Landing in Namibia for the first time, I had that rare feeling of being somewhere both completely new and instantly addictive. Although I have sold a lot of Africa over the years, Namibia has only ever featured occasionally in my bookings. It has always been on my radar for its cinematic landscapes and sense of space, but I wanted to experience it personally before I really started recommending it. In March I finally had that chance, travelling with a small group of clients to see what all the quiet hype was about.

This was a hosted client trip that I’d put together using our amazing DMC Obeo Travel, and we were a group of nine: two Travel Counsellor tour leaders (the other was Katherine Hobbs) and seven clients. It was a tough sell to be honest, people were a bit unsure, but I filled the trip with the help of the wider TC community. Everyone who came with us loved the fact it was a small hosted group, and Namibia absolutely did not disappoint: we were all blown away by it.

We flew from Heathrow via Johannesburg to Windhoek with British Airways on 9 March, returning on 22 March. On the ground we covered an impressive amount of the country in 11 nights: one night in Windhoek at Windhoek Luxury Suites, two nights at Sossusvlei Lodge in the desert, two nights at Swakopmund Luxury Suites on the coast, one night in Damaraland at Twyfelfontein Lodge, two nights at Okaukuejo Lodge in Etosha, two nights at Omaruru Game Lodge, and a final night at River Crossing Lodge back near Windhoek.

© Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

It was a full, fast-paced itinerary, but it never felt rushed because the journey is such a big part of the experience. The drives are long, mostly on gravel roads, but the traffic is almost non-existent and the views are endlessly absorbing. We went from rolling desert and burnt-orange dunes to Atlantic coastline and coastal towns, then on to rugged Damaraland and finally the wildlife of Etosha and a private game lodge. The constant change in scenery is one of Namibia’s greatest strengths: you never feel like you are seeing the same view twice.

'Adventure rather than opulence'

Two lodges really stood out for me. Twyfelfontein Lodge, set among dramatic rock formations in Damaraland, felt almost sculpted out of the landscape. The setting is spectacular, and the sundowners on top of a nearby hill after our amazing ephemeral elephant drive were some of the most memorable I have ever experienced. We watched the sun drop behind the mountains in a blaze of colour, with that deep Namibian silence around us, which was a magical moment for us all.

Omaruru Game Lodge was another favourite, especially for its waterhole. Sitting with a drink, watching animals come and go, never really loses its novelty. It is the kind of simple, authentic moment that clients will remember long after the specific room type has faded from memory. Etosha also provided incredible wildlife moments: we were lucky enough to see a lion come down to drink, and we spent ages watching a herd of elephants splashing in the mud. One tiny baby elephant clearly had not quite worked out how to use his trunk yet, which was very cute and had everyone smiling.

© Karen Thornton, TC

Namibia is not about high-gloss luxury in the way that some other African destinations can be. Most of the accommodation we experienced felt more four-star than five, and the focus is firmly on journey, adventure and experience rather than opulence. Food across the trip was hearty and satisfying, with plenty of game to try. It is not fine dining, but it is tasty, filling and exactly what you want after a dusty, adventure-filled day. My group were all very happy with it.

Value for money was a pleasant surprise. Food and drink are very reasonably priced once you are there, and overall it felt excellent value, especially when you consider the space, wildlife and uniqueness of the landscapes. South Africa is known for offering great value at the moment, and I would say Namibia sits in a similar bracket, particularly for clients who value experiences and scenery over ultra-lux accommodation.

There were some standout activities that I will be raving about to clients. In Swakopmund, some of the group took a scenic flight that really brought home just how vast and varied the coastline and desert were. Two of us, myself included, went skydiving, which was absolutely exhilarating, with incredible views over the desert and sea – I loved it and would have gone again if they’d offered me the chance! Our boat trip off the coast was another highlight. We were incredibly lucky to witness a whale bubble feeding, which was a real wow moment and something none of us will forget.

© Karen Thornton

Travelling around felt easier than many people might imagine. The roads are mostly gravel, but our jeep was very comfortable and the lack of other vehicles means the driving is relaxed rather than stressful. You do need to be prepared for distance, dust and heat, but if you embrace those elements as part of the adventure, it is very rewarding. I would absolutely recommend binoculars, a good hat, plenty of sunscreen and mozzie spray. March had hot, dry, sunny weather, which suited the itinerary perfectly.

How to client match Namibia

I would say the ideal Namibia client is someone who wants something a bit different and more off the beaten track. Namibia suits travellers who are happy with a more pared-back style of travel: those who are more excited by big skies, empty roads and wild landscapes than by polished resorts and slick nightlife. It is a brilliant alternative to Kenya or South Africa for repeat Africa visitors, photographers, adventurous couples, and families with older teens who can handle the long drives and early starts.

Conversely, there are clients I would not steer towards Namibia as a first choice. Anyone who needs high levels of polish and constant entertainment, or who dislikes dust, heat and being in the car for long stretches, may not fall in love with it in the same way. Mobility issues and very young children also need careful consideration because of the terrain, distances and lodge layouts.

© Karen Thornton

From a selling point of view, I will be positioning Namibia as a quieter, more intimate, more spacious African experience. One of the most compelling things for our group was how uncrowded it felt. In the national parks we often only saw one or two other vehicles at a wildlife sighting, which is a very strong selling point for clients who have been put off by stories of traffic jams at big-name wildlife reserves elsewhere.

Going forward, I plan to market Namibia to my clients as a destination of vast landscapes, unforgettable skies and genuine adventure. It will feature strongly in conversations with those looking for a “something different” safari or a more reflective, scenic trip that combines desert, coast and wildlife. It was a new destination for me personally, and after this trip I feel confident that it will become a much bigger part of my Africa portfolio.

If I had to sum up Namibia in three words, they would be: vast, adventurous and unforgettable.