Rock Agama Self-drive 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.

"... visit to Botanic Gardens very worthwhile..."

PC GreenfromSchrassig

Arrived 29 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.

"The Lodge is fabulous, located in a valley with a view down to the dunes. "

Dr BfromCanada

Arrived 15 Feb 2024, 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

For location alone, with the Atlantic on three sides, it would be hard to better the Strand. Yet uninterrupted sea views from some of the 125 rooms and suites are just one of many attractions of this newly built hotel on The Mole, which shelters Swakopmund's small beach.

If the Strand is ideally placed for those wishing to dip a toe in the chilly waters of the Atlantic, rather more popular are its more hedonistic offerings.

Comfortable seating areas in the bright and airy foyer share the sea views through a huge glass wall, the tone softened by the sinuous trunks of potted trees. In the contemporary, air-conditioned (and heated!) rooms, soft grey-green walls are offset by chunky metal light fittings, while black-and-white pictures convey a sense of Swakopmund’s past.

Without setting a foot out of the hotel, you can work out in the gym, relax in the spa or make your way to the roof-top garden terrace. And that’s without Swakopmund’s wide range of attractions and activities.

"A lovely, modern, hotel in a very good central location.. Overall, excellent.."

Mr. & Mrs. EfromUK

Arrived 23 Oct 2023, 2 nights

Having worked up a thirst, or an appetite, stop for a coffee at the Farmhouse Deli, or a simple lunch at Café Mole. The Brewer and Butcher, with its own micro-brewery, needs no explanation. But for sheer seafood indulgence, it’s the Ocean Cellar that comes up trumps. See our full report on Strand Hotel

Situated in the heart of southern Damaraland, between Namibia's Ugab and the Huab rivers, the smart Mowani Mountain Camp commands a stunning location. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, the camp is nestled amongst large granite boulders and has superb views across gravel plains to the mountains beyond.

"A delightful place, full of character."

Ms J.fromMijas

Arrived 4 Sep 2023, 2 nights

Mowani Mountain Camp's innovative, integrated design and comfortable rooms, along with its spectacular views, makes it a lovely base for a couple of nights in this area. Most visitors drive themselves here, giving them the flexibility to either drive around in their own vehicle, or be driven on a 4WD excursion by one of the camp's guides See our full report on Mowani Mountain Camp

Little Ongava is the super-luxurious, exclusive sibling of Ongava Lodge and sits within the same private 300km² reserve on the southern boundary of Namibia’s Etosha National Park. Set on the crest of a hill the lodge commands stunning views of the reserve which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lion and rhino.

"beautifully appointed and incredibly intimate"

Ms & Mr PfromUSA

Arrived 3 Jun 2022, 2 nights

The three opulent suites here offer very high levels of comfort, and make Little Ongava a great choice if you are looking for a very luxurious safari experience. In fact, the rooms are so lavish that we found it hard to tear ourselves away to go on a game drive – even if, in the end, it was worth leaving for the pride of lions that we found, as well as the variety of other game spotted. See our full report on Little Ongava

With its thatched chalets and stylish curves, Okonjima Bush Camp is a subtly luxurious setting for seeking out leopards. And for many visitors, it’s the leopards that have pride of place on the 220km² private Okonjima Reserve. Tracked by knowledgeable guides from 4WD vehicles, they present the visitor with superb photographic opportunities.

While leopards may top the bill, the diverse wealth of wildlife that inhabits the protected plains and craggy rocks of the reserve deserves serious attention too, as does the conservation work of the AfriCat Foundation, which is committed to protecting these threatened species.

Back in camp, smaller animals, from antelope to warthog, are attracted to the waterhole in front of each chalet. Watch from the comfort of your bed, or from the softly draped daybeds that furnish your private rondavel. Scatter seed here, too, and await the colourful array of birds that materialise from the surrounding bush.

By day or after dark, wander over to the hub of the camp, perhaps for a swim or to relax in the shade by the pool; perhaps for a drink at the bar before a delicious three-course dinner served at solidly carved tables.

"a wonderful introduction to Namibian wildlife - staff welcoming - Meals varied."

Mr & Mrs CfromBristol

Arrived 11 Oct 2023, 2 nights

And to round off your day, settle down by the fire to swap stories beneath the glittering stars of the Namibian night sky. See our full report on Okonjima Bush Camp