Kanaan Desert Retreat: nature, luxury and conservation

Kanaan Desert Retreat offers a blend of nature, luxury and conservation. Set in a 33,000-hectare reserve in the Namib Desert, our luxury safari tents are surrounded by three different ecosystems: the Tiras Mountains, open grasslands and red-hued sand dunes. These landscapes take centre stage and are a paradise for photographers, but you can also spot free-roaming wildlife here, from springbok to ostrich and spotted hyena – I’ve even been lucky enough to see a leopard stalking through the dunes.

The retreat was established by the N/a an ku sé Foundation in 2014, whose aim is to protect Namibia’s wild spaces and endemic animals. This fragile desert landscape had previously been disrupted by cattle farming, so we removed all the fences, creating a reserve for animals and allowing them to migrate freely again. There’s a conservation fee incorporated into your stay, so just coming to Kanaan Desert Retreat means you’re helping protect the environment and fund local community projects like school development.

Kanaan offers an authentic glamping experience in typical African-safari-style canvas tents with decks where you can sit and soak up the endless desert views. Guests love sipping sundowners by our pool, which we converted from an old water reservoir, and the intense sense of space and quiet – at night, the only noise you’ll hear is the odd jackal or ostrich at the waterhole. There are trails around the retreat where you can enjoy guided walks to spot insects, do some spoor identification and learn how the desert works. Often, you’ll see reptiles and meerkats, perhaps some oryx and kudu.

We also offer scenic drives and photography safaris, focusing mainly on the area’s geology and landscapes. You’ll travel in our converted Toyota Land Cruisers and cover up to 40 kilometres of the reserve, stopping at animal-rich waterholes. Our guides choose the best locations to stop for scenic drinks, snacks and photo sessions. The sunsets and sunrises here are incredible; the desert is dotted with petrified trees in the foreground and backed by towering mountains. At night, the sky is full of stars – you can even spot the Milky Way.