Private Custom Travel: Namibia

Where did you go?

Windhoek, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei.

Where should our guests start for unique experiences in Namibia?

I recommend beginning your trip along the coast in Swakopmund. Established by German colonists in 1892, the town showcases its origins in its European-style colonial architecture. It’s an excellent home base for your exploration of Namibia because it has an airstrip located just outside of town. We can arrange flights for you to the Skeleton Coast to explore miles of shipwrecks, to Damaraland to view the ancient rock paintings and Sossusvlei to climb the magnificent dunes.

Describe some can’t-miss experiences and destinations.

Summit the Big Daddy Dune in Sossusvlei. At 1,066 feet, it’s one of the highest dunes in the area and offers you splendid views. Upon descent, wander through the tree skeletons dating back hundreds of years at Deadvlei.

You stayed in some remarkable properties. What made them special?

Anderssons Camp at Ongava recently underwent a major renovation. They reopened in April of 2019 and the results are spectacular. The camp is also home to a research facility and every evening before your game drive, you have the opportunity to interact with the researchers, who study some of the most rare and endangered species on the planet.

Describe some of your favorite food experiences.

Evening sundowners are a way of life when you’re on safari. The guides find a quiet location and set up a variety of local delicacies and favorite comfort foods. It is a wonderful way to reminisce over what you’ve seen and learned that day.

What surprised you about Namibia?

It was extraordinary to learn more about the survival tactics of the wildlife and vegetation. Many of the plant species depend on the moisture supplied by the fog rolling in from the coast. Then many of the animals survive by grazing on those plants. It made me really appreciate the rainy days in Seattle.