Our list of Namibia's finest hotels, lodges and tented camps - properties we consider truly special and recommend to our clients.

In Namibia we work very closely with Wilderness Safaris as they operate throughout the country, often with exclusive use of the most sought after locations. We also book a select handful of unique, high quality and high end properties.

Damaraland Camp, Damaraland, Namibia – Damaraland Camp, set within the 80,000 hectare Torra Wildlife Conservancy, is a rare venture which integrates communities, the environment and wildlife on a sustainable basis and is rated the most successful eco-tourism venture in Namibia. In fact the Torra Conservancy is one of the most successful in all of Africa. It meets all its management costs and makes a profit which is then re-invested into community projects for the locals benefit. It is the first community conservancy which is able to sustain itself without donor funding. Situated on the northern face of the Huab River Valley 90 kilometers inland from Torra Bay on Namibia's Skeleton Coast, Damaraland Camp presents endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys and soaring peaks. Early morning mists, generated by the meeting of the icy Atlantic and the warm land mass along the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river line, providing sustenance to varied life forms. The river flows only once or twice during the short rainy season, seldom breaking through the dunes to the ocean. The camp itself faces south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains nearly 100 kilometers away. The camp is comprised of 9 large comfortable walk in tents with en suite facilities and roomy verandahs. The dining room and pub are combined under canvas and there is a unique rock swimming pool. Guests at Damaraland Camp may enjoy nature walks and drives into the desert in search of the rare and endangered desert elephant (85% of guests spending two nights see desert elephant) and black rhino. Other wildlife in the area includes ostrich, kudu, oryx, and springbok. With prior notice, a trip can be arranged to the famous Twyfelfontein rock engravings located nearby. Mountain bikes are also available for guest use. Star gazing is "par excellence" with crystal clear night skies.

Desert Rhino Camp, Damaraland, Namibia -  An amazing adventure for more active travelers! Desert Rhino Camp (formerly Palmwag Rhino Camp) is a mobile camp run in conjunction with the "Save the Rhino Trust" in the private Palmwag area of rugged northern Damaraland. The camp offers a brilliant insight into the ecology and conservation of this incredible area and at the same time contributes directly to the Trust. The area is massive - over 1 million acres! The luxury tented mobile camp can be easily moved if local wildlife movements deem it necessary. The camp has 6 ”Meru" tents available for tailor-made itineraries, each with en-suite facilities including bucket showers with hot water on call. Guests may explore this wild and remote area in the company of the dedicated conservationists together with local trackers. This concession supports the world’s largest free roaming population of black rhino and desert elephants as well. In addition there are large populations of Hartman’s mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok and kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park with over 100 lions, cheetah, leopard, brown and spotted hyena. Bird life is prolific and diverse with most of Namibia’s endemics present. Camp activities include tracking rhino on foot or from open 4x4 vehicle, night drives and full day outings (with a picnic lunch) on the concession.

Hotel Heinitzburg, Windhoek, Namibia - If you're looking to spoil yourself (or someone special) this is the place to stay. Commissioned by Count von Schwerin for his fiancé, Margarethe von Heinitz in 1914, Heinitzburg Castle is now an enchanting hotel overlooking Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. Heinitzburg combines 19th century European charm with modern comforts. Completed in 1996 in the style of the old castle, the hotel has 10 spacious, generously appointed en suite rooms. What makes Heinitzburg special is the elegant design, from four poster beds and Italian ceramic tiles to custom fitting and specially created hand-made wooden furnishings. The Raith family has long been associated with a tradition of excellent hospitality and cuisine. The restaurant, Leo's at the Castle, is in our opinion the top restaurant in Namibia and the views from the balcony overlooking Windhoek are spectacular. Cocktails at sunset are a popular diversion. Meals are also served in the gardens, or on special occasions in the Knight’s room or in the incredible wine cellar. This hotel is centrally located and has a swimming pool. The Hotel Heinitzberg is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group.

