THE BEST LUXURY ECO-FRIENDLY LODGES IN NAMIBIA

One of the best parts of planning an itinerary to this wonderful country, is deciding where to stay and in particular with the number of luxury eco-friendly lodges within Namibia, located in the most beautiful private reserves and remote spots, you’re sure to feel like there’s no one around.

Eco-friendly lodges in Namibia are known for their beautiful backdrops, close proximity to some of the country’s most breathtaking National Parks, The Namib-Naukluft, Etosha and Skeleton to name a few. Namibian accommodation is all about understated luxury, in the form of hotels, lodges and tented camps which also puts sustainability at the forefront of its priorities and in many cases is pretty affordable too compared to other parts of the world. 

Your trip to Namibia may be a once-in a lifetime bucket list experience, a honeymoon or simply a new destination you want to check off your travel list. This guide highlights some of the best luxury eco-friendly lodges in Namibia, together with locations and the best of which activities can be experienced from them.

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What To Consider When Booking Eco-Friendly Luxury Lodges in Namibia

Before selecting a hotel its helpful to make a list of all the negotiable versus the non-negotiables:

• Location of hotel/lodge/camp
• What activities can be done from location
• Proximity to geographical points of interest
• Style of accommodation 
• Price of accommodation 
• Special packages for minimum night stays 
• Dining options. Meal inclusion in stay.

Tips For Booking Eco-Friendly Lodges in Namibia

• Check out reviews but also remember to take them with a pinch of salt – sometimes people can exaggerate a one time mishap.
• Booking through an agent can mean they’ve often experienced the accommodation style and can advise on the pros and cons.
• Find out about parking arrangements as you will most probably be driving in Namibia.
• Booking straight through the hotel can sometime mean you’ll get a better rate including some added perks such as three nights with bed, breakfast , dinner and an allocation of drinks throughout the day. 
• If you are in Namibia for a special occasion, make sure you let the accommodation know. Usually they will treat you to a lovely meal with champagne on one of their most private and romantic terraces. You may even be upgraded to a private safari experience if they have enough vehicles available during your visit.

Important Things to Note When Searching For Eco-friendly Lodges in Namibia

• Dietary Requirements – It is good to note that all camps and lodges can accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and the staff will come and speak to you about your preferences once you’re settled into the accommodation. It’s a misconception that staying at eco-friendly lodges in Namibia means not being fed well but it’s important to note it’s quite the opposite.
• Meals – Due to the remote nature of camps and lodges, three course meals are served each evening as well as a lighter version for lunch. The starter and desert are vegetarian but the main course is an option of meat or vegetarian or vegan. The staff usually come and take your orders at different points throughout the day.
• Afternoon Tea – If you have opted for full board as many do due to the package offerings of accommodation, afternoon tea comprising of sandwiches, cake, biscuits and drinks of your choice are served around 16;00 prior to the afternoon sundowner game drive.
• Sundowners – Expect to watch the sun go down whilst on your afternoon game drive, which will certainly be accompanied by a stop at a beautiful location in the bush with a beverage. It’s the most magical part of the day.
• Food & drinks – Be prepared to be well fed and watered at lodges after all you have paid for the privilege of remote lodges.

• Laundry – Most lodges, especially if you are on a full board plan also include laundry, so if you are flying instead of road tripping your tiny luggage limitations should be no problem at all.
• Wheelchair access – Unfortunately, the lodges featured are not suitable for wheelchair access due to the rocky tracks as well as having to climb into 4x4WD for all activities. Guest Houses such as The Elegant Guest House and the Swakopmund Guest House are wheelchair accessible as these are one-level properties.
• Children – Due to the remote nature and open camps, many of the lodges are not suitable for young children, however teenagers may not be a problem. Check before booking for full details. Do note that Rhino tracking is only available to persons 16 years and above. 
• Local Community & Lodge Staff – Many of the lodges use local staff from the community to train up and invest in their hospitality careers. Due to the location of the lodges, the staff will work for a period of six weeks and then have two weeks leave to return home. They are wonderfully friendly and give you a great insight into local life so do approach them because there truly is no greater smile than the Namibian bush smile! On your departure feel free to leave a tip in the gratuity boxes provided as these are spilt between the team and truly goes a long way.

