What it is
A large private reserve on the Namib's eastern edge, assembled by buying out old sheep farms and pulling down the fences. Grass plains, red dunes and isolated rock hills. Only a handful of camps operate inside it and vehicle numbers are controlled.
Why go
The same desert as Sossusvlei without the car park. Walking, cycling and quiet, with guides who work the reserve rather than a public road. It was declared Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve, and on a moonless night the Milky Way casts a shadow.
When to go
Any month. Winter nights from June to August fall below freezing and are the clearest for stars. If the sky is the reason you are going, check the moon phase before you book the dates.
Most people stay 2-3 nights.