Best hotels in Namibia

Namibia's Etosha National Park is well-known for its prolific wildlife and austere landscapes that are described, like many of the country's landmarks, as "strange" and "beautiful". Even the most severe habitats within the park, like the 4,760 square-kilometre salt pan, are a magnet for wildlife – pink flamingos and pelicans flock here to nest after summer rains. Set within a private reserve on Etosha's southwestern edge is the revamped old favourite, Andersson's at Ongava (open March 2019). Backed by a spine of mountains and fronted by a busy waterhole, Andersson's offers exceptional up-close encounters in this weirdly wonderful setting.

Since its opening in 2015, the Strand Hotel has been making some serious waves. Situated right on the peninsula in Swakopmund, where the Namib dunes melt into the Atlantic, the hotel's location is hard to beat. And the decor … it’s like a trendy metropolitan hotel combined with a light and breezy seaside ambiance. Did we mention there’s a brewery on site? You’ll find locally crafted beer, effervescent sunsets, a lovely spa and seafood by the boatload at this sparkling Swakopmund gem.

With just eight chalets, guests at Okonjima Bush Camp are assured of a personalised experience. The decor and design, clay and thatch open-fronted chalets and main areas, is atmospheric and warm with an abundance of rich African colours, textures and artwork. Days will be spent exploring the Okonjima reserve either in 4x4 vehicles or on foot. We would recommend a 2 night stay here to ensure you are able to tick off all the educational and excellent activities on offer. Children over the age of 12 years are welcome.

Chobe Water Villas lie along the banks of their eponymous river on the far eastern edge of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip (now called the Zambezi Region), close to where the waterway meets the Zambezi River. Here, where four countries – Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe – meet, game thrives. The lodge's 16 thatched chalets, set beneath trees on the riverbank, all overlook magical Sedudu Island, which is a haven for wildlife, especially elephant, buffalo and red lechwe. Part of the adventure lies in reaching the lodge – it’s only accessible by boat from the Botswana border town of Kasane.

Etosha National Park is one of Africa's great game parks but it can get busy and facilities here cater to the masses. Ongava, which is a sizable private reserve on its southern border, capitalizes on its proximity and provides what the park cannot: exclusivity, luxury and flexibility. Little Ongava provides these in great measure - it combines the best of Etosha with top class service and a personalized guided experience in a much less restrictive environment. Here you can combine world class accommodation with great game viewing and a visit to Etosha Pan and its springs that attract vast amounts of wildlife in the dry season.

This lodge, in the middle of the Namib Desert, quite literally in the middle of nowhere, has crafted itself as a stand-alone destination in Namibia. Guests travel the extra mile to get here because it is offers something special. During your stay you will find silence and serenity. The team arrange exquisite desert picnics, you can dine on fine food under a blanket of bright stars, quite literally on the edge of the desert (even your villa has a skylight above your bed so you can savour that phenomenal sight late at night) or recline at the sparkling swimming pool overlooking the breathtaking view.

The Delight is a large bed and breakfast establishment with a big hotel feel, with 55 rooms set around a cleverly landscaped courtyard garden. It has a modern and fun character, with vivid décor and artwork inspired by the Namibian scenery. This is a fine spot for exploring Swakopmund and the wealth of activities on offer, and is within a few minutes’ walk of the main part of the town, with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Service is very personal, and the staff are always happy to help with restaurant bookings and suggestions for activities during your stay.

As a stylish stop before escaping into the wilds of Namibia or to catch your breath after a desert safari, Am Weinberg has earned its place among Windhoek's finest. Cocooned by a lush valley (breathe in those unbeatable views over a morning cuppa), the hotel has the look of a chic villa. Tuck into inventive cuisine under pinstriped umbrellas or replenish your relaxation levels at the Soulstice Spa. Overlooking the sunny courtyard, the rooms are dapper and fresh - and if its true privacy you're after, the spacious lofts are top drawer. On a walkabout through Windhoek you'll find scrumptious pastries and interesting history at every turn.

Okonjima Plains Camp was built on the site of the owner's original farmhouse. After a dramatic face lift the 'Barn' doors, the nickname for the main area of the camp, were officially opened. It offers comfortable and stylish accommodation for guests visiting the AfriCat Foundation project. With 30 rooms, it's a larger camp than we would usually recommend, but if you are interested in big cats and seeing how the world's most successful research and rehabilitation project works in practice, a 2 night stay here is a must.

Etosha is one of Africa's great game parks but it can get busy and the facilities aren't what they could be. Ongava, which is a sizable private reserve on its southern border, capitalizes on its proximity and provides what the park cannot: exclusivity, luxury and flexibility, whilst maintaining an intimate camp feel. Ongava Tented Camp combines the best of Etosha with great service and the chance to benefit from a more personal guided experience in a less restrictive environment. Here you can combine comfortable accommodation with great game sightings and still experience Etosha Pan.