The capital of Namibia, Windhoek is set amongst green hills in the centre of the country. It is a relatively small city, and has a very relaxed feel to it, with little of the angst associated with the other major cities in Southern Africa.  It is also one of the cleanest cities in Southern Africa.

The city has a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and also in the widespread use of the German language.

Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Just outside of Windhoek (25 km away) you will find the Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve, which is a pleasent place to spend a few hours if you want to get away from the city and into the bush. One of the great attractions here is that you can walk around the reserve, following the guided trails, as the reserve is only home to non-dangerous wildlife, including blue wildebeest, zebra, kudu, baboons, gemsbok, eland and springbok, plus over 200 species of birdlife.

Olive Grove is an upmarket establishment situated close to the city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. The guest house takes homely atmosphere to a different level. Each room is decorated with the same elegant and simplistic emphasis on decor. For those looking for the very best, the spacious Executive Suite has its own private lounge and dining area, a separate bedroom and luxurious bathroom, which begs for pampering and self-indulgence.

The indoor lounge is tastefully decorated, with comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax and read a magazine. One of Olive Grove's main features is the large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for 'al fresco' dining. Home-style food is rounded off with great presentation, pushing up the level of the dining experience. The plunge pool and peaceful garden both invite the visitor to make the most of Namibia's open skies.

Address

Olive Grove Guest House,20 Promenaden Road, Windhoek

Directions

From Windhoek Airport: Travel towards Windhoek on Sam Nujoma Drive. When arriving into ‘Klein Windhoek’ on Sam Nujoma Drive from the airport look out for the second set of traffic lights (You should see a fuel station and a small shopping center on the corner). Turn right at these traffic lights into Nelson Mandela Avenue. Travel along Nelson Mandela Avenue and turn left into Schanzen Road. Towards the top of the hill on Schanzen Road, turn sharp right into Promenaden Road. Turn ‘first right’ into Ngami Street and you will see Olive Grove Guesthouse on the corner of Promenaden Road and Ngami Street (the entrance is in Ngami Street).

From Town: From the center of town travel north on Independence Avenue. Turn right into Bahnhof Street (look out for Windhoek Police Station on the corner of Independence Avenue and Bahnhof Street) and then left into Robert Mugabe Avenue. Once on Robert Mugabe Avenue, turn almost immediately right into Schanzen Road. Travel over the hill and turn second left into Promenaden Road. Look out for Ngami Street and you will see Olive Grove Guesthouse on the corner (the entrance is in Ngami Street).

Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37,000 hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is the closest lodge to the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei.

The main lodge area has a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole - a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal).

Activities at Kulala Desert Lodge revolve around early morning guided nature drives to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei through the private gate on the Tsauchab River. Scenic nature drives, walks and guided electric powered 'fat bike' excursions are also offered through the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve to take in the incredible views and to catch a glimpse of the desert wildlife which includes gemsbok (oryx), bat-eared fox, brown hyena and many bird species.

Visits to Sesreim Canyon can also be arranged. This fascinating geographical formation is well worth a visit, and is the result of millions of years where water carved its way into the earth. It is 3 km long and the views from the top are breathtaking while walks through the canyon reveal distinct geographical layers.

Another option, at an extra cost, is early morning ballooning, beginning at first light. The balloon safari offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing site.

Accommodation at Kulala Desert Lodge comprises 23 thatched and canvas 'kulalas' (meaning 'to sleep' in Oshiwambo) with en-suite bathrooms and verandas. Each tent is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling breezes and has a deck on the flat rooftop where bedrolls can be placed for guests to sleep out under the myriad of stars that Namibia's clear skies portray.

The 2 family tents can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. Both family tents consist of 2 bedrooms, with their own bathroom and entrance, but connected by a wooden deck.

Directions

Kulala is 350 km south of Windhoek and can easily by reached by sedan car. The entrance is situated 17 km south of Sesriem on the road 826 (follow the signpost with arrows on the C19).

