About Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
The tranquil, owner-run Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch stands in the red Kalahari dunes between Hardap and Stampriet.
Initially a sheep and cattle ranch, it is around a 2½-hour drive south of Windhoek and makes an ideal stopover between the capital and the Namib-Naukluft National Park or the Fish River Canyon area.
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is set in a beautiful part of the vegetated Kalahari desert and has a nice homely atmosphere. We think it works particularly well for a night to break the long journey south from Windhoek to Fish River Canyon.
Accommodation
20 rooms
Children
Best for aged 8+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Horse-riding
Night drive
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
200 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 17 Dec 2024, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 16 Jul 2024, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 25 Jun 2024, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 22 May 2024, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 12 May 2024, 2 nights
"Super Sundowner"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 24 May 2023, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 16 Dec 2022, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Oct 2022, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 15 Oct 2022, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 28 Sep 2022, 1 nights
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
Overall rating: Poor






















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 22 pictures of Bagatelle Game Ranch to get the candid view.
View galleryBagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch: Our full report
The tranquil, owner-run Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch stands in the red Kalahari dunes between Hardap and Stampriet.
Initially a sheep and cattle ranch, it is around a 2½-hour drive south of Windhoek and makes an ideal stopover between the capital and the Namib-Naukluft National Park or the Fish River Canyon area.
As you approach Bagatelle, its chalets appear to be balancing on a typical Kalahari sand ridge. But come closer, and you’ll see other rooms scattered among the dunes that dominate this spectacular landscape.
It is the Dune chalets that line the ridge, making up six of Bagatelle’s 20 en-suite rooms. These vary slightly in position, size and facilities, but each has air conditioning, an electronic safe, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and mosquito nets around the bed.
- Four Dune chalets are raised up on stilts atop a red dune, affording a great view over the inter-dune plain. The chalets are constructed of wood, and the furniture is mostly wooden too – very much like a ski chalet in feel – with plenty of storage space and a small writing desk. The Dune chalets also have both a shower and a bath.
- Two Exclusive Dune chalets, also termed the honeymoon suites, are very similar to the Dune chalets but each has a more extensive outside deck with its own plunge pool and hot tub.
- Eight Savannah rooms (previously termed straw bale chalets) are constructed using thick hay bales to insulate the walls, helping to keep the rooms cool in summer and warm in winter. They are slightly smaller than the dune chalets and set lower down, so lack the expansive views. Two of these rooms are family rooms, with four beds.
- Two Pool rooms are much closer to the main area – and the pool. At the time of our last visit this semi-detached building had been recently redone and looked very smart. Boasting a similar spec to the Savannah rooms, they were a little fresher and felt more spacious given their higher ceilings.
- The future of four Garden rooms, in one thatched block close to the main area, was in the balance when we last visited, although as far as we know they are still in use. These are our least favourite room type.
The extensive patio also encompasses a decent-size swimming pool with a couple of adjacent lapas, one housing a poolside bar and the other a shaded area for sunloungers. A new feature on our most recent visit, in Aprul 2018, was a stone-built platform dubbed the “Bagatelle Observatory”, complete with a computerised telescope. Although we didn’t have a chance to try it out, the dark skies in the Kalahari should provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing.
Activities at Bagatelle include nature drives on the property as well as sundowners, a Bushman walk, cheetah watching, and stargazing after dinner. There is also a spa with a number of relaxing treatments available.
Although we were left with little choice of activities, as we arrived quite late in the afternoon and organisation with the reception staff was a little chaotic, we did enjoy our nature drive, albeit mostly for the scenery rather the guiding. We were unable to experience the Bushman walk with San guides to a demonstration village, where they discuss their traditional use of the environment and its flora and fauna
Bagatelle has two captive cheetahs in large enclosures, kept here in association with the Cheetah Conservation Fund. You can watch the cheetah being fed, but we cannot condone the practice of encouraging guests to stroke the animals as they are feeding from their bowls.
Geographics
- Location
- Southern Namibia, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 1-2 nights
- Directions
- Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is around 260km south of Windhoek.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- During our last visit in April 2018 we enjoyed the hearty, home-style food served at Bagatelle. The lodge can cater for various dietary requirements if advised in advance; they can also organise children meals on request.
Breakfast, served 7–10.00am, combines a good choice of cereals, fruits, cold meats, cheeses and breads with the option of a full cooked breakfast.
Lunch – a choice of salads, toasted sandwiches or pasta dishes – is available until about 2.00pm, and is usually an optional extra, paid for at the lodge.
Afternoon tea is usually served between 2.00pm and around 3.30pm. We enjoyed a lemon meringue pie and milk tart with a choice of teas and coffees.
For dinner, we had a choice of starter, either kudu carpaccio with coriander pesto and grana padano or cream of butternut soup with freshly baked rolls. The main was a buffet of various salads, oryx fillet, stuffed Namibian beef fillet and angel fish, accompanied by coconut rice, sweet carrots and Brussel sprouts with bacon. Dessert was either a vanilla panna cotta crowned with a berry coulis or a chocolate and strawberry fondant with cream. When there are fewer guests, dinner is a plated service rather than a buffet. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are at extra cost, payable direct at the lodge.
Special interests
- Photography holidays
- Around December, January and February – during the rains – the area around Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch is carpeted with beautiful yellow devils' thorn flowers. These bring colour and life to the Kalahari, further enhancing the stunning scenery for photographers visiting Namibia.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Bagatelle.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None.
- Special activities & services
- None.
- Equipment
- Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch has cots, but no highchairs. Extra cushions can be added for a child to reach the table.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although there is nothing specific to keep children occupied, Bagatelle feels quite busy and there is lots of space, so sensible children interested in the natural world would probably enjoy a stay here.
- Notes
- The presence of dangerous wildlife, and the unfenced swimming pool, mean that parents must keep their children under constant supervision.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Bagatelle Game Ranch
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch 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.

