Goshawk Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day

The Olive Exclusive combines understated luxury with contemporary amenities for a top-class small hotel close to the centre of Windhoek. If views over a tranquil olive grove from your own private courtyard sound appealing, read on.

For at the Olive Exclusive, just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Windhoek, that vision is reality. With their subtle colours, natural materials and carefully chosen photographic artwork, four premier suites and three smaller but no less luxurious suites ooze a feeling of relaxation, as if the olive trees themselves have had a calming influence on the designers of this attractive boutique hotel.

As a place to recuperate after a long international flight, or to round off a self-drive trip around Namibia, it would be hard to beat. Ease away the stress of the journey with a hot bath, complete with candles, or slip off your shoes and wander outside, coffee or glass of sherry in hand, and settle down in the shade of a mature tree. In-suite facials and massages take indulgence to the next level, while a pool (or private plunge pool) offers a refreshing lift.

"Very friendly staff, excellent food ambiance and a good room..."

Dr.C&Mrs.MfromManchester

Arrived 6 Sep 2022, 1 night

When hunger calls, dine at the hotel’s equally exclusive restaurant, The Olive, which looks out over the twinkling lights of the city. Then wind up the day in the comfort and seclusion of your own personal oasis. See our full report on Olive Exclusive

The luxury Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (formerly known as Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge) is located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, about half-an-hour's drive from Sesriem. Guests benefit from unspoilt views across the desert from large modern suites, and can participate in a range of activities.

"A fabulous lodge, wonderful staff, amazing views and delicious food. "

Mr & Mrs SfromHampshire

Arrived 11 Sep 2018, 3 nights

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a well-designed lodge offering perhaps the ultimate in desert luxury. Along with a lovely setting, beautiful views and a range of activities, it maintains high levels of service and comfort, and is well worth a stay if your budget can stretch to it. See our full report on Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

To stay at Damaraland Camp is to experience the hospitality of the local community in a truly beautiful setting. Building on a ground-breaking partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the Torra Conservancy, the camp is now run almost entirely by members of the community. Since its foundation in 1996, it has remained true to its original eco-friendly ethos – and is instrumental in supporting both education and conservation in the surrounding area.

But this is no simple bushcamp. Airy, split-level chalets of canvas and wood nestle into the hillside, their thatched roofs blending with the rolling grassland, their patios offering scenic views along the valley.

Uncluttered furnishings and a muted décor run through the chalets to the stone-built living area and outside, where comfortable sofas take in the view, and parasols shade an inviting pool. On a warm night, stroll to the “boma” for a convivial dinner beneath a star-studded sky. And when it’s cooler, there’s always a campfire to ward off the chill.

"Highlight, upfront with Elephant."

PC GreenfromSchrassig

Arrived 22 Sep 2022, 3 nights

While most visitors come for the desert-adapted elephant, and perhaps the rock art at Twyfelfontein, do make time for a guided walk above the camp. See our full report on Damaraland Camp

Serra Cafema stands as an oasis of luxury in perhaps Namibia's most remote wilderness. nestled at the extreme north-western tip where the expansive Hartmann Valley culminates. This luxurious lodge nestles in a lush belt of riverine forest beside the Kunene River, overlooking the mountains of Angola’s Iona National Park beyond. The juxtaposition of this vibrant river against the arid desert and rugged mountains creates an enchanting and unique setting.

"This is a lovely lodge on the riverbank"

RMN and ATfromLondon

Arrived 1 Nov 2022, 3 nights

Serra Cafema harmoniously combines one of Namibia's most remote location with an exceptionally luxurious camp, creating a truly unique and almost magical destination. Whether exploring Martian landscapes, meeting the Himba tribespeople who call this harsh land home, or simply indulging in ultimate luxury, Serra Cafema offers arguably the ultimate escape from everyday life. See our full report on Serra Cafema

At the heart of the small Ongava Tented Camp, a tree-shaded waterhole draws the eye. Easily visible from the main area and the pool, as well as from some of the spacious tents, it attracts all manner of wildlife.

Zebra tend to congregate year round, lions might laze around the edge, and it’s not unknown for rhinos to stop by for a drink. There’s even a night-vision camera set up here, so you can see at breakfast time who popped in for a visit after dark!

With such animal appeal on your doorstep, it would be easy to think you need go no further than this relaxed camp, but that would be a mistake. Sharing a boundary with Namibia’s flagship Etosha National Park, the private Ongava Game Reserve boasts very similar wildlife, but here the opportunities are so much greater.

While game drives into the park are restricted to daylight hours, those on the reserve can continue after sunset. Guided walks, too, are possible at Ongava, perhaps even – if you’re very lucky – to watch rhino.

"Easily the best location we stayed for wildlife and experience."

Mr & Mrs PaulfromSurrey

Arrived 28 Oct 2023, 3 nights

Back at camp, continue your immersion in the bush with an outdoor shower before retiring after dinner for a nightcap by the fire – with a view of the waterhole, of course. Who knows what might turn up before you head to your chalet – and a comfy bed? See our full report on Ongava Tented Camp

Shoot-the-lights-out luxury lodge in a private reserve near Windhoek airport that takes warm, safari-chic design very seriously. This turbo-luxury lodge from celebrity favourite Zannier Hotels manages to upstage a spectacular savannah backdrop. Get ready to blow the budget at Omaanda, set in a 9,000 hectare private reserve between Windhoek and the airport, which operates at the very highest level of safari chic.

This Zannier Hotels property ticks all the luxe boxes: glinting azure infinity pool, which sets off the surrounding orange-green savannah beautifully; cutesy thatched roof gin bar, repping plenty of local brands; and a sweeping beige, gunmetal-grey and aquamarine colour scheme peppered with wood and metal furnishings and plenty of glossy design magazines.

The reserve’s wildlife, spanning white rhino, a pride of lions, antelope of all kinds and warthogs, roam astonishing close to the smart 10 thatched roof stone huts. Sunrise and sunset game drives are offered to each guest to get up close and personal with them - with a cold glass of wine in your hand while you do it.

Add to Omaanda’s book a peaceful, all-natural spa and the finest food and wine in blockbuster surroundings and you’ve got one of the most rarefied lodge experiences in all of Namibia.

"well designed and luxurious... a great to start or end your trip"

Mr G & Ms BfromHove

Arrived 16 Oct 2022, 3 nights

Note: In our view, Omaanda is the place to end your trip, not start it... See our full report on Omaanda