Best hotels in Kalahari

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.

Bagatelle is a tranquil owner-run lodge perched on a ridge in the Kalahari's mixed tree and shrub savanna, where deep red sand dunes lie parallel to each other, separated by valleys commonly known as 'dune streets'. Initially a sheep and cattle ranch, the lodge lies about 2.5 hours by road from Windhoek, and is accessed via the tarred C20 between Hardap Dam and Stampriet. If you're headed for the Namib-Naukluft or Fish River Canyon, this is an ideal stop-over – it's great for birds, game sightings and the ever-watchable meerkats.

Not a tourist hot-spot or a wildlife destination of note, though Teufelskrallen Tented Lodge is a beautifully constructed convenient layover between Namibia's disparate attractions. On the edge of the Kalahari with red dune landscapes and camel thorn scrub, it offers serene vistas and desert quietude. This lodge is only appropriate for guests driving themselves, not least because the reception area, restaurant, bar, communal pool and lounge areas are a good three kilometers away from the tents. The independence and anonymity are a part of this lodge's charm however, making it more than just a functional place to rest your head.

Lying inside the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, just 18 km from Mata-Mata gate, is a huge (40 000-hectare) parcel of northern Kalahari Desert. There, rising above the dunes on Namibia's extreme eastern border, is the Kalahari Game Lodge. This oasis, which emerged fresh-faced and stylish after a revamp in mid-2014, is a fabulous destination at the end of a dusty drive. You're welcomed with huge smiles, accommodation at a campsite or in a chalet with lots of space and crisp white bedlinen and, around you, a landscape alive with wonderful desert creatures.

The desert lodge, just off the main highway in Namibia, has a whole new look and feel. After a substantial renovation, the lodge reopened in April 2016 and visitors have been impressed with the upgrades. A funky open-plan dining, bar and lounge area offers a great place to make new friends. The food is good with fresh home-baked bread on the buffet table and there’s even gluten free. If you’re looking for something mid-range and modern between your A to B, this lodge is a great stop for a night of two.

There is nothing quite like exploring untouched nature on foot. Far away from the rumbling and buzzing of tourists and hectic roads, yet so close to the Sossusvlei, a beautiful landscape presents itself, which wants to be discovered. This is not only about performance orientated sporting achievements, but rather about enjoying a pleasant stroll and exploring nature and wildlife along unique riverbeds and mountain slopes, hidden bushman paintings and the red sand dunes of the Namib. Experience the unlimited vastness and beauty of the Namib, close to the Namib Naukluft Park at the Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge.

In the native language of the San Bushmen, We Kebi means “invitation”. We Kebi Safari Lodge invites guests to come and experience the solitude and tranquility of the Namibian desert. Experience individual and luxurious accommodation in a real African setting. Each en-suite luxury chalet has its own pavilion and a 180 degree uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape. After a day of activities, relax in the shared lounge area with a drink or cool off in the plunge pool.