• Wilderness Lodges – If opting to stay at one of the Wilderness Safaris camp, look forward to a welcome and departure song by the whole team. Bush dinner nights will always include a song and dance around the fire with all the staff. It’s a lovely family feeling and do take part if encouraged.
• Wilderness safari Camps Sustainability Ethos – are simply incredible. Their longstanding aim is to enrich the community spirt to travellers ad explorers. All their camps are thought out to the highest sustainability criteria so that if they had to leave the environment suddenly, they could place everything in a truck and leave the landscape looking untouched. The prices to stay at these camps may seem steep but truly these camps will be the most memorable experiences of accommodation in Namibia. 
• Car Parking – If you’re self-driving, there is no need to worry about parking as all lodges have free parking on site and within the properties grounds. Cars are monitored by site security however it is recommended to take all things of value with you to your accommodation. 
• Airstrips – If you are flying between destinations, many of the lodges have airstrips close by so transfer time should’t take so long providing this has been arranged prior to arrival and departure with your chosen properties.
• Meta-locations – Be responsible when sharing photos of wildlife – precise GPS data such as co-ordinates of locations of rhinos in particular can be extracted from photographs with increasingly sophisticated GPS enabled cameras. This provides poachers with valuable rhino location information.

Be-lavie Tip : If unfamiliar with how this can be done follow the link below by wildlife photographer, Olwen Evans (Accessed via Ongava Game Reserves Conservation & Research Facility). Click to access 2016_Removing_Location_Metadata_Rhino.pdf. * Adobe Reader is required for PDF)

Budgeting for Eco-Friendly Lodges in Namibia 

Many of the eco-friendly lodges in Namibia featured in this guide are deemed as luxury once in a lifetime stays but are by no means the most priciest accommodation you’ll find in Namibia.

A good proportion of your budget will go into hiring a vehicle as well as choosing accommodation. Many accommodation options do seem steep but it’s good to note that going fully inclusive (or FI as you will see on lodge tariffs) is by far one of the best options. This will usually include breakfast, a three course lunch and dinner, afternoon tea, all drinks including standard alcohol as well as laundry. BUT most importantly this will also include ALL of your activities whilst staying at the lodge with a qualified guide. Also your park fees per night will be incorporated into the final tariff.

Budget around $700-$800per person per night in high season (July-Dec) and $500-$600 per person per night in low season (Jan-June)

All prices are based per person per night and sharing a chalet/villa between two.

Final Budget for 2 adults sharing per night: $1,000-1,500.

*Price Disclaimer: Please note prices are just an approximate and will vary each year and seasonally. 

Related Post: How to Plan the Best Self-Drive Namibia Itinerary.

The Best Time to Visit Namibia

Read about the best time to visit in the related article above. Throughout this article High Season stretched from July-December when it’s the driest with bearable temperatures. Low Season is from January-November and often sees rain with high humidity and temperatures. Please do note that eco-friendly lodges in Namibia are open all year round but your visit will be governed by what you wish to see in terms of flora and fauna.

The Best Luxury Eco-Friendly Lodges in Namibia

Locations of featured Eco-friendly lodges in Namibia and Guest Houses.

Desert Homestead Lodge

Location

Namib Tsaris Conservancy, a private nature reserve of over 150,000 hectares, adjacent to NamibRand Nature Reserve in the west. 

The Lodge 

Desert Homestead is a 26 cottage lodge, ideally situated right in the doorstep of The Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to the world famous Sossusvlei a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the highest sand dunes in the world.

The decor is contemporary and resembles that of a stud farm manor. Think earthy tones, brown leather, locally made soft furnishings are bright airy spaces. The main building is home to the restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as well as the bar surrounded by comfy leather seating – great for relaxing after a day out exploring. 

The guest cottages are positioned on the lower ground level and benefit from the most stunning panoramic views of the namib-naukluft desert landscape. Watch the oryx and springbok right from your very own patio or even the restaurant.

Cottages are decorated in keeping with the style of main lodge buildings with copper, brown, natural and earthy tones of taupe. A four poster bed with mosquito nets, white linens and animal print soft furnishings. The high sun windows in the cottages let in plenty of light and the bathrooms are rustic and tiled with copper sinks and natural toiletries in full size refillable bottles.

