The real sociable weaver’s nest which I saw all over the country but also at the Namib Tsaris Conservancy, a private reserve owned by Swen Bachran and located in a remote valley of the Namib Desert, is made of twigs and branches and can house up to 300 birds! The 24,000 hectare Neuhof Nature Reserve is nestled between the Nubib and Zaris Mountains and a mere thirty minutes’ drive from the Sossusvlei gate, the gateway to the Great Namib Sand Sea which has recently been declared a World Heritage Site.
Inspired by this natural gem, Designer Porky Hefer’s incredible debut architectural project is also called THE NEST, which I photographed during my journey. Managed by Ultimate Safaris and Journeys by Design, THE NEST, solar powered and clothed entirely in straw inside out just like the weaver’s nest is hidden way back in a rocky canyon and definetely Namibia’s most extraordinary private residence to stay at in terms of both design and décor. Being both a tiny elegant hotel and a private home, seclusion is just one of THE NEST‘ s selling points. On hand are a chef, butler and guide, as well as a helipad. It won the Wallpaper* Design Award for Best Private House in 2019 and is one of the coolest sites I have ever stayed!
Managed by Ultimate Safaris.