An enigma at first glance, the best way to explore Namibia and all the curiosities and wonders of this one-in-a-million destination is with the help of its finest lodges. From the rustically beautiful safari lodges of the north to the sand-swept luxury camps of the south, there is no shortage of accommodation to match the enchanting landscapes, and your only problem will be choosing between them. So, whether you want to be in spying distance of the iconic wildlife, fill your camera roll with dramatic desert scenes, or enjoy a stay in the country’s most secret spaces, we’ve hand-picked our favourite Namibia lodges to help you decide…
Little Ongava
Etosha
Namibia may be known as the land of deserts and dunes, but the promise of bucket list wildlife may have you planning a trip to Etosha. Tucked away in a 30,000-hectare private reserve just next door to the national park is Little Ongava. A picture of bush luxury, there are just three stone chalets, beautiful outdoor salas and an infinity pool to cool off in. Your safari begins before even leaving your room with views of a private waterhole and a procession of wildlife stopping to drink and cool off. There’s also a state-of-the-art photographic hide from which you can capture scenes of the splashing elephant and lapping lion only metres away. The reserve also plays host to a cutting-edge rhino conservation research centre and you’ll have the chance to track black and white rhino on foot. After game drives to spot big cats, and rare antelope, retreat to the lodge for a three-course dinner, stargazing in a crystal-clear sky, and a bubble bath in your Victorian tub.
Onguma Bush Camp
Etosha
If you fancy seeing Etosha from a different angle, we present Onguma Game Reserve, 22,000 hectares of private and wildlife-dotted land to the east of Etosha. With its classic safari looks, Onguma Bush Camp will be your perfect companion. The main thatched area appears to hover over the floodlit waterhole and you rarely feel like you’re inside thanks to its open-air dining lapa and rustic lounges. And that’s without mentioning the rather impressive line-up of animals that lure you onto the grassy plains at every chance! There are a range of bright and breezy rooms but if you’re feeling adventurous, pick one of the rondavels; they are in an unfenced area and waking to a warthog chomping on the grass outside isn’t unusual. Meals and drinks always feature a show from the waterhole rabble, as do dips in the pool in between safari excursions. Speaking of which, the reserve can be explored on walking safaris, game drives and night drives, and there are a variety of conservation experiences to explore too.
Onduli Ridge
Damaraland
Picture waking up as light slowly creeps over miles of sun-baked terrain before setting off to track the world’s last free-roaming black rhino and follow desert-adapted elephant through cracked riverbeds… Well, this is exactly what awaits at Onduli Ridge, a jewel of a lodge deftly built on platforms amongst the giant boulders of Damaraland. Arriving at your suite (one of only six) feels quite surreal as you take in the open-air waterfall shower and sumptuous canopy bed, which, incidentally, can be rolled onto the veranda for a night under a million stars. At the main area, the domed dining room serves crafted pizzas and chilled drinks, while the library offers a good book to read by the pool – if you can tear your eyes from those neverending vistas.
Okonjima Bush Camp
Otjiwarongo
Otjiwarongo is the home of AfriCat, the largest leopard rescue programme in the world, and guests who stay here will track the cats on foot and see them thrillingly up close. In a place like this, our choice of accommodation was easy. Okonjima Bush Camp is all about letting the landscape (and its inhabitants) shine. Each chalet comes with roll-up canvas sides, rewarding you with 180° views of the plains and meandering wildlife from your bed, stone bathtub or private sala. Each room also has a view of a mini waterhole, perfect for an afternoon of armchair safari-ing. On game drives into the reserve, spot endangered rhino, sable and shaggy brown hyenas, and on a hike into the mountains, keep your binoculars ready for swooping eagle owls or yellow-billed hornbills. Top it all off with a night the hide, which may result in a fabled pangolin sighting… Okonjima lives and breathes safari, and we’re here for it!
Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge
Skeleton Coast
Along a shoreline buffeted by waves, where ghostly shipwrecks peek out from the sand and desert-adapted animals wander amongst the dunes, you’ll find one of Namibia’s most unique lodges. Built to mirror the unlucky vessels lining the coast, the timber cabins of Shipwreck Lodge are dotted along the sand, and the views down to the crashing coast can be enjoyed from bed. Despite feeling like the first people to ever set foot here, there is plenty to see and do. Venture along the coastline, delving into the history of its famous shipwrecks and stopping to watch the comical antics of the Mowe Bay seal colony; weave your way down dry riverbeds, following in the footsteps of elephant, lion and hyena; or discover your adventurous side with a spot of sandboarding and toast a day well spent with sundowners on the dunes.