From Swakopmund: Take the B2 to Walvis Bay. At the roundabout take the C14 to Solitaire (via the Kuiseb and Gaub Passes). There is no fuel on this leg. Be careful in the Kuiseb River pass and crossings - there are some dangerous turns. At Solitaire turn right on to route C19 and drive for about 73 km. Take the right turn-off to Sesriem (D826). Drive on the D826, passing Sesriem and continue on the D826. Kulala Desert Lodge is situated on the right side of the road.

From Kulala Desert Lodge back to Windhoek: Turn right onto the D826 and drive for a few kilometres, before turning left onto the D845. Drive for about 14 km, until you arrive at the C19 junction, where you turn left. Drive for approximately 6 km and then turn right onto the D854 to Bullsport (located on the C14). From here you take the 1206 to Rietoog and the MR47 to Rehoboth. From Rehoboth you take the B1 to Windhoek.

Surrounded on 3 sides by the Namib desert, and on the 4th by the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is an interesting blend of African and German heritage, and one of the most friendly towns in Southern Africa. Many of the locals are of German descent, and together with its beautifully preserved German colonial architecture, the availability of German style beer, and the precise orderly manner which is evident everywhere, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in a small town in Germany, and not on the edge of the Namib Desert.

Probably the most popular single activity is quad-biking over the large red sand dunes that start from the edge of the town, or try sandboarding down the dunes as an alternative. The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is a 125 km drive north of Swakopmund, and home to breeding colonies of thousands of Cape fur seals. 

Several operators also offer scenic flights. The 2 most popular options are to take a flight north up the coastline, over the Skeleton Coast and back round, or to  fly across the desert to the Sossusvlei Dunes and back to Swakopmund along the coastline, taking-in a number of shipwrecks.

With it's extensive restaurants, bars, lounges, deli and sea-facing terraces, the Strand Hotel is the social epicentre of Swakopmund.

Uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole and surrounded on 3 sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean. On the fourth side, it backs up to the town's central park, through which it is a short 5 minute walk to the historic centre of this charming German/Victorian era colonial seaside town.

Arriving at the Strand is a dramatic experience as you pass through its 13m high and 9m wide Ocean View Atrium which travels right through the hotel, offering sea views at either end. Off this Atrium Lobby is the main Reception, consisting of an inviting open fireplace which rounds off the warm welcome.

All the 125 rooms and suites offer uninterrupted sea, beach or garden views. The Standard Rooms have panoramic sliding windows from which to admire the views. The Luxury Rooms have a 'step out' balcony, whilst the Suites have a 'sit on' balcony. The Presidential Suite has its own private terrace.

Address

The Strand Hotel,Off Strand Street, Swakopmund

Between the Ugab and Huab Rivers in Southern Damaraland lies a vast and unspoilt wilderness. This area boasts magnificent desert scenery, fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It is also the southern-most roaming ground for the rare black rhino and desert elephant.

This is where you will find the Mowani Mountain Camp, nestled amongst the boulders of this beautiful area on a high spot commanding distant views over the landscape.

Adventures and activities available at Mowani include trips in a hot air balloon, hiking through the magnificent scenery, and early morning game drives to track the rare desert-adapted elephant and deset black rhino with an experienced guide in an open Land Rover. Or you can choose to just relax around the pool and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

Guests can also visit the prolific site of Twyfelfontein. This wonderful archaeological site offers more than 2,500 engravings as well as various paintings, and is probably the finest example of rock engraving in southern Africa.

After a day full of activities, head to the viewpoint sundowner spot and enjoy a cold drink, while gazing around the 180 degrees of spectacular desert scenery as the sun sets in the distance.

The luxury tented en-suite accommodation, each with an open air en-suite bathroom and private deck overlooking the desert landscape, is built unobtrusively so as to ensure minimum impact on the natural environment. The stilt-like supports of the tents meant that very little excavation was needed in order to create this special oasis.

The Luxury Room is west-facing and is closest to the main lodge, making this ideal for guests who are not too mobile.  The 5 Standard View Rooms have views into the boulder-strewn valley, and the 3 View Rooms face east with views across the valley. The 4 Superior View Rooms face west with panoramic distant views.

