Best Safari Lodges in Namibia

1. Onguma The Fort
2. Mowani Mountain Camp Private Suite
3. Desert Rhino Camp (revamped)
4. Camp Kipwe Luxury Suite
5. Onguma Tented Camp (revamped)
6. Nambwa Tented Camp
7. Camp Kala
8. Anderssons at Ongava
9. Otjiwa Mountain Lodge
10. Hoanib Valley Camp

The settings are naturally exclusive. The lodges and camps exude unique character and offer top-notch service and five star views that blend effortlessly into the surrounds.

We’ve happily explored all the options first-hand over the past 30 years to make sure those that top our list as the best safari lodges in Namibia will exceed your expectations:

1. Onguma The Fort

On the edge of eastern Etosha National Park, you’ll find the luxury safari lodge of Onguma The Fort. On the private Onguma Reserve, this is the most luxurious safari lodge in their portfolio and when we say luxurious, it’s not only top-drawer in standard but it’s also one of the most striking safari lodges in Namibia.

Why we love it:

• We absolutely love the waterhole right in front of the lodge, with its breathtaking views over Fischer’s Pan in Etosha.
• The lodge's proximity to the eastern entrance of Etosha National Park at Namutoni is incredibly convenient for exploring the park.
• The game drives in Etosha and on the private Onguma Reserve are fantastic, offering diverse and thrilling wildlife experiences.
• The spacious and private suites, each with its own waterhole view, provide a luxurious and tranquil retreat.
• The walk-in wine cellar and fine dining options really elevate the experience, adding a touch of sophistication to your stay.
• Combining your stay with a romantic sleepout on the Onguma Dream Cruiser is an unforgettable way to enhance your adventure.
  

“Everything about this lodge is amazing. The stunning setting, the immaculate service and the atmosphere. It’s one of my top favourites throughout the whole of Namibia.” – Wilmari, Travel Expert

2. Mowani Mountain Camp Private Suite

Mowani Mountain Camp is unique in design and offers an extraordinary view of the typical Damaraland landscape of enormous granite boulders. The private suite is the epitome of luxury here. With its wrap-around views, outside bath tub and private dining and bar facilities. You’ll have your own personal waiter on request. What more could you ask for? You’re well located to the highlights of the Twyfelfontein area and your sundowner is easily one of Namibia’s most exceptional.

Why we love it:

• We think it’s fantastic how well-located the lodge is for exploring the sights of Twyfelfontein, and it's definitely the most luxurious option in the area.
• The private Mountain Suite is incredibly romantic and feels entirely exclusive, making it a top choice for a special getaway.
• Having your own private butler and chef, along with a dedicated dining room, truly enhances the experience and adds a personal touch.
• The suite's design, which opens up to reveal stunning panoramic views, is simply breathtaking.
• The private sundowner deck is magnificent, offering an unparalleled spot to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

“Mowani Mountain Camp Private Suite sets the bar really high. It’s ultimate luxury. The scenery and views are spectacular and the lodge is equally as impressive.” – Wilmari, Travel Expert

3. Desert Rhino Camp

The luxurious accommodation at Desert Rhino Camp is enhanced by its remote and precarious existence in the Palmwag Concession. Spanning an impressive 400,000 hectares, this community-owned reserve boasts a rich and intricate ecosystem, home to desert-adapted wildlife such as elephants and the world's largest population of free-roaming black rhinos.

Why we love it:

• Desert Rhino Camp is one of the best spots in Africa to witness black rhinos roaming freely and to experience the thrill of tracking them on foot.
• We love that the camp is a collaboration between the local community, Save the Rhino Trust, and Wilderness Safaris, all dedicated to protecting endangered animals and preserving the environment.
• It’s great to know that a portion of each guest's revenue supports the Trust, which trains local people to patrol and monitor the rhinos.
• The stylishly designed tents blend seamlessly with the environment, making you feel like you're truly immersed in this remote and untouched destination.

“Words can hardly capture how wonderful this camp is. The hospitality here feels like it was invented just for you - the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay truly memorable.” – Wilmari, Travel Expert

4. Camp Kipwe Luxury Suite

Built of stone, thatch and an impressive collection of slightly off-straight tree trunks and branches, Camp Kipwe is at once charming, authentic and something unique in this world of traditionally styled safari lodges. The luxury suites elevate your stay with large living rooms, private dining options and exclusive heated plunge pools, ensuring a unique blend of comfort and immersion in nature.

Why we love it:

• We love how Camp Kipwe’s rooms are built right against, and sometimes into, the granite boulders - it's like you're part of the landscape itself.
• The camp’s setting offers incredible views of the stunning natural surroundings of the Aba Huab valley.
• The Damaraland region around Camp Kipwe is fantastic for spotting desert-adapted elephants, rhinos and other amazing wildlife.

"Camp Kipwe is one of our favourites for good reason - our guests consistently return with high praise for the friendly staff, the magnificent sundowner lookout and the desert elephant tracking experience." – Wilmari, Travel Expert

5. Onguma Tented Camp

Onguma Tented Camp is a gem tucked away on the Onguma Private Game Reserve, right next to Etosha National Park. It’s the perfect spot for a thrilling safari experience, with stylish tents offering stunning views, top-notch wildlife sightings and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Why we love it:

• The floodlit waterhole is right in the middle of the rooms and main area, so you can easily keep an eye on all the wildlife action coming and going.
• Four of the fabled big five - lion, leopard, rhino and elephant - roam Onguma Game Reserve and there are many species of plains game and birds to be seen on your daily game drives.
• We love the morning guided bush walks where you get to experience subtle details and discover the smaller inhabitants you would otherwise miss on a game drive.
• You can capture stunning close-up photographs from the sunken Onkolo Hide.

