PLACES TO STAY IN CENTRAL NAMIBIA
Henties Bay & Skeleton Coast • Spitzkoppe • Omaruru • Karibib • Okahandja • Swakopmund • Walvis Bay • Namib-Naukluft National Park • Windhoek • Dordabis • Gobabis • Khomas Hochland • Rehoboth • Uhlenhorst • Solitaire • Sesriem, Sossusvlei & Naukluft Mount
BORDER POST TIMES
NAMIBIA – BOTSWANA
1 Trans-Kalahari/Buitepos – Mamuno 00 264 62 560 404; 7 am – midnight
HENTIES BAY & SKELETON COAST 1 St Nowhere
This spot is 110 km north of Henties and it’s a popular fishing destination. Camping R430 per night (for a basic stand), R480 per night for a seafront stand with electricity and R550 per night for a stand with electricity and its own ablution facilities. (Rates apply to five people per stand, thereafter it’s R100 p.p. extra.)
The five bungalows are equipped with single beds, a kitchen with a gas stove, a fridge and a braai. R600 per night for up to four people, thereafter R150 p.p. extra or R720 per night in December and January.
The big house sleeps eight. R1 200 per night for up to four people, thereafter R150 p.p. extra. They sell wood, ice, braai packs and bait. You can order meals at the restaurant beforehand. You can store your catch in the freezer for R30 per crate per day.
S21.38123 E13.77015 GPS: Contact: 00 264 81 124 0879; 00 264 81 252 9422; stnowhere@mtcmobile.com.na
2 Mile 108 Campsite
This campsite is 91 km north of Henties Bay – it’s crowded during December and January but deserted at other times. Camping R120 per night for a stand plus R80 p.p. (maximum six people per stand). The campsite has no electricity and you pay for water: R1 per litre and R5 per shower.
The four chalets have electricity and sleep four each. R800 per night. The chalets are equipped with a stove and bedding. Bring your own kitchenware, towels and camping fridge. GPS: S21.44217 E13.81971 Contact: 00 264 61 259 372 (Jenny-May)
3 Cape Cross Seal Reserve
About 1 km north of the seal colony – there are five platforms with shelter against the wind. Bring your own drinking and washing water. No power. Camping R100 per adult; free for children under 16. Entrance fee to reserve R60 p.p. and R10 per vehicle. GPS: S21.76256 E13.96351
Contact: 00 264 64 694 037; 00 264 81 256 4400
4 Cape Cross Lodge
Just outside the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. The campsite has 21 stands with walls to shelter your tent from the wind. This is the best place to camp in the area. It has power points, a sink and a TV room. Camping R500 per stand per night for up to four people, plus R80 p.p. extra. SADC residents pay R2 156 per night for a double room (DB&B), R560 per child aged 3 – 11. The lodge has a little museum, a gift shop and a good restaurant. GPS: S21.75565 E13.97126
Contact: 00 264 64 461 677; capecross.org
5 Mile 72 Campsite
This campsite is 36 km north of Henties Bay – it’s crowded in December and January but quiet during the rest of the year. Camping R120 per night per stand and R80 p.p. (maximum six people per stand). The campsite has no electricity and you pay for water: R1 per litre and R5 per shower. The four chalets sleep four each. R800 per night. The chalets have power, a stove and bedding. Bring your own kitchenware, towels and camping fridge. GPS: S21.87877 E14.07120
Contact: 00 264 61 259 372 (Jenny-May)
6 De Duine Hotel
By the seaside in Duine Street. Double room R970 per night; R150 per child if they sleep on a mattress in their parents’ room. Single room R605 per night. Family room (sleeps four) from R1 090 per night. Rates include breakfast. There’s a bar, pool, squash court and restaurant.
Contact: 00 264 64 500 001; reservation@deduinehotel.com
7 Ietsiemeer Beach House
This luxury self-catering house is at the end of Eros Street in Henties Bay, and overlooks the sea. It’s ideal for bigger groups who want to stay together. Rent three of the en suite double rooms (six people in total) for R4 500 per night (additional rooms available from R750 per night). Or rent the whole house for R10 000 per night (10 double rooms, 20 people). GPS: S22.13272 E14.28999 Contact: 00 264 81 124 4847
(Marianne); ietsiemeer.com
8 Buck’s Camping Lodge
In Henties, 10 minutes from the sea. This campsite with 45 stands is a great place to pitch a tent, especially during the off-peak season. Each stand has electricity and private ablution facilities. There’s a wall to protect you from the wind. Camping R250 per night (R300 December/January) for up to four people; R50 p.p. extra. GPS: S22.11388 E14.28091
Contact: 00 264 64 501 039 (Fransie); 00 264 81 270 2959;
buckcamp@mweb.com.na
9 Namib Shore
They rent out 12 houses dotted around town. Reception is at 303 Dolfyn Street. Self-catering three-bedroom house from R180 – R230 p.p. sharing. Bigger houses are also available.
Contact: 00 264 64 500 182 (Marie); 00 264 81 127 5663; 00 264 81 221 5886; namshore@iway.na 10 Jakkalsputz This place is 9 km south of Henties Bay. It’s busy in high season, but otherwise quiet. Camping R120 per night plus R80 p.p. (maximum six per stand). The camp has no electricity and you pay for water: R1 per litre and R5 per shower. GPS: S22.19029 E14.31039
Contact: 00 264 61 259 372 (Jenny-May)
SPITZKOPPE 11 Spitzkoppe Rest Camp
One of Namibia’s best! See page 50 for more information and rates.
OMARURU 12 River Guesthouse
In Dr I Scheepers Drive in Omaruru, opposite the Franke Tower. The six campsites are next to the Omaruru riverbed. Camping R140 p.p. Firewood R35.
Guest rooms from R830 per night for two people sharing (B&B). There’s a swimming pool, a bar and Wi-Fi. Contact: 00 264 64 570 274; 00 264 81 124 5365 (Eckhardt); river-guesthouse.com 13 Erindi This private game reserve is about 60 km south-east of Omaruru. Camp Elephant has paved stands, each with its own lawn, shade awning, ablution facilities, a braai and a small kitchen (with a big fridge).
The self-catering chalets have air conditioning and a view of the waterhole. Camping R890 per night (maximum six people). Chalet R1 990 per night for two people; R690 per extra adult and R345 per extra child under 12 (maximum six people).
Camp Elephant also has a fantastic farm stall. Visit the reserve website for more luxurious accommodation options. GPS: S21.54539 E16.38775 Contact: 00 264 83 330 1111;
erindi.com
KARIBIB 14 Kaliombo Safari Camp
About 50 km east of Karibib. There are five en suite safari tents – R450 p.p. sharing (self-catering); R520 (breakfast included); R700 (dinner and breakfast). Tents 1 and 2 have the best view of the waterhole.
The campsite is situated under tall camel thorn trees next to the dry riverbed. Camping R130 p.p. Game drive R140 p.p. GPS: S21.96335 E16.23974 Contact: 00 264 64 404561; 00 264 81 247 4825 (Gertraud); sunrisetours@iafrica.com.na
15 Albrechtshohe Guest Farm
A great overnight spot between the interior and the coast – 27 km east of Karibib next to the B2. They have five rooms, sleeping up to nine people. R750 p.p. sharing (breakfast included); R850 p.p. (dinner included). There’s a pool and Wi-Fi. GPS: S21.94951 E16.08311
Contact: 00 264 62 503 363; meyer@iafrica.com.na
16 Etusis Lodge & Campsite
South-west of Karibib along the C32. Camping R110 per adult; R55 per child aged 5 – 12; free for children under 5. This out-of-theway place has tidy grounds.
The lodge offers several options: Self-catering room in the farmhouse R330 p.p. sharing; luxury tent with mountain views R837 p.p. sharing if you book for two nights (includes dinner and breakfast); R930 p.p. sharing for one night only; bungalow R1 225 p.p. sharing for two nights (with dinner and breakfast); 1 250 p.p. sharing for one night only. Children under 14 get a discount.
