Where to stay in Namibia
1. Shipwreck Lodge
Designed to resemble the shipwrecks that line the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast, the style of this camp is completely unique. Shipwreck Lodge is the only lodge inside the Skeleton Coast National Park, 45km north of Mowe Bay, on the mouth of the Hoarusib River. The area contains irreplaceable and vulnerable wildlife habitat for species of the highest conservation importance, including black rhino, elephant, black-faced impala and the Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Surrounded by irreplaceable and vulnerable wildlife, it is in a habitat of the highest conservation importance. The 10 cabins (8 twins and 2 family with 2 extra beds) have been uniquely styled to look like the shipwrecks that dot the coast. All are ensuite (with indoor showers), solar-powered, and have wood-burning stoves to ward off the coastal chill. The brand-new camp boasts an innovatively designed lounge and restaurant with a wide deck and uninterrupted views all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. This 10 cabin camp has been styled to look like the shipwrecks dotted along the coast. With activities at the accommodation including day excursions to the Mowe Bay seal colony, Westies diamond mine and shipwreck stops, as well as sundowner drives, beach lunches and quad biking, this is a fantastic accommodation option for those seeking something a little different.
2. Hoanib Valley Camp
Situated in one of the most remote areas of Africa, the Hoanib Skeleton Camp is an intimate and luxurious camp that offers the chance to see desert adapted animals. Only accessible via light private aircraft, the camp is located in the heart of a private concession area, next to the Palmwag area and the Skeleton Coast National Park. With just 7 twin tents and one family suite tent there is absolute exclusivity about this camp and each of the tents are en-suite with their own outdoor shaded deck. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the camp and you may also have the chance to enjoy a picnic against the backdrop of the private reserve. The camp has its own private 4x4s and the private guides have incredible knowledge as they take you on a number of game drives during the day or at night, with the opportunity of seeing desert adapted elephants, giraffes, oryx and springbok. Take a trip out down the coast to marvel at the Cape fur seal colony or take a flight over the Skeleton Coast, offering an entirely different perspective of the stunning Namibian landscape.
3. Kulala Desert Lodge
Within the 46,000 acre private Kulala Wilderness Reserve bordering the Namib-Naukluft Park, Kulala Desert Lodge offers outstanding views of the world famous Namib-Naukluft Dune Sea. The oldest lodge in the area is comprised of 16 Kulalas (chalets), has its own pool and is the closest to the dunes. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and vast open plains, the desert is literally right on your doorstep. Here you can experience the sense of desert isolation and even jump the pre-dawn queue into the dunes by using a private gate into the reserve. Enjoy the abundance of silence and space as you venture into the oldest desert in the world...
4. Onguma Bush Camp
Bordering the eastern side of the Etosha National Park, Onguma Tented Camp lies inside the Onguma Private Game Reserve. There are 7 sophisticated and elegant luxury tents each with ensuite facilities including an outdoor shower, from which you can see the local water hole and animals quenching their thirst.. Funky traditional decorations make this a great place to stay as you sit back and admire the game coming into your own private waterhole. An open plan design of the communal areas with decking and a communal pool ensure that this camp blends into the surrounding wilderness. Mosquito nets cover the windows and doors and there are tea and coffee making facilities in the room. The main area consists of a restaurant where you can relax with your meal whilst watching the local game, a bar and a lounge area. There is a wonderful rim flow swimming pool at your disposal, great for relaxing between activities. There is a great menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the camp is full board. In the summer months the birding is fantastic when thousands of bird species migrate; an impressive sight – even for less enthused birders! Activities on offer include morning, afternoon, full day and night drives as well as a guided nature walk.