Kulala Desert Lodge, Namib Desert, Namibia - Situated on over 46,000 acres of private property bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Kulala Desert Lodge lies in the heart of the Namib. The lodge, which is larger than Little Kulala, offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, as well as magnificent mountainous scenery and vast open plains. 14 thatched and canvas chalets or "Kulalas" with en-suite bathrooms and showers are set on wooden platforms to provide maximum airflow. For outdoor enthusiasts, mattresses can be moved to the rooftop to sleep under the stars from a private star gazing platform. The main lodge, with décor inspired from Northern Africa, has a lounge, pub, dining area and plunge pool, and offers a wrap-around verandah that overlooks the waterhole and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert sunset. Activities here include drives to the dunes at Sossusvlei (through a private gate on the Tsauchab River allowing guests to spend more time in the dunes as opposed to driving), day and night wildlife viewing from open 4x4 vehicles, and walks to explore the incredible scenery and desert wildlife. A 60 minute sunrise hot air balloon safari can be pre-arranged at extra cost - a truly unique experience floating silently above the magnificent sand dunes with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.

Kulala Wilderness Camp, Namib Desert, Nambia – Kulala Wilderness Camp (formerly Kulala Tented Camp) is situated in the heart of Namibia's Namib Desert on a 46,000 acre private reserve near Sossusvlei. The camp is built at the foot of a mountain and comprises 10 thatch and canvas chalets on elevated wooden decks which are linked to the main dining room, bar, reception area and swimming pool by gravel pathways. The interiors are simple yet stylish and each rooms has 220v lighting and an en suite bathroom with hot water. The main dining area, bar and reception are built from canvas with thatch roofing. There is a fully stocked bar and traditional three-course meals are served at dinner. At night, lanterns light the main area. On the edge of the oldest desert in the world, wildlife here is sparse but fascinating. Sightings of animals such as springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, bat-eared fox and aardwolf are exciting in these rugged conditions. Activities here include drives to the dunes at Sossusvlei (through a private gate on the Tsauchab River allowing guests to spend more time in the dunes as opposed to driving), day and night wildlife viewing from open 4x4 vehicles, and walks to explore the incredible scenery and desert wildlife. A 60 minute sunrise hot air balloon safari can be pre-arranged at extra cost - a truly unique experience floating silently above the magnificent sand dunes with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.

Little Kulala Lodge, Namib Desert, Namibia – A spectacular little property with a great feel and location. Situated on a 46,000 acre private concession bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Little Kulala offers magnificent views of the Sossusvlei dunes as well as spectacular mountain scenery. Little Kulala has 11 en suite rooms, each with a private plunge pool. They are set on wooden platforms to provide maximum cooling (each room also has a ceiling fan). Mattresses can be moved to a rooftop platform to sleep under the stars! The main lodge has a lounge, dining area, pub, and plunge pool. Activities here include drives to the dunes at Sossusvlei (through a private gate on the Tsauchab River allowing guests to spend more time in the dunes as opposed to driving), day and night wildlife viewing from open 4x4 vehicles, and walks to explore the incredible scenery and desert wildlife. A 60 minute sunrise hot air balloon safari can be pre-arranged at extra cost - a truly unique experience floating silently above the magnificent sand dunes with a champagne breakfast served at your landing site.

Little Ongava Lodge, Etosha, Namibia – One of our absolute favorite properties! Located within the 30,000 hectare private Ongava Game Reserve on Etosha's southern boundary guests at Little Ongava are accommodated in 3 spacious air conditioned / heated suites. Each incredible suite has its own bedroom, lounge area, plunge pool, bathroom with double sinks / shower / bath, a private sala, and additional outdoor shower. Set on the crest of a hill each room has wonderful views onto the plains below. Mornings are usually spent on wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha. During the afternoons and evenings guests may enjoy professionally guided walks, sitting at hides, and drives within the Ongava Reserve - activities not possible within Etosha. The Ongava Reserve is home to both black and white rhino (tracking rhino on foot is a highlight), elephant, lion, springbok, gemsbok, hartebeest, leopard, cheetah and many more species. The main lodge building is a comfortable meeting place for a cool evening drink and dinner.

