HELMERINGHAUSEN & TIRASBERG
1 Gunsbewys
Situated next to the D707. You literally walk out into the Namib Desert – early morning is best for a stroll (guided desert hikes can be arranged – R150 p.p.). Camping (three stands in the desert; 4x4 access only; no power) R160 p.p. Luxury tent R400 p.p. Self-catering room (sleeps 2 – 3) R450 p.p. Self-catering guesthouse (sleeps six) R500 p.p. Breakfast available at R150 p.p. Book in advance. No firewood available – bring your own.
GPS: S26.18322 E16.35651 Contact: 00 264 63 683 053 (Gertrud, call after hours); grabnergertrud@gmail.com; Peter.Graebner@web.de
2 Namtib Biosphere Reserve
This reserve in the Tirasberg near Helmeringhausen is next to the D707 – the most scenic road in Namibia.
The Little Hunter’s Rest campsite is a few of kilometres from the main lodge. You have a view of the Tirasberg and the red dunes of the Namib Desert in the west. Camping R130 p.p. (no power). Lodge rooms from R835 p.p. sharing (breakfast included). Discounts for kids under 12. GPS: S26.03714 E16.26170
Contact: 00 264 63 683 055; namtib.net
3 Ranch Koiimasis
Accessible from the D707. You can go horse riding (onehour to three-day excursions) and rock climbing, or do a night game drive. Camping (five stands) R180 per adult; R90 per child under 12. Lodge rooms R1 500 p.p. sharing (B&B). Selfcatering unit R1 500 per night for two people (minimum twonight stay). GPS: S25.91252 E16.26763
Contact: 00 264 63 683 052 (Anke); namibia-farm-lodge.com
4 Kanaan N/a’an ku sê Desert Retreat
This is a destination tailor-made for landscape photographers. Camping (eight stands) R175 p.p. En suite safari tent (DB&B) from R2 095 p.p. sharing. Kids under 12 get a discount. Enquire about 20 % SADC discount for the tented camps and en suite rooms. GPS: S25.84504 E16.15773
Contact: 00 264 63 683 119; kanaannamibia.com 5 Aubures About 55 km from Helmeringhausen next to the C27. They have guided trails to rock art, and a 4x4 trail. There are six stands under camel thorn trees (no electricity, but hot water for showers). Camping R120 per adult; R80 for learners (6 – 18 years); free for children under 6. GPS: S25.72331 E16.44187
Contact: 00 264 63 683 314 (Jörn/Adrienne); amiller@ iway.na 6 Lovedale A working swakara sheep farm 19 km from Helmering next to the C27. Camping R100 p.p., two sites available (one can accommodate a wheelchair). Self-catering unit from R570 per night for two people; R100 p.p. extra in units sleeping more than two people. Book beforehand. Cyclists and bikers get a discount if they camp here. Braai packs for sale. GPS: S25.91234 E16.66339 Contact: 00 264 81 281 9074 (Louisa); lovedale-namibia.com
7 Farm Dabis
The turn-off to this sheep farm is 10 km north of Helmeringhausen on the C14. The fourth generation of the Gaugler family currently farms here. Guest rooms cost R2 760 per room for two people (DB&B); R3 960 per room for three (DB&B). Some of the rooms can also be combined into a family unit that sleeps up to six people. Children under 9 get a discount; children under 4 stay for free. Rates include coffee and cake, and a farm drive (if the weather permits). GPS: S25.77260 E16.80511
Contact: 00 264 63 283 300; 00 264 81 310 8902 (Michelle); gaugler@farmdabis.com
8 Helmeringhausen Hotel
The hotel is in Helmeringhausen’s only street, so you can’t miss it. Camping R140 p.p. (hot showers, no power). Single room R780 p.p. Double room R630 p.p. sharing. Family room (sleeps four) R508 p.p. sharing. (All the room rates include breakfast.) GPS: S25.89105 E16.82358 Contact: 00 264 63 283 307; helmering@iway.na
9 Tiras Guest Farm
This farm is about 42 km south of Helmeringhausen, next to the C13. Camping (three stands) costs R170 p.p. A self-catering chalet with two single beds and communal ablution facilities costs R255 p.p. (no bedding or towels); R310 p.p. (with bedding and towels). Selfcatering farmstead (sleeps 2 – 6 people) R470 p.p. Children 3 – 11 years old get a 50 % discount. GPS: S26.18810 E16.60796
