About Nest Hotel
After the long drive to Lüderitz, the superb seafront location of the Nest Hotel cannot but revive the spirits.
Barely a step from the vehicle and you’re in touch with the ocean, whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll on the hotel’s private beach, lingering over a drink on the terrace, or dining à la carte in the Penguin restaurant.
Do book a table here, though – this and the more relaxed Crayfish Bar & Lounge are popular with locals too. Each of the Nest’s 70 contemporary rooms shares that sea view, with a balcony in the twin rooms, though perhaps equally important are both heating and air conditioning – to balance the extremes of temperature on the Namibian coast.
While the chilly waters of the Atlantic usually preclude a dip in the sea, respite from hot days is on hand in the sheltered, palm-fringed swimming pool, where sunloungers set amid manicured lawns invite holiday relaxation. It’s peaceful here, too, away from the bustling harbour yet within easy reach of the small town’s many attractions.
Just a short walk brings you to narrow streets lined with colourful houses, or take your pick from excursions further afield. Whatever your choice, it’s worth the journey!
Our view
The rooms and communal areas at the Nest Hotel lack the atmosphere of many of Namibia's smaller guesthouses, and the clientele is mostly made up of coach parties and business people. However, if you don't mind the corporate surroundings and anonynimity of a large hotel, it offers a very attractive location and is well placed for exploring the town, the peninsula and the desert.
Accommodation
703 rooms
Children
Fine for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Nest Hotel
63 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 8 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Nest Hotel review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 19 Feb 2024, 2 nights
"Nest Hotel review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 8 Nov 2023, 2 nights
"Nest Hotel review"
Overall rating: Poor
Arrived 1 Jul 2023, 1 nights
"Nest Hotel review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 14 Apr 2023, 2 nights
"Nest Hotel review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 13 Jul 2022, 1 nights
"Nest Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 18 Oct 2019, 1 nights
"Great Location!! "
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 25 Sep 2019, 2 nights
"Nest Hotel review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 12 Apr 2019, 2 nights
"Nest Hotel review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 25 Sep 2018, 1 nights
"Nice room with sea view."
Overall rating: Good















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the trips. See our 25 pictures of Nest Hotel to get the candid view.
View galleryNest Hotel: Our full report
On a prime seaside spot in Namibia's coastal town of Lüderitz, the Nest Hotel overlooks the beach and the ...
... ocean beyond, with sea views from all its rooms. It makes an ideal base from which to explore Lüderitz and the many unusual attractions found in and around the area.
The Nest lies towards the southern end of this small town, a short drive or a longer walk from the harbour and other central amenities. Facilities are what you might expect from an international-style and fairly large hotel: a restaurant, a deck bar, a terrace with spectacular views of the sea, a swimming pool, children's play area, sauna, a conference room, WiFi facilities, 24-hour room service, and laundry services.
Each of the 70 en-suite rooms has a view over Lüderitz Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. They differ slightly in décor, not least as when we visited in April 2018 they were being renovated.
The newly decorated or ‘deluxe’ rooms feature a more modern theme and a higher standard of fittings. They also have a different bathroom layout, resulting in a spacious shower that feels more like a wet room, as opposed to the original shower-over-bath set up.
All the rooms have air conditioning (and heating, which might be more useful in Lüderitz) and are furnished with twin or double beds, a desk, chairs and a TV with satellite channels. Other amenities include direct-dial phones, tea/coffee facilities and a hairdryer. The twin rooms have a small balcony whereas the double rooms have just a window from which to appreciate the view.
Central to the Nest Hotel is the Penguin restaurant, which usually offers both a buffet and a supplementary à la carte menu, or just the à la carte menu when the hotel is quieter. It is advisable to pre-book a table for dinner if you wish to eat at the hotel as many local Namibian residents like to dine here too, especially on a Sunday; the standard is pretty high. Sliding glass doors lead from the restaurant onto a terrace that overlooks a manicured lawn and the beach. This is a nice spot to enjoy the view with a book or a cup of tea or coffee and cake. Upstairs, you can dine from the same à la carte menu in the less-formal Crayfish Bar and Lounge, whose pleasant terrace offered a good vantage point for an afternoon drink during our stay.
Although the Nest overlooks a small private beach area, the Atlantic Ocean is usually far too cold to swim in. On a hot day you can enjoy the two-partswimming pool instead, with a kidney-shaped main pool and a smaller children's splash pool. Set on the leeward side of the hotel, it surrounded by green lawns, palms and sunloungers.
