A Namibian aerial adventure

A speedy 30 minute drive from the airport, Zannier Reserve is the first night’s base, kicking things off with a conservation drive lead by the Head Guide where the likes of leopards, giraffes, warthog and ostrich are on the list of potential sightings – before heading onto Namibrand Nature Reserve on day two.

Blanketing four distinct ecosystems where hyenas, antelope, jackals and various big cats roam, this reserve is one of the largest in Southern Africa. Morning sees breakfast atop a dune, walking trails and horseback riding take up the day, and a cinema under the stars rounds things off.

After a guided nature walk to introduce Sossusvlei, visit the iconic dunes glowing red in the morning sun before moving onto the otherworldly landscapes of Dead Vlei with its skeletal trees. A game drive and sundowners follow before stargazing with an in-the-know guide in this certified Dark Sky Reserve.

Soaring above the dunes in a hot air balloon is well worth the early wake up call, especially when it precedes a champagne breakfast. From there though, it’s onto Palmwag. A stronghold for the largest population of southwestern black rhinos, time here is all about them. Specialist monitors invite guests to go out with them – a lot of the time by foot – to track them down and see how they’re doing.

Named so for the shipwrecks that litter its beaches, the Skeleton Coast seems a fairly inhospitable place. Almost. From seabird colonies and Cape fur seals to zebra, elephants, and even lions, the list of wildlife here is extensive, and a sundowner drive or cruising up the Hoarusib river provides ample opportunity to see them.

Upon arrival in the valley, take to the water again, drifting through the lunar-like landscape past Nile crocodiles and birdlife. The next day is taken up in the vast expanse of Marienfluss Valley, with a safari in Serra Cafema bringing the wild beauty of the area to life. The three days here are topped off with a visit to the Himba community who are more than happy to introduce visitors to their lifestyle and customs.

With over 30 different species, spotting wildlife in Onguma comes rather easily. Game drives aren’t the only thing to occupy time here though, they’re book-ended with mornings beginning with yoga on the deck, and sundowner drives to pretty spots to enjoy a dusk drink. Before arriving at a custom built land cruiser for a sleep-out experience under the Namibian stars.

Home to a plethora of endangered species both big and small, the one resident that thrives here is the enigmatic leopard. Head out on bush walks for an intimate look into the lives of the animals, and accompany an expert from the Carnivore Care Programme on a trail that introduces the foundation’s work to help the area’s wider population of big cats in general.