Contact: 00 264 61 243 827; office@kidogo-safaris.de; kidogo@iway.na 10 Tirool On a farm about 60 km south of Helmeringhausen, next to the C13. You have a great view over the Neisip Flats. Camping (three stands) R100 per adult; R50 per child under 12. Two chalets R350 per adult; R175 per child under 12. Children under 3 stay for free. GPS: S26.34581 E16.53832 Contact: 00 264 81 217 6932
(Hermien); tirool.com
KOËS & KALAHARI 11 Koës Hotel
Camping (on grass) R80 per adult. Room R260 per adult (B&B). All rates half-price for children under 12. It’s in Fontein Street, but don’t get excited, there’s no fountain. Contact: 00 264 63 252 716;
koeshotel@gmail.com
Our pick! 12 DuneSong Breathers
One of the best places to stay in the area; your chalet overlooks the first red dune of the Kalahari. The chalets are stylishly furnished and
fully equipped. R600 per night for one person, R500 p.p. for two, R400 p.p. for three and R300 p.p. for four. Camping in the bush camp (minimum two nights) costs R150 p.p. GPS: S25.69084 E19.17559
Contact: 00 264 81 122 0175; 00 264 87 776 333 (Marianne/ Pieter); dunesong.net 13 Terra-Rouge For a farm experience, visit TerraRouge and the Meerkat Manor campsite. The farm is 45 km from Mata-Mata and owners Pieter and Hanlie Möller are as hospitable as they come. It’s a good spot to overnight if you’re travelling to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park or if you entered Namibia from that side. Stay a day or three and feel what it’s like to live in the Kalahari. Camping R100 p.p. Three chalets R800 per night for two people. Free for children under 12. Firewood and braai meat for sale. GPS: S25.52553 E19.68561
Contact: 00 264 63 252 031; terrarougefarm.com
14 Kalahari Sunset Game Farm
This farm is 48 km from Mata-Mata. There are four campsites with power and ablution facilities (R130 p.p.) and three self-catering units (R350 p.p.) with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Guided sunset game drives R200 p.p. (including drinks). Home-made products, firewood and meat are for sale at their farm stall. GPS: S25.52869 E19.66714
Contact: 00 264 63 252 005 (Nettie/Hennie); oerwoud@africaonline.com.na; kalaharisunsetgamefarm.com.na
15 Kalahari Game Lodge
Next to the dry Auob River – 18 km from the Mata-Mata border post on the C15. Camping in the riverbed R170 p.p. (six stands; maximum four people per stand). Each stand has its own ablution facilities, but no power. The lights and geysers are solar powered. Eight luxury chalets overlooking the riverbed, from R900 p.p. (includes breakfast); DB&B from R1 150 p.p. The lodge has a swimming pool. Children aged 3 – 12 get a 50 % discount on chalet rates. Children under 3 stay for free. GPS: S25.65205 E19.88369
Contact: 021 880 9870 (SA bookings); 00 264 63 252 052 (lodge); kalaharigamelodge.com
16 Kalahari Farm Stall
About 14 km from the Mata-Mata border along the C15. Camping (with power and shade trees) R100 p.p. Self-catering unit R750 p.p. There is a coffee shop and farm stall on the premises. Dinner R175 p.p. Breakfast R75 p.p. Chops, boerewors and firewood (R35 a bag) available. GPS: S25.67352 E19.89574 Contact: 00 264 63 252 017 (Marica); kalaharifarmstall.com
17 Torgos Lodge
The lodge is just 7 km from MataMata along the C15. Three campsites with power, a sink and braai facilities R100 p.p. There are 10 tented units with en suite bathrooms: standard unit from R730 p.p. sharing (selfcatering); R830 p.p. sharing (B&B); R1 080 p.p. (DB&B). Meals: breakfast R100, lunch R100 and dinner R250. They have a swimming pool, braai boma and a floodlit waterhole – the lodge is on a 11 000 ha game camp with plenty of animals to see. Game drive R220 p.p. GPS: S25.72444 E19.96138
Contact: 00 264 81 146 0421 (Lara); torgoslodgenam.com
18 Sitzas Campsite
A few hundred metres from the Mata-Mata border post. Two campsites with lights and power points. Camping R150 p.p. They have a great farm stall where you can buy biltong (R180/kg), droëwors (R160/ kg), rusks (R40 – R45), fig jam (R50) and braai packs. It’s the same people who run Torgos Lodge. GPS: S25.76874 E19.99490
Contact: 00 264 81 146 0421 (Lara); info@torgoslodge nam.com
LÜDERITZ 19 Kairos Cottage
Situated in Kreplin street on Shark Island (actually just a peninsula now) with an excellent view over the sea. En suite double room R680 per night. (From July it’s R750 per night.) Breakfast available. GPS: S26.63729 E15.15206 Contact: 00 264 81 650 5598;
