This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing
River Crossing

River Crossing: Our full report

Just 3km from the centre of Windhoek, towards the airport, River Crossing is set in a 6,500-hectare game reserve.

Although it is close to Windhoek, it has a quiet rural setting and feels more like a safari lodge than a hotel. The lodge is built on a hill offering views of mountains in one direction, and the city of Windhoek in the distance in the other.

From the entrance at River Crossing, steps lead up to a modern U-shaped main building, where you are welcomed by friendly staff at a free-standing bar at the base of the U. To one side, the lounge area is filled with big leather sofas and dark-wood furniture, and decorated in russet colours. Floor-to-ceiling windows at one end give a light, bright feel and offer lovely views of the surrounding mountains. In the dining area, individual tables and chairs are set both inside and outside on the deck, with more stunning views.

Sheltered within the centre of the U outside is a rectangular swimming pool, surrounded by a relaxing patio where guests can sit for meals or drinks at any time of day.

Gravel pathways wind through the bush towards the rooms at River Crossing: 20 terracotta-coloured individual bungalows dotted along the hilltop. Of these, 14 have views towards the mountains and the sunrise, and six towards Windhoek, whose twinkling lights are appealing after dark. Most of the rooms are identical in style, although two 'honeymoon' rooms have a bath rather than a shower in the bathroom, and four of the rooms have three beds – ideal for guests travelling with children.

The rooms are simple in style, spacious, clean and are air conditioned. All have polished concrete floors scattered with rugs, and are decorated in neutral browns and creams in a range of textured fabrics. Black-and-white photos of Windhoek from bygone days adorn the walls, and bright patterned cushions and pillows add a splash of colour. The furniture is dark wood and you'll also find a well-stocked minibar (not included in the cost), tea and coffee making facilities, a wall-mounted television, a writing desk and two small seating areas – one inside, and one on the covered veranda. The en-suite bathrooms have a shower (or bath), single basin and toilet, with a range of toiletries provided.

River Crossing offers a selection of activities, at extra cost, all of which can be arranged locally. There are scenic drives by 4WD vehicle through the reserve, which is home to giraffe, eland, wildebeest, zebra, impala and waterbuck among others (N$600/ÂŁ30 for 3 hours). Alternatively, guests can explore the area on foot with a local guide (N$250/ÂŁ12 for 2 hours). There are also some nearby stables (not owned by the lodge) where it is possible to do morning and afternoon horse rides.


Our view

River Crossing is only a 30-minute drive from Windhoek airport so makes a great overnight stop at the beginning or end of your Namibia trip. Its tranquil setting makes it an ideal option for travellers not wanting to overnight in the city.

Sabina Hekandjo

Sabina Hekandjo

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location
Windhoek, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
1-2 nights
Directions
River Crossing is well signposted from the airport road, about 15 minutes' drive from the centre of Windhoek and 30 minutes from the airport. From the main road it is a further 2km to the lodge about 1.5km of which is on a gravel road and the last, steeper stretch is paved.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
Breakfast is served buffet style with a selection of fruit juices, cereals, yoghurts, freshly baked breads and muffins, cold meats and cheeses, as well as cooked options.

A light lunch menu offers sandwiches, chicken salad, mushroom pasta, fish and chips and beef sirloin or rump steak.

The dinner menu changes daily and includes three courses with a starter, choice of main course (normally fish, meat or vegetarian) and a dessert. On our last visit in October 2016 we tried the salmon and avocado salad starter, followed by pork neck in mustard with potato gratin, and chocolate brownie for desert. We thought the food was fair but not outstanding.

Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is available.
Drinks included
Drinks are not included. At the time of our visit a glass of wine cost N$35/ÂŁ1.75, a beer N$20/ÂŁ1.00 and a soft drink N$15/ÂŁ0.75.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at River Crossing.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions at River Crossing.
Special activities & services
There are no special activities for children, but they are welcome to take part in those activities on offer.
Equipment
A cot and highchair are available on request.
Generally recommended for children
Yes
Notes
Children must be supervised by their parents at all times as the lodge is not fenced in and the pool is open.

