Where to Stay in Namibia
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Namibia
Compare prices from hotels across all regions
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Regions of Namibia
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The country's administrative and commercial heart, centered on Windhoek, offers the most diverse urban accommodation options. This region serves primarily as a transit hub, with most travelers spending only one or two nights before heading to safari destinations. The area features everything from international business hotels to charming colonial-era guesthouses.
Home to Namibia's iconic red dunes and the surreal Deadvlei, this region features some of the country's most spectacular accommodation settings. Lodges and camps range from basic campsites to ultra-luxury desert retreats, most located within private reserves bordering Namib-Naukluft National Park. Properties here emphasize the dramatic landscape and stargazing opportunities.
Namibia's premier wildlife destination offers accommodation both inside the park at government-run rest camps and in private reserves and lodges along the park's borders. The southern and eastern gates have the highest concentration of upscale safari lodges, while the park's interior camps provide more affordable, self-catering options with excellent waterhole viewing.
One of Africa's most remote and haunting coastal regions, the Skeleton Coast offers limited but exclusive accommodation options. Most properties are fly-in safari camps that combine coastal exploration with inland desert and wildlife experiences. This is Namibia's most expensive and least accessible region for accommodation.
Namibia's premier beach destination and adventure sports hub offers the country's most varied coastal accommodation. Swakopmund features German colonial architecture, a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. The nearby towns of Walvis Bay and Henties Bay provide additional beach-oriented options, popular with both international and domestic tourists.
This rugged, semi-arid region between the Skeleton Coast and Etosha is known for desert-adapted elephants, rock art, and dramatic landscapes. Accommodation consists primarily of remote conservancy lodges and tented camps that offer guided activities and cultural interactions with Himba and Damara communities. The area requires careful planning as properties are widely dispersed.
Namibia's tropical panhandle offers a completely different landscape and accommodation experience, with lush riverine environments along the Okavango, Kwando, and Zambezi rivers. Lodges here focus on water-based activities, birding, and access to nearby Victoria Falls. This region sees fewer visitors but offers excellent value and unique ecosystems.
The eastern Kalahari offers red sand dunes, unique desert wildlife, and encounters with San Bushmen communities. Accommodation is less developed than in the Namib, with a mix of remote desert lodges, farmstays, and basic campsites. This region provides an authentic, less-touristed desert experience at generally lower prices than western Namibia.
Home to Africa's second-largest canyon and the quirky desert town of Lüderitz, southern Namibia offers frontier-style accommodation. Options include historic hotels in Lüderitz, canyon-view lodges, and remote farmstays. This region is often overlooked but provides excellent value and dramatic scenery with fewer crowds.
This distinctive sandstone plateau northeast of Windhoek offers cooler temperatures, unique flora, and rare wildlife species. Accommodation ranges from the national park rest camp to private game lodges and guest farms. The area serves as a convenient stopover between Windhoek and Etosha, with good value options.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Namibia
International hotel chains have limited presence in Namibia, mostly confined to Windhoek where brands like Hilton, Avani, and Protea Hotels operate business-oriented properties. The domestic Gondwana Collection operates multiple lodges and camps throughout the country, offering reliable mid-range to upscale accommodation at key tourist destinations. Legacy Hotels & Resorts and Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) manage government rest camps within national parks, providing affordable self-catering options.
Independent guesthouses, B&Bs, and guest farms form the backbone of Namibia's accommodation sector, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. These family-run establishments often provide excellent value, home-cooked meals, and personalized service. Working cattle and game farms across the country offer farmstays that combine accommodation with authentic ranching experiences. Many properties are owner-operated by multi-generational Namibian families or European expatriates who've settled in the country.
Namibia's signature accommodation type is the desert camp—semi-permanent tented structures on raised platforms that blend luxury with wilderness immersion. Conservancy lodges, partnerships between local communities and tourism operators, offer culturally-enriching stays while supporting conservation and community development. Houseboats on the Zambezi River provide unique floating accommodation. Several properties occupy restored colonial-era buildings, particularly in Swakopmund and Lüderitz. Campsites are exceptionally popular and well-maintained, often featuring private ablution blocks and braai (barbecue) facilities, reflecting Namibia's strong self-drive safari culture.
Booking Tips for Namibia
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Popular lodges near Etosha National Park and in Sossusvlei fill up 6-12 months ahead during peak season (June-October). Many exclusive properties have limited rooms (often just 8-12), so early booking is essential. Consider booking through local tour operators who may have allocated rooms when individual bookings show full availability.
Most lodges and camps outside major towns include meals in their rates (half-board or fully inclusive) because restaurants are scarce in remote areas. Always clarify what's included—many luxury properties are all-inclusive with activities, while others charge separately for game drives and excursions. Self-catering accommodation is common and economical for self-drive travelers.
Fly-in safari camps on the Skeleton Coast and in remote Damaraland often only sell multi-night packages that include charter flights, meals, and activities. While expensive, these packages eliminate the challenge of accessing extremely remote areas by road. Some operators offer circuit packages combining multiple properties at better rates than booking individually.
Namibia has exceptional camping infrastructure, from basic campsites to luxury 'glamping' options with private facilities. National park rest camps offer affordable accommodation with excellent wildlife viewing. Many lodges have separate campsites on their grounds, allowing budget travelers to access prime locations and sometimes use lodge facilities at lower cost.
Namibia Wildlife Resorts manages all government rest camps in national parks. Book directly through their website or Windhoek office rather than third-party sites, as availability is more accurate and cancellation policies more flexible. These camps offer the best value for money, especially for families and self-drivers, but book early as they're popular with domestic tourists.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Namibia
For travel during peak season (June-October), book lodges and camps at least 6-9 months in advance, particularly for Etosha, Sossusvlei, and exclusive Damaraland properties. Popular rest camps inside Etosha National Park should be booked 12 months ahead if possible. Coastal accommodation in Swakopmund requires 3-4 months advance booking during Namibian school holidays.
April-May and November offer slightly more flexibility, with 3-4 months advance booking generally sufficient for most properties. Wildlife viewing remains excellent, and you'll have better negotiating power for rates. Some lodges offer shoulder season specials, particularly in November when the heat begins to build.
During the rainy season (December-March), many properties have immediate availability and offer significant discounts (20-40% off peak rates). However, some remote lodges close entirely in February-March for maintenance, and roads can become impassable. Book 4-6 weeks ahead to ensure properties are open. This is ideal for budget travelers who don't mind afternoon rains.
For a typical Namibia safari circuit hitting major highlights, book 6-8 months in advance to secure preferred properties at reasonable rates. Self-drivers with flexibility can book shorter lead times for most guesthouses and campsites outside peak season. Always book accommodation before arriving, as options in remote areas are extremely limited and distances between towns are vast.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Namibia