Best hotels in NamibRand

Set amongst the phenomenal landscapes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, this modest but refined camp is dwarfed by the huge red dunes that surround it. Wolwedans Dune Camp (along with the other camps in the Wolwedans Collection) is privately owned and prides itself on delivering a personal experience, full of luxury, privacy and tranquillity. The focus is on a pristine wilderness experience, with considerably fewer tourists than the neighbouring national park, and there is an array of laid back activities on offer, from horse-riding to hot air balloon flights, sundowners with a view and spectacular, all-day drives through the desertscapes.

This is a two night/three day leisurely walking safari through the southern section of the 2300 square kilometers of Namibrand private reserve near Namibia's world famous Sossusvlei. There is no better way to get a real feel for nature than experiencing it on foot. Although this trail gets you back to basics, there's a surprising amount of luxury to be enjoyed along the way - indeed the luxury of space (which you'll have in abundance) as well as the complete disengagement from the outside world. You'll come to learn that the desert is alive with creatures great and small, eking out an existence is this harsh but extremely scenic environment. The trail operates from March to November.

Set amongst the phenomenal landscapes in the south of the privately-owned NamibRand Nature Reserve, Boulders Camp is perched atop an island of granite in a sea of sandy plains. The closest camp is a three-hour drive away and the utter solitude is magical. During the day, you’ll explore the plains on game drives and walks, and in the evening, you’ll return to camp for sundowners and a refreshing dip in the pool, all the while accompanied by the desert and its ever-changing colours. This really is as far off the beaten track as you can get…

Set amongst the phenomenal landscapes of the Namib Desert, this elegant, stylish tented lodge has magnificent panoramic views of the 2100 km2 Namibrand reserve in all directions. This privately owned gem borders the famous Sossusvlei area to its west and boasts plenty of its own awe-inspiring scenery. Wolwedans Desert Lodge prides itself on delivering a personal experience full of luxury, privacy and tranquility. It is one of four Wolwedans camps which also include Dune Camp, Boulders Camp and Wolwedans Plains Camp. The reserve offers a pristine wilderness experience, with considerably fewer tourists than the neighbouring national park (though a visit there is still highly recommended). You'll find an array of laid back activities here, and although you may see some interesting desert-adapted species of plants and animals, the focus is certainly on the majestic scenery.

This sophisticated lodge in Namibia's Karas region echoes the camps of those travellers of old – with no expense or comfort spared. Sonop ("sunrise") is a sumptuous experience to be sure, complete with multi-course meals served by white-gloved waiters, and a telescope in your fit-for-royalty tent. You're deep in the empty wilderness here, far from any beaten track (although the best Namibian holidays are meandering). Expect a vast moonscape terrain, sculptural sand dunes, wide salt pans, a star-studded vault of sky, and the romance of raw natural beauty. We call this pure drama, Namib-style.

Namibia is highly regarded for its otherworldly landscapes, and nowhere is its beauty more fully on display than in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, near Sossusvlei. Here, the wispy yellow grasses, towering red-sand dunes and barren mountains make you feel like you've stepped into a work of art. Then an oryx enters the scene and you're reminded that this is a living desert. Come to Wolwedans Mountain View Suite for authentic peace and quiet, access to the glorious desert-scapes, and ultimate privacy. Located a short walk from Desert Lodge, the one-bedroom suite is entirely secluded; it’s just you, your private guide, chef, butler – and those views.

This gorgeous, exclusive-use villa lies in a fairy-circle dotted grassland valley surrounded by the rugged mountains of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Constructed from canvas, timber and with lots of open spaces and window-less walls, the scenery is at the forefront of a stay, and the location, deep in the heart of the reserve, is ideal for those looking for solitude, privacy and to simply get away from it all. The beautiful lounges, dining room and verandas (complete with their own plunge pool-style ‘Wolwedans Chillers’) offer ample space for R&R and desert contemplation, but if the mood takes you, there are plenty of activities on offer for a full desert immersion.

This intimate farm-style retreat nestled within the 25,000-hectare Sinclair Nature Reserve creates a deeply personal sanctuary between the Namib Sand Sea and the rugged Tiras Mountains, where childhood dreams of idyllic farm holidays inspired owners Marc and Mariza to craft just four spacious suites that accommodate a maximum of eight guests. Here in this exclusive desert oasis, life revolves around the separate Ouma House farmhouse where wholesome meals appear from the kitchen garden, while the vast landscape outside offers endless silence, ancient geological artistry, and the simple joy of feeling genuinely far from everything.

Available from Dune Camp, Mountain View Suite, Desert Lodge and Plains Camp. Currently not available from Boulder's Camp. NAD 2150 surcharge and only bookable on a 3 night stay at a Wolwedans property

Namtib Desert Lodge offers its guests tranquility, silence, vast open spaces, intact eco-systems, clear skies, and individuality. Enjoy your luxury stay in this peaceful getaway.