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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…
From $1,060 person/night
The magnificent scenery - giant granite boulders, red sand dunes, desert plains and starry skies - makes it difficult to put your camera away.
The camp has set arrival days and there is a minimum three-night stay in place so some planning might be required to fit it into an itinerary.
If you're a light sleeper, be aware that the tents can rattle a bit in the wind, but come for the ambiance and the luxury of space.
The main area is built on a raised wooden deck and consists of Meru-style tents housing the dining room and an open-sided lounge. There are plush leather couches that gaze over the fairy-circle studded landscapes and next door in the dining room, the communal table offers the same view. To one side, a semi-circle of boulders surrounds an open fireplace and atop one massive boulder, a perfect sundowner spot has majestic views over the reserve. There's also a small but sufficiently refreshing pool.
The five tented chalets are built on raised decks on either side of the main area - giant granite boulders behind, and endless views of the grassy desert plains in front. They are elegantly furnished with four-poster beds, solid wooden dressing tables, and large chairs, and you can open the canvas as much or a little as you like to let the outside in. Outside, enjoy the vistas on the wrap-around veranda, or lie by the pool and soak in the views (there is one shared pool between two tents). Bathrooms are separate from the bedroom (just a few metres away) and contain a large shower, twin basins and a toilet.
When you’re not enjoying camp, make the most of the desert experiences on offer from Boulders. You’ll explore the deep southern section of the reserve, a vast expanse of grassy plains dotted with enormous granite outcrops, on guided game drives, walking safaris with the Bushmen, and even e-bikes for cycling over the ancient trails. Hot air ballooning can also be organised in advance (the take-off site is a fair distance from camp) and floating above the reserve in peaceful solitude is nothing short of spectacular.