax and enjoy the changing scenery.

Namibia’s wildlife is as resilient as it is remarkable. Expect to see desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, and lion, alongside giraffe, oryx, and springbok. Other desert-adapted animals, like aardvark and bat-eared fox, aren’t off the table either. Along the Skeleton Coast, you’ll encounter vast seal colonies, coastal birdlife, and, if lucky, brown hyena. This isn’t about mass herds — it’s about spotting rare species in dramatic, untouched settings.

The dry, winter season (May–October) is best. It offers cooler temperatures, clear skies, and prime wildlife viewing.

Both. First-time visitors will be blown away by Namibia’s diversity, while seasoned safari-goers will relish the remote wilderness and unique desert-adapted wildlife. It’s a trip for travellers who enjoy a balance of comfort, culture, and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Yes! The itinerary is completely customisable. Add days, or add in stops like Botswana or Cape Town – the sky is the limit.

Plenty! You’ll climb iconic dunes like Big Daddy, visit the eerie Deadvlei pan, take a hot air balloon flight over the Namib Desert, explore the Skeleton Coast, track desert wildlife on guided drives, meet the Himba people, and go on a guided San Bushman walk!

Most activities are at a relaxed pace and suitable for all ages. Some dune climbs and nature walks require moderate fitness, but alternative activities can be arranged. This is a soft adventure safari — more about slow travel than extreme exertion.

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Miroslav Levanic
Miroslav Levanic
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How do you write a review for a travel agency that is above perfect? It's not hard! Hidden Africa listened … read more

Stefan Williams
Stefan Williams
a year ago

Simply amazing. We have had 2 trips of a lifetime with Hidden Africa now, and plan on many more. Their … read more

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Owen Brenner
2 years ago

Chad at Hidden Africa was absolutely wonderful to work with. We worked together to fully customized our 2 week elopement … read more

Sonia Kolar
Sonia Kolar
6 months ago

Geraldine worked with my friend Cheryl to arrange the most amazing Southern Africa trip. Geraldine even worked around some of … read more

HOW IT WORKS

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