10 of the Best Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps in Namibia
Namibia is rapidly becoming one of southern Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations, particularly with return visitors looking for something a little different. Its striking landscapes and desert-adapted species are like nowhere else on Earth while its tribal communities have lived according to ancient customs for centuries.
To help you plan an unforgettable safari in Namibia, we’ve put together a list of the top lodges and camps in the country. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re after over-the-top indulgence or rustic luxury in remote settings.
Located atop a hill in the heart of the Ongava Game Reserve, this luxury Namibian safari camp offers spectacular views across the plains below. Each of its opulent suites boasts an ensuite bathroom and a relaxing sala where you can indulge in an afternoon siesta, not to mention a private plunge pool. By day, you can embark on thrilling game drives through neighboring Etosha National Park and guided walks through the Ongava Game Reserve before enjoying gourmet meals overlooking the active watering hole.
Why Stay here
• Exclusive facilities that include private salas and plunge pools
• Set within a secluded game reserve on the doorstep of Etosha National Park
• Almost guaranteed rhino sightings
• A strategically placed hide at the onsite watering hole offers exceptional photography opportunities
Offering unparalleled views across the Huab River Valley, the Wilderness Damaraland Camp is set within one of Namibia’s most breathtaking wilderness areas. From the wooden deck of one of its 10 adobe-style suites, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas across the desert plains and Brandberg Mountains. At the heart of the property is a thatched-roofed restaurant and bar that comes complete with a roaring fireplace to keep you warm on chilly winter nights. During the day, you can embark on action-packed mountain biking trips and guided natural walks before refreshing with a swim in the inviting swimming pool.
Why Stay here
• Exceptional sightings of desert-adapted elephants on early morning and late afternoon game drives
• Incredible stargazing opportunities around the open campfire
• Enriching cultural experiences and ancient rock art
• A diverse range of experiences that include guided walks and mountain biking excursions
View Wilderness Damaraland Camp
Offering some of the best sunset views in Namibia, Onguma The Fort is a unique safari lodge styled on a traditional African fort. It overlooks the strikingly beautiful Etosha Pan, with an abundance of camelthorn trees dotting the surroundings. All of the suites feature an ensuite bathroom and an outdoor seating area, with the Fort Sultan Suite a standout due to its private viewing deck. Exceptional dining experiences are available around the property, including beside the lantern-lit pool. When you’re not out on guided walks and game drives in the Onguma Game Reserve, you can watch all the comings and goings at the watering hole.
Why Stay here
• Set within a private game reserve on the doorstep of Etosha National Park
• Romantic dining experiences for honeymooners and couples
• Overlooking a watering hole that attracts an abundance of wildlife
• Uniquely designed lodge inspired by Moroccan and Indian architecture
Set amidst the towering mountains, dunes and deserts of Kaokoland is the Hoanib Valley Camp, which offers a spectacular base for exploring Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. Its six tented suites blend in seamlessly with the surroundings and are decorated with furnishings and handicrafts inspired by the local Himba and Herero tribes. The entire camp operates on solar power, giving you peace of mind that your stay is eco-friendly. Morning and afternoon game drives are offered to spot elephant giraffes and kudus, as well as elusive desert lions.
Why Stay here
• Visit the local Giraffe Conservation Foundation to learn about the work they are doing in the area
• Exceptional sightings of desert-adapted elephants, lions, rhinos and mountain zebras
• Cultural interactions with the neighbouring Himba and Herero tribes
• Embark on guided nature walks through landscapes that few have the privilege to experience
Nestled amidst towering boulders in the Damaraland region, Mowani Mountain Camp is a stunning safari property in Namibia’s northwest. Each of its luxurious suites comes complete with a butler service, an open-air bathroom and a cosy sitting area while the sparkling swimming pool offers a respite during the heat of the day. While staying at the Mowani Mountain Camp, you’ll enjoy thrilling game drives in search of desert-adapted elephants and witness the ancient San rock carvings at Twyfelfontein. Delicious meals await at the end of the day, accompanied by unforgettable views across Damaraland.
