After years of dreaming about Namibia’s raw and isolated beauty, I finally turned the dream into reality, convincing my partner, JT, to join me on an adventure brimming with extreme contrasts. Our Namibia itinerary promised it all: otherworldly landscapes, plenty of sunrise wake-ups and indulgent stays at luxurious lodges—balanced by long, rugged drives on roads so bumpy that locals have coined them “the Namibian massage.” Just my kind of trip.
The Road Less Traveled
To drive or not to drive—that was the question before traveling to Namibia. But for us, the choice was clear. We craved the freedom of the open road, regardless of the potential challenges—flat tires and the need for emergency fuel reserves, to name a few. That said, we were caught off guard by just how remote Namibia’s roads can truly be. On one particular five-hour stretch, not a single gas station or rest stop appeared on the horizon. Yet, the ability to stop at will and capture the stunning landscapes made every bumpy mile on those gravel roads more than worthwhile.
More Than a Safari
The roads led us to our first stop: Gmundner Lodge, nestled deep in the heart of the Namibian savannah. After a long drive, we were greeted with a special touch—a welcome song, followed by a glass of sparkling rosé. In that moment, I knew we were exactly where we were meant to be.
Though considered a newer safari lodge, Gmundner has redefined the all-inclusive experience, kicking it up a notch. Each day brings a fresh, farm-to-table menu, with three exquisite multi-course meals crafted from the finest meats and vegetables sourced from their on-site farm. The food? Absolutely divine. And when it comes to beverages, the options are limitless—premium wines and top-shelf liquors complement every meal.
We felt a deep connection to the land here. Our sunset game drive, for instance, was a magical experience, capped off with a private sundowner atop a hill, where we were treated to breathtaking views of the untouched Kalahari stretching out before us. It felt like the desert was ours, if only for a moment.
You might assume the highlight of our stay here were those sweeping panoramic views of the Kalahari or the luxuriously spacious safari suite—complete with not one, but two showers and two bathtubs. But in the end, what truly made the experience unforgettable was something much simpler: the people. The staff radiates genuine joy, and their positive energy infuses every corner of the property. From our guide, who led us on an epic game drive where we encountered herds of zebra, ostriches and wildebeest, to the servers who felt like friends after just two days, everyone went above and beyond to make us feel at home.
Out of Africa, Into Another World
The journey to our next destination was an adventure in itself—unless, of course, you prefer the convenience of an airstrip. We opted for the scenic drive, which made the arrival at Zannier Sonop even more rewarding. Tucked deep in the remote Namib Desert, the retreat’s isolation only adds to its allure. Luxury safari tents, perfectly nestled among towering boulders, create an otherworldly escape—an adult playground that feels blissfully far from the reach of civilization. There’s simply no landscape like this in the world.
Whether you’re seeking a digital detox, quality time with a travel companion or simply a rare escape, this place offers it all—with unforgettable activities to match. One highlight was a desert drive, capped with a sundowner at a secluded spot where we encountered a spotted hyena. Another evening, we watched the classic film Out of Africa projected under the stars by the stunning outdoor pool. And when we weren’t exploring, we indulged in deep tissue massages at the serene Sonop spa, leaving us in a state of pure relaxation.
Our safari tent, filled with antique treasures, made our stay even more magical. Each day, we opened it completely, creating no separation between us and the endless horizons that stretched before us, inviting a total immersion in nature. Oryx grazed gracefully nearby—a true cherry on top. It was a rare treat, one that’s hard to come by these days.
Every Mile Worth Taking
After a grueling five-hour drive from Sonop, we finally made it to Kolmanskop—a ghost town that feels like the brink of the Earth itself. And in many ways, it might well be. Once a thriving diamond mining town and the richest in the world, it now stands eerily half-buried in sand from the nearby coastal dunes. For me, this place was a photographer’s dream, but its history—some of the most captivating in the country—was what truly left a lasting impression.
From here, we continued our journey deeper into Namibia, heading toward its most iconic destination: Sossusvlei. Nestled within Namib-Naukluft Park, these towering sand dunes are believed to be among the oldest on Earth. At its heart lies Deadvlei, a surreal clay pan dotted with 900-year-old trees that, astonishingly, have never fully decomposed. It’s a sight unlike anything else in the world. Watching the shifting light and dancing shadows play across the dunes throughout the day is a truly mesmerizing experience.
Next, we ventured to Sandwich Harbor, one of the places I was most excited to explore during our trip. This stretch of the Skeleton Coast is renowned for its dramatic sand dunes that cascade directly into the ocean, creating movie-like landscapes. Guided excursions allow visitors to drive along the dunes, a surreal experience, especially at sunset. As if the scenery wasn’t magical enough, the area is teeming with coastal wildlife. We were lucky enough to witness an extraordinary moment: a mother seal giving birth right on the beach—a sight that felt nothing short of miraculous.
A Perfect Brew
Our third stop brought us to the breathtaking Zannier Omaanda. While it’s part of the same Zannier family as Sonop, the two properties are entirely distinct in design, setting and atmosphere, making them a perfect pairing to showcase two contrasting sides of Namibia.
Here, there’s a focus on wildlife and conservation work. Daily game drives are an absolute must, offering the chance to spot everything from lions and elephants to rhinos, giraffes, springbok and warthogs. One unforgettable moment came when our guide pulled up beside a grazing elephant and served us coffee right there in the wild—an instant highlight of our trip.
We had some of the best meals in Namibia here too—like slow-roasted chicken, garlic and lemon shrimp and a banana cream crepe I’m still dreaming about. As for the design, the thatched-roof suites each feature earthy tones, authentic African charm and expansive picture windows, offering a peaceful vantage point to soak in the landscape. It was the perfect finale to our Namibian adventure.
As my dream trip came to an end, I found myself already plotting a return. Namibia has a way of pulling you in, and leaving you craving more—despite the bumpy roads that get you there.