Venturing out, the hotel makes a great base from which to explore the town itself and the Lüderitz coastline and Diaz Point, as well as the fascinating ghost town of Kolmanskop, Bogenfels rock arch and the mining town of Pomona in the surrounding desert. A trip to Halifax Island to see a colony of African penguins is also highly recommended!This is split in two with a kidney shaped main pool and a smaller children's splash pool.
Geographics
- Location
- Luderitz, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- One or two nights
- Directions
- The Nest Hotel is situated on Lüderitz's ‘Blade Strand’ along the beach at the southern end of the town.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- We were thoroughly impressed by the food on our last stay at the Nest Hotel in April 2018. The quality and the selection of the food on offer was excellent and we couldn’t fault the service.
A breakfast buffet is served between 7.00 and 10.00am. There was a huge selection to choose from including cereals, different types of breads and rolls, pastries, meats, cheeses, fruits, yoghurts and muffins. Along with ready-cooked hot items such as sausages, bacon, beans, tomatoes and mushrooms there was an omelette bar where eggs were cooked to order. The only downside was that with lots of groups in residence, and most people having breakfast at the same, it did feel quite busy and cramped.
Light meals such as sandwiches, pasta dishes or pizzas are available from 10.00am to 6.30pm, either on the terrace, in the Penguin Restaurant or from room service.
Dinner was as impressive as breakfast in terms of choice and standard. We chose from an extensive array on the buffet menu, with cold starters including spring rolls, samosas, chicken wings, and fresh bread rolls. For the main course our selection of fresh fish was fried in front of us and served with our choice of sauce and a selection of vegetables, potatoes and rice dishes. There was also roast pork, roast chicken and beef. The choice didn’t stop there as the dessert table was groaning with profiteroles, malva pudding, chocolate marble cake, caramel fudge cake, jelly and more! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes, between 7.00am and 11.00pm.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included at the Nest Hotel.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Namibia's Coast with its cold, fertile waters is rich with birdlife. With access to the Sperrgebiet Recreation Area and the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip to Halifax Island, the Nest Hotel is a convenient base for birdwatching.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at the Nest Hotel.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions
- Special activities & services
- There is a small children's play area and childminding is possible if arranged in advance at reception. Note, however, that childminders are not qualified in childcare.
- Equipment
- Highchairs can be provided on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- None
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Generator back up
- Communications
- There are phones in each of the rooms at the Nest Hotel. WiFi is also available throughout the hotel.
- TV & radio
- There is a satellite TV in each room and in the bar.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Each room has a flush toilet, and hot and cold running water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There is a hospital in Lüderitz.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The Nest Hotel has a secure parking area and 24-hour security.
- Fire safety
- Each room is equipped with a fire extinguisher.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available for an extra cost.
- Money
- No currency exchange facilities are available. There is a safe in every room.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted for card payments, while cash payments may be made in South African rand and Namibian dollars.
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Nest Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Nest Hotel.
Excursions from Nest Hotel
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Nest Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Halifax Island boat trip
2 hours
Climb aboard the comfortable catamaran Zeepaard in search of the marine life of Namibia’s wild coastline – among them Cape fur seals, Heaviside dolphins, African penguins and perhaps even humpback whales.
More about Halifax Island trip
Sperrgebiet tour
Full day, including lunch
Discover the hidden gems of the Sperrgebiet National Park on this exceptional all-day trip. There may no longer be diamonds for the taking, but in their place you’ll find ghost towns, the rusting relics of the diamond industry, geological formations, and extraordinary desert flora, largely untouched for generations.
More about Sperrgebiet tourOther lodges in Luderitz
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Eagle's Nest
The rustic chalets at Eagle's Nest on the Klein-Aus Vista reserve make a scenic base for hiking in the mountains, or just to enjoy the solitude.

Desert Horse Inn
On the edge of the Namib Desert, the Desert Horse Inn makes a comfortable base for hiking, visiting Lüderitz, or seeking out the area's feral horses.

Island Cottage
Island Cottage offers simple but comfortable self-catering apartments in an attractive if desolate location overlooking Lüderitz Harbour.

Haus Sandrose
Haus Sandrose offers comfortable self-catering units in the heart of Lüderitz and a good base to explore the many attractions in and around the area.
