Luxury Safaris in Namibia

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge may be truly off the beaten track, but its remoteness has been no obstacle to inspired design. The colors and textures echo the landscape, while the dramatic dome at its center is styled like a signature Himba home. Interiors are pared-back, pale and tactile. Lots of timber in organic tree-trunk-like forms edge bone-white walls softened by fabrics in pops of colour: dusky terracotta, sage green, sunburst yellow. All the better to seamlessly mirror the views – flat ochre desert, rocky peaks, strolling giraffes, springbok and ostrich – which are mesmerizing, particularly from the exquisite infinity pool.

There are just seven suites and one two-bedroom suite – the only buildings with doors in this luxury desert lodge in one of Namibia’s most remote corners. The rest, including the convivial dining room, comfortable lounges and driftwood-topped pergola, are open-sided and positioned to frame different aspects of the awe-inspiring terrain beyond. The on-site Bush Boutique showcases local artistry in an array of distinctive styles, stocking the likes of sandals, shoes, baskets, Himba perfume, clothing, sunglasses, bracelets, backpacks, necklaces, hats and much more besides. As well as its strong commitment to community (many of the staff grew up in the nearby village), the lodge makes commendable eco efforts to minimise its impact on this delicately balanced landscape; water is supplied from an underground borehole and solar energy powers the electricity supply. And you can rest assured that Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is malaria-free.

The setting, on the banks of the Hoarusib Riverbed, is the perfect base for adventures out into it – enjoy scenic drives in the desert with local guides, explore the region’s phenomenal clay castles, track down the enigmatic Lone Men of Kaokoland sculptures scattered across the landscape, sip sundowners as the sun sets over the dunes. As the fires are lit each evening, take some time to gaze up and admire the expanse of constellations – you’ll be struck by just how few people have had the privilege of sitting beneath this particular patch of inky sky. A star-spangled reminder that this is a road-less-traveled stay with a quietly luxurious, exclusive feel.