**Namibia: Ten Days of Utterly Decadent Wild**I’ve just returned from a little jaunt to Namibia, and let me tell you, my concept of “roughing it” has been spectacularly redefined. This wasn’t your average, dusty, tent based escapade. Oh no. This was a ten day Namibian highlights tour, and the only thing roughing it I did was deciding which of the ridiculously comfortable loungers to nap on.Picture this: you’re flown into your lodge via a tiny plane, landing on a strip of… well, not exactly tarmac. More like a very well maintained patch of earth. And your welcome party? Not a herd of wildebeest, but a chilled glass of champagne and a genuinely warm smile from your butler. Yes, butler. In the middle of the desert. Apparently, it’s a thing. We kicked things off in the Sossusvlei region. Now, I’d seen pictures of those towering red dunes, but seeing them in person is something else. They’re like giant, velvety mountains that have been painted by God with a very generous brush. We had a private hot air balloon ride at sunrise, and watching the desert wake up from that vantage point was, dare I say it, spiritual. Though I will admit, sipping a mimosa at 2,000 feet probably enhanced the spiritual experience somewhat. My fear of heights was miraculously absent, replaced by an overwhelming sense of well being and a slight worry about whether my photographer had managed to capture my good side against the sunrise. Next up was Damaraland, a place of stark beauty and ancient rock art. We stayed in a lodge that was practically carved into the rock face, offering uninterrupted views of the vast, arid landscape. Imagine sitting on your private deck, a glass of wine in hand, watching a herd of desert adapted elephants amble past. It’s the kind of scene that makes you question all those years spent staring at spreadsheets. And the food! Every meal was a masterpiece, served al fresco under a blanket of stars so bright they looked fake. I developed a newfound appreciation for local delicacies, particularly the kudu carpaccio. Who knew antelope could be so refined? Then it was on to Etosha National Park, a true wildlife haven. This is where you really feel the wildness, but from the comfort of an open top safari vehicle, naturally. Our guide was a legend, a walking encyclopedia of all things animal. He could spot a lion from what felt like a mile away, and his knowledge of animal behaviour was frankly mind blowing. We saw lions lounging in the shade, rhinos grazing peacefully, and a dazzling array of birds. The highlight for me, though, was a leopard sighting. It was so close, so regal, so utterly magnificent. I felt a pang of guilt for being so smugly comfortable in my air conditioned vehicle while this majestic creature was out there doing its thing. Still, someone had to document it, right? This trip was a masterclass in how to experience nature without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. It was about being immersed in the raw beauty of Namibia, but with all the creature comforts you could possibly desire. I’m still trying to reconcile the image of myself sipping champagne while watching a cheetah hunt with my usual reality of lukewarm tea and a half eaten biscuit. It’s a good problem to have, I suppose. If you’re looking for an adventure that will spoil you rotten and leave you with memories that glint like diamonds in the desert sun, then Namibia, done the luxury way, is an absolute must. Just be warned, coming back to reality might feel a tad… less glamorous. |
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