00 264 63 203 080; kairos cottage.com
20 Island Cottage
Also in Kreplin Street on Shark Island. Self-catering unit R350 p.p. sharing for the first two people; R130 p.p. extra – mattresses can be arranged. Single supplement R490 per night. From June it’s R385 p.p. sharing and R140 p.p. extra. Single supplement R520 per night. GPS: S26.63746 E15.15208 Contact: 00 264 63 203 626; 00 264 81 292 2984 (Retha); Retha.c@afol.com.na
21 Haus Sandrose
Look for the bright yellow building in Bismarck Street. This B&B has a courtyard surrounded by four selfcatering units. Each unit has two single beds and a kitchenette. R420 p.p. per night sharing; R585 single supplement. One of the units has a fully equipped kitchen. Family unit R450 p.p. sharing for two people; R350 p.p. sharing for three to four people. R230 per child under 15. Contact: 00 264 63 202 630;
haussandrose.com
22 Kratzplatz
Centrally located at 5 Nachtigal Street. Barrels Restaurant is part of
this enterprise. Double room R790 per night (B&B). Family room (self-catering; sleeps five) R935 per night. Breakfast R90 p.p. New selfcatering units are being built and will be open by June – contact Kratzplatz for rates. GPS: S26.64783 E15.15285
Contact: 00 264 63 202 458
23 Zum Anker
Near the Felsenkirche and Goerke Haus at 299 Bulow Street. Four big self-catering units (room for up to 10 people). Double room R800 per night. Family unit (minimum four people) from R350 p.p. per night. GPS: S26.65104 E15.15368
Contact: 00 264 81 129 4390; zumanker-luderitz.com
24 Obelix Village
In Old Bayview Road, near the entrance to Lüderitz. Double room R735 per night. Family room (sleeps four) R935 per night. Rates include breakfast. GPS: S26.65118 E15.15572 Contact: 00 264 63 203 456 (Shirley); obelixvillage@iway.na
25 Nest Hotel
At the top of Dias Street, by the sea. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and a restaurant. You can also book boat trips from here. The rooms have air conditioning. Single room R 1 320 per night. Double room R2 100 per night. Family unit (two adults and two children) R3 360 per night. Rates include breakfast. GPS: S26.65285 E15.14973
Contact: 00 264 63 204 000; nesthotel.com
AUS 26 Klein-Aus Vista
About 3 km north-west of Aus, on the B4. Each of the 10 camping stands has a tap, a table and braai facilities. The stands are under camel thorn trees. You can buy firewood and a braai pack at the reception office and also book meals at the Desert Horse Inn restaurant, 2 km from the campsite. Campers may also use the swimming pool at the inn. Camping R130 p.p. Double room at the Desert Horse Inn from R1 090 p.p. sharing (breakfast included). Eagle’s Nest chalets (sleep two each) R1 485 p.p. sharing (breakfast included). Geisterschlucht selfcatering cabin R950 per night (minimum three people; maximum ten). Discounts with a Gondwana Card ( gondwana-card.com). GPS: S26.65191 E16.24384
Contact: 00 264 63 258 116; klein-aus-vista.com
27 Bahnhof Hotel
A fixture in the tiny town of Aus. Drop in! Double room R750 p.p. sharing (B&B). Single room R880 p.p. (B&B). Self-catering units: Orange House (sleeps four) R1 978 per night; Aloe Rock (multiple rooms) R455 p.p. GPS: S26.66581 E16.26075
Contact: 00 264 63 258 091; bahnhof-hotel-aus.com
28 Aus Guest Rooms
Opposite the filling station. Camping R95 p.p. Self-catering double room R550 per night. They’re busy building luxury campsites with private ablution facilities and new guest rooms. Organise in advance with owners Steve and Karin Prinsloo if you want a packed lunch for the road (from R75 p.p.). GPS: S26.66674 E16.26068
Contact: 00 264 63 258 029; namibaus@afol.com.na; ausnamibia.com
BETHANIE 29 Bethanie Hotel & Guesthouse
At 137 Chief C Friederick Avenue. Camping (four stands, power and a swimming pool) R150 p.p. Free for children under 12. Double room with air conditioning R930 per night. Breakfast from R70. Contact: 00 264 63 283 013; bethaniehotel.com
GOAGEB 30 Alte Kalköfen Lodge
Next to the B4, making it an ideal overnight stop between Keetmans and the coast. See page 85 for information and rates.