There’s plenty of outdoor seating and two pools perfect to cool off on your return from your chosen activities. Also due to the road trip nature of most guests travelling the country, there is almost always a good amount of parking available.

Activities

• Sossusvlei Safari – arrive as the gates open at sunrise and head straight to climb the 365 m high Bid Daddy as well as Big Momma. Also head to Deadvlei, spot wildlife. Have lunch in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and head to Sesriem Canyon. Spot wildlife and take in the stunning landscape of the world’s oldest desert with your knowledgeable guides in a comfortable 4×4.
• Hot Air Balloon – see the sunrise over Sossusvlei. Leave the lodge at 4 am to drive to the neighbouring farm about 45 minutes away to see the most magical sunrise of your life. The flight is followed by a champagne breakfast at an incredible awe-inspiring location in the desert. 
• Sundowner Game Drive -Late afternoon game drives in an open 4×4 with a lodge guide will mean there will usually be guaranteed game sightings as well as the best sunset spot to enjoy a drink and nibbles, prior to heading back for dinner
• Other activities – offered at Desert homestead include guided hikes, jogging, horse-riding and fitness trails.

Sustainability Efforts

Part of the Ondili Lodges group, Desert Homestead is run completely on solar energy including solar water heaters. Their use of good tourism for sustainable nature conservation.

All profits are invested in establishing and maintaining Ondili Nature Reserves and for each guest cottage, the Ondili Group creates at least 10,000 hectares of nature reserve in Namibia but at the same time maintains the existing reserves. 

As well as generating their own electricity and hot water through their own solar systems, they ensure that vegetables, and herbs are produced local to the lodge.

At Ondili lodges, two jobs in tourism create another job in nature conservation and organic farming with the jobs being offered to locals in their nature reserve.

Firewood is obtained for the lodges by de-bushing the nature reserves. The Ondili group take an immense interest in ensuring all their accommodation is classed amongst the best eco-friendly lodges in Namibia.

Be-lavie Tip: Within the restaurant you are allocated tables based on room number but the staff are very accommodating and if you’d like to move, just let them know. The lower level is great as it’s outdoors and you’ll witness a profound sunset as you eat. 

• Desert Homestead Lodge. 24.639564, 15.962547 Sesriem Namibia, Namibia. Tel. +264 61 240 020
• Website: Desert Homestead Lodge
• Price: Double rooms from $200 per person (low season) and from $500 in high. Breakfast included as well as dinner and lunch in the above rates, Wifi available in main communal lodge.
• Recommended length of stay: three Nights

Shipwreck Lodge

Location

Skeleton Coast concession between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in the Skeleton Coast National Park, Shipwreck Lodge is only 45 km from Möwe Bay

The Lodge

Shipwreck lodge consists of ten chalets which are designed to look rather shipwrecks and are positioned along the sand dunes giving each chalet the benefits of enjoying the desert and the sound of the crashing waves in the distance. Each of the cabins has a private bathroom as well as a wood burning stove. Things can get rather chilly on the skeleton coast and wood burning stoves make for a very cosy feel. Each also has their own outdoor deck. The design of the lodge takes inspiration from the many ships that have been wreaked on this coast line.

The main central lodge building also looks out onto the sand dunes and is where meals and communal activities will take place. You can grab a comfy seat, food and drinks at the bar anytime.

Booking the lodge is on a fully inclusive rate and includes all meals, daily scheduled activities, a variety of beverages as well as a laundry service.

Activities

• Beach Lunch – if the weather plays ball there’s the option to have a deliciously cooked lunch on a secluded beach.
• Hoarusib River – Take a 4WD on a morning to explore the Hoarusib River. Visit the Clay castles which is a striking geological formation. There may even be the opportunity to spot desert-adapted elephants, brown hyenas and lions.
• Introduction to the Skeleton Coast – explore the coast line and scope out the remains of what it left of the  decaying ships, the remains of a Ventura Bomber and the abandoned Westies Diamond Mine bear, witness to the nature of this arid landscape. This includes. visit to the seal colony.
• Quad Bikes – There is an area allocated by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, to minimise the effects this activity could have on the landscape. An experienced guide will lead you in driving over the dunes.
• Sandboarding  – Have fun experiencing the thrill of sliding down on a sand board in the World’s oldest desert.
• Sundowner Drives – Watch the setting of the sun as it disappears into the Atlantic Ocean with a drink and canapés.

