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Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel
Weinberg Hotel

About Weinberg Hotel

A stunning hotel focused around the estate house of an old vineyard, the Weinberg Hotel is arguably Windhoek's hidden gem.

In its 21st-century incarnation, the Weinberg Estate amounts to a luxurious self-contained village, with most amenities that you could need without having to venture into the city centre.

Enjoy a few hours of pampering and relaxation at the Soulstice Spa or a refreshing swim in its outdoor pool; settle down with a glass of wine in the library; sample the local cuisine at one of five restaurants on the estate; or take in the views of Windhoek from the Sky Lounge.

The on-site gym has a view too, softening the blow of exercising off those excess pounds, and there's a hair salon to help you prepare for an evening out. The estate even has its own ATM.

And then there are the rooms. Just 41 of them make up this unusual hotel, in six different styles – some with views, some with kitchenettes (did we mention the on-site delicatessen?), some split level – and all very comfortable indeed. With so many options, the Weinberg works for individuals, couples, even families; what more could you ask?

Our view

A gorgeous hotel tucked away in a quiet suburb of Klein Windhoek, the Weinberg offers 41 stylish rooms, almost unrivalled amenities for such a small hotel, and great views from the Sky Lounge. This is a wonderful location to recover from an international flight at the beginning of your trip, or to gather yourself before returning home at the end of your Namibian holiday.

Karen Sharpe

Karen Sharpe

Namibia expert

Accommodation

41 rooms

Children

Best for aged 8+

Open

All year

Activities

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Traveller reviews of Weinberg Hotel

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


94%
61 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
45
Good
15
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
S & JfromDenver

Arrived 8 Apr 2025, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"great stopover hotel in Windhoek - lots of dining options, fun rooftop bar …" Read S & J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

S & JfromDenver

Arrived 18 Apr 2025, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"See above [Ed: See the review of a stay here earlier in the trip - below.] …" Read S & J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

carlaofromRio de Janeiro

Arrived 1 Apr 2025, 2 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"Staff very helpful...good location …" Read carlao’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Family TfromScotland

Arrived 22 Dec 2024, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"comfortable and clean, a great place to recover from our flights …" Read Family T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

E & HfromCanada

Arrived 15 Dec 2024, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"a nice place to arrive at the start of the trip...breakfast was excellent …" Read E & H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs MfromBerks

Arrived 7 Dec 2024, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review Great first night stop"

"The rooms were very well appointed and comfortable. …" Read Mr and Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Smiths fromcheshire

Arrived 27 Oct 2024, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"Easy to find. Good breakfast. …" Read Smiths ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Alan and DifromChippy

Arrived 6 Oct 2024, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"A convenient hotel after a long flight. …" Read Alan and Di’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

MDBfromAlaska

Arrived 17 Oct 2024, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"Comfortable, convenient to restaurants. …" Read MDB’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

S & S fromAlaska

Arrived 30 Sep 2024, 1 nights

"Weinberg Hotel review"

"the restaurant food was very good, and everyone was very helpful. …" Read S & S ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Weinberg Hotel reviews

Trips visiting Weinberg Hotel

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


Map

Skeleton Coast Safari

5 days • 5 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An epic flying safari exploring some of Namibia’s most spectacular and remote wildernesses. Exceptional pilots, among the best guides in the country and exclusive camps – this a real bucket-list adventure.

Visiting Skeleton Coast, Windhoek

US$10,980 - US$14,480 per person

Read more about the Skeleton Coast Safari

Map

Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas

US$11,500 - US$13,390 per person

Read more about the Cape Fox Guided Safari

Map

Monteiro's Hornbill Fly-in Safari

9 days • 5 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Stay in four of Namibia’s most famous environments on this fly-in safari. It would be hard to pack more variety into a trip of the same length.

Visiting Windhoek, NamibRand and 2 other areas

US$11,840 - US$14,310 per person

Read more about the Monteiro's Hornbill Fly-in Safari

Weinberg Hotel: Our full report

The Weinberg Hotel, formerly known as Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel, is an understated but upmarket hotel in ...

... a quiet suburb of Klein Windhoek, within a short drive of the centre of the Namibian capital. Set on an established estate that was originally a vineyard, it is contemporary in style with plenty of facilities, yet at its heart is the original estate house, now a national monument.

The hotel stands on the Weinberg Estate, a self-contained “village” that boasts an enviable range of amenities, including five restaurants, a delicatessen, a well-equipped gym-with-a-view, an upmarket spa with a pool, and a hair salon for both men and women; there's even an on-site ATM. When we stayed in May 2024, we were impressed by the facilities and the standard of accommodation.

