Hartebeest Self-drive Safari: Day-by-day

Contemporary décor blends with homely touches to create Villa Violet’s calm yet welcoming environment. It may be just five minutes’ drive from the centre of Windhoek, yet Villa Violet couldn’t be more convenient for exploring the Namibian capital. On the other hand, its setting, in the quiet suburb of Klein Windhoek, feels far from any metropolis – even one as small as Windhoek!

Small, personal and owner-run, the guesthouse has just five air-conditioned bedrooms, each opening onto a paved patio where wooden sunloungers sit invitingly beneath coloured umbrellas. A small pool beckons the weary traveller after a hot day, or a long flight, while plenty of greenery softens the landscaping.

Inside, all is calm and cool, soft grey and green paintwork lifted by the occasional splash of colour.

A warm lounge makes you want to snuggle up with a book from the shelves – perhaps with a drink from the honesty bar, or a coffee and homemade biscuits, which are on hand throughout the day.

"Clean rooms, friendly staff, good breakfast"

PCFfromUK

Arrived 17 Nov 2023, 1 night

Each morning, a substantial breakfast buffet is laid out in the dining room, whose patio doors bring the outside in. For other meals, you could take advantage of the open-plan kitchen and barbecue, but why not explore Windhoek’s restaurant scene? There’s plenty of choice right on your doorstep. See our full report on Villa Violet

At last, travellers can explore the majesty of the Spitzkoppe massif from a comfortable, attractive lodge in a dramatic setting. Strung out among the boulders at the foot of the mountain, Spitzkoppen Lodge is almost dwarfed by the surrounding grandeur.

Granite boulders smoothed over millennia gleam red in the evening sun, their nooks and crannies populated by busy rock hyrax. Deep in those crevices are hidden galleries of San rock art, hinting at the history of these ancient hills. And high above looms the lofty pinnacle that is Spitzkoppe itself.

Sensibly, the brains behind the lodge have kept their touch light, letting the setting speak for itself. High walkways weave over and around the rocks between the chalets and the hub of the lodge, with mountain views or hidden crannies at almost every turn.

Light floods into the rooms and the central area from giant picture windows, with natural wood and soft fabrics adding to the sense of space. And the pool – set into a natural depression with magnificent views from the surrounding rocks – simply adds to the drama.

".. stunning location. Dinner was high quality food - rock arch very impressive."

Mr&Mrs D + kidsfromHerts

Arrived 31 Aug 2023, 1 night

Head out across the plains from your chalet and explore the private reserve in solitude, or join a guided walk or drive, perhaps taking in the Zebra Pool or a magnificent rock arch. Then return to herald the sunset, drink in hand, and reflect on the wonders of nature. See our full report on Spitzkoppen Lodge

Ozondjou Trails may suggest walking, but the camp’s focus – on Namibia’s desert-adapted elephants – is far more complex. After just two nights spent here, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of these extraordinary animals, and of the challenges they present to farmers trying to make a living in the surrounding villages.

Right from the start, you’ll be introduced to members of the community, both on a local farm and – in term time – at a nearby school. These are the families who live alongside the elephants and who are crucial to the animals’ survival.

The following day, you’ll link up with a team from the NGO Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) while they’re out and about tracking and studying Damaraland’s elephants – from bulls on musth to matriarchal herds roaming the ephemeral riverbeds in search of food and water.

The chances are that you’ll spot plenty of other wildlife too. Oryx and kudu, ostrich and giraffe: they too are well adapted to life in this arid landscape.

"the highlight of our trip... "

Mr & Mrs NfromPortsmouth

Arrived 16 Sep 2022, 2 nights

The camp itself is simple, its tented rooms stripped back to the essentials, yet with comfortable beds, en-suite hot showers, and surprisingly delicious meals. With short walks, picnic lunches, sundowners and dinner under the stars, you’ll find yourself immersed not just in the culture but also in the landscape. It’s a memorable place. See our full report on Ozondjou Trails

Few visitors make it to Kaokoland, but for the adventurous traveller, Khowarib Lodge makes a rustic base for exploration. Dwarfed by the craggy cliffs of the Khowarib Gorge, the setting of Khowarib Lodge is nothing if not dramatic. Black eagles wheel in the skies above, the waters of the Hoanib River weave past, and giant iron masks stand guard at the entrance, as if in acknowledgement of mountain spirits.

The lodge itself, all rustic wood and thatch, fits perfectly into the setting, with artwork by local people adding to the sense of place. The staff, too, are local, balancing the potentially austere surroundings with attentive and friendly service; a visit to a Himba village can help you to understand a little about their culture.

Down by the river, tented rooms beneath a canopy of riverine trees jut out over the water, so you’ll be lulled to sleep by the gurgle of the river as it flows beneath. Co-owned by Caesar Zandberg, a professional guide of some renown, Khowarib is designed as a jumping-off point for exploring Kaokoland. How much more adventurous than the lodge’s pool to cool off at the base of the Ongongo Waterfall? Or to combine a spot of birding with a search for the desert-adapted elephant?

"Lovely accommodation and nice location."

Drs M & RfromUK

Arrived 27 May 2022, 2 nights

The region may be remote, but there are rewards aplenty. See our full report on Khowarib Lodge

Perched atop a dolomite hill, Mountain Lodge has commanding views of one of Namibia’s largest private reserves. This wildlife-rich area, Etosha Heights, covers 600km² and shares a 65km fence with the iconic Etosha National Park. The lodge, more formally known as Etosha Mountain Lodge, was established in 1999 as the original safari destination on the reserve.

"Absolutely superb"

Mr and Mrs MfromScotland

Arrived 17 Nov 2023, 3 nights

Mountain Lodge is a comfortable lodge in the classic Namibian style, within a wildlife haven that is of a different kind to the neighbouring national park. We recommend travellers come here to avoid the crowds of Etosha and enjoy the kind of flexible activities that can only be enjoyed on a private reserve, such as walking, night drives and driving off road. Time spent here would combine well with a few nights closer to the national park. See our full report on Mountain Lodge

Fully fenced, and the most economical property on the private Ongama Reserve, Bush Camp is a great option for families. Indeed, with two categories of family rooms, a dedicated games room, a sparkling swimming pool (with shaded sunloungers so you can watch your little ones in comfort), and a platform overlooking the waterhole that attracts plenty of plains game, this is a camp built with families in mind.

But Bush Camp is far from basic. Air-conditioned, en-suite rooms are kitted out with ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms, even hairdryers – a definite luxury on safari. The food is good, the staff friendly, and the location – adjacent to Etosha National Park – would be hard to better.

It’s a great place for exploring the park on your own, but indulging in a game drive brings the bonus of a knowledgeable guide who can answer all those wildlife questions. And on the Onguma Reserve, even the smaller creatures get a look in during guided walks.

"food and service were excellent and the swimming pool was lovely ..."

Mrs & Mrs AfromLondon

Arrived 3 Dec 2023, 2 nights

Perhaps the best option on the reserve, though, is the hide, where you’ll be at mind-boggling eye level with the birds and animals that come to drink at the waterhole. For children (and their families), that is one experience they’ll never forget. See our full report on Onguma Bush Camp

Nhoma Camp, located close to Khaudum National Park, is a small, tented camp in a remote area of north-eastern Kalahari, known as Bushmanland, which takes its name from the nearby village of //Nhoq'ma. New owners, Belgian Flora Blommaert and Namibian Moritz von Hase, took over from Arno and Estelle Oosthuysen in January 2021 and, together with their young child Indigo, have made Nhoma Camp their home and the Bushmen their business partners and neighbours.

"This was totally different but a great experience."

Mr & Mrs LfromSurrey

Arrived 7 Oct 2019, 3 nights

Nhoma Camp is in a remote location, so stay for two nights or more. It’s a chance to participate in village life in a sensitive yet authentic way, and learn about a hunter-gatherer culture that is totally unlike our own. This can be a unique and incredible experience, but what you get out of it will depend very much on your approach to your time with the Bushmen. See our full report on Nhoma Camp

Situated in the heart of the Otavi Mountains, the 11,800 hectare Ghaub Guest Farm was a mission station from 1895 to 1968. It was then renovated and turned into a guest farm which opened in 1999. The ten spacious rooms and main buildings have retained much of their historical character. The farm changed hands in 2007, but the new owners have kept the style of the rooms and buildings the same, simply sprucing them up with a lick of paint and a few new pieces of furniture.

"A very relaxing place in a great location."

Mr & Mrs G.fromEgham

Arrived 27 Sep 2018, 2 nights

Ghaub Guest farm is a delightful spot with fresh home cooking. It is conveniently situated between Otavi and Tsumeb, and makes a good stopover if you are on your way from somewhere like Okonjima to Etosha. See our full report on Ghaub Guest Farm

Contemporary décor blends with homely touches to create Villa Violet’s calm yet welcoming environment. It may be just five minutes’ drive from the centre of Windhoek, yet Villa Violet couldn’t be more convenient for exploring the Namibian capital. On the other hand, its setting, in the quiet suburb of Klein Windhoek, feels far from any metropolis – even one as small as Windhoek!

Small, personal and owner-run, the guesthouse has just five air-conditioned bedrooms, each opening onto a paved patio where wooden sunloungers sit invitingly beneath coloured umbrellas. A small pool beckons the weary traveller after a hot day, or a long flight, while plenty of greenery softens the landscaping.

Inside, all is calm and cool, soft grey and green paintwork lifted by the occasional splash of colour.

A warm lounge makes you want to snuggle up with a book from the shelves – perhaps with a drink from the honesty bar, or a coffee and homemade biscuits, which are on hand throughout the day.

"a good one night B&B stop over in Windhoek... owner was very helpful ..."

Mr. & Mrs. EfromUK

Arrived 20 Oct 2023, 1 night

Each morning, a substantial breakfast buffet is laid out in the dining room, whose patio doors bring the outside in. For other meals, you could take advantage of the open-plan kitchen and barbecue, but why not explore Windhoek’s restaurant scene? There’s plenty of choice right on your doorstep. See our full report on Villa Violet