A Collection Of The 9 Best Boutique Hotels and Luxury Camps in Namibia

Born into the Zannier Hotel family, Omaanda Lodge is one of two locations that can be found in the diverse and vast country of Namibia. Set within a family-owned reserve of 9000 hectares, the hotel discretely blends into the Namibian savannah that surrounds its 10 traditional Owambo inspired huts. Interconnected by raised wooden platforms and decorated with African antiques and warm earthy tones, Ommanda Lodge is bound to impress with an overall homey atmosphere.

Bask in the sun next to the infinity pool, enjoy a rejuvenating massage, or experience one of the numerous excursions and safaris offered by the local and experienced guides from the N/a’an ku sê Foundation. Considering the vibrant and dynamic game reserve, it is hard to believe that the lodge is only 30 minutes away from the international airport and located just outside of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, which makes the reserve the perfect place to start and end any visit to Namibia.

The Olive Exclusive is an all-suite boutique hotel located in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. With its close proximity to the airport, it is the perfect place to add to the beginning or end of your Namibian itinerary. Set in a tranquil corner of Windhoek’s suburb, The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Hotel provides stunning views of the encircling mountains as well as easy access to nearby restaurants and all of the worth visiting sights.

The seven suites are individually decorated to represent different regions in Namibia. The contemporary and elegant design effortlessly combines organic textures and natural furnishings with an eco-friendly approach. Each suite features its own fireplace, dining area and boasts a spacious outdoor area. The Premier Suites even come with their own private plunge pool.

The onsite Olive Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, as well as dinner and is known to be one of the best restaurants in Windhoek. With its seasonal and innovative menu as well as a stunning outdoor terrace, the ambiance is perfect for a sunset dining experience.

Nestled at the foot of massive granite boulders sits the breathtaking Wolwedans Boulders Camp, a luxury camp. It offers an intimate and peaceful Glamping experience amidst one of Africa’s biggest Nature Reserves: The NamibRand. Surrounded by nothing but open skies & endless plains, the 5 luxurious tents are the epitome of exclusivity.

Escape for three days in comfort to this remote and secluded location in the middle of pristine wilderness and fill your days with guided walks along ancient hunting grounds of the San Bushmen, scenic drives, or hot-air ballooning. Once the sun starts to throw brilliant red hues upon the rocks, take part in a longstanding tradition and hike atop the boulders above the camp to witness one of Africa’s most spectacular sunsets.

Perched along the edge of a 250-meter high dune, Wolwedans Dune Camp offers pristine views out into the burnt orange savannah backed by the majestic Nubib Mountain Range. This luxury camp boasts a total of 8 safari tents strewn along the sand in a crescent moon shape. Pitched on elevated wooden platforms you can enjoy an intimate and unique lodging experience in a privately owned conservancy of over 200,000 hectares.

Spot the occasional Oryx at the nearby watering hole, meet fellow travelers around the evening bonfire while sipping on some hot tea, and exchange stories during the family-style dinner. Days here are spectacular and the beauty doesn’t stop after the sun has set. The unrivaled NambibRand Reserve is Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve, so sit back and watch as 1000s of stars clearly sparkle into view against the pitch-black backdrop.

Looking for a boutique and unique hotel with a hint of luxury? Look no further. Pelican Point Lodge is a remote 5-star outpost located on the very tip of the 22km-long Pelican Point Peninsula. Boasting 360º views over the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Walvis Bay Lagoon to the east, the lodge is the only one of its kind on the Skeleton Coast. Your only neighbors for miles are a few resident black-backed jackals and the vocal cape fur seals, which you will find lingering on the shore close to the foot of the lighthouse.  The closest town is Walvis Bay and organizing a pick-up is highly recommended, since a reliable 4×4 high clearance vehicle is required to reach the lodge.

Fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves, feel the ocean breeze as you walk along the shore, watch the sun disappear behind the horizon, leaving flamboyant colors across the sky, and if you are lucky, you may also spot whales and dolphins from the big open deck!

Carefully placed within the soft sand dunes within the Skeleton Coast National Park, The Shipwreck Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind lodging experience. Each of the 10 chalets was designed to resemble the thousands of shipwrecks that are scattered on the shores of the remorseless Skeleton Coast.

Embark on educational excursions and learn all about the desert-adapted flora and fauna and get the chance to spot Namibia’s National Antelope: the Oryx. If you are lucky you might even spot desert-adapted elephants while exploring the dried-out riverbeds and roaring sand dunes. Enjoy unforgettable sunsets from the main deck at The Shipwreck Lodge or a drink by the cozy fire inside the lodge before enjoying a three-course dinner.

Located in the heart of the remote and rugged Kaokoland, far past the burnt orange dunes of Sossusvlei, and after the scorching plains of Damaraland sits Hoanib Valley Camp, just waiting to be discovered. The camp offers an intimate lodging experience with a total of six comfortable and lavish tented rooms. Each tent is styled with locally sourced products and comes with the luxury of a shower and ensuite bathroom.

Tucked against colossal granite peaks the camp shares its terrain with the semi-nomadic people of Namibia, along with a multitude of wildlife. Witness uninterrupted views of the Hoanib River Valley from your private porch and with a little bit of luck, you might spot oryx grazing, giraffes sauntering far in the distance, and Bruno, the resident jackal, meandering through the camp. Fill your days with exciting game drives out into the dusty, unforgiving landscape to track the desert elephants, giraffe and if you are very lucky you may even come across rare desert lions. 

Camp Kipwe offers a quiet and luxurious lodging experience. Check into one of the 9 simple bungalows or treat yourself to a night in the only suite on site. Built within the Twyfelfontein Conservancy, the camp offers iconic views across the vast plains of Damaraland. The dome-shaped rooms are scattered along the foot and within a large granite boulder mountain and blend effortlessly into the surroundings.

You won’t find a better base for game drives to track desert-adapted wildlife such as elephants and rhinos. Thanks to the camp’s knowledgeable and experienced guides there is a 98% chance that you will return from your morning game drive with the biggest smile on your face and an experience you will cherish forever. Tracking and finding the desert-adapted elephants was definitely one of our biggest highlights during our 14-day road trip through Namibia.

Onguma The Fort is a spectacular boutique hotel carefully placed in the heart of the privately owned Onguma Game Reserve, a lavish wildlife sanctuary. Situated along the eastern border of the famous Etosha National Park, the hotel boasts a total of 13 palatial suites including 11 Bush Suites, 1 Honeymoon Suite, and 1 Sultan Suite.

Walking into the fort feels like entering a palace from 1001 nights. A truly unique and effortless blend of oriental colors and Moroccan architecture. The large deck in the main fort offers pristine views over the active waterhole and the best spot to watch the sunsets in the Onguma Game Reserve. Here, sit front row to the incredible and ever-changing display of nature, watching herds of wildebeest, impalas, zebras and the occasional lion come to drink from the scenic waterhole before disappearing back out into the vast savannah.

Every morning, venture out on a game drive into Etosha National Park, embark on a guided walking safari or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of your lounge chair next to the infinity pool. Fall asleep to the distant sounds of lions roaring, hyenas laughing, and warthogs wallowing in the mud. All suites come with a cozy fireplace and a private deck facing the waterhole. It is not uncommon for herds of animals to pass by your private patio. Once the sun falls off the earth and the sky slowly turns black, the most brilliant orchestra of stars trickle into view. Just like the meaning of Onguma The Fort, this is a place you’ll never want to leave.