From the entrance to the estate, a long driveway curves around to the front of the hotel where a flight of stairs leads down to the reception area (though there's a lift for whose would prefer). Here, helpful, friendly staff are on hand to check-in and assist with any requests.

Throughout the main area, the décor is a mixture of rich textures in soft greys, with cushions in bold reds, blues, greens and sometimes floral patterns adding splashes of colour.

A library cum lounge lined with bookshelves is tastefully furnished with a range of armchairs, comfortable two- and three-seater sofas and high-back chairs. Side tables and large coffee tables are strategically placed, along with reading lamps, softened by pot plants and various pieces of artwork on the walls.

The adjacent restaurant, known as the Wine Lounge, has a relatively small indoor seating area. Instead, double glass doors open out onto the courtyard with its fountain and plenty of shaded seating, where meals are served.

The hotel's 41 rooms are linked by wide air-conditioned passages with high ceilings. Each room is en-suite, with full air conditioning and king-size or twin beds. The tasteful décor in hues of light greys, creams, silver, white and brown is enlivened by a bold-coloured fabric headboard and bright scatter cushions. A tea/coffee station is tucked away inside one of the drawers, and an electronic safe in the wardrobe. In the bathrooms – most with a shower rather than a bath and shower – you'll find luxury shower gel, conditioning shampoo and body lotion, as well as a hairdryer.

The rooms are divided into six types:

  • 12 Courtyard Fountain Level Rooms each have a shower rather than a bath. Rooms 1 and 2, which have interleading doors, can be combined to create a family room. A third room in this style offers wheelchair access. This was the room type we stayed in on our last visit and it was perfectly comfortable, but large french doors open onto the courtyard where guests often relax with a drink or a meal. As such, those seeking a little more privacy may want to consider an Upper Level room.
  • 18 Courtyard Upper Level Rooms are similar in size and style but are located on the first floor with private balconies looking out onto the courtyard below. For a small premium, two of these rooms come with the addition of a bath.
  • 3 Superior Upper Level Rooms are more spacious than the other Courtyard rooms. Two of these have both bath and shower, and a balcony with a seating area facing the courtyard.
  • 3 Loft Apartments, in a separate wing of the hotel, feature a small living area along with a dining table, kitchen counter and sink, a minibar, and espresso machine; crockery and cutlery are available on request.
  • 7 Family Loft Apartments, in the same wing as the Loft Apartments, are set on two levels. The main bedroom with bath and shower is up a winding staircase, while downstairs are a sofa bed for two children to share, a dining table, a small kitchen counter with tea-making facilities and an espresso machine, and a minibar.
With five individual restaurants on the estate, guests have plenty of choice. In addition to the hotel's own Wine Lounge, there is the Sky Lounge, which offers a reduced menu but has beautiful views of Windhoek.

Separate from the hotel you'll also find the Butcher Block Steakhouse, The Cape Town Fish Market and Olivia's Kitchen (perhaps the best breakfast/brunch spot in Windhoek), each with its own individual style – and private dining can be arranged, too. Finally, there's a delicatessen on-site, selling wines, cheeses, and freshly baked bread. Except for the Wine Lounge, all the restaurants on the estate are open to the public, so it would be wise to book a table for dinner, especially during high season (June to October).

Finally, the estate boasts the Soulstice Spa. With 12 treatment rooms, this has proved exceptionally popular locally, but as it’s no longer part of the hotel we strongly recommend you pre-book. Treatments range from massages and flotation therapy to a rasul chamber. The spa also has a sizeable outdoor pool with a separate jet pool you will also need to pre-book use of the pool in advance. Please note, that children under the age of 13 are not permitted in the spa area.

Geographics

Location
Windhoek, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
One or two nights, usually at the start or end of your holiday in Namibia.
Directions
The Weinberg is at 13 Jan Jonker Street, just off Sam Nujoma Drive in the quiet suburb of Klein Windhoek.

The hotel can book airport transfers and transfers into the city centre, both at an extra charge.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
There is a choice of five restaurants on the estate. The hotel's own restaurant, the Wine Lounge, serves the following meals:

Breakfast, from 6.30 to 10.00am, is a cold buffet of cereals, fruit juices, bread, yoghurt and tea or (very good) coffee, followed by menu items from a traditional cooked breakfast to crumpets served with fresh strawberries, cream and syrup.

