REHOBOTH UHLENHORST SOLITAIRE
52 Heja Game Lodge
A family-friendly game lodge just east of Windhoek with a swimming pool, game drives and camel rides. Their 50 en suite rooms have air conditioning and satellite TV. From R895 per double room (B&B). GPS: S22.53672 E17.19359
Contact: 00 264 61 257 151; hejalodge.com
53 Trans Kalahari Inn
About 22 km east of Windhoek, next to the B6 to the airport, in the Kapps Mountains. Free Wi-Fi, plus there’s a restaurant and a swimming pool. It’s an ideal overnight spot if you don’t want to stay in Windhoek. Campsite R250 (maximum four people). Double room (with aircon) R970; double room (no aircon) R755 per night. GPS: S22.55024 E17.27803
Contact: 00 264 61 222 877; transkalahari-inn.com
54 Sweet Thorn Retreat Airport Lodge
About 20 km east of the capital next to the B6 airport road – take the Kapps Farm turn-off. SADC rates: Camping R120 p.p. (with power); self-catering safari tent R390 p.p. and rooms R1 225 p.p. sharing (DB&B). GPS: S22.54273 E17.26115
Contact: 00 264 61 224712; sweetthornretreat.com
55 N/a’an ku sê
Follow the B6 out of Windhoek for 24 km, then turn north on the MR53 for another 27 km. SADC rates: R1 045 p.p. sharing (breakfast included). Non-SADC residents from R2 095 p.p. sharing (DB&B). Halfprice for children under 12 and free for children under 3. You can enjoy delicious meals in the restaurant as a day visitor. N/a’an ku sê is an animal rehabilitation centre and they offer several guided tours. You can, for example, see how the caracals, lions, leopards, wild dogs and cheetahs are fed – book your tour at least a day in advance. GPS: S22.36479 E17.37933 Contact: 00 264 81 859 4608; naankuse.com
56 Ondekaremba
Ondekaremba Guest Farm is affiliated with N/a’an ku sê and is a good option if you need to catch an early flight – the lodge is 6 km west of the Hosea Kutako airport next to the B6. Camping R160 p.p. Each of the three stands has its own bathroom, braai and sink. The campsite also has a swimming pool. Bungalows (2 – 4 rooms) R430 p.p. per night. The bungalows share a swimming pool, braai area and a kitchen and they are ideal for a group travelling together. Lodge rates: Standard double room or family room R965 p.p. sharing. Luxury flat R1 165 p.p. sharing (DB&B). Special day tariffs apply if you have time to kill before your flight and want to spend it here. GPS: S22.48319 E17.41099
Contact: 00 264 62 540 424; ondekaremba.com
DORDABIS 57 Arnhem Cave
About 115 km south-east of Windhoek as the crow flies. The campsites have basic ablutions and a donkey boiler for hot water. Camping R130 p.p. Camp chalet R400 per night (a room with two beds; no kitchen facilities). Bungalow R700 per night (two single beds and two mattresses). Cave tours R150 p.p. for one and a half hours; R250 p.p. for three hours. Book in advance. GPS: S22.70983 E18.10337 Contact: 00 264 62 581 885;
arnhem@afol.com.na
GOBABIS 58 West Nest Farm Stall & Bush Camp
Next to the B6, about 40 km west of Gobabis. Managers Anita and Thinus du Plessis cook up a storm: vegetable soup made on a woodburning stove, coffee, fresh bread, sausage and eggs for breakfast, and the best koeksisters in the Kalahari! The bush camp has four camping stands. Each stand has its own braai, a donkey boiler for hot water, a shower, a toilet and a basin. Camping R120 p.p. GPS: S22.390076 E18.605761
Contact: 00 264 62 570 343
59 West Nest Lodge
Located 35 km west of Gobabis and 168 km east of Windhoek off the B1. Camping R170 p.p. sharing, R290 with breakfast, R500 with dinner and breakfast. Safari tent R370 p.p. sharing, B&B R490, DB&B R700. Thatched chalet R510 p.p. sharing, B&B R630, DB&B R840. Luxury chalet R720 p.p. sharing, B&B R840, DB&B R1 050. The lodge has a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. There’s a jungle gym and a Putt-Putt course for the kids. GPS: S22.44298 E18.71318
Contact: 00 264 62 570 343; westnestlodge.com
60 Xain Quaz Rest Camp
