Pelican Fly & Drive Safari: Day-by-day

Every desert, whether of sand or concrete, needs an oasis and Galton House fits the bill. After a day travelling 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 dishes like beef satay in creamy peanut sauce, and zucchini with leek and mushroom in basil pesto that can be served alfresco by the pool, there's no need to head into town for dinner.

"Great customer service!"

Mr & Ms HfromSaint Louis

Arrived 22 Mar 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

Dwarfed by the majesty of the Namib-Naukluft Mountains, Hoodia Desert Lodge is both welcoming and stylish. It’s a winning combination at this owner-managed lodge, where Thomas and Henreza Becker are often on hand to greet their guests with a cool drink after a dusty journey through the desert.

Freshening up is next on the agenda, perhaps in the small pool sculpted into natural rock, perhaps in the privacy of your spacious air-conditioned chalet, where a powerful shower awaits. Or take indulgence to another level and luxuriate in the decadence of your own open-air bath.

Then relax on your shaded veranda and take in the views – whether of the ephemeral Tsauchab River or across the plains to the mountains.

If the setting is special, so is the restaurant, where delicious traditional and international cuisine is accompanied by a selection of South African wines, matched by attentive service. Tables are set around a large fireplace, which in summer morphs into a barbecue, while centre stage are the views, best seen from the outside terrace which doubles as a good spot for birdwatching, and a superb sundowner spot.

"Everything about Hoodia desert lodge was good .."

Mr NfromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 15 Nov 2023, 2 nights

Explore the immediate surroundings on foot, but to make the most of the iconic desert surroundings, look at the full-day excursion. With excellent interpretive guides and a superb picnic lunch, it’s a real highlight of your Namib experience. See our full report on Hoodia Desert Lodge

Pelican Point Lodge stands near the end of a long, flat peninsula of sand (known as Pelican Point) which stretches into the South Atlantic Ocean and protects the port of Walvis Bay. It's in an amazing location; see our satellite image. It's very exposed to the elements, but in a rich area for marine life and very close to a Cape fur seal colony.

"Amazing place,... The location is incredible..."

Ms J.fromMijas

Arrived 3 Sep 2023, 1 night

Pelican Point Lodge is exceedingly isolated with panoramic views of ocean all around. So don’t even think about using this as a quick stop-over, or eating out in the evening; but do expect fog on some mornings, and sometimes a bracing breeze. Some will find this location exhilarating; others may find it intimidating – we love it, but are mindful that it won’t suit everyone. See our full report on Pelican Point Lodge

To track black rhino on foot from Desert Rhino Camp is one of the world’s most thrilling wildlife adventures. Deep in the Palmwag Reserve, these rare animals are protected by the Save the Rhino Trust. Their desert home – like the camp’s – is truly remote, the sense of wilderness enhanced by the sheer scale of the reserve.

To encounter a rhino on foot is a truly heart-pounding moment. Set off each morning to explore the desert home of these antediluvian beasts, a world shared with giraffe, and elephant, lion and hyena. When rhino are spotted, you’ll leave your 4WD on foot, in the hands of expert guides with years of rhino-tracking experience.

A picnic lunch in the desert is a further highlight, before returning to your tented oasis. Cooling off in the plunge pool might be your priority, or freshening up in your en-suite bathroom, before relaxing on your private veranda looking out over the desert – or indulging in afternoon tea and cake.

"Probably our best experience on the trip"

Tom and AmandafromUS

Arrived 23 Sep 2023, 2 nights

As the sun sets behind the mountains, the flickering light of the campfire beckons, backed by a floodlit waterhole beneath the magic of the Namibian night sky. To pull yourself away is to follow the sandy paths to a warm and comfortable bed, your mind full of the day’s adventures. See our full report on Desert Rhino Camp

At the heart of the small Ongava Tented Camp, a tree-shaded waterhole draws the eye. Easily visible from the main area and the pool, as well as from some of the spacious tents, it attracts all manner of wildlife.

Zebra tend to congregate year round, lions might laze around the edge, and it’s not unknown for rhinos to stop by for a drink. There’s even a night-vision camera set up here, so you can see at breakfast time who popped in for a visit after dark!

With such animal appeal on your doorstep, it would be easy to think you need go no further than this relaxed camp, but that would be a mistake. Sharing a boundary with Namibia’s flagship Etosha National Park, the private Ongava Game Reserve boasts very similar wildlife, but here the opportunities are so much greater.

While game drives into the park are restricted to daylight hours, those on the reserve can continue after sunset. Guided walks, too, are possible at Ongava, perhaps even – if you’re very lucky – to watch rhino.

"great water hole"

Mr & Mrs QSfromWiltshire

Arrived 17 Mar 2023, 3 nights

Back at camp, continue your immersion in the bush with an outdoor shower before retiring after dinner for a nightcap by the fire – with a view of the waterhole, of course. Who knows what might turn up before you head to your chalet – and a comfy bed? See our full report on Ongava Tented Camp