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Namtib Desert Lodge
Namtib Desert Lodge
Namtib Desert Lodge

About Namtib Desert Lodge

Namtib Desert Lodge is located just off the D707 – one of southern Namibia’s most scenic roads.

It is part of the Namtib Biosphere Reserve – a farm covering about 16,400 hectares on the edge of the Namib Desert.

Namtib Desert Lodge is a really great way to break the journey from Aus or Luderitz up to Sossusvlei. If time allows then we think two nights here would allow you to really take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy some of the peaceful walks in this little-visited area of the country.

Our view

Namtib Desert Lodge is a really great way to break the journey from Aus or Luderitz up to Sossusvlei. If time allows then we think two nights here would allow you to really take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy some of the peaceful walks in this little-visited area of the country.

Elizabeth Chapman

Elizabeth Chapman

Namibia expert

Accommodation

8 rooms

Children

Best for 6+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Private activities

Private activities

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Traveller reviews of Namtib Desert Lodge

16 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


88%
16 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
9
Good
4
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs H fromVictoria

Arrived 7 Sep 2024, 1 nights

"Namtib Desert Lodge review"

" hosts were friendly, welcoming and informative, great to be able to walk …" Read Mr & Mrs H ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs H fromLondon

Arrived 25 Jul 2024, 1 nights

"Namtib Desert Lodge review"

"enjoyed having dinner with all the guests - owner who was very engaged …" Read Mr & Mrs H ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mr & Mrs CfromBristol

Arrived 23 Oct 2023, 1 nights

"Fascinating stay on working farm"

"..would happily have stayed longer, fascinating to hear the history of the farm. …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs RfromSyderstone

Arrived 9 Sep 2022, 1 nights

"Namtib Desert Lodge review"

"In a beautiful area and it was a welcome change to be on a working farm. …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Richard & CarolinefromGB

Arrived 26 Aug 2022, 1 nights

"Namtib Desert Lodge review"

"superb eco-lodge in a stunning location - excellent food prepared by the hosts …" Read Richard & Caroline’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr D.fromChelmsford

Arrived 16 Sep 2018, 1 nights

"Namtib Desert Lodge review"

"A good place for a stop over …" Read Mr D.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

A and AfromCossington

Arrived 3 Sep 2018, 1 nights

"Intimate friendly lodge"

"There's a very warm welcome …" Read A and A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

D & PfromLavenham

Arrived 6 Oct 2017, 1 nights

"A delightfully shelled and friendly place"

"Quite remote... Nice family atmosphere... Super spot for one night …" Read D & P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs SfromSurrey

Arrived 16 Apr 2017, 1 nights

"A farm without animals !"

"In the middle of nowhere ! The drive to & from is as scenic as the guide books …" Read Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Miss AfromOkehampton

Arrived 21 Feb 2017, 1 nights

"Candlelit dinner at Namtib"

"A great place for a night's stop- and a memorable, candlelit dinner with delightful …" Read Miss A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Namtib Desert Lodge reviews

Safaris visiting Namtib Desert Lodge

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations • 2 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 7 other areas

US$4,230 - US$4,340 per person

Read more about the Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

Namtib Desert Lodge: Our full report

Namtib Desert Lodge is located just off the D707 – one of southern Namibia’s most scenic roads.

It is part of the Namtib Biosphere Reserve – a farm covering about 16,400 hectares on the edge of the Namib Desert.

As a “biosphere reserve" Namtib is making a real concerted effort to ensure that all the activities on their land – both farming and human – are adapted to suit the conditions of the area, aiming to provide long-term and sustainable use of this environment.

The lodge itself is run by Torsten and Linn and their many friendly dogs! They have a spectacular location, in a valley on the edge of the Namib Desert. With only eight rooms the lodge has an incredibly personal and welcoming feel. Although we didn’t get to stay here on our last trip in May 2016, we did stop in to have a look and were immediately struck by the calm, relaxed feel of the lodge.

The main areas of the lodge are colorfully decorated, with one long table around which communal ‘family style’ meals are taken each night. There’s a warming fire with plenty of comfy seats around for the colder nights. There is also a sun-deck raised up on rocky outcrop with an honesty bar – the perfect place to watch the sun-set.

The rooms themselves are decorated in a similar style. Five of these rooms are set up as double/twins, then there are two singles, and one family room which can sleep two adults and up to three children. The rooms are tastefully furnished with lots of little ornaments and decorations, giving them a rustic and homely feel. As well as the beds, you’ll find a small writing desk, and through a small courtyard, the private bathrooms with hot and cold running water, shower and flush toilet.

The main activity here is walking. They have three marked hiking trails, and a marked botanical trail which they give you an accompanying information booklet to explain what you’ll see along the way. You can also do nature drives if Torsten is at the farm – however they can’t be guaranteed. Other activities include bird-watching (they have a species list which they provide), and star-gazing at the beautiful clear skies.

Geographics

Location
Southern Namibia, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
1-2 nights to enjoy the walking on offer.
Directions
Namtib Desert Lodge is located on the D707, approximately 30km from its junction with the C13.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to sample the food on our last visit in May 2016, but we expect it to be homely and filling rather than gourmet. All meals are enjoyed communally, family style.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Namtib Desert Lodge.
Generally recommended for children
The family room at Namtib make it a good option for families, but there aren’t specific activities geared towards children here.
Notes
There are a lot of rocks around so parents will need to keep an eye on children at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Namtib Desert Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Namtib Desert Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Oryx

100% success

Zebra

33% success

Giraffe

25% success

Wildebeest

25% success

Aardvark

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Meerkat

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Communications

Communications
There is WiFi access here, for which they charge a nominal N$10 per person. This is less for the money, and more to make people think about whether they really need to be connected to the outside world! They donate all of this money to a charity at the end of the year.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
The nearest doctor is in Aus.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Fire safety

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Private activities

    Private activities

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

Extras

Disabled access
Laundry facilities
Laundry isn’t really possible here due to the limited facilities.
Accepted payment on location
The lodge accepts cash payments only in Rand and Namibian Dollars.

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Namtib Desert Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Namtib Desert Lodge.


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When to go to Southern Namibia

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Namtib Desert 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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