Namibia Safari: Is It Right for You?

A Namibia safari is likely not for first-time safari-goers seeking nonstop wildlife action. Instead, it’s for those who have already experienced the traditional safari and are ready for something deeper—something that speaks to the soul. Namibia is less about abundance and more about awe: striking landscapes, secluded locations, unique wildlife, and absolutely breathtaking starry nights.

What makes Namibia special is its contrasts. Here, you move from the rolling red dunes of the Namib Desert to the rugged Skeleton Coast, from vast salt pans in Etosha to lush river valleys in the far north. It’s a land of extremes where silence feels expansive and every horizon feels like it belongs only to you.

Namib Desert Safari

The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest desert, and its landscapes are as timeless as they are dramatic. Sossusvlei’s towering dunes—some of the highest in the world—glow orange at sunrise, creating one of the most photogenic scenes in Africa. Dead Vlei, with its ancient, petrified trees preserved in white clay pans, feels otherworldly, like walking through a painting.

Namibia’s Desert-Adapted Wildlife

Namibia isn’t without wildlife—it’s just different. Here, survival tells the story. Desert-adapted elephants wander dry riverbeds in Damaraland, giraffes stretch impossibly tall to reach the sparse trees, and rhinos leave their tracks across the sand. Etosha National Park adds another dimension, with its shimmering salt pans drawing herds of zebra, springbok, and oryx, while predators wait patiently nearby. It is also home to four of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, and rhino—just missing buffalo—offering classic safari encounters in a landscape unlike any other.

Namibia Safari Adventures

For those who crave adventure, a Namibia safari delivers. Float in a hot-air balloon over the Namib Desert at sunrise, watching the dunes glow in shades of gold and crimson. Feel the thrill of quad biking across endless sands, sandboarding down steep slopes, or climbing Big Daddy dune for sweeping desert views. Along the Skeleton Coast, shipwrecks, foggy shores, and vast colonies of Cape fur seals add a wild, mysterious edge that feels like the end of the earth.

Namibia’s Remote Luxury Lodges

Part of Namibia’s magic is where you stay. The lodges here are not just places to sleep—they’re sanctuaries that heighten the sense of being far away from everything. Wilderness Little Kulala, with its thatched villas tucked into the desert, offers private plunge pools and dune access right from your deck. On the Skeleton Coast, Shipwreck Lodge feels like a dreamscape, its cabins styled after the wrecks that dot the shoreline, blending design with pure isolation. Hoanib Valley Camp offers a different perspective, set in a remote valley where elephants, giraffes, and even lions have adapted to desert life. In Etosha, Onguma lodges balance comfort with prime wildlife viewing, with waterholes that attract animals day and night. Each lodge pairs luxury with an unforgettable sense of place.

Namibia Stargazing Beyond Imagination

Namibia is one of the best places on earth for stargazing, and the NamibRand Nature Reserve has been designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. With almost no light pollution, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in dazzling clarity. At Kwessi Dunes Lodge, each chalet features a “star bed” that lets you drift off beneath the galaxies. Experiential treks, night walks, and guided astronomy sessions reveal constellations you may never have seen before, turning every evening into an unforgettable journey through the universe.

Himba Culture and Connection

A visit with the Himba people provides another layer to Namibia’s allure. Known for their ochre-colored skin and elaborate hairstyles, the Himba have maintained a semi-nomadic way of life in one of the harshest environments on earth. Their cattle herding traditions, close ties to the land, and distinctive homesteads offer an intimate window into a culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

A Different Kind of Safari

Namibia safari is for the traveler who has seen it all and now seeks space, solitude, and reconnection. It’s not about chasing wildlife around every bend—it’s about being still, listening to the silence, and letting the vastness humble you. And yet, the elements of safari remain: luxury lodges set against astonishing backdrops, wildlife encounters that feel all the more magical in such dramatic settings, and landscapes so stunning they’ll linger in your memory forever.

Namibia is a dreamy destination—raw, remote, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t just show you a different side of Africa; it changes the way you feel about travel itself.

Explore our Namibia safaris for inspiration and let us help you design a perfect adventure just for you.

What Makes a Botswana Safari So Exclusive and Unique?

Botswana, a jewel in the heart of Africa, offers an extraordinary blend of untouched wilderness, abundant wildlife, and luxurious accommodations. For travelers seeking an exclusive and immersive safari experience, Botswana delivers on every front. Here are ten compelling reasons why it should be your next luxury safari adventure.