The Mini Suite is completely private, and is cocooned in the rocks with granite close-up boulder views. The Mountain Suite has spectacular wrap-around views, with a lounge and private dining area, and an outdoor bush bath and shower with gorgeous views as well.

Much care has been taken with the design of the main areas, creating the impression of an African Village, with dome-like thatched structures that blend in with the imposing boulders which are scattered around the outcrops.

Address

Mowani Mountain Camp,Near Khorixas, Twyfelfontein Conservancy

Directions

From Windhoek: Follow the B1 north to Otjiwarongo. Take the C38 to Outjo. In Outjo, turn onto the C39 to Khorixas. Go through Khorixas, and Mowani Mountain Camp is signposted off to the left. Please see attached map for more details on this last part of your journey.

From Etosha - Andersson Gate: Follow the C38 towards Outjo, and directions are then as above.

From Swakopmund: Take the C34 (B2 ex Swakop) from Swakopmund along the coast to Henties Bay (72 km from Swakopmund). Turn right onto the C35 and continue 114 km until you reach Uis. You may wish to fill up here. Continue further on the C35 for another 70 km until you reach the turn-off to the D2612. Another +/- 60 km brings you to the entrance of Mowani.

Dolomite Camp is located in a previously restricted scenic area in the western region of Etosha National Park. The dolomite formations in the area give the resort its name and provide a lush vista. The wildlife here has developed without human disturbance for half a century, and rare species such as the black rhino and the black-faced impala have established themselves in the area.

The area is rich in waterholes that also attract elephant, leopard, lion, springbok, giraffe, gemsbok and red hartebeest. Specially arranged optional game drives operated by knowledgeable tour guides can take you to parts of the Park previously only known to conservationists.

The birdlife is prolific and the seasonal flowers of Dolomite Hill are a highlight for botanists.

When not out exploring the Park, a rim flow swimming pool and a viewing deck overlooking a prolific waterhole provide entertainment, while the bar area is ideal to relax and socialise with other guests. The restaurant serves tasty and satisfying meals and the staff will always greet you with a smile. After dinner, the fireside seating areas are the perfect place to retire with a drink and savour the sounds of Etosha's nightlife.

The accommodation options consist of 3 Deluxe Chalets with a private plunge pool, and 17 Bush Chalets. All chalets are built on elevated wooden decks and have large wooden retractable doors that allow for spectacular panoramic views.

The camp is unfenced, so after dark you are escorted to your room by a guide or you can use the camp's golf buggy if you would prefer.

Address

Dolomite Camp,Western Etosha, Galton Gate

Ongava Lodge is situated within the privately owned Ongava Game Reserve, a 30,000 hectare private reserve which is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the Etosha National Park.

The lodge offers the full Etosha experience, whilst providing superb accommodation and service. The main lounge and bar area both overlook the floodlit waterhole with wonderful views across the plains below, as does the dining area, where meals are served around a large 'family' style table. There is also a swimming pool for guest's enjoyment in-between game drives.

Activities include morning guided game drives in an open Land Rover into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha, where it is possible to see elephant, lion and many plains game including springbok, gemsbok, giraffe and hartebeest.

Guests can also enjoy day and night drives on the private reserve, which is home to resident white and black rhino. Tracking white rhino on foot is a highlight. Walks with a guide are also available, as are visits to a hide overlooking a waterhole - a fantastic place to relax and while the hours away up close and personal with wildlife coming to drink. The arid environment where little water occurs makes this a popular drinking spot for game.

Guests are accommodated in 14 luxury brick and thatch chalets, each with air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower.  Each chalet is built on an elevated deck, which are linked by walkways. Glass fronted doors lead out onto a private veranda, where guests can relax and look out over the bushveld and the waterhole.

The Family Chalet consists of 2 en-suite bedrooms, joined by a boardwalk. A private vehicle can be booked at an extra cost (subject to availability).

Address

Ongava Lodge,Off the C38, Ongava Concession

Directions

From Windhoek: Follow the B1 north via Okahandja and Otjiwarongo, and then take the C38 to Outjo. Follow this road until the Etosha National Park, and the entrance to Ongava Private Reserve is on the left-hand side. Check in with the guard at the entrance, and proceed as directed to the lodge.

