Namibia looks like nowhere else in Africa.
Red dunes rise like mountains above a coastline littered with old shipwrecks. Dry riverbeds cut through ancient gravel plains, and the Namib itself, the world’s oldest desert, stretches out in shapes that feel closer to the moon than to a typical safari. Luxury safaris in Namibia are built around this landscape first and wildlife second, which makes for a very different kind of African journey.
That doesn’t mean the wildlife takes a back seat. Namibia holds the world’s largest population of free-roaming cheetahs, along with desert-adapted elephants and black rhino found almost nowhere else on the continent. Luxury Namibia tours combine these rare sightings with some of the most striking scenery in Africa, a favourite for travellers who’ve already done the classic safari circuit and want something different.
Namibia is vast, and its best regions sit hours apart by road.
A fly-in luxury safari in Namibia solves the distance problem in a way self-driving simply can’t. Small aircraft link Sossusvlei, Etosha, Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast in a single, well-paced circuit, so instead of spending long days behind the wheel, you’re looking down at the very landscape you’ll be walking through an hour later.
Luxury tours in Namibia built around fly-in routing suit travellers who want the country’s full range in a shorter window, without the fatigue of long self-drive transfers between camps. Every flight and every camp is arranged in advance, your bags move ahead of you, and you land with nothing left to organise beyond stepping off the plane.
Namibia is vast, and its best regions sit hours apart by road.
A fly-in luxury safari in Namibia solves the distance problem in a way self-driving simply can’t. Small aircraft link Sossusvlei, Etosha, Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast in a single, well-paced circuit, so instead of spending long days behind the wheel, you’re looking down at the very landscape you’ll be walking through an hour later.
Luxury tours in Namibia built around fly-in routing suit travellers who want the country’s full range in a shorter window, without the fatigue of long self-drive transfers between camps. Every flight and every camp is arranged in advance, your bags move ahead of you, and you land with nothing left to organise beyond stepping off the plane.
Most private fly-in itineraries in Namibia move through three core regions, each offering something the others don’t.
Sossusvlei is where Namibia’s dunes reach their most dramatic, some of the tallest in the world, rising over the white clay pan of Deadvlei and its centuries-old dead camelthorn trees. Sunrise here, watching the dune faces shift from black to deep red, is one of the most photographed moments in African travel for good reason.
Etosha National Park is Namibia’s wildlife stronghold. A vast salt pan draws game to a network of waterholes, so game viewing here is among the most reliable in the country. Elephants, lions, giraffes and Namibia’s famous cheetah population all pass through in good numbers, especially in the dry season.
Damaraland trades big-game density for something rarer. Desert-adapted elephants move through dry riverbeds; there’s ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein, and the eroded granite landscapes feel largely untouched. It’s also the gateway to Namibia’s remote north, where a very different kind of cultural experience awaits.
Answer a few simple questions and we’ll provide you with a customised itinerary absolutely free.
Our trip of a lifetime to East Africa and our safaris was absolutely mind blowing .The fact of seeing wild animals close up in their environment was a surreal experience that we will have lifetime memories from . This trip was planned over 18 months, and involved a lot of itinerary changes due to the […]
Everything was perfect, and the whole trip went seamlessly with everything completely organised. I really couldn’t have asked for better, from the wonderful accommodation to the drivers and guides, everyone made us feel so welcome. The Fairmont Norfolk in Nairobi was lovely, as were both the safari lodges. I think my favourite lodge though was […]
Dear John Thank you for arranging a fantastic time in South Africa and the Mashatu area in Botswana. This trip was in the green season, which not only provided great animal viewing but stunning scenery and the beauty of changing weather, which further enhanced our time. The highlight was daily morning sightings of the Brown Hyaena […]
Thank you again for organizing such an amazing experience for us. Totally different to South Africa (we enjoyed the complete holiday in SA with Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Soweto). Kenya was all Safari. We may have scared the House of Waine as we went out to visit the nightlife the second night for cigars […]
What an amazing trip we had. Just wow! It was above and beyond expectations. Felt like we were living in a David Attenborough documentary. Every single person every step of the way was wonderful. The guides, the accommodation, the flights, transfers, everything. Thank you for helping us have the absolute best-ever bucket list adventure in […]
You will be pleased to hear that we had a WOW of a time in South Africa. Firstly Cape Town exceeded our expectations with what was on offer with their wonderful scenery made by so many surrounding mountains. With respect to our time spent on safari, again, it was a wonderful time enjoying nature . […]
Windhoek’s first ultra-luxurious sanctuary, the Olive Exclusive is a cool, contemporary and stylish boutique hotel in a tranquil corner of the city. The very essence of chic comfort, but with a warm heart and authentic African soul, the hotel offers individually themed and decorated suites that include lounge and dining areas, numerous convenient amenities as standard, plus an eco-friendly approach and dedicated personal service.