Communications

Communications
WiFi is available in the main building as well as all the rooms and the area has good cellphone reception.
TV & radio
All rooms have TVs with a selection of satellite channels.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
The borehole water is filtered for drinking

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There are many doctors and hospitals in Windhoek.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There are security guards on duty at night.
Fire safety
Each room has a fire extinguisher.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Full Laundry Service at extra cost, from N$5/ÂŁ0.25 to N$30/ÂŁ1.50 per item.
Money
There is no currency exchange available at the lodge, but that can be arranged at the airport or in Windhoek. There are no safes in the rooms but valuable can be left in the main safe at reception.
Accepted payment on location
Visa and MasterCard are accepted as well as cash in Namibian dollars and South African rand.

Other lodges in Windhoek

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Olive Grove

Olive Grove

In a quiet Windhoek suburb, Olive Grove is one of our favourite guesthouses: stylish, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and excellent food.


89% (408 reviews)
Galton House

Galton House

A cool stylish sanctuary in a quiet suburb of Windhoek, Galton House boasts a pool and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.


91% (180 reviews)
Elegant Guesthouse

Elegant Guesthouse

The Elegant Guesthouse is a friendly, comfortable establishment with a lovely, tranquil garden, and is a good choice for an overnight stay in Windhoek.


87% (133 reviews)
Villa Violet

Villa Violet

Villa Violet is a friendly, owner-run guesthouse in a residential area of Windhoek, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and numerous restaurants.


90% (126 reviews)
Haus Sonneneck

Haus Sonneneck

Haus Sonneneck was one of Windhoek's best pensions just a few minutes' drive away from the city centre, however it has now closed.


86% (103 reviews)
Olive Exclusive

Olive Exclusive

The Olive Exclusive is perhaps Windhoek's most luxurious boutique hotel but remains a friendly and unpretentious place to stay.


92% (43 reviews)
Weinberg Hotel

Weinberg Hotel

In a quiet upmarket suburb of Klein Windhoek, the stylish Weinberg has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and luxury facilities.


93% (44 reviews)
GocheGanas

GocheGanas

For somewhere to really pamper yourself, Gocheganas Lodge & Spa offers wildlife combined with extensive wellness treatments.


93% (40 reviews)
Heinitzburg Hotel

Heinitzburg Hotel

One of the oldest hotels in Windhoek, the Heinitzberg occupies a great hill-top location but can feel like a relic of a bygone era.


85% (41 reviews)
Etango Ranch Guest Farm

Etango Ranch G. Farm

Etango offers simple, clean, comfortable accommodation and it’s the closest accommodation to Windhoek International Airport.


84% (25 reviews)
Immanuel Wilderness Lodge

Immanuel Wilderness

Within easy reach of Windhoek, Immanuel Wilderness Lodge is a good overnight option for those who don't wish to stay in the city.


81% (18 reviews)
Sun Karros Daan Viljoen

Sun Karros Daan Viljoen

Situated within the Daan Viljoen Nature reserve Sun Karros is a simple lodge with gentle game viewing and bird watching opportunities.


77% (15 reviews)
Avani Windhoek Hotel

Avani Windhoek Hotel

The Avani Windhoek Hotel and Casino lack the personal touch of Windhoeks smaller guesthouses but is well located in the heart of the city.


80% (11 reviews)
Hotel Thule

Hotel Thule

Windhoek’s Hotel Pension Thule offers stunning views across the city and a reputable in-house restaurant, within easy reach of the international airport.


90% (10 reviews)
Omaanda

Omaanda

Omaanda offers luxury accommodation and wildlife viewing within easy reach of the international airport and Windhoek City.


94% (10 reviews)
Pension Palmquell

Pension Palmquell

Stay at the Pension Palmquell in Windhoek, whilst on holiday in Namibia.


89% (9 reviews)
Ti Melen Guest House

Ti Melen

Overlooking Avis Dam, Ti Melen is on the outskirts of Windhoek, yet only 10-minutes from the city's amenities.


100% (3 reviews)
Desert Express

Desert Express

The Desert Express runs from Windhoek to Swakopmund on set departures. Recently this schedule has been somewhat erratic.


80% (1 review)

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa