About Central Lodge
Colourful lodge in Keetmanshoop that stands out for its excellent food, pretty courtyard and simple but comfortable rooms.
Well-located lodge in the heart of Keetmanshoop with a restaurant and coffee shop that punch above their weight. Central Lodge is just that: central. Although historic Keetmanshoop is not Namibia’s most inspiring town (although it’s ideal for a night’s sleep on the drive between Fish River Canyon and the Kalahari), banana-yellow Central Lodge offers a bold splash of colour in the city centre and provides welcoming respite after a long day.
Clean, comfy and well-appointed single-storey rooms (expect writing desks and TVs) fan out from the sun-flecked yellow courtyard, which is dotted with chairs and tables ideal for kicking back and basking in that Namibian sun. Don’t be surprised if you’re joined by the four cats that stroll around the property and hang out by the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it pool.
The in-house restaurant - popular with the Keetmanshoop locals, which is always a great sign - serves a delicious range of dishes spanning Namibian and European cuisine, as well as, oddly, sushi. Caffeine addicts can get their daily shot from the coffee shop next door, which serves top-notch Italian Illy coffee.
And really, what else do you need in a hotel? Comfy beds, a good feed and some coffee to kickstart the morning after - all of which you’ll find at Central Lodge.
Our view
Central Lodge works well for a comfortable night's stopover between Namibia's sights. There are no bells and whistles here but the owners have done enough to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Occasionally there is the odd maintenance problem but we have always found the staff willing to assist with any queries during our visits.
Accommodation
27 rooms
Children
Fine for all ages.
Open
All year
Activities
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Central Lodge
61 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 5 Sep 2024, 1 nights
"Central Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Sep 2022, 1 nights
"Central Lodge review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 21 Jun 2018, 1 nights
"Fine stopover in Central Lodge"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 2 May 2018, 1 nights
"Central Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 23 Apr 2018, 1 nights
"A mediocre stay"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 5 May 2018, 1 nights
"Sub standard room and service"
Overall rating: Poor
Arrived 29 Dec 2017, 1 nights
"Comfortable stay"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 10 Oct 2017, 1 nights
"Good location"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 18 Sep 2017, 1 nights
"Good place for an overnight stay"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Apr 2017, 1 nights
"Central Lodge review"
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 16 pictures of Central Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryCentral Lodge: Our full report
True to its name, Central Lodge is centrally located in the southern Namibian town of Keetmanshoop.
A small oasis in otherwise fairly bland surroundings, it offers a comfortable stopover en route to the Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz or the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. It is also worth visiting the nearby Quiver Tree Forest and Giant's Playground during your time here.
Although not one of Namibia's most picturesque towns, Keetmanshoop (considered the capital of the Namibian south) does have some handsome old buildings and an interesting museum showcasing the town's past. For the most part, though, visitors here are on their way to more dramatic landscapes to the east, west and south. Should you wish to explore the town itself, you can usually store your luggage with the reception staff rather than keeping it in your vehicle.
Guests at Central Lodge step through the main entrance of the cheery yellow building into a cool reception area where they are welcomed by helpful staff.
Most of the 27 air-conditioned rooms are set around a courtyard of green, manicured lawn, whose central fountain and well-placed palm trees enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Three of the rooms are large enough for families of up to four, and another two have an interleading door allowing family members to be next to each other while retaining their own space.
The lodge was fully booked on our last visit in May 2018 so we were unable to see the rooms themselves, but we know from several previous visits that each is furnished with comfortable beds, a writing desk, two chairs, and a coffee table. A built-in cupboard and luggage rack supply ample storage space and tea/coffee facilities provide the chance for a revitalising boost after what is often a long drive. Each room also has a TV and a telephone.
The en-suite bathrooms, although fairly small, are clean and functional,with a flush toilet, basin and shower. Four of the double rooms have a larger bathroom and boast a “spa bath”.
Partially screened off from the garden and rooms, Central Lodge’s swimming pool is surrounded by a lawn set with outdoor furniture, creating a nice area to relax with a drink or a quiet lunch.
While staff may be able to recommend a restaurant for dinner, it is often easier to eat at the lodge's à la carte restaurant. Central Lodge also has a fully licensed bar, popular with Keetmanshoop locals as well as guests, where food and drinks can be ordered throughout the day. A relatively new coffee shop to one side of the entrance is matched to the other by a new sushi bar (opening times to be finalised), which was undergoing the final touches during our visit. Both are owned by the lodge and should provide some variety to the culinary scene in this slightly tired town.
Geographics
- Location
- Southern Namibia, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- Well situated for a one-night stopover between Namibia's more dramatic landscapes and sights.
- Directions
- Central Lodge is set on Fifth Street in Keetmashoop, almost next to the town's Standard Bank and near the tourist information centre.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- On our last visit in May 2018 we didn’t have the opportunity to eat at Central Lodge, but we know from previous visits that meals usually take the following format:
A buffet breakfast, served between 6.00am and 9.00am, offers fairly standard guesthouse-type fare including a variety of cereals, breads, cold meats, fruit, juice and yoghurt. There’s also a selection of cooked eggs. Hot drinks, including a range of flavoured teas, are self-service.
For lunch, light meals include the likes of toasted sandwiches, salads and burgers.
Dinner is served in the restaurant between 6.00pm and 9.00pm. The à la carte menu offers a variety of straightforward fish, steak and chicken dishes, such as the tasty wiener schnitzel with mushroom sauce that we tried on one visit. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Central Lodge welcomes families and has a few rooms that will easily accommodate parents and children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Highchairs and cots are available on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Children must be under the supervision of their parents at all times, especially as there are steps and an unfenced, unguarded pool
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There are power points in the rooms for guests to use freely.
- Communications
- There are phones in each of the rooms, and good cellphone coverage and free WiFi is available in the main areas for guests.
- TV & radio
- The lodge has DSTV (digital satellite television) in all the rooms and an entertainment system in the restaurant and bar. Soft music is played throughout the day.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All rooms have plumbed toilets and hot and cold running water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- Keetmanshoop hospital is about 1km outside the town centre. The Daan Viljoen clinic is about 10 minutes drive from the lodge.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The Central Lodge has a secure parking area and a security guard is on duty throughout the day.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are evenly placed outside some of the rooms.
Activities
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available for an extra charge.
- Money
- The Central Lodge does not accept or exchange foreign currency.
There are no safes in any of the rooms, but guests can lock their rooms or ask that valuables be stored in the office behind reception. - Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted without surcharge. Cash payments may be made in South African rand and Namibian dollars.
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Central Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Central Lodge.
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When to go to Southern Namibia
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Central Lodge in Southern Namibia
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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