Windhoek’s first ultra-luxurious sanctuary, the Olive Exclusive is a cool, contemporary and stylish boutique hotel in a tranquil corner of the city. The very essence of chic comfort, but with a warm heart and authentic African soul, the hotel offers individually themed and decorated suites that include lounge and dining areas, numerous convenient amenities as standard, plus an eco-friendly approach and dedicated personal service.
An exquisite desert retreat in the midst of the southern Namib desert, Little Kulala is elegant, spacious, and perfect for unwinding after a day’s exploration of desert treasures. Activities in this cool and serene hideaway include early morning guided nature drives to Sossusvlei, nature drives and walks in the private reserve, and also balloon and helicopter flights.
A small and exclusive camp in the Ongava Game Reserve bordering Etosha National Park, Ongava Tented Camp is a seamless extension of the African Mopani bush. Situated in one of the few reserves where guests can see both black and white rhino, the camp offers morning and afternoon safaris in Etosha and Ongava, night drives, guided walks, and superb wildlife viewing at the camp’s central waterhole.
The only one of its kind in Namibia, The Fort is massive raw walls, stone-clad features and a huge tower overlooking the local landscape, ideally situated for conducting safaris in Etosha National Park. Stylised with a classical African feel and incorporating Moroccan and Indian accents, one of The Fort’s primary features is its stunning tower views onto Fisherman’s Pan.
Uniquely located under lush greenery on the banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the remotest luxury camps in southern Africa. Safari guests at this camp will enjoy engrossing nature walks in the breathtaking Hartmann Valley, river boating, low-impact guided quad-bike excursions, and opportunities to view remarkable desert-adapted wildlife such as oryx, herds of springbok, ostrich and leopard.
Situated in arguably the most pristine wilderness area in Namibia, the Huab River Valley, Damaraland Camp is lauded as one of the country’s best, with magnificent views of the surrounding desert landscape and lofty Brandberg Mountain Range. Utilising eco-friendly construction methods, Damaraland Camp offers various nature drives and walks, as well as visits to local geological wonders and ancient rock art.
Characterised by its famous orange-red dunes that are among the highest in the world,
Sossusvlei is a profoundly arid salt and clay pan that is possibly Namibia’s best-known and most spectacular attraction. An absolute must for visitors, the dunes and dead-tree valleys of this dry but fascinating landscape are a great destination all year round.
A holiday resort full of German colonial influences on Namibia’s west coast, Swakopmund is perfect as a traveller’s way station, or as a home base for exploring the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast. The town enjoys a mild climate and numerous attractions for tourists, such as elegant colonial architecture, an aquarium, superb coffee houses, an impressively scenic coastal road, and various tours of the local environs.
Covering an area of over 22,000 square kilometres, Etosha National Park is one of Namibia’s premier safari venues. With an enormous dry salt pan at its centre, the park is exceptional for game viewing as wildlife tend to congregate at the park’s various waterholes, making sightings almost guaranteed. Etosha is malaria free, highly accessible, and offers numerous luxury accommodation options.
A land of rugged yet strikingly beautiful rock, mountain, and desert landscapes in Namibia’s north, Damaraland is one of the country’s last “untamed” wildlife regions. Home to a large assortment of desert-adapted game including elephant, rhino, zebra, and lion, Damaraland and its various lodges offer a challenge to the more adventurous traveller, plus the opportunity to view thousands of ancient rock paintings at Brandberg Mountain.
An ideal place to start your Namibian safari adventure, Windhoek is not necessarily what you’d expect from an African capital. An extremely clean, and mostly crime free destination, the city’s buildings are characterised by widespread German architecture, including even a handful of German medieval castles. In addition to its fascinating history, friendly populace, and relaxed atmosphere, Windhoek receives more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
When it comes to viewing some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife in comfort and style, Namibia is no slouch. Whether it’s the prolific game of Etosha National Park in the country’s north, more exclusive locations such as Damaraland, or other game reserves, Namibia has plenty to offer. Be prepared for a true desert safari experience however, as the Namib is an ancient, dry, mesmerising desert like no other.
You’ve never climbed anything until you’ve walked to the top of a three-hundred-metre high sand dune, and gazed out upon the otherworldly landscape of Sossusvlei. Dry, barren, and yet somehow at peace, the dunes of Sossusvlei make for one of the most spectacular sights in all of Namibia. You might even have time to visit the Deadvlei, the ancient and hauntingly beautiful dead-tree valleys of the nearby clay pan.
