Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari: Day-by-day

Every desert, whether of sand or concrete, needs an oasis and Galton House fits the bill. After a day travelling across Namibia’s great plains or weaving through Windhoek traffic, Galton House is a cool sanctuary of minimalist, state-of-the-art décor.

The old capital still bears traces of its German colonial past, and its newest kid on the block is like a time portal into the modern era. Think Scandi-cool in Africa, this is a smart boutique hotel in all but name.

Situated in a quiet, affluent suburb a few minutes from the city centre, its complex of nine rooms with a small pool is an interior designer's daydream of wood, glass and marble enlivened by canvas prints of striking wildlife photography and indigenous tribes.

The open-plan lounge is an invitation to relax with a book, and with friendly staff on hand to cook up amazing dishes served in the open-plan dining area, there's no need to head into town for dinner.

"The room was good and convenient for us."

A & KfromBolton

Arrived 9 Oct 2024, 1 night

Since we're now back in the 21st century, high-speed WiFi, satellite TV and air conditioning are standard. After a long flight or day's sightseeing, there are few modern oases more welcome. See our full report on Galton House

Inspired by the colours and wildlife of the Kalahari, the quirkily designed Kalahari Red Dunes offers terrific hiking. Gently undulating burnt-orange sand dunes are the setting for this spectacular rustic lodge set amid 4,000 hectares of private reserve in the Kalahari.

Thatched, circular stone huts, each quirkily named after animals found on the reserve, offer cloud-like beds prettily embroidered with animal patterns, polished wooden floors with animal skin rugs and beautifully finished red mosaic bathrooms.

First on the agenda here should be a tramp across the disorientating, plant-speckled Kalahari dunes. Surrounding the property are a number of signposted trails to sunset spots, where wildebeest, zebra or the occasional tower of giraffes wander undisturbed across the reserve.

Offered as an extra is an overnight Trans-Kalahari Walk, which will see you arriving at breakfast and lunch spots before reaching the lodge’s second camp, complete with plunge pool, braai area and two chalets in warm tones of red and orange.

"Can’t praise this lodge enough!...Might be our favourite of the trip!"

MarVilfromSouth Africa

Arrived 1 Jul 2024, 1 night

Come nightfall, the restaurant and bar area of Kalahari Red Dunes comes alive, twinkling with fairy lights. There’s a wide selection of local wines, delicious food and (in winter) a roaring fire, which makes for a memorable evening – particularly if you can spot an eland or an oryx chomping on the grass from the flood-lit dry lake. See our full report on Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge

Close to Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, Canyon Village (previously called Canon or Cañon Village) is beautiful located at the base of a number of bare rocky hills, or kopjes, in the middle of a vast rocky landscape. Although the lodge is modern, a traditional feel comes from a series of attractive murals that depict various scenes from when the Nama people used to inhabit the region.

"... in terms of convenience and location, this really is the only choice."

Richard & CarolinefromGB

Arrived 24 Aug 2022, 2 nights

Canyon Village has a great location near to Fish River Canyon, allowing self-driving guests to explore the area on their own. The lodge is often frequented by groups, but don't let this put you off as its friendly service, pretty views and welcoming staff make it a good place to base yourself to explore this area of Namibia. See our full report on Canyon Village

The owner-run Desert Horse Inn stands on the Klein-Aus Vista reserve, which is reminiscent of a 'Western' movie set. It's about 1,400m above sea level, in a totally unspoilt semi-desert area, with wide-open plains against a backdrop of mountains. As well as offering some excellent walking, Klein-Aus Vista works as a base to visit Lüderitz, some 125km to the west.

"The best food of the entire trip."