Strand Hotel
Swakopmund
In Namibia, you don’t have to choose between the ocean and the desert, luxury and adventure – and nowhere does that ring more true than in Swakopmund. Perched on the iconic Mole, with the Atlantic brushing the coast on every side, the Strand Hotel has become something of a Swakopmund legend. The whole hotel is, in fact, a mini version of the town, and there are delicious dining spots to enjoy ocean-fresh oysters arriving daily from Walvis Bay, or ice cream on the promenade, whilst a selection of watering holes offer up local craft beer or cocktails for sunset. Inside, the rooms are indulgent and stylish, and if the stunning views coax you outside, there is an impressive list of activities. From dolphin cruises and surfing to dune bashing and skydiving, each day can be as action-packed as you like – and the Atlantic Spa is waiting to pamper aching muscles when you return.
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei
Making the journey to the utter wilderness of Sossusvlei would be worth it without the bells and whistles, but &Beyond Desert Lodge throws them in too! The inventive villas are stunning, futuristic yet African-inspired at the same time, but even better is the fact that they are completely solar-powered with walls that are barely visible in the desert. From the infinity pool to the sunken fireside lounges and your glass-walled outdoor shower, the view is one of sweeping, lunar sands, dust-swirled peaks and wildlife that wanders for miles to drink at the waterhole. In between jaunts into the desert, there are art supplies for when the inspiration strikes, private wine tastings in the cellar and star gazing (it’s next to Africa’s only Dark Sky Reserve) with the in-house astronomer. Come day break, trek to the crest of Sossusvlei’s famous dunes, capture the eerily beautiful trees of Deadvlei on camera and soar above the landscape in a hot air balloon.
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
NamibRand
Hidden away in the deserts of southern Namibia, NamibRand is an unfenced and unblemished wonderland, where the wildlife roams without borders and, thanks to reserve rules, you’ll have around 2 million-square-metres of wilderness to yourself. In the middle of the bronzed sands, Wolwedans Desert Lodge is as magical as its name. The canvas-roof chalets provide 360° panoramas of the indigo peaks and desert plains, providing the perfect wake-up call as you peer through the sheer drapes of your four-poster bed. When adventure calls, enjoy gentle game drives to spot desert-dwelling leopard, cheetah, Cape foxes and caracal, plus plenty of plains game. Not too far away, you’ll find the dunes of Sossusvlei, which can be explored on hikes, horse rides or from the air in a hot air balloon. Needless to say, the scenery is a dream, whether you’re curled up in a hammock with a book, cooling off in the raised pool or taking full advantage of NamibRand’s ‘Dark Sky’ status with a night beneath the Milky Way.
Serra Cafema Camp
Kaokoland
At Namibia’s furthest northern reaches lies the beautiful Kaokoland region where the desert is stitched together by mountains and ribbons of river. Its most remote lodge by far is Serra Cafema, nestled on the banks of the Kunene River. Here, the stilted villas all offer idyllic views – sometimes into Angola itself – from spacious terraces and make a welcome, and well-styled, reprieve from the day’s dust and adventures. And there are plenty of them! Explore Hartmann’s Valley by foot or 4×4, take a walk with the Himba people and get a precious glimpse into their lives, or enjoy the sunset from the bow of a boat – eyes peeled for crocodile and spectacular birdlife. This is an ideal place to enjoy nature’s masterpiece without having to skimp on comfort.
Olive Exclusive
Windhoek
Before your Namibian expeditions begin in earnest, take the time to gather your thoughts (and sometimes your wits) at Windhoek’s most exclusive hotel. Designed to the nines, Olive Exclusive is a fantastic hideout in the capital city, and is close to all the sights. Built overlooking an olive grove, there are seven chalets with wall-to-wall windows, plush suites in pastel shades, and larger than life prints of the wildlife you’ll soon see. The suites are bright and all have a lounge area, immaculate bathrooms, and a large terrace. If you’re looking to splurge, opt for the Premium Suites, which have their own plunge pool. Should you have time to spare, wander into town to grab a souvenir or strudel on the go – or simply spend every moment in the luxury of your room with a massage and glass of red.
