Namibia lodges range from authentic and rustic desert lodges, to more of a barefoot luxury experience. In Namibia, you don’t find the world’s most lavish lodges but ones which are luxuriously in fitting with their surroundings. However, there are plenty of options which offer chic and tasteful luxury for you to return to after a day of exploration. Comparatively to the rest of safari Africa, the “fly in” lodges are not too expensive either; though they are very remote, and as such, the flights can add up to mean you need quite deep pockets to explore a few regions in one trip.
Shipwreck Lodge Namibia: The best authentic desert lodge in Namibia
Shipwreck Lodge is the best example of those who want to experience Namibia in all its glory, don’t want to do this in halves, and don’t want added luxuries which may take away from this experience. The aptly named Shipwreck Lodge is designed to replicate a historical shipwreck you can find on the coast of this eerie land. The rooms are relatively small but offer a real experience in themselves. You can imagine what it might have been like to be held captive by this harsh and unforgiving land as so many have been in the past… Though you are in perfect comfort whilst doing so!
This lodge is utterly unique and to stay here will cost you around $1,000 per person per night. There are cheaper options out there though, so if you want a place to base yourself which isn’t quite so costly, then let us know. However the flights make up much of many people’s budget, so really, to do Namibia well you have to have quite a big budget.
The best desert-chic lodge in Namibia
At the top end of Namibia’s lodges is undoubtedly Hoanib Skeleton Coast from Wilderness Safaris which is the ultimate desert chic getaway. Aside from its location in the heart of a beautiful scenic backdrop in an area which is peppered with a fantastic array of desert adapted species, Hoanib is fabulous inside as well as out. You are welcomed by a sleek design, warming fires and elegant, spacious rooms. We absolutely love it. You can stay here for around $1,500 per person per night… This is the very top end of Namibia accommodation, and when you compare it to the rest of safari Africa, this is not a huge amount for the experience you get.
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Okonjima Bush Camp - Okonjima
Our View
Okonjima Bush Camp provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself within a true safari setting, whilst being able to explore a beautiful game reserve. Spending time with some of the continents rarest creatures is what Okonjima is all about about we think that Bush Camp is the place to stay here. It is head and shoulders above its sister Plains Camp.
Our Rating:
Cost: $560
Okonjima Plains Camp - Okonjima
Our View
Okonjima Plains Camp provides a very good value opportunity to enjoy Okonjima Nature Reserve, with the same excellent activities and guiding that Bush Camp can offer. However it's large size detracts from that true safari feel and we feel that if you are to visit Okonjima, then Bush Camp is the more preferable accommodation.
Our Rating:
Cost: $250
Ongava Lodge - Etosha
Our View
Ongava Game lodge is the largest of Wilderness Safaris lodges in Etosha and ultimately are least favourite. As much as we appreciate the quality of the operational side of this lodge we don’t see the point of spending the same amount here as at Ongava Tented Lodge but getting what we believe is a far less quality experience. In our view the only reason to stay here would be because clients are hesitant about staying in a tented camp! It is rare for us not to like a Wilderness Safaris lodge – they are after all the best operator in the whole of Southern Africa but as much as this lodge is quite good value, the experience at Ongava Tented right next door is far superior.
Our Rating:
Cost: $837
Ongava Tented Lodge - Etosha
Our View
Ongava Tented Camp is a charming small tented camp in a private reserve owned by Wilderness Safaris just outside Etosha. There are only eight rooms here, all of which look over a small watering hole that attracts game throughout the day and night. The camp is stylish, very well run and is beautifully unpretentious. The location enables guests to make use of the private reserve it is located in but also to game drive into Etosha. Overall a great little camp and our first choice for good value accommodation in Etosha.Our Rating:
Cost: $837
Serra Cafema - Skeleton Coast
Our View
Located on the Magical Kunene River in the far North of the country Serra Cafema is nestled on the banks of the river itself, the far side being Angola. The area here is outrageously beautiful and the camps location makes best use of the surrounding areas attractions. We would actually go so far as to say that Serra Cafema is not just one of Namibia’s finest camps but is one of the very best camps in the whole of Africa - the scenery here is absolutely out of this world.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,389
Shipwreck Lodge - Skeleton Coast
Our View
Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is a place quite like no other in the whole of Africa, and in all honestly, the world. There are not many other better places to base yourself in the eerie isolation of the sandy Namibian Skeleton Coast than in the quirky and fabulous Shipwreck Lodge. The unique nature of the area and the wildlife you do see in this unbelievably harsh climate is extraordinary to see. It is not just about the wildlife itself, but the whole surrounding atmosphere which makes the excursions here so special.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,192
Skeleton Coast Safaris - Skeleton Coast
Our View
The Schoeman’s Skeleton Coast Safaris are quite simply one of the finest experiences available anywhere in Africa. Run by the four sons of the famous Louw Schoeman, the family operate flying safaris up Namibia’s famous Skeleton Coast. Accommodation is in simple small camps set up in breathtaking location. Guests fly between the camps, stopping off in remote areas and exploring the different habitats they travel through. Trips with the Schoeman’s are guaranteed to open up the very best of the country. With each group limited to a maximum of four guests the experience is one of the most exclusive we offer.
Our Rating:
Cost: $2,150
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Sossusvlei
Our View
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a fantastic property that carries the high standards we have come to expect from any &Beyond property. Located a couple of hours drive from the famous Sossusvlei dunes, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is located outside of the busier Sossusvlei area and is a great choice for people looking for a quieter experience. The lodges main selling point however is that it is home to the countries best Observatory – nights here are absolutely stunning. A recent refurbishment in 2011 has meant this lodge is looking better than ever.
Our Rating:
Cost: $500
Wolwedans - Sossusvlei
Our View
The Wolwedans Collection is a group of lodges located in a private reserve 3 hours drive South of the Sossusvlei dunes. Home to the original Wolwedans Dune Lodge and Wolwedans Dune Camp, the collection recently built the stunning Boulders Camp and subsequently offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Famous for its approach to sustainable tourism, Wolwedans is one of Namibia’s most impressive private reserves and a company whose ethos others should learn from. Seeing as it is not possible to visit the Sossusvlei Dunes from Wolwedans we often recommend combining Wolwedans with a couple of nights in Sossusvlei itself before retreating to the privacy the collection offers.
Our Rating:
Cost: $700
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