An astronomical object comprising a luminous spheroid of plasma held together by its own gravity, this is the internationally accepted definition of a star. We know stars as beacons of hope used by our ancestors for exploration. We refer to our most influential film actors and musicians as stars and when we are told to dream big, we are told to shoot for the stars. A star is not only a wonder of physics but it also a guideline for excellence. Our own star gives us life and light, and by night the countless others serve as a transit point, allowing for the exit of life’s worries. When stress and worry leave, we provide the platform to dream. Namibia is home to one of the world’s select few Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserves and this has inspired us to create itineraries for the dreamers, the achievers and those who reach for the stars. Welcome to The Celestials.
Beta Centauri, also known as Hadar, is the second brightest star in the southern constellation Centaurus and ranks as the 11th brightest star in the night sky. While it appears as a single point of light, Beta Centauri is actually a triple star system, about 360 light-years away. To stargazers, Beta Centauri and its brighter neighbor Alpha Centauri are known as “pointers” to the Southern Cross. One of the more iconic constellations and highly visible in the Namib Night Sky between May and December. This 11-day luxury safari is a collection of incredible destinations, The Namib Rand Nature Reserve, The Skeleton Coast and one of the most untouched wilderness areas on the planet, the banks of the Kunene River. featuring incredible accommodation establishments and best in class private charter services with one of Africa’s most renown pilot guides.
Trip Highlights
- Soar over Namibia on a luxury private charter fly-in Safari
- Fly privately to the NamibRand Nature Reserve.
- Stay at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.
- Climb the world’s highest dunes at Sossusvlei.
- Fly privately to the vast and desolate Skeleton Coast.
- Stay at the award winning Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp.
- Drive through some of the world’s most pristine and untouched landscapes.
- Fly to the Namibia’s most remote luxury Lodge.
- Stay at Serra Cafema on the banks of the Kunene River.
Trip Summary
Day 1 – Windhoek Surrounds
Upon arrival at the Windhoek International Airport or Eros Regional Airport you are met by a representative of Essence lifestyle who will transfer you in a luxury vehicle to your first destination, Zannier Omaanda located 40 minutes’ drive from the Windhoek International Airport. Here you will have time to kick back, relax and take in your new surroundings. An Essence Lifestyle representative will run through your exciting fly in safari in detail and will provide you with your travel documents as well as an accompanying surprise from us. If you are arriving earlier than 16h00 you have the chance to take part on a private wilderness drive on the Zannier Reserve giving you a sneak peak of the trademark Namibian Bushveld. If you not you have the option of taking part on a morning drive the following day.
Destination: Windhoek
Stay: Zannier Omaanda
Type: Boutique Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All meals, drinks and private activities + luxury transfer in Range Rover
Day 2 – Windhoek to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport where you’ll be introduced to your private pilot guide after which you’ll depart for the NamibRand Nature Reserve in a Pilatus PC-12. Upon arrival at the local airstrip you’ll be transferred by vehicle to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge where you will be spending three epic nights. Often in the discussion of Namibia’s top accommodation establishment, this blend of clean lines, classy color undertones and the vast, captivating NamibRand Nature Reserve make for what should be a world class experience. Set amidst an ocean of dunes, rocky outcrops and gravel plains, the utter tranquillity and extraordinary clarity of light makes this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. The night skies are heavenly, with the concession bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. A canvas of beauty that invites reconnection with yourself and nature. A celestial.
Destination: NamibRand Nature Reserve
Stay: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Type: Luxury Desert Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All Meals and private activities with a lodge guide and vehicle.
Day 3 & 4 – Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
The following two days can be spent taking part on a host of activities on offer at the iconic Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This includes excursions to Sossusvlei, guided nature walks, scenic nature drives, an exhilarating quad biking trip around some local dunes or a walking excursion to a bushman cave with rock paintings. With regards to the Sossusvlei excursion, it takes about two hours to get to Sossusvlei from Sossusvlei Desert Lodge as it is located in the NamibRand nature reserve, after the excursion you’ll return to the Sossusvlei doorstep where your guide will set up a lovely brunch in the dunes. While staying at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge you’ll also take part on a scenic Helicopter flight giving you a bird’s eye view of the Namib Desert below.