Why Stay here
• Thrilling game drives to spot desert-adapted wildlife species
• Discover the ancient San engravings and paintings of Twyfelfontein
• Sweeping views across the striking landscapes of Damarland from the natural rock pool
• An exclusive butler service means that all your whims are met throughout your stay
Set within the 300,000-hectare Marienfluss Conservancy, Serra Cafema boasts an enviable setting in Hartmann’s Valley. It has to be one of the most secluded safari destinations in the world, with just eight canvas chalets set along the riverbank that epitomise rustic luxury. At the heart of the camp is a sunken lounge where you can relax with a sundowner after a memorable day out spotting desert-adapted oryx, Nile crocodiles and tiny chameleons. In addition to game drives and nature walks, quad bike rides, boat cruises and cultural visits to the neighbouring Himba community are available.
Why Stay here
• Set within a spellbinding landscape along Namibia’s border with Angola
• A diverse range of activities that include game drives, nature walks and quad bike excursions
• Learn about the long-standing traditions of the Himba people during a cultural visit
• An exclusive and remote setting within the spectacular Hartmann’s Valley
Perched atop a ridge overlooking the Kunene River, the Okahirongo River Camp is a luxurious retreat in northwest Namibia. With the only sound being the trickle of the river below, the serenity is spellbinding, to say the least. Each of the luxuriously appointed tents comes with its own covered deck, from where you can enjoy incredible views throughout the day. Enjoy scenic drives through the aptly named Moon Valley and walking safaris through the red dunes that dominate the landscape. A highlight of staying at the Okahirongo River Camp is the authentic interactions it offers with the area’s Himba tribespeople.
Why Stay here
• Solar power ensures a sustainable stay while the use of natural materials means the camp blends in seamlessly with its surroundings
• Authentic encounters with the Himba tribespeople of the region
• Just five tents for an exclusive stay in one of Namibia’s most breathtaking settings
• On the doorstep of the Moon Valley’s otherworldly landscapes
Forming part of the 37,000-hectare Kulula Wilderness Reserve, this enchanting lodge blends in perfectly with its desert backdrop. It features 11 thatched suites that come complete with private decks and plunge pools, as well as a romantic rooftop “skybed” for intimate nights spent stargazing with your loved ones. Little Kulula’s airy dining space overlooks an inviting swimming pool, plus there’s a library, a handicraft-filled boutique and a well-stocked wine cellar. During your stay, you can embark on guided nature drives and walks through the expansive Sossusvlei Dunes, as well as indulge in an early morning hot-air balloon flight.
Why Stay here
• Sleep under the stars on the lodge’s private stargazing platform
• Enjoy sundowners on the wraparound verandah while spotting wildlife refuelling at the watering hole
• Exceptional photography opportunities in the surrounding reserve and the Sossusvlei Dunes
• Optional hot-air balloon and scenic helicopter flights to experience the desert landscapes from above
Located within the &Beyond Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve, this stone and glass-built lodge offers a luxurious base for exploring the Namib. It features 10 beautifully appointed suites perched atop the curving escarpment, each of which comes with a shaded verandah, a private plunge pool and a living room with a fireplace. From the rain shower, you can enjoy 180-degree views across the desert surroundings. In the split-level guest area, you’ll find a cosy seating area, a walk-in wine cellar and an interactive kitchen while the wellness centre boasts a treatment room and a private spa bath.
Why Stay here
• Explore the Namib Desert on scenic drives, guided walks and quad-bike tours
• Enjoy exceptional stargazing from the onsite observatory staffed by a resident astronomer
• Watch the sunrise from above during an early morning hot-air balloon flight
• Shop for traditional Namibian handicrafts at the well-curated boutique
Translating from Herero as “the place you don’t want to leave”, Onguma is a romantic and intimate camp in the Namib Desert. Each of its tented suites is positioned around an active watering hole where you can watch wildlife coming to refuel during the early morning and late afternoon. The Onguma Tented Camp perfectly blends luxury with relaxation, with an elegant dining room and a spacious sitting room overlooking the rim-flow swimming pool. During the day, you can embark on thrilling game drives through the Ongume Private Nature Reserve or wildlife spot in Etosha National Park.
Why Stay here
• A laid-back yet luxurious setting for exploring the Onguma Private Nature Reserve and Etosha National Park
• Refresh during the heat of the day in the sparkling swimming pool
• Decorated with soft pastel colours that reflect the natural surroundings
• Enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife at the camp’s active watering hole
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