Meals are available: lunch R85; lunch pack R65; dinner R200. Activities: 90-minute guided veld walk R100 p.p.; two-hour drive R250 p.p.; sunset drive R250 p.p. Horse ride R220 for the first hour, R110 per extra hour. Riding classes and overnight rides are also available. Rates are due to increase in July. GPS: S22.18001 E15.73715
Contact: 00 264 64 550 826 (lodge); 00 264 61 250 725 (reservations); etusis.com
OKAHANDJA 17 Omatozu Lodge
About 25 km north of Okahandja, near the B1. The campsite has four stands with power – each with its own ablution facility. There is a swimming pool, a lapa and a bar. Camping R150 per adult; R75 per child aged 6 – 11; free for children
under 6. Luxury safari tents from R900 p.p. sharing; R750 per child aged 6 – 11 (younger kids get a discount). Rates include dinner and breakfast. GPS: S21.76311 E16.85009 Contact: 00 264 81 6437 100; omatozu.com
18 The Elegant Farmstead
This former Rhenish mission station and cattle farm is 26 km east of Okahandja on the D2102. En suite double room R2 160 per night (breakfast and dinner included). Single room R1 539 (breakfast and dinner included). Kids get a discount. There are hiking trails and game drives. GPS: S21.93144 E17.13465
Contact: 00 264 61 301 934; the-elegant-farmstead.com
19 Tungeni Von Bach Dam Resort
This is a new resort south-east of Okahandja on the banks of the Von Bach Dam. The 11 campsites look out over the water and there’s a slipway for your boat. You can also rent a double canoe (R100 per hour) or go on a boat cruise (R200 p.p. per hour). Camping R100 per adult; R50 per child aged 12 – 15. Deluxe double chalet R720 per night. Luxury chalet (sleeps four) R1 053 per night for the first two people and R500 p.p. extra. Discounted rates for children. Daily conservation fee R30 p.p. and R10 per vehicle. Have breakfast at the restaurant (R100 p.p.); lunch and dinner are à la carte. GPS: S22.011591 E16.949401
Contact: 00 264 61 400 205; tungeni.com (click on the Tungeni Serenity tab)
SWAKOPMUND 20 Alte Brücke
Camping (with power) R380 per night for the first two people; R100 per extra adult; R90 per child aged 5 – 12 (maximum six people per stand). Two-sleeper chalets from R1 220 (breakfast included); R356 per child aged 5 – 12. GPS: S22.68638 E14.52531 Contact: 00 264 64 404 918; altebrucke.com
21 Tiger Reef
Next to Alte Brücke and even closer to the sea. The campsite has 23 stands all with power: R180 per adult; R60 per child under 12 (off-peak rate) and a once-off fee of R100 per extra vehicle parked. During the December/January holidays, Easter holidays and June school holidays an extra R300 per stand is charged per night. New ablution facilities are under construction. GPS: S22.68716 E14.52413
Contact: 00 264 81 337 7137; campsite@lighthousegroup. com.na
22 Beach Lodge
If you were any closer to the sea you’d be in the water. Beach Lodge is in Vogelstrand (1 Stint Street) in the northern part of town. Double room R1 750 per night. Family room (sleeps four adults) R3 280 per night; family room (sleeps two adults and two kids under 12) R2 710. Rates include breakfast. The lodge restaurant, called The Wreck, is a great place to have dinner while you watch the sunset over the ocean. GPS: S22.63377 E14.52547
Contact: 00 264 64 414 500; beachlodge.com.na
23 Atlantic Villa
In Plover Street, Vogelstrand. The complex is within walking distance of the sea and the Platz am Meer shopping centre. Standard double room R740 p.p. sharing (B&B). Rooms with sea views cost more. Enquire about discounts for kids. Safe parking, Wi-Fi and a wine cellar.
Contact: 00 264 64 463 511 (Ina); atlantic-villa.com
24 Strand Hotel
This big hotel is hard to miss: It’ s on The Mole by the seaside. SADC residents get a discount. Double room from R1 176 p.p. sharing (B&B); 50 % discount for kids aged 7 – 15 sharing a room with their parents; 25 % discount for kids staying in a room with a connecting door to their parents’ room. Kids under 6 stay for free.
Contact: 00 264 64 411 4308; strandhotelswakopmund.com
25 Hotel Zum Kaiser
At the end of Sam Nujoma Avenue, closest to the beach. This hotel has 21 rooms, including three family units. Eat at Bistro Zum Kaiser on the premises. Special rates apply if you’re a SADC resident: double room from R584 p.p. sharing (B&B); single room from R847 per night (B&B). The hotel is part of the Taleni Africa group – visit
taleni-africa.com for package tour offers. GPS: S22.67879 E14.52281
Contact: 021 930 4564; hotelzumkaiser.com 26 Stay@Swakop This guesthouse is on the edge of town (173 Anton Lubowski Street) – you can see the desert from your bedroom window. Double room R1 100 per night (breakfast included). Children aged 6 – 14 pay half-price, free for children under 5 if they share a room with their parents. Parking and 24-hour security available. GPS: S22.67595 E14.54549
Contact: 00 264 81 634 5212; stay-at-swakop.com
27 Hotel Pension Rapmund
This small hotel offers safe parking. It’s within easy walking distance of the town centre and the beach. Double room R1 065 per night. Family room (sleeps five) R1 510 per night. Rates include breakfast. GPS: S22.67762 E14.52392
Contact: 00 264 64 402 035; hotelpensionrapmund.com
28 Fischreiher Guesthouse
In Fischreiher Street, within walking distance from the beach and the Platz am Meer shopping centre. They have one self-catering flat and seven en suite rooms. R500 per adult sharing; R140 per child aged 5 – 12; R210 per child aged 13 – 18 if they share a family room with their parents. Rates include breakfast and you can have your laundry done here. GPS: S22.64480 E14.53064
Contact: 00 264 64 462 930; fischreiher.net
29 Swakopmund Luxury Suites
A stylish place near the lighthouse (between Tobias Hainyeko and Bismarck streets). Rooms from R875 p.p. sharing (B&B). GPS: S22.67708 E14.52435 Contact: 00 264 64 463 298; swakopmundluxurysuites.com
30 The Delight
This boutique hotel is part of the Gondwana group. The rooms are stylishly furnished with a fresh, modern feel. It’s on the corner of Theo-Ben Gurirab and Nathaniel Maxuilili streets just blocks away from the town centre and The Mole. Rooms from R1 069 p.p. sharing (B&B); R1 333 per night for a single room (B&B).
