With easy access from Windhoek International and situated in Klein Windhoek - the Namibian capital's prototype leafy suburb - The Elegant Guesthouse makes for a comfortable overnight stop.
The Elegant, as she is known in these parts, is in a quiet neighbourhood, very secure and close to the shops, restaurants and attractions of northern Windhoek. Getting there from the airport requires two turns, getting to the rest of the country from here requires just three turns.
Modern design and fittings give The Elegant Guesthouse a sophisticated air. Once a small six-roomer, the Elegant has been upgraded and is ever more sophisticated now, offering 17 stylish and beautiful guest rooms. They didn't just add more rooms. They first acquired more space and then expanded, so the mood is still decidedly relaxed (if not more so than before): the perfect way to start or end your Namibia holiday.
All rooms have en suite bathrooms, twin beds (together making a king) and are fitted with air conditioners as well as fast WiFi, television and most open out onto a drought resistant garden or the swimming pool area surrounded by loungers and umbrellas.
Breakfast is served in the light and airy open-plan breakfast room or out in the garden on warm days, which is about 90% of the time in Namibia.
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Guest House
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, German
No. Rooms: 17
The main lodge appears to have been carved out of the desert rather than built atop it so natural are the materials and so sensitive the architecture. At the base of a rocky mountain, Namib Outpost looks out across what must be one of the most spellbinding views on Earth: an uninterrupted panorama so vast it beggars belief, no hint of human habitation and an ever-shifting spectrum of blondes, browns, yellows and reds framed by a mountain range of Martian hues topped with a deep blue sky only the world’s oldest desert can produce.
The rooms are huge stone-walled, thatch-roofed suites that line the mountain base, spaced far apart and angled just right for you to enjoy the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows or your large shaded balcony. The décor is luxurious and elegant, the en suite bathroom is huge with a double-volume shower and twin basins. You have your own lounge area and outside loungers to relax in the heat of the day or watch the night sky. With zero light pollution it does its level best to top the daytime viewing.
The main lodge serves a set menu dinner under those same stars, or indoors beside a towering chiminea on wintry desert nights. Two swimming pools, bar, viewing deck and cool lounge offering whiskey and cigars, cover all the de-stressing bases.
Despite the arid conditions, you will likely see oryx - the national animal of Namibia - ostrich, mountain zebra and springbok dotting the plains below. Keep a pair of binoculars at hand and you might be lucky enough to see cheetah or leopard - a good excuse for another cold drink thank you very much. High above the lodge is an unmissable sunset viewing deck and the Outpost has a well-marked 10km running trail. Another activity you should seriously consider is an overnight horse riding trail, where you spend a night at an open-air camp beneath the stars. Sister lodge, the Desert Homestead is most famous for its desert rides either short outrides or multi-day treks - could there be a better way to experience this magnificent place? A hot-air balloon at sunrise might come close. And did we mention a day trip to Sossusvlei? Don’t forget about Sossusvlei.
2 Nights
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 12
Special Interests: Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing
Swakopmund Luxury Suites pack comfort and convenience into an elegant apartment-style accommodation option in the belly of Swakopmund's restaurant quarter.
Although “suites” is a bit of stretch size-wise, for comfort you can expect elegant, neutral décor that is easy on the senses and top quality linen with quite possibly the most comfortable bed you’ll encounter on your tour of Namibia. Attention to detail includes Nespresso machines with complimentary pods, bath robes, extra thick towels, wi-fi that actually works, climate control, mini-bar and that general air of purpose and cleanliness of a professional outfit.
For convenience you are a few minutes’ walk to the beach, restaurants, cafes and main attractions of central Swakopmund - a feature you will welcome after many hours’ in the car on Namibia’s long and dusty roads. And the day reception is staffed with the friendliest of friendly Namibians who add that personal touch and valuable insider’s information for making the most of your visit.
A secluded upper deck lined with comfortable recliners and deck chairs is a wonderful place to catch up with your digital life. Or escape it entirely with a good book and a glass of chardonnay. Parking out front is secure with 24-hour watch and CCTV and, occupying the first storey down a pedestrianised side street, the location is quiet and safe.
Breakfast at the Swakopmund Luxury Suites is a delight. The breakfast room is stunning and the food is delicious. A great way to start your day before you head off to explore where the dunes meet the sea. You are just a short walk to the main beach and the main streets of town. Splendid.
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Damaraland is a region of ancient oddities and Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is slap bang in the middle. Its cool interior, camouflage exterior and all-important swimming pool turn this humble lodge into a veritable oasis.
Built from thatch and local stone, the 64 en suite rooms and main living area do a remarkable job of blending in with the red-rock and bleached grass that surround the lodge. The rooms are basic, comfortable and make way for the splendid restaurant, bar and swimming pool area.
