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.

Kulala Desert Lodge, like its sister Little Kulala, lies on the 210-square-kilometre private Kulala Wilderness Reserve in southern Namibia. The lodge's prime attraction is its proximity, and private entrance, to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, but its vast views are headline-worthy too – from the Namib-Naukluft dune sea in the west to the mountains in the east. Tear yourself away from the scenery to appreciate Kulala's eco-credentials, a subject the owners take very seriously, from the reusable water bottles you're given to the tips on saving water. The lodge is winsome and comfortable and, of course, there's that desert to explore.

A new, super-luxury addition to Namibia’s lodge scene, Sorris Sorris ticks all the boxes for a truly fantastic stay in Damaraland. The distinctly modern design and crisp lines of the lodge offer a stylish retreat in the rugged mountain terrain, and nine block-like suites have seemingly endless views over the red plains to the impressive Brandberg Massif in the distance. Damaraland is one of the few regions where it's possible to spot the elusive desert elephant and Sorris Sorris offers the chance to search for them while soaking up the immense sense of space and solitude in this arid wilderness.

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.

Staying at this camp is an incredibly fortunate and memorable experience. Not only are you in one of the oldest deserts in the world, living in beautifully curated comfort that allows it’s environment to still be the star of the show, but you’re sharing a home with some of the toughest, most unique wildlife in the world. The desert adapted lions that live here have become the subject of a gripping documentary called Vanishing Kings: Namibia’s Desert Lions. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit this conservation capsule in the far northern reaches of Namibia.

Set amongst the phenomenal landscapes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, this modest but refined camp is dwarfed by the huge red dunes that surround it. Wolwedans Dune Camp (along with the other camps in the Wolwedans Collection) is privately owned and prides itself on delivering a personal experience, full of luxury, privacy and tranquillity. The focus is on a pristine wilderness experience, with considerably fewer tourists than the neighbouring national park, and there is an array of laid back activities on offer, from horse-riding to hot air balloon flights, sundowners with a view and spectacular, all-day drives through the desertscapes.

Follow a long, dusty road, cross rocky turf and climb a mountain to reach the dramatic Fish River Canyon and a welcome sight – the lodge on its very edge. Fish River Lodge is the only accommodation on the rim of the canyon, the second-largest in the world. Surrounded by Canyon National Park – 45,000 hectares of ancient kokerboom trees and 60 kilometres of river frontage – the lodge offers unbeatable views. It's easy to overdo the adjectives here as this is one of the planet's most amazing geological phenomena. Fine accommodation and good food complete your stay.

A convenient stop-over between Windhoek and the Fish River Canyon, Kalahari Red Dunes lies just off the main road between the capital and Mariental. The lodge is worth a slightly longer stay, though, as it stands within its own 40-square-kilometre private game reserve. Both main building and the 12 individual guesthouses overlook a dry vlei (lake) and are surrounded by the classic vegetated red dunes of the Kalahari. Explore them and the unique desert wildlife on short or longer trails and enjoy the solitude, the whispering sands and the comfortable stay.

Named after the famous explorer, Sir Francis Galton, Galton House is one of Windhoek's most fabulous accommodation options, with a relaxed but efficient style and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior decor combines modern minimalism and understated chic, highlighting the dramatic photographic prints and canvases of local wildlife that adorn the walls. Galton House lies in a quiet suburb and anyone staying here can be assured of peace and tranquillity. The food is superb – the owner's wife operates a popular restaurant in the city, so expect to eat well. And you're guaranteed strong Wi-Fi throughout the house.