Thatched chalets, bungalows and a campsite located 10 km west of Gobabis next to the B6. There are 16 camping stands with power. Each stand has its own ablution facilities, a small lawn and a braai. Camping R160 p.p. sharing (maximum six people per stand). Double room R600 per night. Family room R720 per night. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a bar, a swimming pool and Wi-Fi. GPS: S22.42466 E18.89403
Contact: 00 264 62 562 688 (Kathy)
61 Die Dam Trans Kalahari End Resort
Situated at the edge of Gobabis on the Tilda Viljoen Dam. Camping and caravan stands on a lawn, with power points. There’s a restaurant in an old prison building and mini golf. Camping R100 per stand and R100 per adult; R60 per child under 15. Self-catering chalets for two people from R990 per night (B&B), for one person from R550 per night (B&B). Family chalets from R1 650. Enquire about discounts for children aged 3 – 15. GPS: S22.44486 E18.96068
Contact: 00 264 62 565 656; gobabisdam@mweb.com.na
62 Goba Lodge and Rest Camp
At the edge of Gobabis. Campsites R100 p.p. plus R40 per vehicle per night (power available). Rest camp rooms (shared ablution facilities) R365 per night for two people; B&B R495. Lodge rooms (with DStv and aircon) from R850 per night for two people (from R980 B&B). Family rooms (sleep 3 – 5) from R990 per night; B&B from R1 180. GPS: S22.44887 E18.95596
Contact: 00 264 62 564 499; goba.iway.na
63 Harnas Wildlife Foundation
At this wildlife rehabilitation centre, about 90 km north-east of Gobabis, you get to see a wide variety of animals, including a pack of wild dogs. It’s a wellrun organisation with a good restaurant and bar at the reception complex. You’ll also get to meet the tame warthog Happy Meal and founding member Marieta van der Merwe – she’ll probably have a baboon on her shoulder or a cheetah cub in her arms.
The campsite is surrounded by leopard and cheetah enclosures and at night you can hear them growling right next to your tent. Camping R270 p.p. (maximum eight people per stand), including a bag of firewood. Self-catering accommodation from R1 800 per night for two people. Day visitors pay R180 p.p. – visit the website for wildlife encounters and rates. GPS: S21.79550 E19.32972
Contact: 00 264 62 568 828; harnas.org
64 Quinta Safari House
Janneman and Ena Wiese’s cattle farm is 45 km east of Gobabis and 63 km west of the Trans-Kalahari border post. Double room R750 per night. Single room R550 per night. Breakfast, dinner and padkos packs are available. The rooms are being renovated at the moment and will be open for business in November 2017.
GPS: S22.34011 E19.39346 (turn-off) Contact: 00 264 62 56 8911; 00 264 81 322 6050 (Ena)
65 Zelda Guest Farm
This cattle and game farm is 25 km from the Trans-Kalahari border post and 90 km east of Gobabis on the B6. They have a campsite, double rooms and family rooms (sleep two adults and two children), as well as interesting animals to see, like the tame warthog Otterjas. You can go on a game drive, explore the farm’s hiking trails, watch the cheetahs and leopards being fed and learn about the customs of the local Nharo Bushmen people. The 11 stands have lots of shade and braai facilities. Camping R120 p.p.; B&B R533 p.p. sharing (R275 for kids aged 3 – 11, who share a room with their parents). GPS: S22.30930 E19.81723
Contact: 00 264 62 560 427; zeldaguestfarm.com
66 East Gate
At the Trans-Kalahari border post. Camping R 120 p.p.; R140 for a caravan or camper van stand. Basic rooms (two single beds, shared ablution) R200 p.p. Bungalows with air conditioning, a kitchen, a shower and a toilet R750 per night for two people, R1 000 for 3 – 4 people and R1 400 per night for a family unit (sleeps four adults and two kids). They have a well-stocked shop at the entrance gate where you can get braai packs, breakfast, takeaways and even potjiekos (order in advance; minimum eight guests). GPS: S22.28283 E19.99055 Contact: 00 264 62 560 405; eastgate-namibia.com
KHOMAS HOCHLAND 67 Harmonie
About 90 km west of Windhoek on the C28, surrounded by mountains. It’s rough terrain but you don’t need a 4x4 to reach the campsite. Hike, look for rock art, birds or game. The campsite has two stands with power, toilets and hot water showers – R100 p.p. Self-catering flat (sleeps 2 – 3) R250 p.p. sharing. Drive a 4x4 trail: R150 per vehicle. GPS: S22.77959 E16.32910 (turn-off) Contact: 00 264 61 681 065 (Mike); 00 264 81 127 2709; 00 264 81 129 0963; harmonie@iway.na