Ongava Game Lodge, Etosha, Namibia – Located within the 30,000 hectare private Ongava Game Reserve on Etosha's southern boundary guests at Ongava Game Lodge are accommodated in 12 air-conditioned brick, rock and thatch chalets, each with en-suite facilities. Meals are either served in the main dining area under thatch with a view over the camp's water hole, or on the dining deck under the stars. Mornings are usually spent on wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha. During the afternoons and evenings guests may enjoy professionally guided walks, sitting at hides, and drives within the Ongava Reserve - activities not possible within Etosha. The Ongava Reserve is home to both black and white rhino (tracking rhino on foot is a highlight), elephant, lion, springbok, gemsbok, hartebeest, leopard, cheetah and many more species. The lodge also has a pool.

Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha, Namibia - Located within the 75,000 acre private Ongava Game Reserve on Etosha's southern boundary guests are accommodated in 7 twin bedded tented rooms and one family room. The tents have been tastefully furnished, each with solar lighting, ceiling fan, en-suite thatched bathroom with flush toilet and unique open air private shower, and verandah (on our last visit we had lion walking outside our tent for hours one night – fantastically exciting). The camp’s main stone and thatch area consists of the bar, dining area and open fireplace. These overlook a very productive, floodlit waterhole situated at eye level a short distance away - awesome! The camp also has a pool. Mornings are usually spent on wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha. During the afternoons and evenings guests may enjoy professionally guided walks, sitting at hides, and drives within the Ongava Reserve - activities not possible within Etosha. The Ongava Reserve is home to both black and white rhino (tracking rhino on foot is a highlight), elephant, lion, springbok, gemsbok, hartebeest, leopard, cheetah and many more species.

Okonjima Guest House, Omboroko, Namibia – Home of the AfriCat project! Situated in the Omboroko Mountains which make up the western reaches of the Waterberg formation. Okonjima is a 6,000 hectare private nature sanctuary which is owned and operated by the Hanssen family. Wayne Hanssen, worried about the fate of Namibia’s wild cats started the AfriCat Foundation in 1991. The foundation, a charity dedicated to conserving and protecting Namibia’s predators, has rescued and released 120 cheetah and approximately 50 leopard in the last five years. Okonjima is renowned for the excellent opportunities for viewing and photographing these cats, as well as several other species. Please note that due to ongoing rehabilitation projects many cats at Okonjima are radio-collared. Cheetah and the leopard that are part of the “welfare side” of AfriCat are not radio-collared. Guests are accommodated at the Main Camp in 10 comfortable en suite bungalows and 3 luxury en suite twin tents. Three kilometers away at Bush Camp guests are accommodated in 8 en suite chalets. There are swimming pools at both the Main Camp and at Bush Camp. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives, tracking cheetah and leopard on foot, visiting the orphaned cats at the Foundation, self guided walking trails, a guided Bushman trail where you may learn about the traditional lifestyle of these unique people, and wildlife and bird viewing hides.

Serra Cafema, Kunene, Namibia – One of the most wonderful properties we have ever had the pleasure to visit!!! Serra Cafema Camp is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia and has to be the most remote camp in southern Africa - the Okavango Delta in Botswana is closer to Windhoek than Serra Cafema is to Windhoek! The camp's Portuguese name comes from the mountains to the north that dominate the skyline. This region is home to the Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people in Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and the river creates a lush oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes. Under big, shady Albida trees guests will find a small, peaceful camp with wonderful thatch roof, canvas walled, rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. Each of the camp's 9 chalets are raised off the ground. The main area includes a small swimming pool, dining room and bar. The camp is located just inland from the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. The cool winds that blow from the Atlantic help to keep the camp cool even in summer. During the day, guests spend their time exploring one of the planet's driest deserts which is home to springbok, ostrich, and leopard. Activities include traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Land Rovers and boating on the Kunene River. On the boat trips, one can watch Kunene crocodiles basking the river banks. Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys are also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the local Ovahimba families who live nearby giving guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions - simply an amazing experience! One of the other highlights of Serra Cafema is the carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly through the massive dunes. The quad bike excursion on our last visit was one of the coolest experiences we have ever had!

