Ostrich Self-drive Safari: Day-by-day

Every desert, whether of sand or concrete, needs an oasis and Galton House fits the bill. After a day travelling Namibia’s great plains or weaving through Windhoek traffic, Galton House is a cool sanctuary of minimalist, state-of-the-art décor.

The old capital still bears traces of its German colonial past, and its newest kid on the block is like a time portal into the modern era. Think Scandi-cool in Africa, this is a smart boutique hotel in all but name.

Situated in a quiet, affluent suburb a few minutes from the city centre, its complex of nine rooms with a small pool is an interior designer’s daydream of wood, glass and marble enlivened by canvas prints of striking wildlife photography and indigenous tribes.

The open-plan lounge is an invitation to relax with a book, and with friendly staff on hand to cook up dishes like beef satay in creamy peanut sauce, and zucchini with leek and mushroom in basil pesto that can be served alfresco by the pool, there's no need to head into town for dinner.

"Clean, simple, friendly - ideal for a one night stay"

HarlowJonesfromOxted

Arrived 4 Feb 2023, 1 night

Since we’re now back in the 21st century, high-speed WiFi, satellite TV and air conditioning are standard. After a long flight or day’s sightseeing, there are few modern oases more welcome. See our full report on Galton House

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.

"our 2nd stay... we enjoyed it both times"

Mr AfromMallorca

Arrived 16 Dec 2022, 1 night

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. See our full report on Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch

Kalahari Tented Camp, on the western border of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, is an excellent camp in a good location within the national park. Similar to both Bitterpan Wilderness Camp and Grootkolk Wilderness Camp, Kalahari Tented Camp offers a more typical safari experience.

"Good location, superb outlook - comfortable accommodation - helpful staff"

Ms L.fromMonmouth

Arrived 2 Sep 2022, 2 nights

See our full report on Kalahari Tented Camp

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp stands at the southern entrance to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and doubles as its administration centre; it's often your first and/or last stop within this super park. Twee Rivieren is the largest camp in the park with the best amenities; in contrast to many privately-owned safari lodges, this feels like a small village, complete with a park's office, a fuel station, a shop, a restaurant and plenty of small chalets and bungalows spread around.

"We thought camp area is nice and quiet ..."

Mr TfromBangkok

Arrived 5 Apr 2023, 1 night

Given that the majority of visitors approach the park from Upington, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is often the first and/or last stop within the park. If your arrival times are uncertain or if you need to guarantee an early departure, then such a stop here is probably a necessity. It is quite large and doesn't feel exclusive – but makes a good springboard for a safari deeper into the park. It's also the only Kgalagadi rest camps which has a restaurant – which is very useful if you don't want the hassle of cooking; just make sure you check the opening time – and book a table ahead if possible. So this isn't our favorite camp in Africa, it usually functions well and is fine for few nights book-ending a deeper exploration of the Kgalagadi. See our full report on Twee Rivieren Rest Camp

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.

"OK for what we wanted, a simple overnight stop. Helpful staff."

Ms L.fromMonmouth

Arrived 1 Sep 2022, 1 night

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. See our full report on Central Lodge

Canyon Lodge (formerly Cañon Lodge, or even Canon Lodge) lies in the 1,270km² Gondwana Canyon Park, just 20km from Namibia’s iconic Fish River Canyon. Tucked away from the canyon edge among deep-red granite boulders, or kopjes, the lodge’s lush lawns are an oasis of green in this arid environment.

"...very well maintained and comfortable"

Mr & Mrs RfromSyderstone

Arrived 7 Sep 2022, 2 nights

Canyon Lodge is probably our first choice on the southern side of Fish River Canyon for most travellers. The chalets are designed to fit among and between huge granite rocks, and the lodge's main area has quite a “cosy farmhouse” atmosphere. We think that it's a lovely place to stay for exploring the canyon, either driving yourself or on one of the lodge's guided trips. If you’re visiting in winter, just be aware that this area can get quite cold. See our full report on Canyon Lodge

Super-remote stone cabins built into mountain rock where you can fully immerse yourself in the vastness of the Namibian desert. . Welcome to Eagle’s Nest: a series of starkly spectacular stone cabins dotted across the Klein-Aus Vista reserve. Where else but one of the most off-the-grid lodges in Namibia can you check into a cabin, built into a mountain rockface, with a bombastic name like “The Wall”, “The Rock” or “The Boulder”?

These cabins are so remote, it’s possible you’ll have only baboons and ostrich for company –and you’ll have to squint to see them if you’re blissing out on the chalet’s private wooden terrace, with mile after mile of landscape to survey while drinking a cold Windhoek beer from the honesty fridge.

Every effort has been made to use only natural materials. The cabins have squashy leather sofas, uneven stone floors and fat fireplaces; even the wine racks (stocking local wines, naturally) are carved out of tree roots. If you want to pull the plug on modern life in top-notch surroundings, Eagle’s Nest is the place for you.

"This really is a place to truly get away from it all.. the views were superb.."

Mr P.fromVienna

Arrived 17 Aug 2022, 1 night

Meals in the main Desert Horse Inn are meaty and cathedral-like in proportions – but for the real desert experience, order a braai pack, rustle up your dinner on the chalet barbecue, then sit back and take in the grandeur of the Namibian stars. See our full report on Eagle's Nest

Sossus Dune Lodge was the first upmarket lodge to be owned and built by the Namibian government's parastatal company Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). Opened in 2007, amidst many questions about the propriety of building within the national park, it was the first, and is now one of only two lodges inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Unlike other visitors to the park, guests at Sossus Dune Lodge may access the dunes at Sossusvlei before the park gates open in the morning, and after they have closed in the evening.

"What a brilliant place this is. "

Mr & Mrs D.fromCambridge

Arrived 2 Sep 2019, 2 nights

As one of only two lodges inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location. This makes it ideal for those who want to beat the crowds to Sossusvlei, or stay late to photograph the sunset. As a result, it is very popular, so be sure to plan you trip well in advance if you want to stay here. See our full report on Sossus Dune Lodge

Creative, colourful and warm, Eningu Clayhouse appears fully at one among the bush-covered dunes of the Kalahari. While the painted buildings, constructed from 120,000 hand-crafted clay bricks, offer more than a hint of Moorish climes, the deep thatch casting shadows across the desert sand is pure sub-Saharan.

Inside, all is cool, the smooth concrete surfaces topped with cushions, and a breeze wafting through the gauze windows, while extra blankets and hot-water bottles protect against plummeting night-time temperatures. Carved wooden statues guard the verandas, hand-painted porcupines wander across the bedroom floors and quirky hanging tripods host your morning tea and coffee. Bettina Spoerndli’s lodge is far from corporate!

Here, just an hour’s drive from Windhoek, you can bask in the silence, dining on fresh, often home-grown ingredients and lingering over a bottle of wine from the underground cellar. From the small bird hide, watch out for masked weaver birds while keeping an eye on the waterhole – where porcupines seek out kitchen scraps after dark.

"Beautiful spot"

Mrs M & Mr SfromUSA

Arrived 28 Oct 2018, 2 nights

If exercise beckons, take a picnic along the botanical hiking trail, or try your hand at archery, volleyball or badminton. Then soothe those aching limbs in the hot tub, or cool down in the pool. Above all, Eningu invites relaxation. See our full report on Eningu Clayhouse