Sustainability Efforts

Shipwreck lodge has received the Green Flower Eco Flower Award in consolidating their guests enjoy a low footprint and outstanding environmental consciousness. them. Shipwreck gas been awarded with five of these flower awards and scoring 90% in their sustainability rankings in the niches of conservation, water, energy and waste management. Staying here you can assure that sustainability and the surroundings are most definitely a priority at Shipwreck Lodge. The lodge uses solar power for heating most things as well as having elaborate waste and water management procedures in place. The Green Flower award makes Shipwreck, one of the best eco-friendly lodges in Namibia.

• Shipwreck Lodge. Skeleton Coast National Park Namibia 
• Website: Shipwreck Lodge
• Postal Address: Po Box 91045, Klein Windhoek, Namibia
• Guide Price: Cabins from $650 per person (low season) and $1500 (high season) including meals, excursions and Wi-Fi. 
• Recommended length of stay: three Nights

Desert Rhino Camp

Location

Situated in the Palmwag Reserve, between Etosha and Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. You are required to park your vehicle if self-driving at a manned parking point, where a Desert Rhino official will drive you to the remote location of the camp. The drive takes around two hours and is a complete gravel road and a very bumpy ride. Only Desert Rhino and Save the Rhino Trust vehicles are permitted to drive in this very remote conservancy.

The Lodge

There are eight Meru-style tents in a row with en-suite bathrooms with flushable WC’s and showers which are best to be used in the evening for the hottest water. All tents have endless views of the rocky plains and they are decorated in neutral cream and coppery tones with the odd bright orange cushion detail. 

The evenings are cold here so you’ll be provided with thicker duvets during turn down service as well as extra water, bush babies (cosy hot water bottles) left in your bed. 

At the centre of the tented camp is the main covered lounge, briefing point for activities, dining room and bar where all meals are taken. Dining is hosted on a family table with the staff present, the menu will be presented to you in both English and the native ‘click’ language.

Dining at Desert Rhino Camp involves the use of locally grown ingredients in traditional recipes, celebrating food and culture around the camp fire, at a picnic in the bush, with a romantic poolside dinner in a secret location a couple of times a month close to the camp – one of the most memorable dining experiences under the stars.

Being on a full board basis, expect to have a continental and cooked to order breakfast as well as a three course lunch or picnic lunch, if opting to go on rhino tracking drives, as well as afternoon tea and a three course dinner with all dietary requirements being careful catered for.

Activities

• Rhino tracking – The camp partners with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia to defend, preserve and expand the iconic wild desert so that the wildlife here can continue to thrive. When partaking in Rhino tracking you will be briefed the night before by trackers from the Save the rhino Trust including how the activity is undertaken in single file, silence, photographs are only taken on the trackers signal as well as learning the important hand signals to ensure this is a safe experience. The Black Rhino has a tendency to charge so all precautions are taken. A once in a lifetime experience this is the place to see the planets only free roaming black rhinos and be apart of their conservation process. Be prepared to head off early in the morning around 6:30 am into the wilderness and await the trackers signal to say they have a sighting. The rhino are seen at a distance of 50-100 metres. This is a long activity and pretty physical with walking in the bush.
• Sundowner Game Drives – Here you have the opportunity to spot the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe as well as the springbok and the majestic Oryx.
• Bush Walks – Go out with the experienced guides on foot and learn more about the landscape and plants of the area as well as spotting some of the resident wildlife and desert adapted animals.

Sustainability Impact

In the Palmwag Concession, Wilderness Safaris works with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRTN), a highly respected Non Government organisation (NGO) which has helped to rescue the region’s black rhino population from extinction. The number of black rhino have quadrupled over the past 10 years thanks to their work.

The camp is powered by a hybrid system, which means the generator only needs to operate for eight hours a day, and each tent has its own small solar panel and inverter as well as a solar-powered geyser to provide hot water. 

Reverse osmosis filtration is done on site to provide guests with high-quality drinking water and to ensure plastic bottles are not used.

A portion of every guests fee to stay at the camp goes to Save the Rhino Trust. Staying at Desert Rhino Camp, essentially means you are being a part of the conservation process and endorsing the work being undertaken here.