When to go to Luderitz
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Nest Hotel in Luderitz
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Namibia in January
January is at the heart of Namibia’s rainy season. However, as you’d expect from a country dominated by desert and semi-desert environments, the rains are often (but not always) weak and usually quite localised. Some days will be clear, the strong sun raising temperatures to around 30ºC/86ºF; on others humidity and clouds build, sometimes culminating in spectacular thunderstorms. In extreme cases, these generate flash-floods which race down the beds of ephemeral rivers.
Across the country, the greening landscape makes a refreshing change, especially in desert areas. Many birds are in full breeding plumage and migrant species are here in force. In the north, where the rains are more reliable, the abundant water and food allows wildlife to disperse, making it trickier to spot.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry, or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional, highly localised thunderstorms
- Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
- Wildlife dispersed & harder to see, especially in Etosha & the Caprivi
- Very few tourists (apart from the New Year) so rates mostly low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Namibia in February
February is the wettest month, but as Namibia is dominated by deserts, the rains are often weak and patchy. The variation in weather across Namibia is significant, too; the central highlands and Caprivi can see some heavy rain. More typically, some February days are clear with a hot, strong sun; others are cooler as cloudy skies build and, sometimes, culminate in short, spectacular thunderstorms. Occasionally these generate flash-floods, bringing ephemeral rivers to life and making travel more challenging.
Across the country, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, small pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it hard to spot the wildlife.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional localised thunderstorms meander over the landscape
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Namibia in March
March usually sees Namibia’s main rains tailing off, although actual precipitation varies hugely across the country and can be unpredictable from day to day. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun driving temperatures up. On others, clouds will build, and the late afternoon may see a short, spectacular thunderstorm. Such deluges reduce in both frequency and volume as the month progresses.
Across the country, landscapes are often vivid: a “green and pleasant land”. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, so smaller animals and insects are in evidence. In the north, where rains are generally heavier, pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it difficult to spot larger animals.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Afternoon thunderstorms less common as March progresses
- Animals looking sleek and well-fed, after 3–4 months of plenty
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Namibia in April
Typically, April is dominated by dry weather; there’s an ever-decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures are now below their peak and continue to fall. Even so, days remain pleasant and warm, but there might be a slight chill in the air at night. The rains usually leave many parts of the country verdant and green, so animals are in fantastic condition – often with fast-growing young in attendance.
With the dust washed out of the atmosphere, photographers make the most of clear air, spectacular landscapes and healthy animals. Stargazers will have clearer night skies as the month progresses. In the game parks of Northern Namibia, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can prove trickier than later in the year.
- Becoming drier &, especially at night, also cooler
- Few visitors, except around Easter, so rates remain low
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi remains relatively hard to see
- Migrant birds have started to leave
- Fresh, clean air and often green, verdant landscapes
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Namibia in May
By May, Namibia is usually drying out fast as the rains have ended. If they’ve been good, then the land remains green, but wildlife starts to congregate at more permanent water sources. Over much of the country the air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography.
Typical days are warm, with crisp, clear mornings and clear blue skies. Evenings are usually cool, and temperatures may dip below 10ºC (50ºF) overnight. Many lodges still charge “low season” prices, although with Namibia’s increasing popularity in recent years, some have started to introduce higher “shoulder season” rates.
May’s good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear air combine to make this one of our favourite months in Namibia.
- Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
- The country is drying out although many landscapes remain green
- Fantastic air clarity – ideal for keen photographers
- Visitor numbers are often still low, mirrored by lodge rates
- Wildlife is starting to congregate more around remaining water
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Namibia in June
Namibia is dry again. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Days are lovely: warm and dry; nights are cold, sometimes below freezing in the desert. Most swimming pools in Namibia are always outdoors, making them too cold for all except the very dedicated.
Take a warm hat and gloves for game drives, where dawn and dusk will feel particularly chilly. In the north, especially Etosha, wildlife viewing is now into its dry-season pattern, focusing around the waterholes – though the park is still not busy.
Photographers come for superb air clarity, with minimal dust or smoke in the air. Historically, June rates have been low. However, with Namibia’s increasing popularity many lodges now count it amongst their “high-season” months, and request higher prices.
