NAMIBRAND

Discover the real Namib in this reserve south of Sossusvlei.

This reserve is only 60 km south of Sossusvlei, but most people drive past to more well-known desert destinations. In the west, for 100 km, the reserve borders the Namib-Naukluft National Park. In the east, the Nubib Mountains guard over plains filled with gemsbok, springbok, zebra, ostriches, jackals, geckos and toktokkies. Stay here and it’s easy to think you’re the only human in the vast landscape.

At night the stars hang in the branches of camel thorn trees and the only sounds are the crackle of your campfire and the call of a jackal. Early mornings might be chilly, but you must climb a red dune and watch the darkness retreat as the sun peeks over the horizon. Take a moment to appreciate the cool air and the silence and all that glorious space. This is Namibia at its best.

Accommodation? There are some wonderful but pricey options in the reserve, ranging from R2 400 to a whopping R10 000 per person per night. If you’re after something more affordable, NamibRand Family Hideout offers a self-catering farmhouse and campsites.

The farmhouse sleeps 10 people. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, but bring your own bedding and towels. The two campsites are about 2 km from the farmhouse, hidden in the dunes and far apart from each other. Each has its own flush toilet and hot shower, plus braai facilities, a sink and an awning.

Rates: Farmhouse from R1 200 per night for four people. Camping R130 per stand plus R130 per person (max eight people and two vehicles per stand). Reserve fee R180 per group. How to get there: The Family Hideout is about 98 km south of Sesriem via the C27.

GPS: S25.28730 E16.06820 (farmhouse) Contact: 00 264 81 127 2957; nrfhideout.com (Family Hideout); namibrand.org for more information about the reserve and the luxury accommodation options.