83% success

70% success

70% success

68% success

57% success

52% success

38% success

32% success

15% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Bagatelle has a back-up generator in case of power cuts.
- Communications
- There is a landline and WiFi in the main area, but no cellphone reception.
- TV & radio
- In the main area There is a TV in the main area, so guests may watch big sports events on request.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Each room has a flush toilet, and hot and cold running water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The closest doctor is in Mariental, about 45km away.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There are no security guards here. Staff are generally up until quite late, and 2–3 staff members are always on duty.
- Fire safety
- There are no fire extinguishers in the rooms, but there are fire breaks along the side of the fence, a fire tank is always ready and they have fire sweepers.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Horse-riding
Night drive
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- There is a laundry service if you are staying for a few days – for which there is an extra charge.
- Money
- There is a safe in every chalet. No currency exchange facilities are available.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted for card payments. Cash payments may be made in South African rand and Namibian dollars.
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Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Bagatelle Game Ranch.
Other lodges in Southern Namibia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Eningu Clayhouse
Scarcely an hour from Windhoek airport, Eningu is an artistic place to unwind amid the vast silence of the Kalahari.

Central Lodge
Central Lodge offers clean, fresh and comfortable accommodation surrounded by a well-kept garden in the centre of Keetmanshoop.

Kalahari Red Dunes
A good stop between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon, Kalahari Red Dunes is set around a dry lake on a private reserve, with excellent walking opportunities.

Kalahari Anib Lodge
Kalahari Anib Lodge is a comfortable stop between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon. Expect stunning Kalahari scenery, two swimming pools and lots of space.

Dabis Guest Farm
For good farm hospitality, wholesome cooking and an interesting farm drive, Dabis makes a great stop en-route from Lüderitz to the Sesriem area.

Kalahari Bush Breaks
Kalahari Bush Breaks, situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, is a perfect stop-over whilst driving between Namibia and Botswana.

Hotel Helmeringhausen
Hotel Helmeringhausen is a unique hotel in the heart of southern Namibia's farming district and makes a good stopover option.

Namtib Desert Lodge
A charming owner run lodge, located off the scenic D707, Namtib Desert Lodge is a convenient stop en route from the south to Sossusvlei.

Kanaan Desert Retreat
The tented Kanaan Desert Retreat offers a range of activities against the beautiful backdrop of the Namib Desert.

Otjimbondona
Otjimbondona Kalahari is a luxurious, peaceful and relaxing lodge conveniently located close to Windhoek's International Airport.

Kalahari Farmhouse
Kalahari Farmhouse, located in Stampriet has comfortable chalets in the gardens of an old farmhouse.
When to go to Southern Namibia
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Bagatelle Game Ranch 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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