1. Abundant Wildlife

Botswana is home to one of the most pristine ecosystems on earth, boasting an incredible diversity of wildlife. The country shelters vast herds of elephants — the largest population in Africa — alongside lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and the endangered African wild dog. In the Okavango Delta, travelers may encounter the elusive sitatunga antelope, while birdwatchers can delight in over 500 recorded bird species, including the dazzling carmine bee-eater and the African fish eagle.

2. Exclusivity and Unspoiled Wilderness

Unlike many safari destinations, Botswana has built its tourism model around low-volume, high-value travel. Strict limits on visitor numbers mean fewer vehicles and fewer lodges, preserving the raw beauty of its wilderness. Private concessions give guests the chance to explore vast landscapes in solitude, creating a safari that feels deeply personal and completely unhurried.

3. Luxury Lodges in Remote Locations

Botswana’s lodges and camps combine luxury with a deep sense of place. Think elegant tented suites with plunge pools overlooking the floodplains, open-air star beds under skies ablaze with stars, and world-class chefs preparing gourmet meals in the middle of the bush. Iconic properties like Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi Pans and Xigera Safari Lodge in the Delta offer both unparalleled comfort and extraordinary design, blending seamlessly into their wild surroundings.

4. Diverse and Dramatic Landscapes

From the shimmering salt pans of Makgadikgadi to the sweeping savannas of Moremi and the reed-fringed channels of the Okavango Delta, Botswana is a land of extremes. Travelers can traverse deserts dotted with ancient baobabs, glide past lily-covered lagoons, or venture into mopane woodlands teeming with predators. This remarkable variety means every corner of the country feels like a new world.

5. Unique Water Safaris

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest inland delta — a living oasis in the desert. Exploring its winding channels by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) allows travelers to drift past hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of kingfishers in total silence. In contrast, a boat cruise along the Chobe River offers front-row views of elephants swimming across channels, herds gathering on the banks, and predators lurking nearby.

6. Unforgettable Overnight Experiences

Imagine lying back on an open-air bed in the middle of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where there is no light pollution — only the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. Or settling into a fly camp in the Delta, lulled to sleep by the sound of lions calling in the distance. Botswana excels at creating these once-in-a-lifetime moments where luxury and wilderness meet.

7. Wildlife Encounters Like Nowhere Else

Botswana is often described as Africa’s last great wilderness, and the sheer density and diversity of wildlife make every game drive extraordinary. The Chobe Riverfront is renowned for its enormous elephant herds; the Moremi Game Reserve is predator-rich, offering some of the best lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings in Africa; and the Delta’s mosaic of islands and waterways supports species rarely seen elsewhere, like red lechwe and Pel’s fishing owl. Guests might even witness dramatic scenes — wild dogs on the hunt or lions attempting to take down buffalo — adding to the thrill.

8. Exclusive Adventures

For travelers seeking something extraordinary, Botswana delivers with experiences beyond the traditional safari. Soar in a helicopter over the Delta’s labyrinth of waterways, ride quad bikes across the salt pans, or take a hot air balloon at sunrise over golden floodplains. Each experience provides a new perspective on the country’s natural wonders.

9. Cultural Connections

Botswana isn’t just about wildlife; it’s about people too. Visitors can spend time with the San Bushmen, one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures, learning their traditional tracking skills, folklore, and deep connection to the land. These authentic exchanges bring an added layer of meaning to the journey.

10. Convenient Extensions to Iconic Destinations

Botswana’s central location makes it easy to combine with other African highlights. Many itineraries pair a Delta safari with Victoria Falls, just a short hop away, or extend into Namibia’s deserts or South Africa’s vibrant cities and wine regions.

For travelers ready to experience the full breadth of Botswana in style, our Ultimate Botswana Safari is the perfect journey. Begin in the vast Makgadikgadi Pans with a stay at the legendary Jack’s Camp, where playful meerkats, ancient baobabs, and surreal salt flats create an unforgettable introduction. Continue into the northern Okavango Delta at North Island Camp, an intimate retreat with just a handful of luxury tented suites, offering both land and water safaris in complete seclusion with highly personalized service. Finally, venture into the predator-rich Moremi Game Reserve at the ultra-luxurious Tawana Lodge, where thrilling game drives bring you face-to-face with lions, leopards, elephants, and more. Immaculately designed suites, exceptional amenities, and world-class service round out the experience. This carefully curated itinerary blends Botswana’s most iconic landscapes with its most luxurious lodges — a true showcase of why a Botswana safari is so exclusive and unique.