Destination: NamibRand Nature Reserve
Stay: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Type: Luxury Desert Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All Meals and private activities with a lodge guide and vehicle.
Day 5 – Sossusvlei Desert Lodge to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred back to the local airstrip for your private charter flight which takes you to Namibia’s remote north west where you will be spending the following three nights at Hoanib Skeleton Camp. Upon arrival at the Hoanib Airstrip, you’ll make your way via 4×4 to the camp proper, this is the perfect time to soak in the sheer beauty of this area of the planet that not many people will have the opportunity of seeing. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp boasts eight generously appointed, tented suites that peak like whitecaps on an ocean of sand. Totally solar-powered, their open design and colour palette reflect the surrounding desert making for a chic luxury experience in this seemingly inhospitable area.
Destination: Skeleton Coast
Stay: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Type: Luxury Tented Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All Meals, Local drinks and private activities.
Day 6 – Skeleton Coast
Today is spent taking part on activities as offered by Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. Explore the otherworldly landscape of immense dunes and rocky mountains. Amongst the dry riverbeds, desert-adapted wildlife roam. Look out for elephants, oryx, giraffes, and even lions and elusive brown hyena.
Destination: Skeleton Coast
Stay: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Type: Luxury Tented Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All Meals, Local drinks and private activities
Day 7 – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp to Serra Cafema
This morning you are transferred to the Hoanib Airstrip for your private flight to Serra Cafema on the banks on the Kunene River. Upon arrival at the Hartmann Valley Airstrip, you’ll retreat to an astonishing landscape located on one of Earth’s most secluded safari destinations. Against the backdrop of the vast Hartmann’s Valley and its spectacular geology, the experience is bound to alter your concept of natural beauty.
Destination: Kunene River
Stay: Serra Cafema
Type: Exotic Retreat
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All Meals, Local drinks and private activities
Day 8 & 9 – Serra Cafema
Today you can take part on a host of activities on offer at Serra Cafema. This intimate lodge is a place to disconnect and a place to unwind to the sound of rushing water, and the silence of the desert. From Serra Cafema you have a base from which to explore the home of the Himba, Namibia’s last semi-nomads. From a wildlife point of view you are bound to be amazed by desert-adapted oryx, zebras, and the huge crocodiles in the river. At Serra Cafema you will find a host of diverse and contrasting experiences., From dune-sensitive guided quad biking, nature drives, and walks amongst the fascinating geological formations, to seasonal boating on the Kunene. In addition, you can look forward to respectful, authentic engagement with the Himba in one of their temporary villages, it is a privilege to spend time with people who live sustainably, as they have for centuries.
Destination: Kunene River
Stay: Serra Cafema
Type: Exotic Retreat
Basis: Fully Inclusive – All Meals, Local drinks and private activities
Day 10 – Windhoek Surrounds
After breakfast this morning, you bid farewell to the peace and tranquillity of Serra Cafema as you make your way back to Hartmann’s Valley Airstrip for your private charter flight to Windhoek Regional Airport. Bid farewell to your private pilot as you are transferred in luxury by a representative of Essence Lifestyle back to where your journey started, Zannier Omaanda. Where you’ll be spending your final night in Namibia.
Destination: Windhoek
Stay: Zannier Omaanda
Type: Boutique Lodge
Basis: Fully Inclusive (All meals, drinks and private activities with a Zannier Omaanda guide and vehicle)
Day 11 Departure
After breakfast this morning and depending on the time of your international flight, you will be collected by a representative of Essence Lifestyle and transferred in luxury to the Hosea Kutako International Airport in time for your international departure flight. We hope to see you again soon!
Breakfast
Depart
Includes
- All luxury transfers Stated above
- All accommodation stated above
- All private flights stated above
- Scenic flight between Swakopmund and Sossusvlei
- All meals, local drinks and private activities at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
- All meals, local drinks and private activities at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
- All meals, local drinks and private activities at Serra Cafema
- Tourism levies, VAT, Park Entry fees, & community conservation contributions
- 24-hour ground support
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Visas and visa applications
- Staff gratuities
