What to expect on a Namibia luxury solo safari

There is something incredibly exciting about the prospect of packing your suitcase, grabbing your passport, and heading off on a solo safari adventure. Solo safaris offer the chance for intrepid travellers to broaden their horizons, meet like-minded new people, and embrace activities of the like they’ve never experienced before.

With its wide-open spaces, remote locations, and premium accommodation offerings, Namibia is the ultimate luxury solo safari destination; a place where independent travellers come to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and treat themselves to some of the finer things in life.

Picture the scene: by day you could be quad biking, mountain biking or heading out on an exhilarating game drive, navigating Namibia’s wildlife-rich National Parks; by the time the sun disappears over the horizon you could be enjoying a relaxing spa treatment from the comfort of your world-class lodge.

If this sounds like heaven on earth and you’re considering solo safari vacation to Namibia, read on to find out everything you need to know before you book.

Luxury Solo Safari Tips

Although the idea of a jetting off on a luxury solo safari to Namibia is extremely exciting, the planning and organising stage can be a little bit daunting, particularly if this is your first solo safari. Here at SecretNamibia we’ve organised dozens of magical solo safari adventures and our experts have put together the following helpful tips and advice:

Plan Ahead- Although last minute luxury solo safaris can be organised, we recommend booking your holiday well in advance, especially if this is your first safari rodeo. The most popular luxury lodges can sometimes be booked up months in advance and planning ahead gives you ample time to prepare for this trip of a lifetime.

Choose your travel operator wisely- Some safari travel companies won’t facilitate solo travellers, so we suggest booking with a trusted Namibia safari specialist like SecretNamibia, one with a network of reputable suppliers that they work with regularly. We also recommend trying to book with a Namibian-based travel specialist as they will be able to identify the best lodges and camps for your solo adventure.

Opt for a bespoke itinerary- Your luxury solo holiday should be about YOU and everything on this dream trip, from activities to accommodation, should be adapted to your tastes and preferences. Off-the-shelf packages aren’t going to cut it for this type of trip; make sure you choose a safari specialist that offers a bespoke and flexible itinerary.

Make your expectations clear- Once you’ve chosen your Namibia safari travel specialist its important to communicate your preferences clearly so that you can get the most out of your luxury solo vacation. Would you like to join any group activities? Or do you prefer to go it alone? Do you want try adrenaline inducing activities? Or do you prefer to take things at a slower pace? If you’d like to spend more time in one specific region of Namibia, then let your luxury travel specialist know: it’s what they’re there for after all!

Luxury Solo Safari Activities

From fascinating history and cultural excursions to thrilling wildlife encounters, there’s an abundance of spectacular activities you can enjoy on a luxury solo safari, including:

Game Drives/Walking Safaris: Namibia is a haven for wildlife and its many game reserves and sprawling national parks are home to an abundance of extraordinary mammals, reptiles, and birds. Head out on an unforgettable game drive and witness Africa’s ‘Big 5’ as they roam the arid desert plains. If jumping in your own private safari vehicle wasn’t immersive enough, you can even experience a walking safari which will enables you to experience the sounds and smells of the bushland just like the first avid explorers.

Hiking and Trekking: Embrace your inner daredevil and explore some of Namibia’s most majestic natural wonders on a thrilling hike. Namibia has several well-known hiking and trekking trails that offer spectacular views of the country’s landscapes. Some of the most popular trails include the Fish River Canyon, the Spitzkoppe, and the Waterberg Plateau.

Hot Air Balloon/Helicopter Rides: There’s no better way to admire Namibia’s beath-taking landscapes than taking a hot air balloon ride over the Namib Desert. As you glide over the iconic Sossusvlei sand dunes it will feel as though time has stood still. Luxury helicopter rides can also be arranged, transporting you over Namibia’s other incredible landmarks like the Skeleton Coast

Stargazing: Namibia boasts some of the clearest skies in the world, making it one of the best destinations in Africa for stargazing. Solo travellers can opt for a guided stargazing tour or some lodges even offer the chance to sleep out on a luxury sky bed.

Culture/History: Namibia is the ultimate destination for history buffs. Take a trip to the Damara Living museum and learn all about the nation’s intriguing past or head to Twyfelfontein where you will discover Africa’s largest collection of Rock art. During your time in Namibia, you can also meet the Himba, a semi-nomadic tribe whose way of life hasn’t changed in thousands of years.

Luxury Solo Safari Accommodation

Your luxury solo safari vacation offers the perfect chance to indulge in life’s finest things; complement this trip of a lifetime by staying in some of Namibia’s most prestigious lodges and enjoy the royal treatment.

Amongst the most luxurious options for solo travellers are:

Serra Cafema: Serra Cafema consistently ranks as one of the best lodges in Namibia, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled under verdant trees on the banks of the glorious Kunene River, this award-winning camp offers unrivalled privacy and exclusivity. During your time here you’ll stay in one of ten elegant, thatched villas, each fitted with a spacious bedroom and cosy lounge area.

Guests at Serra Cafema are treated to world-class cuisine and when evening draws be sure to spend a few hours on your private viewing deck drinking in stunning mountain views.

Little Ongava: Little Ongava is another premium lodge located in the Ongava Game Reserve, near the iconic Etosha National Park. The lodge is perfect for solo travellers as it boasts an intimate feel and has only three spacious suites each with its own plunge pool, ensuite bathroom, “sala”, and outdoor shower.

The camp’s main selling point is arguably the lounge area which offers guest the chance to marvel at wonderful views of a productive waterhole. The stunning open dining deck also allows for relaxed, stylish dining under the African sky.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is another luxury camp conveniently located for access to the famous Skeleton Coast National Park. Hoanib guests are invited to stay in a stylish tent equipped with a whole host of luxury amenities whilst the communal area houses a stunning plunge pool and open campfire.

During your time at Hoanib you’re likely to spot plenty of desert-adapted wildlife including elephants. Camp guests are also given the chance to engage with wildlife researchers at the nearby Hoanib Research Centre.