Overview
Red dunes and wild islands
Contrast Namibia’s red sands with the tropical forests of Príncipe island, staying at two beautiful properties linked by their conservation efforts and work with communities.
Begin with a scenic flight into the otherworldly NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the most unspoiled places on the planet, spending five nights between Wolwedans’ beautiful Dune Lodge and Boulders Camp. Its plains, red dunes and mountains are home to diverse desert-specialist wildlife species you can spot on walks, bike rides and game drives. The sense of space and peace here are positively restorative.
And then, for something completely different, fly to the tiny island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe off West Africa’s coast. Staying in a tented villa hidden among tropical almond and banana trees on a deserted stretch of beach, trek into rainforest interiors and immerse yourself in the island nation’s fascinating history and culture.
Highlights
Trip highlights
-
Desert adventure from Wolwedans
-
Dark Sky Reserve star gazing
-
Beautiful beaches and cultural ties at Sundy Praia
-
Unique, community-first lodges
Inclusions
What's included
-
Ten nights of luxury accommodation
-
Tours, experiences and safari activities
-
Internal flights and private transfers
-
Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
-
Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
-
Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
-
Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 2
Fly to Wolwedans
Hop aboard a light aircraft for a spectacular flight from Windhoek across Namibia’s central highlands to a 220,000 hectare private reserve skirting the shore of the Namib Desert’s great sand sea.
Spend your first night at the aptly named Dunes Lodge with incredible views out over red sands, the endless yellow grass plains and rocky mountain ranges.
Days 2 — 5
Relax in the Wilderness
The secluded Boulders Camp will be your home for the next three nights. Enjoy the NamibRand Reserve’s vast wilderness with Bushman walks, e-biking and game drives, and take the time to sit back and enjoy the silence. Guides will bring the dunes to life, introducing you to fascinating desert-adapted flora and fauna, from oryxes and cheetahs to the enigmatic fairy circles that mark the savannah.
Sundowners and candlelit dinners in the dunes are unforgettable, as are the incredible stars over this protected dark-sky reserve. Day trips to the towering sands and surreal pans of Sossusvlei can also be arranged.
Days 5 — 6
Overnight on São Tomé
Fly via Luanda in Angola out into the Gulf of Guinea to the island of São Tomé. Spend a night at the comfortable ocean-side Omali Lodge, exploring the colourful, laid-back capital for a warm welcome to the island nation.
Days 6 — 11
Discover Príncipe island
A short hop takes you to neighbouring Príncipe island and the wonderful Sundy Praia. Spend your days relaxing on the sands, spotting nesting turtles, snorkelling in the sea and venturing into the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on a network of trails to hidden waterfalls on the lookout for endemic species.
What makes Príncipe really special, however, are its friendly people, history and culture, in which you can immerse yourself while visiting cocoa plantations, organic farms, markets and fishing villages. Sundy Praia is a model of sustainable, responsible tourism with community at its core and a goal to help build harmony between the people and their island.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
-
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
-
Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
-
Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
-
Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
