Namibia is the out-of-the-way African holiday destination that one could almost imagine has been created just for those intrepid travellers who are looking for a solitary retreat, a place where the wildlife outnumbers the humans and where each desert destination is still being sculpted by the endless winds.
For that reason alone, Namibia is becoming increasingly popular. And as its popularity has grown, so has the number of lodges.
You can find just about any style of accommodation in Namibia when you are planning a tour, but when you are planning a Namibia safari, you need to get a little bit more specific about your expectations and your budget.
Safari lodges in Namibia are characterised as those that cater to the safari destinations in which they have been built. So a safari lodge in Etosha National Park is going to look quite different to one in Damaraland. With so many choices, you’ll want to make sure that you book a tour (or a room) at the right kind of lodge.
In this blog, we’re taking you on a tour of the best lodges in Namibia, giving you the lowdown on what to expect, how much you’ll need to budget, and why Namibia is hands-down one of the most remarkable safari destinations in the world!
How Much Are Safari Lodges in Namibia?
Safari lodges in Namibia cater to a huge range of budgets. With the sheer number of options available, any and every kind of traveller can find their ideal home away from home in the wild.
Prices for a stay at your everyday kind of Namibia lodge typically range from between $100–$200 per night for mid-range lodges to upwards of $500–$1,000 per night for those more luxury options. Budget-friendly lodges with fewer frills are also available, and they start at around $50 per night. These types of lodges are ideal for travellers who’d like to have an affordable yet authentic safari experience.
When you are browsing through the various lodges in Namibia, you should keep in mind that most lodges offer guests far more than just accommodation.
Accommodation is often included as a part of travel packages and as such meals, guided game drives, and other activities are a part of the deal. For those who want luxury, you can expect even more perks like private plunge pools, gourmet dining, and exclusive access to wildlife hotspots.
What Are the Best Safari Lodges in Namibia?
The best safari lodges in Namibia are so much more than just a place for travellers to rest their heads – they are destinations in their own right and often have their own experiences, wildlife encounters, and warm Namibian hospitality for guests to enjoy.
While there are plenty of safari lodges in Namibia, we have a few firm favourites. Each lodge listed below is one that we have personally experienced and highly recommend intrepid travellers like you look up:
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Where to find it: Perched on the edge of the Namib Desert, Barkhan Dune Retreat is located about 20 kilometres from Solitaire, a small but beautiful desert outpost.
This lodge almost disappears right into its desert surroundings, making it just the place for those who want to truly escape from it all.
Each of the rooms is designed to reflect the tranquillity of the Namibian dunes, with earthy tones, spacious en-suites, and eco-friendly amenities. Aside from the fabulous rooms, guests can enjoy the infinity pool, where the views look out over the shimmering desert landscape, or they can relax with their favourite drink in the cosy lounge or at the pool table.
The retreat’s dining room is in and of itself a highlight, where hearty, home-cooked meals are served by the fire during cooler evenings.
Barkhan Dune Retreat is intimate and peaceful, just the place for a soulcation or a honeymoon.
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Etosha King Nehale Lodge
Where to find it: Located in the northern part of Namibia, this lodge sits close to the King Nehale Gate, a northern entrance to Etosha National Park.
Etosha King Nehale Lodge is more than a lodge, it has been designed to reflect Namibia’s fascinating Oshiwambo culture.
The chalets could be used as a masterclass for those who want to learn how to perfectly execute understated luxury. With clean modern lines and traditional décor, each chalet is a work of art. Each also features a plunge pool and a shaded patio with jaw-dropping views of the Andoni Pan.
What sets this lodge apart is its exclusive access to a private waterhole located inside Etosha National Park. Here, guests can experience the very best game viewing in a secluded, serene setting.
The lodge also prides itself on its Oshiwambo-inspired culinary delights served in an elegant dining area or alfresco under the stars.
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Kalahari Anib Lodge
Where to find it: This lodge is located right on the fringes of the Kalahari Desert, roughly 30 kilometres northeast of Mariental, making it an accessible stop for travellers exploring southern Namibia.
Kalahari Anib Lodge has a wonderful family-friendly atmosphere, with chalets arranged around a beautiful and cool shaded courtyard and a large pool, which you’ll greatly appreciate after a day spent exploring!
The lodge also has an array of gorgeous green gardens which create an oasis here in the otherwise dry Kalahari Desert.
Guests staying here can expect comfortable en-suite rooms with private terraces, while the main lodge has a spacious restaurant, lounge, and bar. The lodge is particularly well-known for its easy access to the fascinating wildlife of the Kalahari Desert, which includes gemsbok, springbok, and an array of bird species.
This lodge is especially suitable for families or groups looking for an affordable and accessible safari experience complete with a warm and welcoming vibe.
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Mokuti Etosha Lodge
Where to find it: Situated just a short 2-minute drive from the Von Lindequist Gate, the eastern entrance to Etosha National Park, Mokuti Etosha Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the park.
This lodge is renowned for its lush, expansive gardens and classic safari-style thatched buildings. The spacious rooms come with all the modern conveniences, including air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and even LCD TVs.
The lodge has two swimming pools, a pool specifically for children, a fitness gym, and tennis courts, making it just the place for families or more active travellers.
Dining is a real treat at Mokuti, with the buffet-style meals served in the Tambuti Dining Room or under the stars in the traditional Boma.
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Mount Etjo Safari Lodge
Where to find it: Mount Etjo Safari Lodge is located in the Okonjati Game Reserve, which is about 220 kilometres north of Windhoek, making it a great stop on the way to Etosha.
True to its name (Etjo means “place of refuge” in Herero), this lodge is a sanctuary for both guests and wildlife. Overlooking a waterhole which is frequented by hippos and a variety of other animals, Mount Etjo will give close-up encounters with some of Namibia’s most incredible fauna.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, complete with modern amenities like air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and even Jacuzzis, in some units. Meals are served around a campfire in the traditional lapa, which really does a lot to add an authentic touch to your stay.
The lodge is also known for its conservation efforts, which include the Mount Etjo Rhino Trust.
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We Kebi Safari Lodge
Where to find it: Located near the Naukluft Mountains, We Kebi Safari Lodge is approximately 60 kilometres from Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei.
We Kebi is all about being close to nature. The eco-friendly, thatched chalets are spacious and designed to give you unobstructed views of the stunning surrounding mountains. Each chalet has its own solar-heated water, private terrace, and cosy furniture.
One of the stand-out features of the lodge is its sunken hide which allows guests to observe wildlife at eye level. The sunken hide is especially popular with photographers, as it gives them a chance to take the most intimate and detailed shots.
We Kebi is also deeply committed to conservation, protecting Southern White Rhinos on their property. Twice daily, rhinos are fed at the waterhole, providing close-up views of these majestic creatures.
The lodge has its own wine cellar, another highlight, with a fantastic selection of wines to pair with locally sourced, organic meals.
Is Namibia Good for a Safari Holiday?
Namibia is every safari enthusiast’s dream destination. Its unique landscapes are home to a wide selection of animals, many of which are desert-adapted and as such can only be seen here. Namibia is also a very quiet destination. While it is gaining popularity, it is still a rather secluded place, so when you are on safari, you often have the scene all to yourself, which, if you’ve ever been to a crowded safari park, you will appreciate.
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Let us help you plan the perfect Namibian adventure! From choosing the ideal lodge to organising the safari of a lifetime, our team of experienced consultants will ensure your trip is nothing short of extraordinary.