“I really love that we could sit all day on our comfy veranda watching the activity around the waterhole. The sundowner game drive was also wonderful.” – Bonique, Travel Expert

6. Nambwa Tented Lodge

Raised walkways wind through the trees to connect palatial tented suites with an enormous open-air living space looking far out over the vast floodplain. Elephants, joined by a parade of plains game, pass beneath you en route to their favourite drinking spot just in front of the main lodge and viewing deck.

Why we love it:

• Bwabwata National Park in the Caprivi is part of a five-country Peace Park known as the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area - so, when you're staying at Nambwa you’re in one of the world’s largest nature sanctuaries.
• The experience of having a herd of elephant pass directly beneath you is quite thrilling.
  
• You’re guaranteed to see hippos, as they graze around the tents at night and spend their days lounging in the waterhole and river.
• Nambwa supports the Sijwa Project, an initiative that focusses on repurposing recyclable materials from lodges and local communities into arts and crafts.

“This camp really offers something extra special for our guests, from the friendly staff to the luxurious tents to the unique treetop setting" – Wilmari, Travel Expert

7. Camp Kala

This ultra-luxurious camp offers just four suites, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience. The guides and staff are exceptionally professional, and meals can be enjoyed al fresco with stunning views of the prolific waterhole or served privately in your suite.

Why we love it:

• Your suite features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the wildlife-rich waterhole, as well as a private deck with a plunge pool and wood-heated hot tub.
• With the busy waterhole taking centre stage, you could quite easily enjoy a safari experience without ever having to leave the luxury of the lodge.
• The sunset game drives are exceptional and you get to stay out a little after dark and spot some nocturnal creatures.

“This first class lodge is one of my favourites for honeymooners or anyone seeking a luxurious and intimate getaway with all the indulgent touches.” – Wilmari, Travel Expert

8. Anderssons at Ongava

Anderssons At Ongava is one of our favourites on the private Ongava Reserve. This eco-friendly lodge blends cutting-edge features with modest charm. But the real highlight? The incredible wildlife viewing opportunities right from your suite, the sunken observation deck or the infinity swimming pool.

Why we love it:

• The Ongava Research Centre is on-site and visitors are encouraged to dive into conservation efforts by actively engaging with the centre's initiatives. Guests have the opportunity to explore exhibitions or join insightful discussions with resident naturalists leading the way in conservation education.
• We love the eco-conscious design, the traditional hospitality and the natural decor.
• The busy waterhole is the central feature of the lodge with wildlife coming and going day and night. Next to the waterhole, you’ll find an underground photographic hide - an ideal spot for spending a few hours with your camera, binoculars and bird book.
• Your room is equipped with a closed-circuit TV featuring a live feed of the waterhole, so you can stay updated on all the action at any time.

“What is there to say? The place is wonderful. You can enjoy guided game drives into Etosha, game drives and guided walks within the Ongava reserve or spend time in the below-ground hide. Wildlife viewing opportunities don't get better than this." – Wilmari, Travel Expert

9. Otjiwa Mountain Lodge

Situated in Central Namibia, Otjiwa Mountain Lodge looks out over the 10,000 hectare private Otjiwa Reserve and in the distance the Waterberg Massif and the Omataku mountain range.

Why we love it:

• The lodge is intimate, with only 5 chalets, and offers private bush dinners and breakfasts for a truly personalised experience.
• Guests can enjoy horse riding through the bush, adding an adventurous twist to their stay.
• The lodge provides a variety of safari experiences, including game drives, night drives, and sundowner safari drives, each offering unique wildlife encounters.
• For a more in-depth exploration, guided walks and guided bicycle tours offer fascinating insights into the local environment.
• Rhino tracking on foot provides an exhilarating and close-up opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

“I love to book Otjiwa for its personalised experiences like private bush dinners, thrilling rhino tracking on foot and diverse safari activities like bike rides and horse riding." – Sammy, Travel Expert

10. Hoanib Valley Camp

Hoanib Valley Camp is undoubtedly one of Namibia’s most remote and secluded retreats. Regardless of the activity you’re engaged in, you can count on having the vast wilderness all to yourself. Surrounded by nothing but raw nature and the rugged isolation of Kaokoland, the camp offers an intimate and exclusive experience. With attentive staff and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it stands out as a truly unique and exceptional destination.

Why we love it:

• Hoanib Valley Camp's profound sense of isolation is one of its greatest charms.
• The camp’s staff are exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and genuine, making every guest feel at home.
• The rarity of wildlife sightings in this remote area makes each encounter special.
• At Hoanib Valley Camp, guests have the opportunity to learn about the innovative giraffe research being conducted in this isolated region. This ground-breaking research is crucial for the conservation of giraffes and provides fascinating insights into their behaviour and habitat.

“We highly recommend Hoanib Valley Camp for its unparalleled isolation and encounters with desert-adapted wildlife." – Sammy, Travel Expert

In Conclusion

There you have it, our curated list of the Top 10 best safari lodges in Namibia. We love them and know you will love them too, but there are more. Loads more. Let us know if you wish to explore all the luxury safari lodge options for Namibia or perhaps look at your options based on specific experiences or defined by other characteristics. We’ll gladly help you to decide which are best for your Namibia safari based on your route, budget and preferences.

There are equivalents for Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa so if you’re considering adding something across the border or to any of these amazing African safari destinations, we’ll make sure we include the very best safari lodges for you there too.

Speak to your travel expert today to make your luxury Namibia safari the best Namibia safari by a mile and then some.