5. Serra Cafema
In absolutely splendid isolation, Serra Cafema is one of Africa’s most endearing and magical areas, offering one of the most memorable experiences on the continent. With access only via a flight into Hartman’s Valley airstrip, this is perhaps the most remote of all the camps in southern Africa, perched on the southern bank of the bubbling Kunene River - the area's only water source. A stay here, at this luxurious oasis in the desert, is a true privilege as you share it with the Himba people, the last true nomadic people of Africa. There are 8 Meru style thatched tents sat on the riverbanks where you can relax to the sounds of the Kunene Rapids. Tents are all en-suite, fully furnished with a fan and mosquito nets. Elevated on a wooden platform, this extends out to become a nice decking area with views of this breathtaking contrasting landscape. The main area has both indoor and outdoor dining areas, a library, sunken lounge and swimming pool. Whilst here you will traverse the sand dunes in a 4x4, you can go boating on the Kunene river and watch for the Kunene crocodiles and walk in the remote mountain and river valleys. There are environmentally friendly quad bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes and the Ovahimba families often visit, giving you the opportunity to learn about their culture and history. A full day out can be organised to Marienfluss Valley with a picnic lunch, or you can stay and admire the outstanding landscapes that are often dotted with ostrich, springbok and gemsbok, or even a leopard.
6. Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
In the heart of the ancient Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge provides an oasis for any traveller. The bewilderingly beautiful views over the dunes and rocky outcrops combined with the clearest skies make for some of the most amazing vistas, unique to this part of Africa. Surrounded by the endless horizons and rugged mountains of the Namib Desert, on the NamibRand Reserve, accessed via the C27, south of Sesriem. There are just 10 suites, each constructed from stone and glass, set into natural rock at the foot of a mountain, with views of the fiery sand of the desert. Décor is in neutral tones, featuring the dusty pink colours of the natural rose quartz that Namibia is known for. These split level villas have a sitting area with a fireplace, a star-viewing window above the bed, and a glass encased en-suite with an indoor and outdoor shower. The main area is split level as well, another beautiful construction of glass and stone with floor to ceiling windows to maximise your views of the oldest desert in the world. Here you will find quiet hideaways and viewing decks, a bar, dining room, wine cellar and a terrace. There is also a viewing deck, Safari Shop, observatory and rim flow pool. This is an unfenced camp; guests must not venture outside after dark unless accompanied by a security guard. Internet access is in the main lodge. Enjoy a four wheel drive safari in the NamibRand Nature Reserve and a day excursion to Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. You can also take part in guided nature walks, follow a marked hiking trail or join an ATV safari into the dunes. At night, star-gaze from the lodge observatory.
7. Wolwedans Dune Camp
Built on the side of a 250 metre high vegetated dune in Sossusvlei, this is an intimate camp for just 12 guests at a time. This is a simple and economical camp located in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, south of Sossusvlei. In an unspoilt area, the camp offers guests spectacular views and uncomplicated accommodation – a true African wilderness experience.
8. Skeleton Coast Safari Tented Camps
Guests are accommodated in exclusive, privately owned, fully equipped tented camps. The camps are comfortable and well equipped, and each is situated in a spot carefully chosen for its unique beauty. Each tent has en suite bucket showers and flush toilets. All other necessary camping equipment like bedding, lamps, torches, mirrors, towels and soap are provided. Likewise all food, including fresh fruit and vegetables, soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, wine and a wide assortment of alcoholic beverages are supplied.
9. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Situated in one of the most remote areas of Africa, the Hoanib Skeleton Camp is an intimate and luxurious camp that offers the chance to see desert adapted animals. Only accessible via light private aircraft, the camp is located in the heart of a private concession area, next to the Palmwag area and the Skeleton Coast National Park. With just 7 twin tents and one family suite tent there is absolute exclusivity about this camp and each of the tents are en-suite with their own outdoor shaded deck. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the camp and you may also have the chance to enjoy a picnic against the backdrop of the private reserve. The camp has its own private 4x4s and the private guides have incredible knowledge as they take you on a number of game drives during the day or at night, with the opportunity of seeing desert adapted elephants, giraffes, oryx and springbok. Take a trip out down the coast to marvel at the Cape fur seal colony or take a flight over the Skeleton Coast, offering an entirely different perspective of the stunning Namibian landscape.