Top 10 Best Namibia Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps

By Anthony Ham

A safari in Namibia means fantastic wildlife and superb landscapes. It also means some pretty special places to stay. Choosing where to stay in Namibia is at once pleasurable and easy. That’s because the portfolio of Namibia safari camps and lodges extends across the country, and is especially strong in and around Etosha National Park and Damaraland. Here’s our pick of the best places to sleep.

The accommodations below are not ranked in a specific quality order.

1. Little Kulala, Sossusvlei

Little Kulala

Namibian safari camps don’t come any better than Little Kulala, which faces out across the Namib Desert near the sand dunes of Sossusvlei. It’s a sublime, intimate place, with stylish rooms decked out in soothing earth colors. You can expect warm personal service, a swimming pool, fine dining and superb public areas that look towards the endless horizon.

Little Kulala Tours

2. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Skeleton Coast

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

There’s remote, and then there’s Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. This exceptionally beautiful tented camp of light woods and abundant canvas lies so far beyond the end of the paved road that you’ll need to fly in here. The views, the landscapes, even the possibilities of seeing wildlife. This really is the best the Skeleton Coast has to offer and one of the best Namibia safari camps you’ll find anywhere in the country.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp Tours

3. Serra Cafema, Kunene River

Serra Cafema

In a glorious location right by the Kunene River, in the far northern region of Kaokoland, Serra Cafema is a stunning and luxurious camp. It’s the sort of place where you’ll never want to leave, partly for its own sake, but also because of the excursion possibilities here. You can go looking for desert wildlife, take in some truly spectacular landscapes, and spend time getting to know the local Himba community.

Serra Cafema Tours

4. Okonjima Plains Camp, Okonjima NR

Okonjima Plains Camp

Part of AfriCat Foundation’s outstanding Okonjima Nature Reserve, Okonjima Plains Camp has lovely rooms, many of which have uninterrupted views of the grasslands where wildlife wanders. You’ll certainly see gemsbok and warthog, while cheetahs and African wild dogs are also possible. You’re close to the reserve’s hub here with a fine restaurant, gift shop and museum.

Okonjima Plains Camp Tours

5. Palmwag Lodge, Damaraland

Palmwag Lodge

One of the longest-established Namibia safari lodges, Damaraland’s Palmwag Lodge combines a terrific location for both views and wildlife. It also has a range of accommodation that draws safari travelers from all walks of life. The lodge is in the heart of some of Damaraland’s best wildlife country, and there’s a chance you’ll see rhinos and even desert-adapted lions while you’re here. Elephants sometimes wander through the lodge grounds.

Palmwag Lodge Tours

6. Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha NP

Okaukuejo Resort

Okaukuejo Resort is the starting point for so many memorable safaris in Etosha NP. It has a full range of accommodation and plenty of facilities (including a swimming pool and general store). But the real highlight is the waterhole, which is perhaps the best place in the whole of Etosha to see black rhinos after dark.

Okaukuejo Resort Tours

7. Mushara Bush Camp, Etosha NP

Mushara Bush Camp

Out near the far eastern boundary of Etosha NP, Mushara Bush Camp is a fine launchpad for exploring the park. It’s also a worthy destination in its own right, with semi-luxurious safari tents that are light and airy, stunning public areas that catch an evening breeze, and a swimming pool. They’re especially good at making families feel welcome.

Mushara Bush Camp Tours

8. Camp Kipwe, Twyfelfontein

Camp Kipwe

Handy for visiting the rock art and stark rocky landscapes of Twyfelfontein, Camp Kipwe makes you feel like you’re a part of the landscape when you stay here. You’ll find yourself nestled among the rocks, with lovely views from so many vantage points. Some of the best views are of the stars while you take a shower!

Camp Kipwe Tours

9. Dolomite Resort, Etosha NP

Dolomite Resort

Out west, in one of the quietest corners of Etosha NP, Dolomite Resort is an excellent base for getting to know one of the best wildlife areas in the park. Luxury safari tents (misleadingly called chalets) have a fabulous location and many have sweeping views; some even overlook a waterhole.

Dolomite Resort Tours

10. Damara Mopane Lodge, Damaraland

Damara Mopane Lodge

Occupying an oasis-like property surrounded by the barren hills of Damaraland, Damara Mopane Lodge has a gorgeous swimming pool, large modern rooms and fantastic views. It enjoys a fine location between Damaraland’s best wildlife areas and Etosha NP.

Damara Mopane Lodge Tours