Namibia covers a vast amount of land, 825,418 km² to be exact. For someone who hasn’t been to this lovely country before, it’s good to know that there are long stretches of open space between most of the towns. These wide open spaces actually add to your Namibian experience because they are filled with stunning landscapes that include deserts, savannahs and bush fields. This being an ideal opportunity to experience the great outdoors!
Now one of the big points to be made: Namibia is stunningly beautiful in general, but there are a few specific locations scattered across the country that are absolutely awe-inspiring and are not to be missed. The catch is that these lovely locations are not always conveniently placed within city limits or even town limits. A lot of the times they are placed in the middle of nowhere. This is where the Gondwana Collection comes in! We have lodges placed close to all the great sights in the country and these lodges offer various opportunities to actually experience the sights on a more personal level. And of course the placement of these lodges makes them the ideal place to visit or stay along your way through Namibia.
In southern Namibia, tucked away alongside the incredible Fish River Canyon – the second largest canyon in the world– is a stretch of land that has become the Gondwana Canyon Park. What’s great about this park is that the entire area is a conservation area, meaning that all animals roam freely and in peace. The park also holds other secrets, including three of our lodges; Canyon Lodge, Canyon Village and Canyon Roadhouse. Each of which is unique in their own way, and all offer activities to exploit the scenery of the canyon to the best of your photographic skills.
When you start heading north again, you may find yourself cruising along the Kalahari Desert, with its bright red sand stretching into the savannah. And what better way to experience the sun set the sands alight, than watching the sunset from your personal terrace at the Kalahari Anib Lodge or Kalahari Farmhouse. And as you move slightly toward the west, you find yourself smack-dab in the middle of the oldest desert in the world! The Namib Desert has its own way of convincing you to stay, to dig your toes into the fine sand and let it wash through your fingers… the most incredible sight is experiencing the night sky in all its wonder as the milky-way sings you to sleep. This can only be experienced when visiting the Namib Desert Lodge and of course the Namib Dune Star Camp, where you can push your bed out onto the deck and truly experience the starlight.
All the way to the west, as you stand on the beach facing the Atlantic, with a soft, salty spray sticking to your skin and the vast dunes stretching inland behind you, a slight chill runs down your spine as the evening breeze lazy clings to your shoulders… you can set your mind at ease knowing that you have a warm cosy bed waiting for you at the luxurious Delight Hotel.
Heading north, you enter into Damaraland and cast your eyes onto the rich Namibian lands with high mountains, low valleys and ancient rivers finding their way through their domain. The Damara Mopane Lodge lies here, serving as an oasis amongst the red rocks that scatter the area. Comfortable, beautiful and ideal for your visit.
The African elders find themselves roaming along the Etosha National Park and of course there are few other places where you would be able to get as close to these magnificent elephants. Visit watering holes and spot the king of the savannah,hunting as you drive across the sandy plains. Spend your evenings surrounded by lively chatter in an exquisite setting in the Etosha Safari Lodge or the Etosha Safari Camp where you should not miss an opportunity to get comfortable in a recycled tyre-chair at the Shebeen.
Along the great Okavango river, at the Hakusembe River Lodge, you could find yourself cruising along the water or lounging in a cabin looking out onto the serene waters drifting by. Or head further east and find yourself in the Caprivi at the Namushasha River Lodge along the Zambezi River where you can spend lazy afternoons on the restaurant deck watching the current flow by and contemplate the meaning of life…or what you want for dinner. Whichever floats your boat!
With so many options to choose from and so many activities to show you the depth and beauty of the land, how could there be any other option? The Gondwana Collection is an ideal way to guide you to the beauty Namibia holds. A beauty that will not leave you disappointed.