SEEHEIM 31 Seeheim Hotel
The hotel is Seeheim. Double room R1 200 per night (B&B). Family room from R1 600 per night (four people; B&B). There’s a swimming pool and restaurant. GPS: S26.81533 E17.80081 Contact: 00 264 81 128 0349;
seeheimhotel.com
KEETMANSHOOP 32 Quiver Inn Guesthouse
At 8 Pastorie Street. Ten en suite rooms. Each room has a small kitchen, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Single room R500 p.p. Double room R750 p.p. Breakfast R75 p.p. Contact: 00 264 81 855 3835;
quiverinnguesthouse.com
33 Garas Rest Camp
About 20 km north of Keetmans – a good spot to overnight and take photos of the quiver trees at sunset. Camping (nine stands) R120 per adult; R60 per child under 13. A stand with power costs R45 extra. Day visitors R45 p.p. to visit the quiver tree forest. GPS: S26.41850 E18.19028 Contact: 00 264 81 491 3863 (Marian); marian.hulme.z@ gmail.com
34 Quiver Tree Forest
It’s 13 km north-east of Keetmans on the M29. Camping R130 p.p. Self-catering rooms from R720 per night (for two people). Entrance
fee R60 p.p. and R40 per vehicle. Visit the quiver tree forest and the Giant’s Playground rock formations. Watch the cheetahs in the camps around the farmyard being fed at 4 pm in winter; 5 pm in summer. GPS: S26.48200 E18.23907
Contact: 00 264 63 683 421 (Coenie/Ingrid); quivertree forest.com
35 Mesosaurus Fossil Camp
On this farm outside Keetmanshoop, you can drive 3 km into the veld and pitch a tent among quiver trees and dolerite boulders at Mesosaurus Fossil’s Bush Camp. There are basic ablution facilities with a donkey boiler for hot water, but the real drawcard here is the remote setting.
Book a tour with owner Giel Steenkamp to see the mesosaurus fossil. Also visit the quiver tree forest and listen to Giel play a tune on the rock gongs. Bush Camp R120 p.p. Chalet R300 p.p. sharing (selfcatering). Half-price for children aged 3 – 11; free for children under 3. Fossil tour R130 p.p. The chalets are closed from December to February. GPS: S26.40616 E18.47649
Contact: 00 264 83 700 0012 (Hendrik/Nolene); mesosaurus.com
ORANJEMUND 36 Op My Stoep Lodge
Situated near the OranjemundAlexander Bay border post. Double room R765 per night (B&B). Selfcatering unit R750 per night (four people sharing). Two campsites (no power) R95 p.p. GPS: S28.56008 E16.48940 Contact: 00 264 81 127 5837 (Fanie); opmystoep.com
ROSH PINAH
A good overnight stop at 306 Mukarob Street. Double room R1 150 per night (B&B). Single room R930 (B&B); R350 per child under 12. There is a swimming pool, a restaurant and Wi-Fi. GPS: S27.97001 E16.76118 Contact: 00 264 63 274 043; aguesthouse@skorpionzinc.com.na
38 Four Seasons Lodge
At 2 Melkbos Street. Single room R715 per night. Double room R1 050 per night. Family room (two adults and two children) R280 per night. Self-catering chalet (sleeps two) R1 150 per night. The lodge has a swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant. Dinner 6 pm – 9 pm; Breakfast 6 am – 9 am.
Contact: 00264 63 274 416; fourseasons.booking@iway.na
ORANGE RIVER 39 Norotshama River Resort
One of the best places to stay next to the Orange River. Explore the adjacent Aussenkehr Park (there is a 4x4 trail), or fish and kayak on the river. Camping R170 per adult; R72 per child under 12. Rooms on the river R494 p.p. sharing; R250 per child under 12. There are also bigger rooms further away from the water. Single room R805 per night. Double room R1 560 p.p. sharing. All rates include breakfast. GPS: S28.39453 E17.41090
Contact: 00 264 63 297 215; norotshamaresort.com
40 Felix Unite
A paddling camp, but everyone’s welcome. Camping R110 p.p. You can only book beforehand if you’re a group of 15 or more. Cabanas R1 025 per night for two adults; R350 extra per child under 18 sharing. Family cabanas R1 775 per night for two adults with two children under 18. GPS: S28.68638 E17.55778
Contact: 087 354 0578; 00 264 63 297 161; felixunite.com