The desert elephants of Namibia are one of only two such populations known in the world, and the desert black rhinos are the only rhinos worldwide that have survived on communal land with no formal conservation status. Though genetically no different to their non-desert cousins, desert rhinos and elephants are a striking example of just how adaptable wildlife can be. To see them, we recommend joining a specifically organised expedition by a local lodge.
The Skeleton Coast and nearby environs are a place of stark and unforgiving beauty. Once littered with the bones left by the largely abolished whaling industry, these days the coastline is scattered with the poignant remains of shipwrecks. Various fly-in tour options exist, but whichever you choose, one thing is for certain – you are in for some stunning scenery.
Local Time:
Based on the movement of animals, we recommend the following periods for best game viewing.
Northern Tanzania: All year round except April and May.
Southern Tanzania: June through October.
Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia: June through October; December through March.
The climate in Tanzania is always wonderful, and so does not impact much on the best time of year to visit. However, in order to climb Mt Kilimanjaro you may need to avoid rains from mid-April to end of May.
Tanzania has a superb climate, ranging from tropical along the coast, to more temperate in the highlands. The seasons are as follows:
April & mid-May: Long rains (green season)
June–September: Cool season
November–December: Short rains
October–March: Hottest season
Temperature range in Tanzania is fairly limited but always warm, ranging from 25–30ºC on the coast while the rest of the country (apart from the highlands) ranges from 22–27ºC.
The main unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling. However, we advise carrying US Dollars. Money changers do accept major convertible currencies including the Euro and the Japanese Yen.
Travellers cheques may be acceptable in some places, but not in the remote countryside. Major credit cards may also be acceptable in some large hotels, however it is still advisable to carry cash in US Dollars, which you will be able to exchange on arrival.
Light clothing is recommended for safaris during the day, especially in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha). We also recommend sturdy shoes and canvas hats.
During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands, where the altitude is between 1500 – 2500 metres, a cardigan or pullover may be essential.
In the same pack, remember your sunscreen, lotions, sunglasses, a pair of binoculars, and your camera (with plenty of film or digital storage for photos).
Vaccination requirements for Tanzania change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on the latest health precautions.
Currently, shots against yellow fever and cholera are recommended but not mandatory. As a precaution we usually advise antimalarial medication to be taken before, during, and after your visit to East Africa. Also, if you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay, plus a copy of your prescription(s).
Malaria: Your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including in cities. See your health care provider for details concerning risks and preventative medications.
Three international airports are available, including Dar es Salaam (now known as Julias Nyerere International Airport or JNIA), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Zanzibar International Airport. See flights coming to Tanzania and Zanzibar.
To begin safaris in Northern Tanzania, most visitors are advised to book with airlines whose arrivals & departures are via KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO) which is 45 minutes drive from Arusha town. See international airlines such as Air Tanzania, KLM Royal Dutch (with daily flights out of Amsterdam into Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam), Gulf Air, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Emirates.
It is also possible to get flights arriving to Nairobi (Kenya) from where you can make arrangements to transfer to the Tanzanian city of Arusha.
Tanzania is highly multilingual. However, English is widely spoken as a lingua franca, as is Kiswahili. These serve as working languages, with Kiswahili being the official national language.
Although there are many languages spoken in the country, no single language is spoken natively by a majority of the population.
All charter transfers on our luxury Tanzania safari tours are in light aircraft that carry between five and seven passengers. Please note that these planes are limited with regards to the weight that they can carry.
It is therefore vital that all passengers adhere to the luggage restriction of fifteen (15) kilograms per person in a soft bag.
This excludes a reasonable amount of camera equipment and carry-on luggage (up to 5 kilograms – 20 kilograms in total). In addition, please let us know if you are over 188 cm (6’2”) tall or weigh over 100kg (220lbs), so that we can plan our trip appropriately.
Tickets are generally not issued for charter flights; you will however receive a voucher for your trip.
As you will no doubt want to capture as much as possible of your luxury Tanzania safari, remember to bring a camera and/or video camera with plenty of film/digital space and replacement batteries. A quality flashlight may also come in very handy.
Additionally we recommend sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, personal toiletries, a small first-aid kit, and a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses if you use them.
Also remember a swimming costume, plus you may wish to include a good book for the relaxing hours. If you are planning for a camping safari, sleeping bags and towels must be included also.
It is generally not advisable to drink or brush your teeth with tap water in Tanzania. Bottled water is available everywhere and in almost all lodges and hotels and all supermarkets. On treks and safaris, it is better to carry sufficient bottled water.