68 Melrose Game Farm
Melrose is 45 km from Windhoek along the C26. Rent rooms at the homestead or stay in the luxurious Mission Lodge. Camping (13 stands with power) R120 p.p. per night. Rooms from R900 per night for two people (breakfast included). GPS: S22.88284 E16.89821 Contact: 00 264 61 234 298; melrosegamefarm.com
69 Weissenfels Guest Farm and Vortex Wellness Centre
About 110 km from Windhoek, next to the C26. Camping R150 p.p. Self-catering cabin R650 per night for two people sharing; R150 p.p. extra. Bed and breakfast R675 p.p. sharing. You can also go on hikes and horse rides. GPS: S23.31731 E16.44958
Contact: 000 264 81 292 3821 (Rosi); 000 264 81 124 1818 ( Winston); weissenfels namibia.com
70 Hakos Guest Farm
This guest farm is 135 km from Windhoek along the C26. Camping
R120 p.p. (four stands only). Double room R740 p.p. sharing (B&B). Meals are available on request. Hakos has the largest observatory in Namibia. Stargazers should check the website for technical information about available telescopes and mounts. GPS: S23.23535 E16.36297
Contact: 00 264 62 572 111; hakos-astrofarm.com
71 Corona Guest Farm
About 18 km off the C26; the turnoff is about 29 km from the C26/C14 junction. It’s cheaper when you stay for two nights or more: Rooms from R1 080 p.p. sharing (DB&B). Accommodation in tents is also available: R693 p.p. sharing (DB&B; staying two nights or longer). Children under 16 get a discount. GPS: S23.39008 E16.16000
Contact: 00 264 61 681 045; corona@iway.na
72 Rooiklip Guest Farm
About 18 km south of the C26. The three campsites are situated under rock overhangs. Each campsite has its own shower and toilet. Camping R185 p.p. The stone chalets at Camp Flintstone sleep two or four people and have communal ablution facilities and an open-air kitchen. Chalets R430 p.p. A guest room close to the farmhouse costs R830 p.p (B&B) or R1 075 p.p. (DB&B). Half-price for children aged 4 – 10; free for children under 4. GPS: S23.40658 E16.06061
Contact: 00 264 61 681 031; 00 264 81 128 7844; www.rooiklip.iway.na
73 Namib’s Valley of a Thousand Hills
A beautiful place on the edge of the Namib. The turn-off is about 11 km from the C26/C14 intersection – just follow the new signs. The campsite has a great view of the Gaub Valley. Each stand has its own ablution facilities and scullery. Camping R110 per stand and R140 p.p. sharing. Lodge rooms from R875 p.p. sharing (B&B). GPS: S23.394292 E15.934736 Contact: 00 264 81 382 2720 (Elize); namibsvalley.com
74 Lake Oanob Resort
A popular resort 7 km west of Rehoboth next to the Oanob Dam. You can go out on your boat, fish, paddle a kayak or drive a 4x4 trail. Camping from R80 p.p. (no shade) to R150 p.p. (shaded, waterfront). En suite double room R1 280 per night (B&B). Single room R970 per night (B&B). Family room (sleeps four) R1 580 per night (B&B). Luxury self-catering chalets (sleep 6 – 8) from R1 840 per night for two adults; R195 per extra adult and R95 per extra child aged 3 – 12. Enquire about discounts for SADC residents. GPS: S23.32249 E17.01621 Contact: 00 264 62 522 370;
oanob.com.na
75 Uhlenhorst Safaris
On most maps, Uhlenhorst is marked as a small town but it’s actually a farm. It’s about 200 km south-east of Windhoek. Camping in the garden R100 p.p. Double room R700 per night. Single room R400 per night. Farm breakfast R90 p.p. Book beforehand. GPS: S23.69280 E17.96802 Contact: 00 264 63 265 336 (Hoekus); www.uhlenhorst.iway.na
76 Bitterwasser
A popular destination for gliding enthusiasts, 20 km south of Uhlenhorst. There’s a restaurant on site. Double rooms from R1 330 p.p. sharing (DB&B). Accommodation in the old farmhouse (four single rooms; six double rooms) R990 p.p. sharing (DB&B). Rates increase during flying season (November to end of January). GPS: S23.86506 E17.99687 Contact: 00 264 63 265 300 (Ingo); bitterwasser.com
77 Rostock Ritz Lodge
The turn-off to the lodge is 43 km north of Solitaire, off the C14. Four camping stands with communal ablution facilities.
