Namibia Flying Safari

With a strict limit on the number of lodges allowed in the beautiful NamibRand Nature Reserve, it’s not often that a new one appears on the books. But here is Kwessi Dunes Lodge, once a traditional Namibian farm and now 10 cool and quirky chalets. Set smack bang in the middle of the 200,000-hectare reserve, there’s plenty to get your teeth into – there is everything from nature drives and walks, quad bike explorations, hot air balloon flights, Sossusvlei trips and plenty of opportunities to spot desert-adapted wildlife. Add to that a lovely-looking lodge and a team that knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to top-notch safaris (and air conditioning and a swimming pool).

The quirky, air-conditioned chalets. With stripy walls, map murals and vintage four-poster beds, they stand out in a desert of green canvas. Spend a night out under the stars on your very own star bed.

Stargazer room

Northern Namibia’s newest retreat, Hoanib Valley is a stylish, six-bedroom tented camp in the heart of the remote and rugged Kaokoland. In an era of "conservation-focused" camps, Hoanib Valley actually does what it says on the tin, and the venture is a joint partnership between the local communities and the resident Giraffe Conservation Project. As well as learning about the protection of the stately, sadly endangered, giraffe in the region, you’ll be able to drive through herds of desert-adapted elephant, track rhino, and visit the fascinating Himba and Herero peoples who call this harsh environment home.

The earthy and incredibly chic décor. This is certainly no khaki-clad affair and the delicate cushions, luxurious fabrics and soothing colour palettes are beautiful.

Namibia's Skeleton Coast is a strange and beautiful slice of African wilderness. Think wind-swept dunes, dramatic beaches and icy Atlantic seas, renowned for driving many a ship ashore - and it’s these ships that Shipwreck Lodge has taken its inspiration. Rising eerily from the dunes, the cabins are modelled on the relics from times past and whilst austere from the outside, the interiors are plush, cosy and offer the perfect respite from the harsh surroundings. Fantastically varied wildlife – seal and flamingo colonies, hyenas scouring the shoreline, desert-adapted lion and elephant – and a selection of excellent activities – quad biking, beachcombing and dune sundowners – make this a desert adventure of note.

Feeling like the only people in the world to ever have explored this remarkable area…

Travel to Namibia’s arid northern wilderness and you'll find vast gravel plains interrupted by occasional rocky ridges, stretches of mopane trees and lots of game around Etosha's permanent waterholes. Safarihoek Lodges lies in a private reserve on the southern edge of the national park, in the Etosha Heights Private Reserve. It’s a large, modern lodge that overlooks a huge waterhole, has far-reaching views and offers an exciting range of game-viewing activities. Lion and elephant are the stars of the landscape, and if rhinos are on your must-see list, you’ll more than likely be happy here!

Spending a morning in the split-level viewing hide beside the waterhole. It’s a great place to watch, and photograph, the constant stream of wildlife visitors.