For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that we recommend, with a 300-400 mm zoom lens preferable.
For bird-watchers, a 500 mm or larger lens is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots.
We recommend bringing extra camera and flash batteries with plenty of film or digital storage, otherwise these may be quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.
Passport requirements: Each visitor to Tanzania must be in possession of a valid, signed passport that is valid for at least six months beyond his/her scheduled departure date.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST FOUR BLANK PAGES IN YOUR PASSPORT FOR STAMPS/VISAS ETC. IF NOT, YOU MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY INTO TANZANIA. FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CARRY A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU. IN ADDITION, WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT YOU LEAVE COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS WITH SOMEONE AT HOME.
VISAS: Visas are required to enter Tanzania as with other East African countries. These can either be obtained in advance through the various embassies/high commissions or consulates abroad, or at the airports or other ports/borders of entry.
The process is fast and easy and all you are required to have is a valid passport (at least six months).
Based on the movement of animals, we recommend the following periods for best game viewing.
Northern Tanzania: All year round except April and May.
Southern Tanzania: June through October.
Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia: June through October; December through March.
The climate in Tanzania is always wonderful, and so does not impact much on the best time of year to visit. However, in order to climb Mt Kilimanjaro you may need to avoid rains from mid-April to end of May.
Tanzania has a superb climate, ranging from tropical along the coast, to more temperate in the highlands. The seasons are as follows:
April & mid-May: Long rains (green season)
June–September: Cool season
November–December: Short rains
October–March: Hottest season
Temperature range in Tanzania is fairly limited but always warm, ranging from 25–30ºC on the coast while the rest of the country (apart from the highlands) ranges from 22–27ºC.
The main unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling. However, we advise carrying US Dollars. Money changers do accept major convertible currencies including the Euro and the Japanese Yen. Travellers cheques may be acceptable in some places, but not in the remote countryside. Major credit cards may also be acceptable in some large hotels, however it is still advisable to carry cash in US Dollars, which you will be able to exchange on arrival.
Light clothing is recommended for safaris during the day, especially in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha). We also recommend sturdy shoes and canvas hats. During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands, where the altitude is between 1500 – 2500 metres, a cardigan or pullover may be essential.
In the same pack, remember your sunscreen, lotions, sunglasses, a pair of binoculars, and your camera (with plenty of film or digital storage for photos).
Vaccination requirements for Tanzania change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on the latest health precautions.
Currently, shots against yellow fever and cholera are recommended but not mandatory. As a precaution we usually advise antimalarial medication to be taken before, during, and after your visit to East Africa. Also, if you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay, plus a copy of your prescription(s).
Malaria: Your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including in cities. See your health care provider for details concerning risks and preventative medications.
Three international airports are available, including Dar es Salaam (now known as Julias Nyerere International Airport or JNIA), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Zanzibar International Airport. See flights coming to Tanzania and Zanzibar.
To begin safaris in Northern Tanzania, most visitors are advised to book with airlines whose arrivals & departures are via KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO) which is 45 minutes drive from Arusha town. See international airlines such as Air Tanzania, KLM Royal Dutch (with daily flights out of Amsterdam into Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam), Gulf Air, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Emirates.
It is also possible to get flights arriving to Nairobi (Kenya) from where you can make arrangements to transfer to the Tanzanian city of Arusha.
Tanzania is highly multilingual. However, English is widely spoken as a lingua franca, as is Kiswahili. These serve as working languages, with Kiswahili being the official national language.
Although there are many languages spoken in the country, no single language is spoken natively by a majority of the population.
All charter transfers on our luxury Tanzania safari tours are in light aircraft that carry between five and seven passengers. Please note that these planes are limited with regards to the weight that they can carry. It is therefore vital that all passengers adhere to the luggage restriction of fifteen (15) kilograms per person in a soft bag.
This excludes a reasonable amount of camera equipment and carry-on luggage (up to 5 kilograms – 20 kilograms in total). In addition, please let us know if you are over 188 cm (6’2”) tall or weigh over 100kg (220lbs), so that we can plan our trip appropriately.
Tickets are generally not issued for charter flights; you will however receive a voucher for your trip.
As you will no doubt want to capture as much as possible of your luxury Tanzania safari, remember to bring a camera and/or video camera with plenty of film/digital space and replacement batteries. A quality flashlight may also come in very handy.
Additionally we recommend sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, personal toiletries, a small first-aid kit, and a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses if you use them.
