Brown Hyena Self-drive: Day-by-day

On the edge of the Namibian Kalahari in a 30km² private reserve, Otjimbondona Kalahari is a luxurious lodge in a convenient location, some 81km south-east of Windhoek International Airport. With a surprising proliferation of game, a relaxed atmosphere and charming hosts it offers some gentle game viewing, as well as easy access to Namibia’s longest cave system at Arnhem.

"lodge..gorgeous ..service..superb. Outstanding wildlife for a private reserve. "

Mr J.fromMakati

Arrived 6 May 2022, 2 nights

Otjimbondona is a very different prospect from the majority of properties within reach of Windhoek’s airport. This truly is a destination that you might want to enjoy for more than one night, with a luxurious yet relaxing ambience that make it an ideal stop at the beginning or end of your Namibian adventure. See our full report on Otjimbondona Kalahari

Wolwedans Desert Lodge is situated on the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast area of 2,100km² located in the Namib Desert in southern Namibia. Built along the top of a dune plateau and overlooking the desert in all directions, this is the most substantial property in the Wolwedans Collection.

"Amazing elevated setting with lovely public areas."

Mr & Dr NfromEdinburgh

Arrived 25 May 2019, 2 nights

Wolwedans Desert Lodge feels very luxurious and we've enjoyed superb food here on our visits over the years. The lodge's open design allows visitors to get the most out of the spectacular views from its perch atop the dunes, both during the day and at night. But for us the real luxury of Wolwedans is the sense of space and tranquillity, enhanced by exploration with a passionate, knowledgeable guide. See our full report on Wolwedans Desert Lodge

Dwarfed by the majesty of the Namib-Naukluft Mountains, Hoodia Desert Lodge is both welcoming and stylish. It’s a winning combination at this owner-managed lodge, where Thomas and Henreza Becker are often on hand to greet their guests with a cool drink after a dusty journey through the desert.

Freshening up is next on the agenda, perhaps in the small pool sculpted into natural rock, perhaps in the privacy of your spacious air-conditioned chalet, where a powerful shower awaits. Or take indulgence to another level and luxuriate in the decadence of your own open-air bath.

Then relax on your shaded veranda and take in the views – whether of the ephemeral Tsauchab River or across the plains to the mountains.

If the setting is special, so is the restaurant, where delicious traditional and international cuisine is accompanied by a selection of South African wines, matched by attentive service. Tables are set around a large fireplace, which in summer morphs into a barbecue, while centre stage are the views, best seen from the outside terrace which doubles as a good spot for birdwatching, and a superb sundowner spot.

"the location was spectacular, service superb and staff very friendly"

Mr & Mrs PaulfromSurrey

Arrived 24 Oct 2023, 2 nights

Explore the immediate surroundings on foot, but to make the most of the iconic desert surroundings, look at the full-day excursion. With excellent interpretive guides and a superb picnic lunch, it’s a real highlight of your Namib experience. See our full report on Hoodia Desert Lodge

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

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

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

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

"Very nice hotel"

Mrs B.fromChicago

Arrived 12 Sep 2023, 3 nights

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

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

"A delightful place, full of character."

Ms J.fromMijas

Arrived 4 Sep 2023, 2 nights

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

Stunning views over the plains of its own private reserve set the scene at the smart Ongava Lodge. And if the view is superb, so is the wildlife – perhaps to be expected in such close proximity to Etosha National Park.

With plains game aplenty on the reserve, predators are rarely far behind, but pride of place goes to both black and white rhino. Spotting these primeval giants from a game-drive 4WD is exciting in itself, but to approach white rhino on foot is an opportunity not to be missed.

Back at the lodge, every area maximises the views – and the wildlife. In the spacious, air-conditioned chalets, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a veranda that overlooks the plains. At the hub of the camp, an attractive dining terrace looks down onto a floodlit waterhole. And a strategically placed hide allows you to get even closer to the animals.

"Loved this place!"

JohnfromWestern Canada

Arrived 18 Dec 2023, 2 nights

In this exclusive setting, comfort is the watchword. Wander down to the pool for a cooling afternoon dip, or freshen up before dinner in your open-air shower. Then order a drink at the bar, and take in the Namibian night sky from the terrace. Or, come the cooler evenings, cosy down around a wood fire with a book from the library. And if you’re lucky enough to spot rhino at the waterhole, that’s a further bonus. See our full report on Ongava Lodge

In close proximity to the renowned Etosha National Park, Onguma Tented Camp also offers the privacy of its own reserve. Nestled amongst mopane woodland, overlooking a productive waterhole, Onguma Tented Camp is the epitome of understated safari chic.

Owner André Louw’s distinct taste for architecture and interior design have made his lodges some of the top places to stay in Namibia, and– with its innovatively designed, triple-layer tents, blending natural elegance and style, – Onguma Tented Camp is no exception. A beautiful tented camp bordering eastern Etosha, it offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere in a peaceful location, coupled with a high standard of food and friendly, welcoming staff.

From all around the lodge there are great views over the floodlit waterhole, which is frequented by an array of plains game and sometimes lion too. On guided excursions, you can explore the private Onguma Reserve on foot as well as by 4x4. But arguably the bigger draw is Onguma’s close proximity to Etosha National Park with its fantastic wildlife viewing, including exceptionally good populations of rhino, elephant and lion.

"beautiful lodge - did the Sundowner drive, very pleasant experience .."

Mrs WfromBath

Arrived 13 Sep 2023, 2 nights

While away your day at some of Etosha’s many waterholes and let the wildlife come to you. Then back in camp, relax in the comfortable lounge with a drink or two – always keeping an eye on the comings and goings at this waterhole; who knows what may turn up? See our full report on Onguma Tented Camp

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

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

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

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

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

Mr & Mrs CfromBristol

Arrived 11 Oct 2023, 2 nights

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