Hoopoe Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day

Every desert, whether of sand or concrete, needs an oasis and Galton House fits the bill. After a day travelling across Namibia’s great plains or weaving through Windhoek traffic, Galton House is a cool sanctuary of minimalist, state-of-the-art décor.

The old capital still bears traces of its German colonial past, and its newest kid on the block is like a time portal into the modern era. Think Scandi-cool in Africa, this is a smart boutique hotel in all but name.

Situated in a quiet, affluent suburb a few minutes from the city centre, its complex of nine rooms with a small pool is an interior designer's daydream of wood, glass and marble enlivened by canvas prints of striking wildlife photography and indigenous tribes.

The open-plan lounge is an invitation to relax with a book, and with friendly staff on hand to cook up amazing dishes served in the open-plan dining area, there's no need to head into town for dinner.

"Much better than we expected, lovely room."

Mr & Mrs BfromWraysbury

Arrived 3 Sep 2024, 1 night

Since we're now back in the 21st century, high-speed WiFi, satellite TV and air conditioning are standard. After a long flight or day's sightseeing, there are few modern oases more welcome. See our full report on Galton House

With mountains to the east, and the great Namib Sand Sea to the west, Kulala excels at natural grandeur. The exclusivity of a private reserve makes the setting feel even more special, and with its own private entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Kulala Desert Lodge takes a lot of beating.

Blending almost seamlessly into the scenery, the thatched roofs at the heart of the lodge rise to a peak, mimicking the surroundings. Natural wood, stone floors and rough white walls help to minimise the desert heat, while touches of greens, browns and burnt orange reflect the natural world.

During the day, discover the majesty of the dunes by 4WD. Nearer to home, explore the reserve on foot, take to the air in a hot-air balloon, or round off the day with a sundowner drive.

And then to bed. Meaning “to sleep” in the Oshiwambo language, “kulala” here refers to the chalets – and with good reason. There may be 23 of them, but in this vast environment each feels like a tented oasis, with a private veranda, comfortable beds, and a ceiling fan to enhance the cooling breeze through mesh windows.

"...setting was perfect for access to the dunes using the lodge tour."

Mr & Mrs BfromAvon

Arrived 6 Sep 2024, 3 nights

Best of all, though, is to fall asleep on your own roof terrace, the myriad stars of the Namibian night sky above, the desert all around. Just how cool is that? See our full report on Kulala Desert Lodge

A partnership with the local community, the fortress-like Doro Nawas is strategically placed for visiting the highlights of Damaraland. Brooding atop a rugged hill like some dark, Moorish castle, Doro Nawas boasts 360-degree views across the surrounding plains.

Like all proper castles, it comes complete with great big wooden doors, a crackling fireplace, and a rooftop look-out post where 21st-century inhabitants can gaze at the stars – or scan the plains for ostrich or even desert-adapted elephants.

Encircling the slopes below, steeply thatched chalets are cool and dark inside, contrasting with the harsh sun above. A cooling fan and extra blankets are on hand to counter the extremes of temperature, and fluffy towels bring warmth to the spacious bathrooms.

Outside, a shaded veranda features a shower-with-a-view, with privacy guaranteed by simple wooden palisades. But when the veranda really comes into its own is after dark, when the beds can be rolled out for you to cosy up under the stars.

Born of a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the Doro !Nawas community, the lodge is an outstanding example of such partnerships.

"Staff was so exceptional that this was a highlight of our stay - joyfulness"

MDBfromAlaska

Arrived 9 Oct 2024, 2 nights

A stay here is particularly memorable as most of the staff are drawn from the area, giving guests the opportunity of an insight into their culture that is far more personal than any structured village visit. See our full report on Doro Nawas

Stunning views over the plains of its own private reserve set the scene at the smart Ongava Lodge. And if the view is superb, so is the wildlife – perhaps to be expected in such close proximity to Etosha National Park.

With plains game aplenty on the reserve, predators are rarely far behind, but pride of place goes to both black and white rhino. Spotting these primeval giants from a game-drive 4WD is exciting in itself, but to approach white rhino on foot is an opportunity not to be missed.

Back at the lodge, every area maximises the views – and the wildlife. In the spacious, air-conditioned chalets, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a veranda that overlooks the plains. At the hub of the camp, an attractive dining terrace looks down onto a floodlit waterhole. And a strategically placed hide allows you to get even closer to the animals.

"perhaps the very best thing about Ongava was the viewing hide. "

S & S fromAlaska

Arrived 7 Oct 2024, 3 nights

In this exclusive setting, comfort is the watchword. Wander down to the pool for a cooling afternoon dip, or freshen up before dinner in your open-air shower. Then order a drink at the bar, and take in the Namibian night sky from the terrace. Or, come the cooler evenings, cosy down around a wood fire with a book from the library. And if you’re lucky enough to spot rhino at the waterhole, that’s a further bonus. See our full report on Ongava Lodge

Every desert, whether of sand or concrete, needs an oasis and Galton House fits the bill. After a day travelling across Namibia’s great plains or weaving through Windhoek traffic, Galton House is a cool sanctuary of minimalist, state-of-the-art décor.

The old capital still bears traces of its German colonial past, and its newest kid on the block is like a time portal into the modern era. Think Scandi-cool in Africa, this is a smart boutique hotel in all but name.

Situated in a quiet, affluent suburb a few minutes from the city centre, its complex of nine rooms with a small pool is an interior designer's daydream of wood, glass and marble enlivened by canvas prints of striking wildlife photography and indigenous tribes.

The open-plan lounge is an invitation to relax with a book, and with friendly staff on hand to cook up amazing dishes served in the open-plan dining area, there's no need to head into town for dinner.

"Attention to detail was awesome! Food and wine was excellent."

Annie fromMAN

Arrived 23 Sep 2024, 1 night

Since we're now back in the 21st century, high-speed WiFi, satellite TV and air conditioning are standard. After a long flight or day's sightseeing, there are few modern oases more welcome. See our full report on Galton House