Contact: 00 264 61 427 200; gondwana-collection.com 31 Footprints Some of the rooms have their own balconies and there’s a rooftop deck with a braai area and sea views. It’s at 100 Turmalin Street in the northern part of town. Rooms from R1 150 per night for two people sharing (B&B). Family room (sleeps four) R1 500 per night. High season rates don’t include breakfast, but breakfast can be ordered (R80 p.p.). GPS: S22.63716 E14.53051 Contact: 00 264 64 403 042
(Charlotte); footprints2 swakop.com
32 Windpomp 14
A new campsite at the popular Mile 14 fishing spot. See page 64 for more information and rates.
33 Skeleton Beach Backpackers
Situated at 14 Moses Garoeb Street and 200 m from the sea. An affordable place to stay. Camping R120 p.p. Private room for two people R480 – R550 per night (own bathroom); dorm room R170 p.p. (shared bathroom). All rates include breakfast. There’s also a communal kitchen. GPS: S22.66564 E014.52798
Contact: 00 264 81 287 0420 (Erika); skeletonbeach backpackers.com
34 Sophia Dale Base Camp
This camp is on a farm about 12 km from Swakop along the B2. See page 64 for more information and rates.
35 Goanikontes Oasis
Goanikontes is 40 km east of Swakop, in the Swakop River. Stay here if you want to visit the Moon Landscape or the welwitschias early in the morning. Camping R100 per stand and R110 per adult; R60 per child aged 6 – 12. Rates for December/January: R120 per stand and R130 per adult; R80 per child aged 6 – 12. Bungalow (sleeps 2 – 5) with braai facilities (no kitchen) R770 per night for two people (B&B) and R350 p.p. extra. Bedding and towels are provided. The restaurant is open every day from 8 am – 6 pm. Order dinner beforehand. Firewood R50. GPS: S22.66858 E14.81748
Contact: 00 264 64 405 976
WALVIS BAY 36 1932 House
In a quiet neighbourhood near the Waterfront in Fritz Lange Street. Stylishly furnished rooms with Wi-Fi and DStv. There’s a pool and a braai. Double rooms from R1 100 p.p. sharing; single rooms from R850 per night. Self-catering flatlet R1 430 per night (four people). Kids under 12 get discount. Rates include breakfast. GPS: S22.96510 E14.49130
Contact: 00 264 64 274 850; www.1932house.com.na
37 Lagoon Chalets and Caravan Park
Just 500 m from the Walvis Bay lagoon on 8th Street, West. There’s a play area for the kids, and a restaurant. Camping R100 per stand and R100 p.p. per night (maximum four people per stand). Self-catering chalets (sleeps 6 – 8) from R900 per night. Chalet (sleeps two) R550 per night. Backpacker-style double room R350 per night. Rates will increase in July. GPS: S22.98056 E14.48656
Contact: 00 264 64 217 900; lagoonchaletswb.com
38 Lagoon Loge
This guesthouse is run by a friendly French couple. It’s right next to the Walvis Bay lagoon at 88 Kovambo Nujoma Drive. Double room R930 p.p. sharing. Single room R1 090 per night. Family room (two adults and two kids under 12) R2 640 per night. Rates include breakfast. GPS: S22.97180 E14.48776
Contact: 00 264 64 200 850; lagoonloge.com.na
NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK 39 Several campsites
These sites are all inside the northern part of the park – in other words, the desert flats you drive through via the C14, C28 or D1982 as you approach Walvis or Swakop from the interior. Many people rush through this apparently boring landscape to get to the sea, but this is a mistake. Turn off and slow down: Soon you’ll see animals, and the wilderness campsites can