Xigera Safari Lodge: Where Art, Wildlife, and Sustainability Unite in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Tucked deep within Botswana’s pristine Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera Safari Lodge is more than a luxury retreat—it’s a living gallery, a conservation triumph, and an immersive safari experience that awakens all the senses.

A Remarkable Setting in the Okavango Delta

Located on the western fringes of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xigera offers front-row access to one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Here, floodplains, channels, and woodlands converge to create a haven for wildlife.

Fed by Angola’s floodwaters during the dry season, the Delta transforms into a vibrant oasis each year. While the surrounding Kalahari remains dry, the Delta becomes a magnet for elephants, lions, leopards, antelope, and hundreds of bird species.

Moremi Game Reserve, where Xigera is located, is known for its biodiversity and low visitor numbers. It’s a key destination for those looking to see wildlife in a pristine, uncrowded setting. Sightings of rare birds, wild dogs, and even the elusive sitatunga antelope are possible here.

A Legacy Reimagined

For the Tollman family, founders of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Moremi has long held personal meaning. They came here for over two decades to disconnect and reconnect with Africa—well before envisioning a lodge of their own.

When the small camp they had cherished came up for sale, they saw the opportunity to create something lasting: not just a lodge, but a legacy. One that reflects their deep bond with the Delta and their passion for African hospitality.

They named it Xigera (pronounced kee-jera), after the pied kingfisher known for hovering gracefully above the water. Like its namesake, the lodge is rooted in place yet alive with energy, creativity, and care.

Design That Tells a Story

Xigera is a design lover’s dream, but it doesn’t feel staged or out of place. Every element—from sculptural furniture to hand-carved doors—was made by African artists. The vision was to create a living gallery that celebrates African talent in an immersive space, not one curated from afar.  The main lodge houses over 100 bespoke pieces commissioned from some of Africa’s finest artists and artisans.

Each of the 12 suites feels personal, layered, and distinct. You’ll find bronze and timber details, custom ceramics, woven textures, and views that open straight onto the floodplains. The art isn’t just decoration—it invites conversation and brings the stories of the artists into the space.

One standout is the Baobab Treehouse, Available for an unforgettable overnight stay, a striking steel structure inspired by a Jacobus Pierneef painting of a solitary baobab tree. Tucked among Croton trees and rising nearly 10 meters above the floodplain, it offers panoramic views across three levels, including an open-air bathroom reached by a sculptural staircase winding through the ‘trunk.’

Where Wildlife and Wilderness Reign

Xigera’s location ensures iconic wildlife encounters—lion prides, leopards, wild dogs, and large herds of red lechwe. The birdlife is spectacular, and silent mokoro excursions offer close-up views of kingfishers, jacanas, and bee-eaters. Whether on foot, by boat, or vehicle, every outing is tailored and intimate.

Surrounded by water for much of the year, the lodge allows for a slower, more immersive safari. Elephants often pass by the decks, and during construction, a leopard famously gave birth and raised her cubs beside one of the suites while the lodge was under construction.

Transformational Experiences: From Mokoros to Massage

At Xigera, every detail is crafted to inspire. Drift through floodplains in a glass-bottom mokoro. Share stories fireside beneath starlit skies. Unwind in the spa with treatments using organic, locally sourced botanicals. For a truly unique experience, sleep under the stars in the Baobab Treehouse, surrounded by the sounds of the Delta and the untamed wilderness beyond.

Other special touches include a floating meditation deck, yoga sessions with panoramic views, and chef-led tastings of seasonal dishes made from locally grown ingredients. Every experience honors both nature and human connection.

An Environmental Marvel in the Heart of the Delta

Xigera is a model of sustainability. Entirely solar-powered, it was built without felling a single tree. Water is filtered and recycled, and the supply chain emphasizes local sourcing—from food to linens to bath products.

More than green technology, Xigera’s ethos is rooted in stewardship and regeneration. Suites are raised to protect the land. Architecture flows with the curves of the Delta. Interiors reflect the natural tones and textures of the surrounding landscape. It’s luxury with purpose—beauty aligned with responsibility.

Xigera Safari Lodge isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to feel

Here, art, wildlife, and sustainability converge to offer something rare: a soulful, forward-thinking safari experience grounded in reverence for Africa and expressed through bold, creative spirit.

A visit to Xigera is transformative and unforgettable. You can pair it with other remarkable destinations and camps across Botswana—our Platinum Botswana itinerary is just one inspiring example. Or consider combining it with time in Cape Town, a safari in Greater Kruger, or even a stop at Victoria Falls. The options are endless. Ready to start planning your Xigera safari? Our experts will craft a journey perfectly aligned with your vision and preferences.