The camp supports the local community as a member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that encourages guests to bring school supplies with them when visiting.

Be-lavie Tip: Please not that Desert Rhino Camp is all about the Rhino tracking experience and is not available to children under the age of 16 years. Additionally those with mobility issues may not be suited to ride in the 4x4WD

• Desert Rhino Camp. Palmwag Reserve, Damaraland, Namibia. Tel: 00 27 11 257 5000
• Website: Desert Rhino Camp
• Guide Price: Double rooms from £496 per person (low season),  from £1,022 per person (high season). No Wi-Fi. Breakfast included as well as all meals). Worth every penny to track the Black Rhino
• Recommended length of stay: three nights

Damaraland Camp

Location

Located around a 30 minutes drive from Desert Rhino camp, Damaraland Camp is situated in Palm Wag, Twyfelfintein – The Kunene region of Northwest Namibia. This is a remote region and once turning off the Major C from Desert Rhino Camps parking point – prepare to drive along a very gravel laden road/path to reach the camp.

This area was created by a huge magma eruption 125 million years ago, when Africa and South America were part of the same supercontinent known as Gondwana. The Huab river runs through this region and is almost like a ribbon-like oasis in this arid terrain.

The Lodge

Just as with Desert Rhino camp, Damaraland Camp is a lodge by Wilderness Safaris, in fact their first in Namibia. The lodge has classic earthy khaki and wooden tones, wicker furnishings and cream and ochre colours which feel synonymous to an African safari.

There are a total of ten thatched, canvassed thatched suites with reed awnings, wood-floorboards on stilts with an endless view of the arid landscape before it. The canvass can be rolled back during the day but brace yourself for the evenings and nights when there is a cold breeze. Expect turn down staff to leave a bush baby in your bed.

Bathrooms are adobe walled with slight but sturdy reed screens and roll-down canvas doors. The copper taps and clay basins are a beautiful touch as are the locally sourced glassed bottled toiletries which smell absolutely divine. 

As with all lodges there is a pool, sun loungers, bar, family dining space, gift shop and wicker seating in the communal space with the most incredible view where you will see the occasional springbok or oryx.

Food is sourced locally and the cooks are very passionate here and celebrate authentic and traditional cuisine as well as fusion dishes from around the world.

Menus are three course set dinners, always with a vegetarian option with South African wines.  Dinner is a beautiful time of day, were you eat around a large table with the staff and guides. The fire pit is lit and the whole decking area is lit with an orange glow.

Lunch is also a three course affair but on a lighter scale.

Once or twice a week, guest can dine at the camps Boma, under the stars, a traditional Namibian enclosure, fenced off with hundreds of acacia logs. The usual food here is barbecued meat, fish, paired with great South African wines. 

Give the fat cakes (savoury Namibian doughnut with chickpea soup) a try. 

Breakfast is also a delicious spread and great way to start the day with fire brewed coffee, roosterbrood cooked over the coals, and boerewors, cereals, juices, fruits as well as cooked options made to order.

Activities

• Desert-adapted elephants – the location of the camp right in the heart of the Huab-river valley makes it the perfect place to spot the desert-adapted elephant and sightings are 100% guaranteed.
• Game Drives – as well as spotting elephants, you’ll be driving around to see what other wildlife is around, from zebras to springbok, ostrich and even Oryx. Additionally learn all about the flora of the region and the infamous Euphorbia Damarano or Damara milk Bush whose toxin can can kill if it comes into contact with open skin and how oryx and rhino feed on it.
• African Rock Art – Take a half day excursion to see the wonderful rock cave paintings nearby in Twyfontain.
• Sundowners – Expect the usual sundown drive that ends with a beverage and snacks with a fantastic vantage point of the sun disappearing amidst the landscape 

Sustainability Impact

Just like Desert Rhino camp, Damaraland  Camp is powered by a hybrid system and each tent has its own small solar panel and inverter as well as a solar-powered geyser to provide hot water. 

The staff are recruited from the local community giving the camp an authentic feel and investing in the native people, from cooks to cleaners to guides. 

A lot of the fruit and veg is sourced from a farmstead close by helping the faring community to support their families and land.

Wilderness properties are known to be amongst the best eco-friendly lodges in Namibia.