Also remember a swimming costume, plus you may wish to include a good book for the relaxing hours. If you are planning for a camping safari, sleeping bags and towels must be included also.
It is generally not advisable to drink or brush your teeth with tap water in Tanzania. Bottled water is available everywhere and in almost all lodges and hotels and all supermarkets. On treks and safaris, it is better to carry sufficient bottled water.
For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that we recommend, with a 300-400 mm zoom lens preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500 mm or larger lens is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots.
We recommend bringing extra camera and flash batteries with plenty of film or digital storage, otherwise these may be quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.
Passport requirements: Each visitor to Tanzania must be in possession of a valid, signed passport that is valid for at least six months beyond his/her scheduled departure date.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST FOUR BLANK PAGES IN YOUR PASSPORT FOR STAMPS/VISAS ETC. IF NOT, YOU MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY INTO TANZANIA. FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CARRY A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU. IN ADDITION, WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT YOU LEAVE COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTS WITH SOMEONE AT HOME.
VISAS: Visas are required to enter Tanzania as with other East African countries. These can either be obtained in advance through the various embassies/high commissions or consulates abroad, or at the airports or other ports/borders of entry.
The process is fast and easy and all you are required to have is a valid passport (at least six months).
Namibia’s fly-in camps sit at a premium compared with overland lodges, largely because of the light aircraft logistics and the remoteness of the best regions. As a guide, a luxury Namibia tour built around private fly-in transfers typically runs from AUD $1,300 to $2,500 per person, per day, depending on camp tier and the number of regions covered.
A sample 10-night private fly-in itinerary covering Sossusvlei, Etosha and Damaraland, three to four nights in each region, light aircraft transfers between camps, private game drives, and full board throughout, generally comes in between AUD $13,000 and $19,000 per person, excluding international flights. Adding Serra Cafema and a Himba community visit typically adds two to three nights and around AUD $3,000 to $5,000 per person to that total.
Costs shift with camp availability and season, so contact our African travel specialists in Australia and always confirm current rates before finalising your Namibia luxury travel.
Namibia rewards a slower pace, which makes it a strong fit for both family trips and milestone celebrations. Older children tend to do best here; the driving distances and desert heat suit a slightly more adventurous family than a first-time safari with very young kids, and our luxury family safari holidays structure adjusts camp choice and pacing accordingly.
For couples marking an anniversary or honeymoon, Namibia’s privacy and scenery make it one of the more memorable choices on the continent. Our couples safari holidays favour smaller camps, private vehicles and dinners set apart from other guests wherever the lodge allows.
Namibia pairs naturally with a handful of other regions for travellers building a longer trip.
A luxury Botswana safari adds the Okavango Delta’s water-based game viewing as a contrast to Namibia’s dry landscapes, while a private safari in South Africa rounds out a trip with Cape Town and the Winelands.
Travellers chasing the Great Migration often combine Namibia with a luxury Tanzanian safari, and Kenya safari holidays work as an easy add-on for classic plains game. For a beach finish after the desert, luxury Mozambique tours are a popular way to end the trip.
Australian travellers have trusted us for years because we build Namibia itineraries around the regions and camps that truly wow.
Your priority might be the dunes, the desert elephants, Etosha’s waterholes, or the Himba communities near Serra Cafema. We structure the routing around it so nothing feels rushed.
Answer a few questions, and we’ll put together your personalised African adventure.
Typically, your private fly-in transfers between camps, accommodation at premium lodges, game drives and guided activities, most meals, and park entry fees. International flights, tips and travel insurance are usually separate.
Expect to pay AUD $1,300 to $2,500 per person, per day, for a private fly-in itinerary. A 10-night trip covering Sossusvlei, Etosha and Damaraland typically runs AUD $13,000 to $19,000 per person, with a Serra Cafema extension adding roughly AUD $3,000 to $5,000 more.
A private fly-in safari suits travellers who want to cover Namibia’s best regions in a shorter, more comfortable window without long driving days. Self-drive suits travellers with more time who are happy to be independent and comfortable on long gravel roads. We can plan either style or a mix of both.
The dry season, from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing in Etosha, as animals gather around waterholes. The dunes at Sossusvlei look striking year-round, though the cooler months from June to August are more comfortable for early morning climbs.
Yes, on both counts. Namibia suits families with older children well, given the driving distances and desert conditions, and its privacy and dramatic scenery make it a strong choice for anniversaries, honeymoons and other milestone trips.
Yes. As of April 2025, Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Namibia, available on arrival at major entry points or via an online application before you travel.
We recommend checking Smart Traveller for the latest requirements closer to your departure date, since entry rules can shift with limited notice.
