Island Cottage: Our full report

Looking out over the ocean from Shark Island, Island Cottage is a small, self-catering guesthouse.

Its location, slightly out of Lüderitz town itself, makes it relatively quiet, albeit sometimes battered by the elements.

Despite the name, Island Cottage is a group of three self-contained apartments in a modern dark-red building. Although each apartment is brightly painted and well finished, in its own style, all are cosy and well-equipped, their large windows capitalising on the sea views and giving them a light and airy feel. A small balcony, en-suite bathroom and television are also standard, and tea and coffee are provided in all.

The larger Seagull and Penguin “cottages” each have a double bed and a convertible sofa, so can sleep a family of up to four. They also have fully equipped kitchenettes including a fridge, kettle, microwave, sink and some cutlery and crockery. The smaller Flamingo apartment, which was the only one available for us to see when we popped in for a visit in April 2018, comes without the sofa and only has a “breakfast corner” with a fridge, toaster and kettle; it wouldn’t be possible to cook a full meal here.

As each apartment is self-contained there are no communal area to speak of here, but there are braai (BBQ) facilities shared with other guests and the family that owns the guesthouse, who live on site. Other amenities include free WiFi and secure parking.

The most recent addition to the guesthouse is the cottage spa, which offers a range of treatments – from facials to massages – to guests and non-residents alike.

Our view

Island Cottage offers a clean, cosy and simple self-catering stay on the windy and often desolate Shark Island. The quiet out-of-town location is a good spot for those wishing to explore Lüderitz and the surrounding attractions away from the bustle of the town itself.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Luderitz, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: 2 nights
Directions: Island Cottage is located in the north of Luderitz, on Kreplin Insel, by the sea.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Room Only
Food quality: No food is provided here – it is self catering accommodation.
Drinks included: None

Children

Attitude towards children: Island Cottage accepts children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions here.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: In a quiet corner of the Sikumbi Forest Reserve, Bomani Tented Lodge has its own private gate into Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Overlooking a pumped waterhole, the lodge has an attractive outlook but the real draw is access to several photographic hides in the park.

Communications

Communications: There is good cellphone reception here.
TV & radio: Each apartment has a TV.
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: The en-suite bathrooms are fully plumbed with hot and cold running water and flush toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: There are doctors in Ludertiz.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: In a quiet corner of the Sikumbi Forest Reserve, Bomani Tented Lodge has its own private gate into Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Overlooking a pumped waterhole, the lodge has an attractive outlook but the real draw is access to several photographic hides in the park.
Fire safety: In a quiet corner of the Sikumbi Forest Reserve, Bomani Tented Lodge has its own private gate into Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Overlooking a pumped waterhole, the lodge has an attractive outlook but the real draw is access to several photographic hides in the park.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Self-guided walking

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: No facilities
Money: Every apartment has its own safe.
Accepted payment on location: Payment may be made by Visa or Mastercard, or in cash using Namibian dollars or South African rand.