- Clear, bright days with blue skies; cold nights, mornings & evenings
- Great air quality, especially welcome for photographers
- “Shoulder season” for some lodges: lodge rates moderate
- Wildlife gravitates to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
- Some greenery in the landscape, depending on the last rains
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Namibia in July
Reliably warm daytime temperatures (upwards of 20ºC/70ºF) and good wildlife sightings make this a popular month to visit Namibia. Rain would be very unusual indeed and clear skies make for great photographs. Once the sun sets, though, temperatures cool rapidly bringing cold nights that may dip below freezing in the desert. Be prepared: dress in layers and expect early-morning and late-afternoon drives, and anywhere coastal, to be cold.
As the land dries and vegetation shrivels, game congregates beside drinking water: Etosha’s waterholes are busy with animals. Across the country, lodges charge “high season” rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays (from the latter half of July to late August).
- Dry days, warm in the sun, with crisp, cold nights
- Cloudless skies: July is usually superb for stargazing
- The beginning of European school holidays so more families travelling
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Namibia in August
August is the height of Namibia’s “winter”. Expect cloudless skies and plenty of warm sun in the day, but nights down to freezing in the desert. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes (including hats and gloves) for chilly starts and evenings. Only the hardiest even contemplate using outdoor pools.
It’s 3–4 months since any rain, so the land is dust-dry and much vegetation is golden brown. Many landscapes appear sparse and harsh. Wildlife congregates around available water sources, helping to guarantee good animal sightings.
Namibia is never really “busy” by the standards of Europe or the USA, but August is the most popular time to visit, especially for families. Book early (over a year in advance) if you want to stay at the best lodges.
- Dry days, warm in the sun; cold mornings, evenings & nights
- Cloudless skies in the day; spectacular stars at night
- Busy by Namibian standards: family rooms in particular demand
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Namibia in September
September is a month of blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of. As the month progresses, the days and nights get warmer. In some areas, daily maximums hit around the low 30s Celsius, although low humidity ensures this feels comfortable. The contrast makes the nights seem very cold. The air is becoming dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from fires – so becoming hazy for photographic purists.
In the national parks, animals congregate around remaining water sources – making September one of the best months for game viewing. Hence it’s one of Namibia’s most popular months for visitors: a “high season” month that is often the time of choice for safari aficionados.
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Warm days & cold nights, with temperatures rising during the month
- Many plants have faded from green to golden brown
- Air can be hazy – with dust & sometimes smoke
- High season rates; many lodges & camps are full 9 months in advance.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Namibia in October
Namibia is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40ºC/100ºF, though with humidity close to zero, even this rarely feels oppressive.
In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. More usually, the end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly in Etosha. The place feels like a desert as spectacular herds of thirsty animals gather around the available water. October is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings.
- Probably the most spectacular month for wildlife-viewing in Etosha
- Hot and dry: much of the country feels like a desert
- The air can be hazy with dust & smoke
- It’s peak time to visit, so expect high season rates
- Lodges & camps are full, especially early in October
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Namibia in November
November is always a bit unpredictable: sometimes dry and hot; sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless and clouds appear in the afternoon. Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly local – being completely absent from desert areas, for example. Places that do get good rain will flush green, with a tangible feeling of new life softening the landscapes. Many mammals give birth to their young.
Once any rains come, wildlife dissipates in search of food, and game viewing in Etosha becomes harder. Conversely, this is a great time for birdwatchers, with migrant species in breeding plumage.
- A very interesting, variable month, depending on the rains
- With rains come an amazing explosion of both vegetation & new life
- Wildlife viewing better in Damaraland than Etosha if it has rained
- Shoulder season: mid-range rates offer great value
- Away from the Namib, showers are more likely later in the month
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Namibia in December
December is the first “proper” month of Namibia’s rainy season, and one of its hottest. Clear mornings give way to building clouds and, with luck, the occasional short, spectacular thunderstorm: refreshing and cleansing. These are often highly localised and generally warmly welcomed: most Namibians love rain!
Rains clear the air of dust. Even relatively short showers enable plant life to erupt, carpeting this thirstland in green and providing food for the young animals which abound. Animals disperse widely, which can make game viewing challenging. Many birds are breeding and so sporting their most colourful plumage.
Christmas and the New Year fall within local “summer holidays” – so places to stay can be surprisingly busy, especially in and around coastal towns, where temperatures are cooler.
- Hot and humid; sometimes refreshed by cooling showers
- Landscapes flushed green if/where there has been rain
- A tangible life and energy amidst this often green & pleasant land
- Very photogenic: blooming deserts amidst crystal-clear air
- Best time for birdwatchers; larger animals harder to spot
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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