Luxe SAFARI

With its opulent tented rooms, spa treatments and private outdoor decks, Habitas Namibia is the most indulgent way to experience the vast Windhoek savannah, where lions, elephants and antelopes roam.

- NONTANDO MPOSO

OUR FLIGHT TO NAMIBIA WAS BUMPY WITH TURBULENCE, AND no amount of red wine could calm me down. In the brace position, I asked myself why I hadn't chosen to travel by road, as in the summer of 2018 when we'd driven from Cape Town to Windhoek in six days, stopping at breathtaking places in the desert.

The majestic sunsets I'd experienced on that trip and memories on the road hold a special place in my heart. Since then, it'd been my wish to return to Namibia. But this time around, I only had a weekend. "Where is everyone?" asked my travel partner as the plane dipped closer to the earth, preparing to land. A self-proclaimed city boy, he was, at that point, doubting his decision to visit the country known as the Land of the Brave.

We landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport, the main and largest in Namibia, serving its capital city, Windhoek. From the airport, we drove for about 45 minutes to Habitas Namibia, our home for the weekend. Resting within a 51 000-hectare nature reserve in the Windhoek District, Habitas is a sustainable luxury hospitality brand whose flagship property is in Tulum, Mexico. Habitas offers a unique wildlife experience like no other, and with a nod of approval from the Condé Nast Traveller, I expected nothing less.

Driving through the gates, we were welcomed by giraffes and antelopes roaming on the vast savannah - our safari experience was well underway. We began our journey with a meditation ceremony, where we set our intentions for the weekend - mine was to disconnect and get plenty of rest. I enjoyed this moment, as it held me accountable for what I wanted to achieve and reminded me why I was there.