Be-lavie Tip: This is an incredible remote location and many guests find the last 20-mile stretch through the gravel paths the hardest. Keep driving and following the signs and being aware of animals and village children. The drive from the C39 is only recommended for 4WD vehicles and if you’re driving a 2WD, your car must be left at a farmstead by the C39 and you’ll be transferred to the camp by a representative.

• Damaraland Camp Camp.Torra Conservancy, Damaraland, Namibia

• Website: Damaraland Camp

• Guide Price: $250 per person (standard season) and $710 per person (peak season). This includes all food, launders and also activities whilst at the lodge.
• Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

Ongava Lodge

Location

The lodge is situated in the privately-owned game reserve known as Ongava (which means Rhino) along the southern partition of Etosha National Park.

The lodge itself is located close to the top of a hill in the foothills of the Ondundozonanandana range, the vistas are incredible and overlooks an active waterhole with uninterrupted wildlife sightings including rhino, giraffe, hyenas, oryx, lions and more.

The best things about Ongava lodge is its proximity to Etosha National Park and its private 30,000 hectares where the lodge ensures a healthy population of black and white rhino – in fact these are present at the water hole daily.

Other Engaged properties within the game reserve include, Little Ongava ( a luxury three chalet, intimate lodge) Ongava Tented Camp (a luxury tented camp surrounded by a central waterhole) and Andersons at Ongava (an under luxury lodge for very private visits – such as family gatherings or complete privacy).

Ongava also has a research facility which you can visit. They track the black-faced impala, with the reserve having high densities of big game including lion, white and black rhino but also other plain game.

This is worth a visit to see the work the centre undertakes in keeping animals safe within its reserve.

The Lodge

There are 14 rock and thatch-stye en-suite chalets at Ongava Lodge. All are very luxurious decorated in earthy tones, four poster beds with mosquito canopies, double sinked bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers as well as eco-friendly full-size toiletries. Each of the chalets has impressive views out onto the private Ongava reserve but the main lounge and dining area has a panoramic view of the watering hole. There’s even a hideaway where you can take the path down and watch the wildlife gathering at the water hole, a couple of metres away from you behind a discreet glass screen.

Food at the lodge is fresh and delicious with a vegetarian option always or any thing else that may suit your dietary requirements is accommodates as much as possible. Expect three meals with afternoon tea served before the sundowner game drive.

For post game drives, the lodge also a pool and a spa to help with your relaxation and wellbeing.

Activities

Game drives – Early morning drives in Etosha National Park (as the gates open) and/or Ongava private reserve.

Ongava Conservation Centre – You can drive to the centre and take a look at the incredible work the team do here in preserving and introducing a healthy number of animals to the surroundings. They have an anti-poaching unit which ensures rhinos are not being tracked by dangerous poachers.

Sundowners – Carried out in the private Ongava reserves to see the large population of rhinos, lions, giraffe, elephants amongst many opportunities followed by drinks and nibbles in the bush.

Rhino bush walks – On the Ongava reserve your experienced guide will lead tracking rhino on foot. This is an extremely rewarding activity but you MUST follow the instructions of the guide at all times as they are aware of the rhino herds and their behaviour after years of experience.

Go down to the Hide – Make your way down the path to the hide and watch all the animals come down for a drink and see the hierarchal behaviours, a few feet away from you.

Best Tours to Book in Etosha National Park

Sustainability Impacts

As with all of the featured lodges, Ongava are pioneers of luxury safari but always with sustainability and putting nature first. Everything has been considered down to the minutia if details. Water is managed effectively as is food wastage by cooking to specific order. Water is provided in glass bottles in rooms and on game drives. Groceries are sourced locally with staff from the immediate area being given the opportunity to work here.

• Ongava Lodge. Etosha, C38 | Andersson Gate, Namibia. Tel. +264 83 330 3920
• Website: Ongava Lodge
• Guide price: $885 per person (High Season) and $660 per person (low season) based on two sharing and includes all game drives and activities, meals, afternoon tea , drinks and laundry service.
• Recommended length of stay: 3-4 nights

Okonijima Plains Camp

Location

Okonjima is a nature reserve located 50 km from Otjiwarongo in the Omboroko Mountains of Namibia. Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation for the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores and other endangered species. It’s located halfway between the capital city of Windhoek and Etosha National Park.

