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, it 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 are an interior designer’s daydream of wood, glass and marble enlivened by canvas prints of striking wildlife photography and indigenous tribes.

"Galton House was very helpful at getting us into self-drive mode"

Mr & Mrs LfromSurrey

Arrived 25 Sep 2019, 1 night

The open plan lounge is an invitation to relax with a book, and no need to head back downtown for dinner 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 al fresco by the pool. 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

Named after a flowering cactus, Hoodia Desert Lodge, opened in 2008 and is owned and managed by Thomas and Henreza Becker. The lodge is set at the foot of the Namib-Naukluft Mountains overlooking the ephemeral Tsauchab River, and backed by plains that seem to go on forever. From here, it's an easy 22km drive to Sesriem, the gateway into Sossusvlei.

"Highly recommend this lodge."

Mr & Mrs CfromGolden CO

Arrived 26 Jan 2020, 2 nights

Hoodia Desert Lodge's friendly staff offer attentive service and delicious food in a beautiful setting. The atmosphere of the lodge is tranquil, and it feels quite luxurious without being stuffy. So although it's not the closest lodge to the dunes, travellers looking for these particular attributes should find it an excellent and stylish base from which to explore the Sossusvlei area. 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.

"..ocean suite is gorgeous.."

Mrs F.fromParis

Arrived 20 May 2019, 2 nights

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

Remote, exclusive and specialised, Desert Rhino Camp is located in the vast Palmwag Concession, a semi-desert reserve of about 5,000km2 between Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast that is one of the best places to see desert-dwelling black rhino and elephants. The camp has been operating for more than 20 years and its activities – run by a reliably superb and committed team – centre on tracking black rhino.

"Our guide and rhino trackers were the best!"

Mr & Mrs SHfromSeattle

Arrived 14 Dec 2019, 2 nights

Desert Rhino Camp is one of our favourite camps in Namibia. It's very remote, and feels it; it's got tremendous character, as have the managers here when we've visited; and it offers the chance to track black rhinos – which is something that's possible in very few places indeed. The camp does work as a two-night stop, but to make the most of it, you need three nights here. This may appear to be a big chunk of time, and it's not an inexpensive camp – but we think that the Rhino Camp is well worth it. See our full report on Desert Rhino Camp

The small Ongava Tented Camp is nestled in mopane woodland at the foot of a low hill on the private 300km2 Ongava Reserve, overlooking a waterhole. The reserve borders Etosha National Park on the south side, near the Andersson Gate, and benefits from similar wildlife, with the notable inclusion of both black and white rhino.

"attention to detail and providing a safe but full-on experience was phenomenal."

Ms K & Mr J fromUSA

Arrived 22 Jan 2020, 2 nights

With its homely atmosphere, busy waterhole and luxury bushcamp feel, Ongava Tented Camp can be a delight. It’s as close as you’ll find around Etosha to the safari camps in Botswana, and elsewhere in Africa, and is at its best when you take advantage of the organised activities – especially the guided walks. Although the camp can be used as a base for self-drive excursions into Etosha, it's probably not the best choice for this as it’s relatively costly, and a half-hour drive from the main access road to the park. See our full report on Ongava Tented Camp