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Namibia is where southern Africa’s natural beauty shines through. The salt pans of Etosha National Park provide some of the finest wildlife viewing opportunities on the continent. You can add to that hikes through the likes of Fish River Canyon, the largest in Africa. And majestic desert dunes, running for vast distances along the country’s Atlantic coast. Rugged is an adjective often use for Namibia, but this certainly doesn’t extend to its top hotels. These are the best boutique hotels in Namibia right now.
Shipwreck Lodge, Skeleton Coast
Drift north among the dunes of the Skelton Coast from Möwebaai (Mowe Bay) and you’ll soon fall upon the individual wooden villas of Shipwreck Lodge.
Carefully located on the dunes above the Hourasib River, each of the 11 rooms has views of the Atlantic breakers.
They are built to make sure their design never outdoes the wild beauty of the region. Each has a subtle castaway feel without falling into cliché.
Beyond the endless vistas, activities include visiting the seal colony of Möwebaai, and seeking out chacma baboons on the river banks.
But if you’re seeking human interaction, look no further than the main lodge. It’s here meals are served and a homely ambience reigns supreme.
Desert Whisper, Namib-Naukluft National Park
This one-bedroom lodge could be a crashed UFO. This idea fits perfectly with the alien landscapes that stretch endlessly from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Approximately 40 miles (65 km) from Sesreim, Desert Whisper consists of an open-plan living area with fully-equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area.
The included meals can be enjoyed here or from the deck and private plunge pool. These look out over the national park.
But short of being stuck in the middle of nowhere, guests can choose a range of daily activities. So take your pick of guided e-bike tours and scenic drives to name just two.
The Stiltz, Swakopmund
While just a few hundred meters south, The Stiltz feels a world away from the colonial-era streets of central Swakopmund.
It comprises a series of luxury hatched stilt homes that would have had Robinson Crusoe dribbling into his barbequed goat.
Guests have the choice of Atlantic, desert, lagoon or river views which can be enjoyed from private balconies or the shared dining room.
It’s a perfect escape from the modern world, although it might not be ideal if you need superfast Wi-Fi 24 hours a day.
However, from the lagoon’s birdlife to the breakfasts, there’s plenty to keep you entertained all the same.
Shark Island Airbnb, Lüderitz
The owners of this stylish boutique stay in Lüderitz certainly have their keywords sorted down to a tee.
It’s located on Shark Island, which is actually a peninsula protecting the western side of Robert Harbour.
The handful of rooms at Shark Island Airbnb each come with basic cooking equipment including fridges and microwaves, as well as a TV and balcony with sea views.
Guests also have access to a private area of the rocky foreshore, that acts as the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner as the sky erupts with gold come sunset.
The Best Boutique Hotels in Namibia
You no longer need to have a camping mat in tow to enjoy the natural landscapes that Namibia has to offer. A growing clutch of boutique hotels are popping up right across the country. They give visitors the perfectly priming to experience the country’s many extraordinary wonders.