Twyfelfontein is where you go to experience the phenomenal age of the Namib's interior. Ancient volcanic rock formations are the canvas for San rock paintings and engravings and the delicate ecosystem supports some amazing flora and fauna. Like the Welwitschia, which lives for about 2,000 years and sprouts a single pair of leaves that lie in a tangled heap on the ground.
Ideally located about as close as you can get to the sights of the area. By no means small or intimate. Here it is all about location, location, location.
2 Nights
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
3 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 56
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Even before its hard refurb, Etosha Village was probably the best value safari lodge in Etosha. Replacing all tented accommodation with smart air-conditioned chalets, Etosha Village is now by far the best value safari lodge in Etosha.
Retaining its eco-conscious credentials - the bricks were salvaged from mining debris, grey water is filtered and re-used in the vegetable garden, water is solar heated and the kitchen produces a fair amount of high-quality composting material - Etosha Village had a major refurbishment in mid-2016 and what an upgrade.
Brick has replaced canvas, sleek tiles have replaced creaky wood decking and the en suite bathrooms are smart, shiny and functional. From the outside, the chalets are full of life and texture with gabion foundations, balustrades filled with pebbles, a gravelled forecourt and woven latte poles covering the roof. Inside, while a tad on the austere side, the rooms are spacious, practical and well-appointed with air conditioning, en suite bathroom, sofa bed good for two under-12s (the Village is one of a few child-friendly safari lodges in Etosha), fridge, tea/coffee, safe, balcony and a large gazebo to the side. Comfortable twin beds with soft cotton are a given.
The living areas have also retained their charm and casual comfort with a large swimming pool surrounded by loungers and parasols and a smaller pool adjacent to a third toddler-friendly pool. The food at Etosha Village is fresh and the staff here, recruited from the nearby village and trained in-house, are famous for their friendly and enthusiastic service.
Breakfast and dinner are sizeable buffet spreads and lunch is a small a la carte menu with local venison specialities. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juice are on the house all day and the open-air bar is a convivial spot to share a drink and a tale or just gaze into the night sky as is your want.
Being just minutes from the southern gate is ideal for daily access to Etosha National Park for guided game morning and evening drives in an open-sided safari vehicle. The vehicles accommodate up to 10 people and if that’s a bit crowded or constrained, Etosha is one of the easiest self-drive game reserves in Africa: arm yourself with a prepared breakfast and lunch or a picnic hamper from the well-stocked supply store and spend the day at any number of quiet waterholes. A good reference book, binoculars and of course your camera should be required equipment.
1 Night
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 55
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Mokuti Lodge is a large hotel on the edge of Etosha National Park in Namibia. Rooms are comfortable and facilities are many: two restaurants, two bars, two pools and a heap of outdoor activities. Daily guided game drives into Etosha are the obvious focal point.
Mokuti Lodge is a large and embracing hotel that provides the ideal base for daily self-drive and guided safaris into the game reserve. A few minutes' drive to the eastern entrance to Etosha National Park and surrounded by 4,300 hectares of private land itself a mini Etosha
Situated 2km from the Von Lindequist gate, Mokuti Lodge has 106 en suite rooms of varying sizes and with unvarying chain-like décor. All under thatch and surrounded by a well tended lawn, the lodge features à la carte dining as well as a carvery buffet in the boma for al fresco fire-lit dinners.
With families and short attention spans in mind, the lodge has two large swimming pools, two bars - one by the pool for maximum down-time - volleyball, tennis and a reptile park and bird hide. A fully equipped gym and a health spa complete the amenities roll call.
Daily guided game drive safaris into Etosha are the focus at Mokuti Lodge and you have a choice of morning, afternoon or full day excursions. On the lodge's grounds outside the park there are walking and mountain bike trails for an up close and wild encounter with nature.
2 Nights
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, German, Portuguese
No. Rooms: 114
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
One of many modern guesthouses in Windhoek, the Villa Vista stands out for its personal service, great location, comfortable rooms and of course that vista.
Unlike many of the boutiquey guesthouses in Namibia’s capital, Villa Vista is not a renovated house but purpose-built from the ground up. That means, no matter which room you get, it’s a decent size; it means the glorious view is celebrated from a wonderful rooftop terrace and the pool in the centre is an attractive focal point.
Pitching at the corporate end of the market, Villa Vista is plush, straight-edged and imminently practical. The rooms are large and well-equipped (the beds are especially comfortable) for a rejuvenating rest after a long flight or at the end of an invigorating safari tour.
Centrally located, Villa Vista is great for business and leisure travellers with the city a few minutes’ away, Joe’s famous Beerhouse almost next door and several other restaurants nearby. You’ll need some basic directions to get there from the airport but, as capital cities go, driving in Windhoek is a breeze.
The Villa Vista is owner-managed and Koos and Fransette infuse this place with a genuine warmth and true Namibian hospitality.
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