From Etosha - Andersson Gate: Immediately after you exit the Andersson Gate, the entrance to Ongava Private Reserve is on the right-hand side. Check in with the guard at the entrance, and proceed as directed to the lodge.

Situated on the eastern side of Etosha, bordering Fishers Pan, Onguma is one of Namibia's best kept secrets. Onguma Nature Reserve consists of 34,000 hectares of Namibian wilderness and boasts over 30 different animal species.

Plains game roam freely and predators, although not always easy to spot, are nevertheless common residents of the area. Lion and cheetah are frequently seen and often heard. There is a healthy black rhino and leopard population and hyenas are also often seen and heard. More than 300 bird species have also been recorded here.

Onguma The Fort is the only one of its kind in Namibia. It is built in exactly the right spot to give guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia - overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans. Upon arriving at Onguma The Fort, you will be welcomed by not only the friendly staff, but also massive raw walls, stunning stone cladded features and a huge tower with views toward Etosha and Fisher's Pan. The Fort has a classical African feel combined with a touch of Moroccan and Indian flavours, characterised by a selection of the most beautiful antique windows and doors.

Accommodation consists of 11 Bush Suites and one Honeymoon Suite, all situated adjacent to the Main Fort. Every Bush Suite is completely private and about 50 meters apart from one another. The spacious bathroom has both an inside shower as well as an outside shower area. Wooden decks lead you towards the outside seating area with sun loungers for relaxing and enjoying the extraordinary view.

In addition, the Sultan Suite is situated inside the Main Tower. It has a large beautifully designed bedroom that leads into a lounge area and out onto a small private viewing deck. The large bathroom has a wonderful open shower area, as well as a bath in which to relax and reflect upon your day's experiences.

Activities include Etosha game drives, Onguma sunset drives, and interpretative bush walks. There is also a water-level hide overlooking an active waterhole.

Address

Onguma The Fort,Off the C38, Onguma Game Reserve

Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge is dramatically set against imposing granite boulders in the foothills of the magically beautiful Erongo Mountain range. Steeped in history these ancient rock formations are the eroded remains of a volcanic complex about 130 million years old. The lodge is set on the 200,000 hectare Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, a pristine wilderness area which is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the plant, reptile, mamal and bird life, as well as the wealth of cultural heritage, of the Erongo landscape.

Activities during your stay here include morning or afternoon nature drives to the Bushman rock art. Each drive takes about 3 hours as you travel through the scenic reserve with selected stops at sites to view and learn about Bushman rock art, which depict age‐old hunting rituals, human and animal life. The drives also include a stop for refreshments and snacks.

Walking the area surrounding the lodge is highly encouraged and is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Erongo Mountains. The guides have been very well trained on the interesting fauna and flora of the area and are available to escort guests through the property. There are also self-guided walking trails which go past Rain Cloud Cave and Elephant Wall - both rock art sites.

San Living Museum Tours are a unique offering, which gives guests a further insight into the ways of the Bushmen.  These tours include a walk with a Bushman, learning about hunting, snaring, tracking, lighting fire and collecting bush food; or learning more about life in their village as you see how they make rope and jewellry, and understand the meanings behind their local dances and songs.

The main lodge has a high thatched roof restaurant and lounge, which have amazing panoramic views. The swimming pool is an oasis surrounded by tall palms and scenic vistas of magnificent rocky outcrops and bush savannah. There is also a floodlit waterhole.

Towering boulders form the backdrop to the 20 mountain facing chalets. Each tastefully furnished room has twin beds and air conditioning.  There are also Family Rooms with either an additional single bed or a double bunk bed.

In between activities, you can relax around the crystal clear swimming pool, or enjoy the amazing panoramic views from the restaurant and bar.

The lodge is 3.5 hours from Windhoek, making this an ideal start or end to any trip to Namibia.

Directions

45km West of Omaruru on the D2315, turn right at the Ai-Aiba sign and drive for another 1.5km