Quiver Tree 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, it 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 are an interior designer’s daydream of wood, glass and marble enlivened by canvas prints of striking wildlife photography and indigenous tribes.

"..the rooms were very well appointed and the service was fantastic."

Mr & Mrs D.fromCambridge

Arrived 31 Aug 2019, 1 night

The open plan lounge is an invitation to relax with a book, and no need to head back downtown for dinner 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 al fresco by the pool. 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

Unique thatched-roof chalets in the midst of the Kalahari Desert, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. A quirkily designed lodge inspired by the colours and wildlife of the terracotta Kalahari Desert, with terrific hiking opportunities.

Gently undulating burnt orange sand dunes is the setting for this spectacular rustic lodge set amid 4,000 hectares of private reserve in the Kalahari Desert. Circular stone thatched-roof huts, all quirkily named after wildlife found on the reserve, offer cloud-like beds prettily embroidered with animal patterns, polished wooden floors with animal skin rugs and beautifully finished red mosaic bathrooms.

First on the agenda here should be a tramp across the disorientating plant-speckled Kalahari dunes. Surrounding the property are a number of signposted trails to sunset spots, where you’ll see wildebeest, zebra and even a tower of giraffes all prowling undisturbed across the reserve. Offered as an extra at the lodge is an overnight Trans-Kalahari Walk, which will parachute you to breakfast and lunch spots before arriving at the lodge’s second camp, complete with plunge pool, braai area and two chalets in warm tones of red and orange.

"This is a beautiful place..highly recommend.. lodge for.. great customer service"

Greg's group fromRegina

Arrived 21 Oct 2019, 1 night

Come nightfall, the restaurant and bar area of Kalahari Red Dunes comes alive, twinkling with fairy lights. There’s a wide selection of local wines, delicious food and (in winter) a roaring fire, which makes for a memorable evening - particularly if you can spot an eland or an oryx chomping on the grass from the flood-lit dry lake. See our full report on Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge

Close to Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, Canyon Village (previously called Canon or Cañon Village) is beautiful located at the base of a number of bare rocky hills, or kopjes, in the middle of a vast rocky landscape. Although the lodge is modern, a traditional feel comes from a series of attractive murals that depict various scenes from when the Nama people used to inhabit the region.

"We enjoyed the extensive hiking in the hills behind the village."

Mrs & Mr DBfromBC Canada

Arrived 10 Oct 2019, 1 night

Canyon Village has a great location near to Fish River Canyon, allowing self-driving guests to explore the area on their own. The lodge is often frequented by groups, but don't let this put you off as its friendly service, pretty views and welcoming staff make it a good place to base yourself to explore this area of Namibia. See our full report on Canyon Village

The owner-run Desert Horse Inn stands on the Klein-Aus Vista reserve, which is reminiscent of a 'Western' movie set. It's about 1,400m above sea level, in a totally unspoilt semi-desert area, with wide-open plains against a backdrop of mountains. As well as offering some excellent walking, Klein-Aus Vista works as a base to visit Lüderitz, some 125km to the west.

"The room is tastefully decorated with an excellent restaurant."

Mrs & Mr KfromGeneva

Arrived 15 Sep 2019, 2 nights

The Desert Horse Inn is a welcoming and homely lodge. It makes a convenient stop for those travelling between Sossusvlei and Fish River Canyon, but if you have a little extra time and want to enjoy the reserve, search out the feral horses or visit Lüderitz and Kolmanskop, we'd suggest at least a couple of nights here. See our full report on Desert Horse Inn

Desert Quiver Camp can be spotted from miles away, with it’s simple but comfortable self-catering chalets stretching across the desert plains, just 5km from the Sesriem entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

"Another favourite... Excellent rooms... Lovely relaxing place & great pool..."

Mrs CfromShrewsbury

Arrived 7 Jan 2018, 2 nights

Desert Quiver Camp is a great budget option for self-drivers visiting this area who are happy to cater for their own meals. We like the look of the modern, comfortable chalets and they are well placed for easy access to Sossusvlei. See our full report on Desert Quiver Camp

The Delight, more formally known as 'The Delight Swakopmund', is a relatively large modern hotel on the north side of the town centre. It's opposite the old railway station, which is now the extensive Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre, and within a short walk of the main shopping area, and a handful of restaurants and bars.

"Funky modern hotel with good rooms, service and food."

Mr & Mrs BWfromThe Sands

Arrived 29 Jul 2019, 2 nights

The Delight is a fairly new, modern hotel with fresh, colourful, and, comfortable rooms. It offers practical, efficient service and a good location for exploring the town. Come for a well-run hotel-style feel blended with a sense of fun. See our full report on The Delight

At last, travellers can explore the majesty of the Spitzkoppe massif from a comfortable, attractive lodge in a dramatic setting. Strung out among the boulders at the foot of the mountain, Spitzkoppen Lodge is almost dwarfed by the surrounding grandeur.

Granite boulders smoothed over millennia gleam red in the evening sun, their nooks and crannies populated by busy rock hyrax. Deep in those crevices are hidden galleries of San rock art, hinting at the history of these ancient hills. And high above looms the lofty pinnacle that is Spitzkoppe itself.

Sensibly, the brains behind the lodge have kept their touch light, letting the setting speak for itself. High walkways weave over and around the rocks between the chalets and the hub of the lodge, with mountain views at almost every turn.

Light floods into the rooms and the central area from giant picture windows, with natural wood and soft fabrics adding to the sense of space. And the pool – set into a natural depression with magnificent views from the surrounding rocks – simply adds to the drama.

"another of Namibia's jewels"

Mr & Mrs B.fromRichmond

Arrived 11 Sep 2019, 1 night

Head out across the plains from your chalet and explore the private reserve in solitude, or join a guided walk or drive, perhaps taking in the Zebra Pool or a magnificent rock arch. Then return to herald the sunset, drink in hand, and reflect on the wonders of nature. See our full report on Spitzkoppen Lodge

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, it 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 are an interior designer’s daydream of wood, glass and marble enlivened by canvas prints of striking wildlife photography and indigenous tribes.

"a lovely relaxed and welcoming feel, perfect service home-from-home experience."

Mr & Mrs OCfromSheffield

Arrived 3 Oct 2019, 1 night

The open plan lounge is an invitation to relax with a book, and no need to head back downtown for dinner 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 al fresco by the pool. 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