Love is in the Air: Honeymoon in Namibia
This Valentine’s Day, consider a honeymoon in Namibia for something romantic, secluded, and off-the-beaten-path...
Photo courtesy of Ongava Lodge
To celebrate the Day of Love, we wanted to share a honeymoon itinerary like no other. While we love a beachy honeymoon vibe or a romantic city break, we and our dear friends at See You in Africa thought we’d bring something different to the table with this epic adventure in the African savannah that gives you the chance to be awed by wildlife, luxuriate in the solitude of a peaceful desert in private camps, and stare together up at the Namibian sky speckled with stars.
Get ready to swoon at this romantic itinerary.
Welcome to Windhoek!
Upon arriving into the Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, you’ll be met by a See You in Africa representative. You can choose to have a private driver for the duration of the trip, or you can set off on a self-drive itinerary through Namibia. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be looked after from beginning to end.
Enjoy today to relax and perhaps explore the Namibian capital of Windhoek.
N/a’ankuse Lodge
Only thirty minutes from the airport yet right in the middle of the savannah, you’ll find award-winning N/a’an ku sê (Naankuse) Lodge amongst the camel thorn trees, riverbeds, and a stone canyon. It’s the perfect place to start your deep dive into Namibia. With a range of enjoyable activities including carnivore-feeding tours and cheetah walks, you’re sure to remember your stay here.
It’s also important to note that the Lodge is a strong supporter of the San Bushman local community, the nature of Namibia, and Africa as a whole. The Lodge has invested many dollars and hours into improving the lives of the local community through their Lifeline Clinic, job opportunities at the lodge, and child education at the Clever Cubs School.
Wolwedans Private Camp
After you’ve had your fill of Windhoek and your stay at the Lodge, it’s off to Wolwedans Private Camp. Situated in a quiet and idyllic valley, this is the perfect getaway for honeymooners or small groups seeking uncompromising privacy and solitude as the camp only caters for up to six guests exclusively. The three spacious en-suite rooms feature a ‘Sala’ for lazing away siestas, various decks, and the central lounge, which combine a study, living room, dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. The open-plan design allows for uninterrupted views of the surrounding nature.
Photos courtesy of Wolwedans Private Camp
You’ll want to spend some of your time here simply relaxing together: read, reflect, or take walks in one of the most enchanting landscapes in Africa. However, there’s plenty to do as well. Soar the skies in a hot air balloon, embark on a fly-in day safari to some of Namibia’s most remote natural wonders, or experience the true magnitude of the NamibRand Nature Reserve on a walking safari. Head out into the dunes for a sundowner drive, where cold drinks will be served as you take in the magnificent desert sunset together. Your return drive will be in the dark, and you’ll arrive back to camp to find that the chefs have put together a sumptuous four-course dinner for you.
Photo courtesy of The Strand Hotel Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Your next stop on your Namibian adventure is Swakopmund, where you’ll enjoy a little beachy time after all! Founded in 1892, Swakopmund was intended to be the main harbor of the German colony and is surrounded by the Namib Desert on three sides, and the cold Atlantic Ocean to the west, and as such, enjoys a temperate climate. Culturally and architecturally, Swakopmund is particularly influenced by its having been a German colony, as is evidenced by the many beautiful examples of German colonial architecture.
The Strand Hotel Swakopmund is the perfect base from which to explore this harbor town. The hotel is visually stunning as it is surrounded by the ocean on three sides.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Leaving the ocean behind, head to Mowani Mountain Camp, which sits secluded amongst the boulders. The guest rooms here are a testament to the surroundings, where a sense of elegance and earthiness prevails. Colors, textures, and comforts envelope you here, and it’s no surprise that this organic design has won architectural eco-design awards.
While at Mowani, climb into an open-air vehicle to experience the rush of Africa. Mowani’s local guides share their intimate knowledge and respect for the land that has been built over a lifetime. With new insight into local traditions, you will come to fully appreciate the geology, botany, and wildlife of the area. Local villagers are welcoming and keen to share their experiences, which creates strong memories to last a lifetime.
Photos courtesy of Mowani Mountain Camp
Khowarib Lodge
You’ll move into northwest Namibia and to the banks of the Hoanib River in the magnificent Khowarib Gorge for your next stay at Khowarib Lodge, where fourteen canvas chalets project out from the riverbank on stilts. This positioning provides unrivaled, shady views of the cliffs opposite.
The Lodge provides the perfect jumping-off point from which to explore the remote northwest of the country, and the lodge offers extensive guided tours to ensure that you have the knowledge of a local guide with you each step of the way. Visit elephants in the desert, meet the local Himba, and go on nature walks, which are a particular delight for keen birders. Sundowner trips can also be arranged, as can visits to the warm water spring of Ongongo Falls, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy some natural swimming.
Photos courtesy of Khowarib Lodge
Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is most famous for a salt pan so large that it can be seen from outer space. As such, your explorations of this vast area will be split between two camps so that you can experience all the national park has to offer.
First, you’ll stay at Etosha’s new and exclusive Dolomite Camp, which opens up the restricted western side of the park to a limited number of visitors. You’ll stay in a permanent luxury tent with an elevated view of the endless plains of Etosha. Game drives give you exclusive viewings as the area is still restricted. The wildlife here has developed without human disturbance, and rare species such as black rhino and black-faced impala have established themselves in the area. The region is also rich in waterholes that attract elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, a prolific birdlife, and more. The camp is unfenced, allowing animals to roam freely between the tents and communal area, and your safety is guaranteed by personal escorts. You’ll also be treated to modern luxuries such as a delicious restaurant, a rim-flow swimming pool, and a bar.
Photos courtesy of Etosha National Park, Ongava Lodge, & Dolomites Lodge
The second half of your Etosha exploration will take place at Ongava Lodge, one of Namibia’s premier lodges set on one of the country’s most important private game reserves along the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park. Placed as it is close to the top of a hill in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana range, the vantage point is beautiful and overlooks a well-frequented waterhole and the plains beyond. The fourteen rock-and-thatch en-suite chalets offer optimal comfort, while the main lounge and dining areas offer impressive views of the waterhole. Along with enjoying meals in the restaurant, you may also want to enjoy a romantic meal under the stars. Activities include game drives into Etosha, nature drives and walks on the reserve, and time to relax in the camp.
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Your in-depth discovery of Namibia ends at the Okonjima Nature Reserve, where you can stay at the Plains Camp of the Okonjima Lodge. The Plains Camp is 700 meters from the airstrip within the secluded wilderness of the nature reserve, offering magical sunset views. Its design honors the Hanssen family’s cattle-farming history with its three-tier accommodation, which includes 30 rooms in total. This property is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
The Hanssen family raised cattle on this land from the 1920s until Namibia’s independence in the early ‘90s. Afterwards, they sold their cattle and focused instead on recovering the grass plains and transforming the area into a nature reserve, with its primary focus being on carnivore conservation through the AfriCat Foundation. Today, it is a luxurious African safari destination and the perfect place to round off your trip, famed as it is for its cheetah, brown hyena, and leopard sightings. The Plains Camp Barn is an entertainment area that includes a dining and lounge area, bar, and swimming pool, all of which overlook the waterhole and the Okonjima plains. Along with daily game drives, you can partake in cheetah trekking and sundowners driving as well.
You’ll have about a four-hour drive back to the airport, so we can arrange for an airport hotel if needed to break up your long journey back home after a honeymoon you’ll never forget.
If you would like to Go Away to Namibia (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us. We will design a customized itinerary based on your interests and make sure you are given the VIP treatment from start to finish.