Still considering a trip away from home this holiday season but envision a semi-private vacation with your partner? Ker & Downey Africa has launched a 12-day Stargazing Desert Safari in Namibia packed full of promises of a different kind of experience that is sure to delight and excite.

“Namibia is an enigmatic country of contrasts, vast open spaces, and breathtaking scenery. It is a great safari destination for an adventurous traveller who has visited Africa before, or honeymooners looking for a romantic escape away from the crowds,” says Lisa Nel, group head of product and marketing at Ker & Downey.

Shadow of a man stargazing — The 12-day Stargazing Desert Safari in Namibia includes a stargazing night at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Image courtesy of BBC travel

The trip, which will bring guests to one of only six International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, starts with a private fly-in that delivers them straight to carefully-selected luxury lodges chosen to maximize their celestial safari adventure. As part of the trip, guests will get to stargaze alongside astronomers in state-of-the-art observatories, enjoy an open-air desert cinema experience, and spend a night atop a custom-built Land Cruiser in Namibia’s pristine wilderness.

The itinerary comprises five destinations by private charter including Zannier Private Reserve, Onguma Game Reserve, Damaraland, Sossusvlei, and the Namib Desert. First off is a stay at the ultra-luxurious Omaanda in Zannier Reserve where guests can take part in a bespoke safari activity matched to their personal interests.

Outdoor deck at Onguma the fort complete with two love seats — At Onguma, guests can take part in both day and night safaris. Image courtesy of Onguma the Fort

The journey continues to Etosha National Park where visitors can participate in both day and night safaris, as well as a unique sleepout experience on Onguma’s Dream Cruiser, a custom-built Land Cruiser with two levels that sleeps two people.

Then, guests will fly to Damaraland, a region renowned for its impressive rock formations, ancient river terraces, and desert-adapted wildlife, where they will check into Onduli Ridge. Next stop is at Sossusvlei, which is home to some of the tallest sand dunes and dramatic desert landscapes in the world. Here, visitors will sleep at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, a secluded retreat on the border of an International Dark Sky Reserve, where they are guaranteed a stargazing night unlike any other.

Outdoor bed at the Onduli ridge where guests at the 12 day Stargazing Desert Safari in Namibia can stay — A stay at the Onduli Ridge is also part of the trip’s itinerary. image courtesy of Onduli Ridge

At the lodge, guests can visit its world-class observatory, complete with a Celestron CPC 1100 GPS computerized telescope so they can look up to the stars above with the lodge’s resident astronomer and learn a thing or two about outer space.

The final leg of the trip takes them to the exclusive Sonop camp at the southernmost part of the ancient Namib Desert where they will enjoy a few more nature drives, a horseback excursion in the desert, and even guided desert walks.

Guests at this stargazing Namibia desert safari will also stay at Sonop camp — A stay at the Sonop Camp completes the trip. Image courtesy of Sonop Camp

Pricing for the 12-day Stargazing Desert Safari in Namibia starts from $12,019 per person and is available year-round. Visit the company’s website for the full itinerary and to book now.

Source: Travel + Leisure