Podcast conversation with Scott Simpson.
Often Namibia is considered a good option for a 2nd or 3rd safari destination. I tend to agree. However for some clients it may be a great for a first safari. Scott shared what makes Namibia such a unique destination. In fact so special that it deserves to be a stand alone trip. There are spectacular places like Skeleton coast, Sossusvlei and Deadvlei and there are also lodges that are architecturally unique and built into the surrounding boulders, mountains or desert. And my favorite – star beds! There are a lot of lodges with star beds.
Namibia has 4 of the 5 “Big 5” and they have adapted to the desert. Seeing them is a very interesting contrast to a more mainstream safari destination. Swakopmund is a great base for adventure activities – run around on ATVs over and sandboard on sand dunes, go kayaking with seals at Walvis Bay (look out for the sharks). Climb the Big Daddy sand dune.
Oh and the stargazing! Part of Namibia is a designated Dark Sky Reserve. &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is known as one of the absolute best places to gaze out at the Milky Way.
More experiences:
- Meeting Himba Tribesmen of the Kunene and learn about their culture
- Horseback riding
- Ebiking
- Quad bikes/ATVs
- Taking a hot air balloon over the diverse landscape
- Canoeing and white water rafting
- Dining on venison served on hot desert stones
- Photography – capture the morning and afternoon light painting the sand dunes
- Seeing the Fairy Circles of the Namib Desert – it’s still a mystery to scientists
- Grabbing a beer at Joe’s Beerhouse – an iconic Windhoek lunch stop
- Indulging in the spa at one of the luxury lodges
- Don’t forget about the little animals – scorpions, lizards, geckos, etc.
And learn what to do so you don’t lose your car in Sandwich Harbor.
A handful of favorite hotels:
- Serra Cafema
- Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
- andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- Little Kulala – starbeds, thatched kulalas which merge into the desert landscape
- Shipwreck Lodge
Best time to visit is in their winter – May through October.