You can learn a great deal about deserts in Namibia, and visiting both the Namib and Kalahari you'll realise how different they are. For example, the deep-red dunes of the Kalahari are covered in trees, bushes, grasses and, at the start of the year, carpets of flowers. This vegetation supports a wide range of larger mammals, from springbok, oryx and giraffe to aardwolf, bat-eared fox and delightful meerkats.

Where to stay in the Southern Kalahari

Although the Kalahari isn't as big an attraction as the Namib, there is often game to be seen, and there are some lovely places to stay here, including:

Eningu Clayhouse Lodge

Set amidst the Kalahari's bush savannah, Eningu Clayhouse Lodge is build from clay in a style reminiscent of Mexico. It's one of our favourites, and one of Namibia's more unusual lodges; expect beautiful hand-painted rooms and innovative cuisine. Only about an hour's drive from Windhoek's airport, it's perfect for a quick start or end to a trip. (Read more about Eningu Clayhouse Lodge…)

Kalahari Bush Breaks

Far to the east of Eningu Lodge, Kalahari Bush Breaks is a small game lodge about 26km from the Botswana border, and very convenient as a stop on the Trans-Kalahari Highway. It has eight comfortable en-suite bedrooms, as well as luxury camping sites and eco camping sites. (Read more about Kalahari Bush Breaks…)

Kalahari Anib Lodge

Just north of Mariental, Anib Lodge is a useful stopover near the main north-south road. It has grown in recent years, and boasts 55 spacious rooms, including group rooms and rooms for individual guests. There are also two swimming pools, two dining areas and plenty of lounging spots. (Read more about Kalahari Anib Lodge…)

Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch

If you want more than just an overnight stop in the Southern Kalahari, consider staying at Bagatelle Game Ranch. Run by Fred and Onie Jacobs, this lodge has 10 chalets: four set on the crest of the red Kalahari sand dune, with lovely views over the dunes, and further six lower down. Frequent sightings of a family of relaxed meerkats help to make this a wonderful place to spend a night or two. (Read more about Bagatelle Game Ranch…)

Where to stay south of Sesriem

The drive between Lüderitz and the Namib-Naukluft Park is best done over two days, and there are good places to stop in the middle, including:

Sinclair Guest Farm

West of Helmeringhausen, Sinclair is a small guest farm, offering an oasis of green with five comfortable, farm-style double rooms and private facilities. It's a very relaxed spot, and activities include drives or walks around the farm. (Read more about Sinclair Guest Farm…)

Dabis Guest Farm

10km north of Helmeringhausen, Dabis Guest Farm is also a working sheep farm, with six simple but comfortable en-suite guest rooms. Main facilities include a swimming pool and a tennis court, and the farm drives with Dabis' owner Stephan are a highlight! It's one of our favourite places for overnight stops in the area. (Read more about Dabis Guest Farm…)

Hotel Helmeringhausen

Hotel Helmeringhausen has 22 simple en-suite rooms, as well as a swimming pool, an outdoor beer garden and a well-stocked pub. It's a delightfully eccentric place with bags of character, and ideally situated for stops between Fish River Canyon or Lüderitz and Namib-Naukluft National Park. (Read more about Haus Helmeringhausen…)

La Vallée Tranquille

La Vallee Tranquille is a simple, French-run guest farm with nine spacious rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and private patio. Activities include hiking tours through the surrounding area, birdwatching, horse riding and donkey cart rides on the farm property. (Read more about La Vallee Tranquille…)

Namtib Desert Lodge

At the edge of the vast Namib Desert, about 250km from Lüderitz, Namtib Desert Lodge is an authentic Namibian accommodation, with five spacious en-suite bungalows. Activities focus on exploring the privately owned Namtib Biosphere Reserve, and include nature drives, hiking trails and birdwatching. (Read more about Namtib Desert Lodge…)


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