Travel – Explore Namibia

Where can you enjoy the beach, desert and a safari in one go? In neighbouring Namibia, of course! It’s home to Dune 7, the Welwitschia and super friendly locals

It is safe to say I was stoked to be part of an exclusive media group who got to experience Namibia through the O&L Leisure Hotels and Lodges. A week out of the office: #workcation #funemployment #explorenamibia. Yes! Namibia in four days was an eye-opening experience.

DAY 1

We arrived in Windhoek, connected to Walvis Bay International Airport and drove to Swakopmund. Warm weather enveloped us as we sped alongside pure, untouched sand that went on for miles before reaching the beautiful Strand Hotel. The hotel’s right on the beach and it’s luxe yet homely and not over-the-top. Greeted by the warm and friendly staff, we were happy to make the hotel our base for the following two days.

The Strand Hotel is a great spot for a family vacation. It’s perfectly situated in the cosy town and surrounded by loads of facilities to enjoy.

Our evening started with a brew tour with Ron, part of Namibia Breweries Ltd, who runs the in-house brewery at

Strand Hotel. It offers unique local beers and ales. I enjoyed the Madsen and had a great tap-to-table experience.

Dinner was served in the Ocean Cellar, one of three amazing restaurants on site. Surrounded by gorgeous blue and white décor, a seaside view and pounding waves as accompaniment while enjoying oysters and champagne, this girl couldn’t ask for more.

DAY 2

Our Namibian adventure kicked off on a chilly morning with Solar Switch Desert Tracks Tours. Swakopmund was enveloped in an eerie mist, straight out of a novel, but I was excited to finally see the sand dunes. Who needs Dubai? Our neighbours have a magnificent desert right next door.

We spotted dolphins among the flamingos in and around the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Our tour guides took out air from the tyres so we could have a smoother ride on the dunes. Walvis Bay is nothing short of amazing, with the sea juxtaposed with sand dunes with edges and ridges sculptured by nature.

We oohed and aahed spontaneously on arrival at Sandwich Harbour. It’s breathtaking with the sea on the right and the desert on the left. The low tide afforded us the opportunity of driving on the beach as the sun came out to play under clear blue skies. The ride on the sand dunes was a thrill, before we stopped to enjoy a delicious champagne lunch. It’s interesting to know the youngest dunes are two million years old and the oldest around 130 million years old and have since solidified to rock form.

As we travelled further, it’s clear where the Moon Landscape got its name. The mountain and valley landscape really felt like we had landed on the moon.

Our next stop allowed us to marvel at the national flower. The Welwitschia Mirabilis is a plant that’s over hundreds of years old and unique to Namibia, a monument to the country’s strong heritage and roots.

DAY 3

We said goodbye to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and drove to our next destination, the Mokuti Etosha Lodge, where we finally found grass and greenery, far away from the desert. The long trip afforded us time to up our hits on Instagram. We stopped in a town called Omaruru. It has a rural vibe despite the Dutch influence in the buildings and architecture. We were treated to glimpses of the flamboyant fashion sense of the local women who wore big dresses and headgear.

Friendly staff welcomed us to Mokuti Etosha Lodge. The facility offered typical African décor and state-of-the-art facilities complete with three bars, spa, gym, spectacular pool and plenty of space to relax and unwind. It’s the perfect lush hideaway for a romantic getaway. We spent our first evening enjoying the sunset on the tarmac with drinks. What a treat, enjoying clear, unpolluted skies and the ability to hear everything! This was followed up by a tasty dinner prepared by Chef Brian, and their delicacy, the Oryx, was on the menu.

DAY 4

On the final day I got to sleep in and enjoyed a full-body hot stone massage treatment at the spa, where the water feature added to the relaxing atmosphere. Cocktails by the pool lasted until our afternoon game drive. We also got to see the Etosha Pan, a vast, bare expanse of shimmering green and white landscape that makes up 20% of the park.

I had the time of my life. If you’d also like to explore Namibia, then book with the O&L Leisure Hotels and Lodges. Find them on http://www.mokutietoshalodge. com/; https://www.strandhotelswakopmund.com■