Skeleton Coast Camp, Skeleton Coast, Namibia - The Skeleton Coast is one of the world's most remote locations - and stunningly beautiful! Over much of the past decade, access to this private area within the Skeleton Coast National Park has been restricted. However, in April 2000 Wilderness Safaris opened a small tented camp and now offer superb 4 or 5 day fly-in safaris. Situated on a 660,000 acre private area of parkland Skeleton Coast Camp accommodates up to 12 guests in six tented rooms, each on raised wooden decks with en-suite bathrooms. The main area incorporates a dining room, lounge and bar area. Weather permitting guests may dine under an ancient Leadwood tree or partake in after-dinner drinks around the camp fire under the stars. From soaring sand dunes that roar, to vast pastel colored plains, to gaping canyons, and towering mountains, to seal colonies and shipwrecks this area is astounding! Desert wildlife includes the desert elephant, Cape fur seals, gemsbok, brown hyena, jackal, ostrich and rarely cheetah and lion. Activities include day long trips into the park (with picnic lunches) in closed 4x4 vehicles with pop tops (to keep the ever changing elements out – on our last visit we had rain and sun along with double rainbows across the desert – stunning!). Outside the park guests may enjoy visiting authentic Himba settlements for an incredible cultural experience.

Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge, Namib Desert, Namibia – Stunning! Situated in the heart of the Namib Desert on the Vreemdelingspoort Farm, one of 11 farms that make up the NamibRand Nature Reserve, guests are accommodated in 10 suites. The air-conditioned and spacious suites are designed to capture the splendor and solitude of the desert. Spaced well apart, each suite is a private haven with a shaded deck overlooking the far horizons of the Namib Desert. The split-level suites are located at the foot of a mountain overlooking a grass plain leading into a sea of red sand dunes. Each suite is equipped for the climatic extremes of the desert. There is a fireplace in the split-level lounge for winter evenings. For the hot desert days, there are showers in the ensuite, glass-encased bathroom. There are also outdoor showers for starlit bathing. Cradled against ancient mountains, Sossusvlei Mountain lodge's décor embraces muted hues of ochre, umber and ivory. An expansive star-viewing window above the bed is every child-at-heart's dream come true. The rooms are equipped with personal compact telescopes for wildlife or star-spotting, a service-intercom to the main lodge and a CD system. The split-level main lodge is a dramatic structure of glass and stone curves. Walls have become windows, or fold away completely, engaging the vast desert vistas. The swimming pool is fed by an underground spring, emerging from deep within the desert. There is something deliciously contradictory about floating in a pool in the middle of the world's oldest desert. On winter evenings, guests can select wine from the walk-in wine cellar before wandering through to the fire-lit bar. After relaxing, drink in hand, in the main lounge and terrace, or in the upper lounge and viewing deck, you may browse through the curio shop or library. Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge's own observatory houses the most powerful electronic telescope in Namibia outside the National Observatory, allowing for breathtaking clarity during stargazing. In the airy dining room, you can enjoy delectable African cuisine, prepared by a first-class Namibian chef. The NamibRand is an area of captivating beauty - from expansive gravel plains to undulating dune seas, rugged canyons with towering walls of volcanic rock and distant mountain ranges. In this dry place, an intriguing array of desert-adapted animals and plants are nourished by condensation from the sea mists rising off the distant Atlantic Ocean. This area hosts some animal life unlike that found anywhere else on earth. Mammals include springbok, Hartmann's zebra, baboon, hartebeest, Grant's golden mole and the silent dune sentinel, the clown-like oryx (gemsbok). Local predators to look out for are hyena, cheetah, jackal, Cape and bat-eared foxes, aardwolf and African wildcat. Over 115 species of birds occur in the area. In the cool of morning and evening, resident naturalists will take you in open four-wheel drive open vehicles to explore. Guided walks are available or you may explore on your own along marked walking trails. For more adventurous guests the reserve may be explored by quad bike. From the height of a hot-air balloon ride, the view of the red dunes and seas of dune grass is unparalleled. This bird's-eye view of the desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hot-air ballooning over the Namib is an optional extra as is a guided 4x4 excursion to Sossusvlei, site of the highest sand dunes on earth.

Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp, Namib Desert, Namibia - Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is situated 20 kilometers from Sesriem, the entrance to the Sossusvlei dunes on a private 21,000 hectare reserve. Huge towering dunes rise dramatically, more than 1,000 feet above the surrounding plains. The camp’s location provides easy access to Sossusvlei, yet also offers privacy and exclusivity. The 9 superbly appointed bungalows, each with its own plunge pool, have been built just below the top of a mountain, using rock, brick, timber and thatch and provide a cool refuge from the desert. The bedrooms and en suite bathrooms both have incredible views onto the desert plains below. The main living area is built under thatch with extensive decks. Guests enjoy dinner under the stars and aspiring astronomers may star-gazing with the camp’s powerful telescope. The Namib is considered by many to be the finest star-gazing area in Southern Africa. There is a also a pub, indoor dining area, and swimming pool. Activities here are conducted in 4x4 vehicles and include safaris down to the very end of the Tsauchab River and to the heart of Sossusvlei for wonderful dune scenes. Breakfasts are often served under the spreading camel-thorn acacias in Sossusvlei returning to camp via the Sesriem Canyon. This is not a wildlife rich area however you may find springbok, gemsbok (oryx), ostrich and the occasional aardvark. A 60 minute sunrise hot air balloon safari can be pre-arranged at extra cost - a truly unique experience floating silently above the magnificent sand dunes ending with a champagne breakfast!

Wolwedan’s Dune Lodge, Namib Desert, Namibia - Once the hunting ground of the spotted hyena, Wolwedan's takes its name from the African for "where the wolves dance". Nestled amidst the dunes in the heart of 200,000 heactare NamibRand Nature Reserve, which boasts some of Namibia's most dramatic and beautiful desert scenery, Wolwedan's provides the perfect base from which to explore vast stretches of the NamibRand Reserve. The 180,000 heactare NamibRand Nature Reserve (Southern Africa's biggest privately owned reserve) originated as a dream – a dream of extending the desert frontiers by integrating 11 former sheep farms into a sanctuary free of fences, so that wildlife could roam their habitat unhindered. Game species found in the reserve include gemsbok, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, spotted hyena, Cape fox and African wildcats. The more rocky areas are inhabited by kudu, klipspringer, baboon and leopard, while the dunes harbor a rich and diverse micro-fauna. Over a hundred species of birds have been recorded. The main objective of NamibRand Nature Reserve is to conserve this beautiful land. Despite the tremendous potential for ongoing tourist developments it has been decided that every bed, in theory, must be surrounded by 2000 hectares of wilderness - now and forever. Wolwedan’s Dune Lodge is constructed on wooden platforms and overlooks panoramic vistas in all directions, capturing the ambience of the desert in an intimate and memorable way. Guests at Dune Lodge are accommodated in 8 spacious chalets furnished with queen size beds, bedside tables, a suitcase rack, a coffee table and two comfortable chairs. Each chalet has a private, spacious verandah, en-suite bathroom, and solar lighting. The story goes that a guest at Wolwedan’s fell asleep reading on the deck of his room. He awoke covered up to his neck in red sand! The 9th Chalet - the family room - consist of 2 separate bedrooms and one bathroom. The main complex consists of two lounges, a number of sundowner decks, a fireplace, a tea deck, a library, the wine cellar and two dining rooms. All communal areas of the lodge open out onto verandahs with superb views. There is also a swimming pool. For those seeking solitude the elegant Mountain View Suite, at just over 200 square meters of deck rising above the dunes, provides ample living space. Located within walking distance from the Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, yet secluded amidst a magnificent dunes landscape, the suite allows guests maximum comfort and a high degree of privacy. The suite consists of a spacious bedroom with a king-size double bed allowing. There is a en-suite bathroom with two wash basins, a shower and toilet. A shaded patio provides an ideal venue for out-door meals and relaxed hours in the shade floating about in a hammock. Add to this a spacious lounge, bar and dining area and you have a wonderful home away from home. An east-facing veranda and sun-deck lead from the platform into the surrounding dunes. A special attraction is the ‘star-gazing’ bed incorporated into the main veranda, providing a wonderful sleep-out venue during summer. Interpretive scenic drives in open Landrovers and walks with resident field-guides reveal the wonders of the desert - as do picnics in the wild, sundowners on the dunes and dinners by candlelight. Guests may also pre-book a hot air balloon excursion (at extra cost).