J n SfromYorkshire

Arrived 28 Feb 2023, 1 night

The Desert Horse Inn is a welcoming and homely lodge. It makes a convenient stop for those travelling between Sossusvlei and Fish River Canyon, but if you have a little extra time and want to enjoy the reserve, search out the feral horses or visit Lüderitz and Kolmanskop, we'd suggest at least a couple of nights here. See our full report on Desert Horse Inn

Desert Quiver Camp can be spotted from miles away, with it’s simple but comfortable self-catering chalets stretching across the desert plains, just 5km from the Sesriem entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

"sensible and low key The desert location is lovely"

J n SfromYorkshire

Arrived 1 Mar 2023, 2 nights

Desert Quiver Camp is a great budget option for self-drivers visiting this area who are happy to cater for their own meals. We like the look of the modern, comfortable chalets and they are well placed for easy access to Sossusvlei. See our full report on Desert Quiver Camp

Efficient, fresh and comfortable, The Delight is a riot of contemporary colour in the centre of Swakopmund. Turquoise walls and brilliant whites tone with Swakopmund’s seaside setting, but vivid scarlet soft furnishings add a zing that makes this modern hotel decidedly different. And if that doesn’t make you sit up and pay attention, check out the chandelier in the entrance area!

Outside, the feel is very different. From the road, The Delight’s expanse of glass is in stark contrast to the town’s traditional German-inspired architecture, but if you have a room at the back, step out onto your small private veranda and you’ll be confronted by a tranquil courtyard whose lines are softened by palms, pots and waving grasses.

Black-and-white “frescos” in the en-suite rooms enhance that sense of calm, their wooden floors and simple wooden furniture creating a somewhat Nordic look to offset the bright palette.

Back in the communal area, your senses re-awakened, indulge in a good buffet breakfast before exploring the town, or stop by – like the locals – for a midday coffee or a pre- or post-dinner drink.

"Pleasantly surprised. Nice spacious rooms."

Miss Honey T.fromGreece

Arrived 28 Jun 2024, 3 nights

The Delight makes a refreshing change from Swakopmund’s smaller guesthouses and B&Bs. It may be larger than the norm, but along with the real sense of fun, it is efficiently run and has a great location. See our full report on The Delight

At last, travellers can explore the majesty of the Spitzkoppe massif from a comfortable, attractive lodge in a dramatic setting. Strung out among the boulders at the foot of the mountain, Spitzkoppen Lodge is almost dwarfed by the surrounding grandeur.

Granite boulders smoothed over millennia gleam red in the evening sun, their nooks and crannies populated by busy rock hyrax. Deep in those crevices are hidden galleries of San rock art, hinting at the history of these ancient hills. And high above looms the lofty pinnacle that is Spitzkoppe itself.

Sensibly, the brains behind the lodge have kept their touch light, letting the setting speak for itself. High walkways weave over and around the rocks between the chalets and the hub of the lodge, with mountain views or hidden crannies at almost every turn.

Light floods into the rooms and the central area from giant picture windows, with natural wood and soft fabrics adding to the sense of space. And the pool – set into a natural depression with magnificent views from the surrounding rocks – simply adds to the drama.

"Definitely one of the highlights of our 5 week trip."

Mr & Mrs M fromHagley

Arrived 28 May 2024, 2 nights

Head out across the plains from your chalet and explore the private reserve in solitude, or join a guided walk or drive, perhaps taking in the Zebra Pool or a magnificent rock arch. Then return to herald the sunset, drink in hand, and reflect on the wonders of nature. See our full report on Spitzkoppen Lodge

Every desert, whether of sand or concrete, needs an oasis and Galton House fits the bill. After a day travelling across Namibia’s great plains or weaving through Windhoek traffic, Galton House is a cool sanctuary of minimalist, state-of-the-art décor.

The old capital still bears traces of its German colonial past, and its newest kid on the block is like a time portal into the modern era. Think Scandi-cool in Africa, this is a smart boutique hotel in all but name.

Situated in a quiet, affluent suburb a few minutes from the city centre, its complex of nine rooms with a small pool is an interior designer's daydream of wood, glass and marble enlivened by canvas prints of striking wildlife photography and indigenous tribes.

The open-plan lounge is an invitation to relax with a book, and with friendly staff on hand to cook up amazing dishes served in the open-plan dining area, there's no need to head into town for dinner.

"Lovely stay. Lovely swimming pool. V friendly owner"

Mr&mrs Afromlondon

Arrived 2 Nov 2024, 1 night

Since we're now back in the 21st century, high-speed WiFi, satellite TV and air conditioning are standard. After a long flight or day's sightseeing, there are few modern oases more welcome. See our full report on Galton House