The Lodge

The Onkonjima lodge is a family owned property offering a great variety of accommodation from its private camp sites to stunning safari lodges. The Okonjima African villa and Private Bush Suite are the epitome of a spacious and luxurious safari base. Guests have access to their own private chef, guide and safari vehicle.

In total there are eight thatched wooden chalets which have an adjoining roundhouse with sink-in leather chairs whilst looking out at the private watering hole. The chalets are well spaced apart at 250 ft and therefore gives a more remote feeling. The lodges also have a reliable wifi signal.

All beds look out into the never-ending wilderness plains through huge windows where you can spot warthogs, kudus, eland throughout the day. Bathrooms are in keeping with the whole aesthetic with separate WC room and, two sink and vanity areas as well as a huge shower.

Dining at Onkonjima includes, breakfast a three course lunch and dinner as well as afternoon tea, drinks including alcoholic based on your board package. Food is freshly sourced locally and from the surrounding community farmlands.

Activities

The chances are that if you’ve selected to stay at Onkonjima, you are 100% here for the AfriCat foundation and in particular the strive to save the cheetah population in Namibia. It was founded in 1991, with the mission to preserve and contribute to conservation and ensuring natural predators remain in their habitats. The Foundation undertakes important research and environmental education projects.

Mornings at Onkonjima start early, where tour guides lead you into the nature reserve in 4x4WD. Your days will also naturally end, the true African way with game drives through the acacia thicket on the search for leopards, followed by a well early sundowner or two.

It’s good to note, most of the activities offered at Onkonjima are included in the fully inclusive rate however a few are not.

• Leopard Tracking – track the location of leopards with experienced guides, sighting not always guaranteed.
• Endangered species nature drive – This focusses more around the work AfriCat does with endangered species and their research such as brown hyaena, bat-eared fox and rhino.
• Game Drives – These are early morning and sundowner drives which will show you the animal concentration in the Onkonjima Nature Reserve.
• The AfriCat Foundation CarnivoreCare & Information Centre – The AfriCat Foundation is a non-profit organisation set up to assist in the conservation of endangered species such as the leopard, brown hyaena and the pangolin.
• Off the beaten track – a short walk with informative, interactive cultural stops. This is followed by a short game drive through part of the Okonjima Nature Reserve.
• Nature Trails – Self-guided walking trails are available with maps, if you fancy doing some solo exploring in the 2000 hectares of Onkonjima.

The Following are optional activities and thus charged on top of fully inclusive rates.

• Pangolin Tracking – track on foot in silence, the location of these nocturnal animals thus a night tracking walking tour, shoes are a must and is weather critical.
• Rhino Tracking – No telemetry device is used to track the rhino, the guide and guests are joined by our dedicated Okonjima anti-poaching team who have spent many hours, getting to know each individual, dedicating their time towards the fight for the conservation of the rhino in the Okonjima Nature Reserve.
• Night Drive – This is a game drive but at night when it’s dark and wildlife is out to hunt. The lower temperatures at night mean wildlife will be coming to life in the bush.
• Night Hide – Only for those opting to stay at the Bush camp sight and not the lodge setting. Bush Camp guests can visit a nocturnal hide, where they may see some after-dinner activity such as porcupines, honey badgers and small spotted genet, amongst other nocturnal species.

Sustainability Impact

In February 2021, Pnkonjima Lodge was deemed 100% compliant to the Namibian Tourist Board and the World Health Organisation with a certification stamp. The reserve has gained eco-awards reflecting their work around preserving the area and surroundings as well as conservation efforts. Onkonjima is one of the most eco-friendly lodges in Namibia.

• Okonjima Nature Reserve, a family owned , Namibia Tel +264 67 314 000
• Website: Onkonjima Nature Reserve
• Guide price: $650 per person, per night (peak season) and $550 per person, per night (low season) and includes park levy fee, three meals, most activities 
• Recommended length of stay: three nights

Guest Houses

Whilst eco-friendly lodges in Namibia are great options for particular remote conservancies on your travel itinerary, larges cities and town such as the capital, Windhoek and the coastal town of Swakopmund, may call for more hotel or resort-style accommodation.

Here are some great options, which are also really reasonably priced and will allow you to spend more of your budget on experiences in the area.