Camping R150 p.p. for groups of up to eight people; R1 300 per night for groups of 9 – 15 people. Kids under 12 camp for free. There is a braai with a wonderful view. Lodge rooms from R1 272 p.p. sharing (B&B, off-peak rate).
Prices go up in July. Enquire about 20 % SADC discount at the lodge. The lodge and campsite are some distance apart. GPS: S23.55960 E15.84262 Contact: 00 264 81 258 5722;
rostock-ritz-desert-lodge.com
78 Charé Guest Farm
This farm, owned by Boesman and Yuri Davids, is on the C14, 34 km north of Solitaire. They have a campsite and Boesman offers dune tours. See page 83 for more information and rates.
79 Tsondab Valley Scenic Reserve
The turn-off to this beautiful place (landscape photographers will love it) is 9 km north of Solitaire off the C14. Chalets from R2 580 p.p. sharing (DB&B). They offer scenic flights over the desert. GPS: S23.87002 E15.83610 Contact: 00 264 63 293 383; 00 264 81 1283 266; tsondab.com
80 Spreetshoogte Campsite
About 43 km north-east of Solitaire on the D1275. The campsite is halfway up the Spreetshoogte Pass, with a great view of the Namib Valley. Two stands and a chalet, each with its own ablution facilities, hot water and electricity. Camping R120 p.p. sharing. Chalet R225 p.p. sharing; 50 % discount for kids under 10. GPS: S23.66022 E16.16453 Contact: 00 264 81 268 8259;
natron.net/tour/spreetshoogte
81 Camp Gecko
About 30 km north-east of Solitaire on the D1275, in the foothills of the Khomas Hochland. The camp has three kinds of stands: under a tree (R90 p.p. sharing), on a hilltop (R150 p.p. sharing) or away from everyone else in a dry riverbed (R150 p.p. sharing). Bush tents R800 p.p. sharing. Thatched family cottages from R790 p.p. sharing. Double-storey hides from R900 p.p. sharing. Rates include breakfast. Buy a handmade knife or jewellery at the reception office. GPS: S23.71094 E16.07118
Contact: 00 264 62 572 017; campgecko.net
82 Solitaire Namibia
Solitaire is the size of two rugby fields, but there’s a filling station (50 ppm diesel), a restaurant, a bakery, a bar, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi and a place to sleep – everything you need after a long drive. Solitaire Lodge and Solitaire Desert Farm have merged. The new place is known as Solitaire Namibia.
Lodge accommodation: En suite double room R935 p.p. sharing (B&B). Single room R1 057 per night (B&B). Family room (two adults and two kids under 12) R2 085 per night (B&B). Dinner R235 p.p. Lunch pack for the road: R130 p.p.
Solitaire Desert Farm is 7 km from the lodge. En suite double room R920 p.p. sharing (B&B). Single room R1 020 (B&B). Family room (two adults and two kids under 12) R2 760 per night (B&B). Camping R150 p.p. Campers can order breakfast (R115 p.p.) and lunch packs (R150 p.p.) Dinner is served at the farm (R210 p.p.), but for lunch you have to head back to Café van der Lee at the lodge.
GPS: S23.89394 E16.00571 (Solitaire Lodge); S23.86488 E16.05858 (Solitaire Desert Farm)
Contact: 00 264 67240901; solitairenamibia.com
83 Ababis Guest Farm
About 13 km south of Solitaire next to the C14. Camping R180 p.p.