Lunch (11.00am–4.00pm) and dinner (6.00–10.00pm) are served from a set menu. On one of our visits this included starters of baked bone marrow, risotto, mini burgers or cheese filo pastry, with mains of steak, salmon or pork belly with related sides. Dessert choices included mini milk tarts, apple crumble, crême brulée or a mix of all three.

On our most recent visit we arrived in Windhoek early and thoroughly enjoyed brunch at Olivia’s Kitchen – despite a lack of sleep! The menu ranges from a traditional cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs to French toast and an impressive selection of smoothies and hot drinks.

For dinner, we visited the Butcher Block Steakhouse and split a 1kg T-bone between two. This was perfectly cooked and was well complemented by a glass of South African cabernet sauvignon.

Both meals were superb and reasonably priced – we wouldn’t hesitate to return.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
As well as individual tables in the various restaurants, there is a separate private dining room in the hotel where small groups can choose to be served their meal.

Room service is offered until 10.00pm
Drinks included
No drinks are included except for tea and coffee that you prepare in the rooms and two complimentary bottles of water are provided on arrival: one still, one sparkling.

Special interests

Family holidays
The Weinberg Hotel is an excellent option for families travelling in Namibia. Spacious family apartments in a separate wing have baby cots and changing tables available. The hotel restaurant has a children's menu, and there's a choice of four other restaurants on the private estate.
See ideas for Family holidays in Namibia
Solo Travel
With excellent facilities and amenities on a private estate not far from the centre of Windhoek, including a well-maintained gym, a state-of-the-art spa and five restaurants, The Weinberg would make a good choice for solo travellers in Namibia.
See ideas for Solo Travel in Namibia
Honeymoons
With couples' packages at the Soulstice Spa, a choice of five restaurants within the estate's grounds, and the option of private dining, The Weinberg would make an excellent start or end to a honeymoon in Namibia.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Namibia
Wellbeing
The range of treatments and facilities at estate’s Soulstice Spa is exceptional, from flotation therapy to a rasul chamber and an outdoor pool with a jet pool. For all-round pampering on a Namibia holiday, this would be a great option.
See ideas for Wellbeing in Namibia
Luxury
On a private estate in an upmarket suburb of Windhoek, The Weinberg offers comfortable and stylish rooms, five on-site restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa. For a spot of luxury in the Namibian capital, it's a strong contender.
See ideas for Luxury in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
The Weinberg Hotel welcomes children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions
Children under the age of 13 are not permitted in the spa area, so cannot make use of the pool.
Special activities & services
There are no special activities for children, but The Weinberg has special family loft rooms, and can organise a childminder for young children if parents want to go out. Note, however, that he/she may not be formally qualified in childcare.
Equipment
There are cots, a baby bath and a changing table, but no highchairs in the restaurants.
Generally recommended for children
The Family Loft Apartments are in a different wing of the hotel, away from the other guest rooms, which is a plus, and there is plenty of space for children to run around. Note, however, that as children under 13 are not permitted in the spa area, they cannot make use of the pool.

Communications

Power supply notes
Mains with a back-up generator
Communications
There is a telephone in each room and the Family Loft Apartments have telephones both downstairs and upstairs. There is very good, fast WiFi on the estate and also cellphone reception, but note that no cellphones are permitted in the spa area.
TV & radio
Each of the rooms has a TV with satellite channels, discreetly hidden behind an arched mirror.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
Only rooms 30, 26, 27 and 28 have both a bath and shower; the majority of rooms have only a shower.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There are doctors and hospitals in Windhoek.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
The Weinberg Hotel is on a secure property with a guardhouse and lockable gates. There is secure undercover parking available and guests are supplied with keys to the gates for 24-hour access. A security guard is on the property during the night.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are positioned throughout the hotel and outside some of the rooms, and there is an emergency evacuation plan in each room next to the door.

Activities

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

Extras

Disabled access
In Place
Laundry facilities
A laundry service and a dry-cleaning service are available at extra cost; every room has a laundry list with prices.
Money
There is an ATM on site. Each room has an electronic safe for storing travel documents and valuables.
Accepted payment on location
All major credit cards are accepted, except Diners' Card, as are cash payments in Namibian dollars and South African rand.

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Weinberg Hotel's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Weinberg Hotel.


Excursions from Weinberg Hotel

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Weinberg Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek City Tour

three hour Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek city tours offer a mix of history, culture, and local flavour, showcasing Namibia’s colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and cuisine.

More about Windhoek City Tour
100% (1 reviews)

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When to go to Windhoek

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Weinberg Hotel in Windhoek


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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