Elegant Guesthouse

Location

Klein Windhoek, Windhoek’s oldest suburb, well located to drive to many restaurants, the centre of the city and take the road to the airport or start and end your self=drive adventure.

The Guesthouse 

The rooms are modern and sophisticated, all on ground level with gardens and private decking. Accommodation is spacious with large rooms and bathrooms in neutral tones in keeping with the local feel of elegance. Breakfast is cooked to order each morning by the friendly kitchen staff as well as a continental buffet.

The communal space is great for relaxing with out door seating and a small plunge pool to relax in after a day of sightseeing or returning from a long drive.

Activities

• Things to do – The guest house can help source a number of activities including city tours, townships, local arts galleries as well as a day in the bush. There is even a vineyard close-by should you wish to experience the local wine.
• Restaurants – There are some fantastic restaurants in the capital such as sophisticated Stellenbosch Wine Bar & Bistro, The Olive Grove, serving Italian food  and the famous Joe’s Beer House for a more casual dining experience.

Best Tours to Book in Windhoek

Sustainability Impact

The guest house is eco-friendly and promotes conservation of energy and water throughout all of its properties.

Details

• The Elegant Guest House: C3VW+QF5, Windhoek, Namibia. Tel. +264 61 301 934
• Website: The Elegant Guest House
• Guide Price: $156 per night per person or double occupancy including breakfast in high season and $140 of the same in low season
• Recommended length of Stay: one night prior to staring self-drive itinerary and 1 night on return before flight departure.

Swakopmund Guest House

Location

Situated in the town centre, a five-minute walk from the beach and main shopping area, Swakopmund Guesthouse is a family run accommodation.

The Guesthouse

There are eight standard rooms, eight luxury rooms and one family suite. Each of the rooms are decorated in neutral white and blue tones. The guest house has great proximity to the ocean and feels fresh and homely. Opting for a suite is a great option and will get you a spacious seating area as well as a fridge and huge bathroom. 

Breakfast is included and ranges from a buffet and cooked items to order. There is a laundry service provided at a small additional fee. 

There are a number of great places to head to for food and drink in Swakopmun and are a 5-19 minutes walk or short drive away, namely The Tug, The Jetty and also Ocean Cellar. The area specialised in seafood due to its advantageous coastal location.

Activities

Swakopmund is outdoor activity capita and you can arrange many activities from the guesthouse such as:

• Sand-boarding
• Fat-biking and Quad biking
• Sky-diving
• Horse-riding 
• Fishing
• Dolphin Cruising
• Sea Kayaking
• Camel rides
• Welwitschia half-day tour (ancient moon canyons)
• Sandwich 4×4 harbour tour (recommended)
• Scenic flight (luxury experience)

Best Tours to Book in Swakopmund

Sustainability Impact

The guest house has an eco-friendly approach, using solar energy where possible, sourcing locally as well as water conservation.

Details

• Swakopmund Guest House. Hendrik Witbooi 35, Swakopmund, Namibia. Tel: +264 (0)6446 2008
• Website: Swakopmund Guest House
• Guide Prices: Opt for a suite for more room priced at $127 per night per person in high or low season.
• Recommended No of Nights: 2-3

The Best Luxury Eco-Friendly Lodges in Namibia Roundup

Namibia has an exceptional choice of accommodation options throughout it’s regions and if you’re looking for the best luxury eco-friendly lodges in Namibia, this guide will be a great starting point or indeed inspiration to help craft your own dream itinerary. 

The best tip when booking accommodation in Namibia is to book as far in advance as possible. Some of the smaller lodges run by Wilderness safaris are in high demand due to their remote locations so up to a year in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment. This is particularly relevant if you plan to travel in the high season to ensure the best game sighting. Remember that the best rate possible at lodges is to opt for the full inclusive rate so as you’ll be getting the best value for money with all of the activities plus most drinks included. You won’t need to worry about the bill at the end as it will have all been taken care of in advance.

Related Articles to Best Luxury Eco-Friendly Lodges in Namibia

• How to Plan the Best Self-Drive Safari in Namibia
• What You Need to Know about Driving In Namibia

Travel Planning Resources

All these companies are used be Be-lavie personally to plan and book travels.

À bientôt

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