Cape Fox Guided Safari: Day-by-day

A stunning hotel focused around the estate house of an old vineyard, the Weinberg Hotel is arguably Windhoek's hidden gem. In its 21st-century incarnation, the Weinberg Estate amounts to a luxurious self-contained village, with most amenities that you could need without having to venture into the city centre.

Enjoy a few hours of pampering and relaxation at the Soulstice Spa or a refreshing swim in its outdoor pool; settle down with a glass of wine in the library; sample the local cuisine at one of five restaurants on the estate; or take in the views of Windhoek from the Sky Lounge.

The on-site gym has a view too, softening the blow of exercising off those excess pounds, and there's a hair salon to help you prepare for an evening out. The estate even has its own ATM.

"Comfortable, convenient to restaurants."

MDBfromAlaska

Arrived 17 Oct 2024, 1 night

And then there are the rooms. Just 41 of them make up this unusual hotel, in six different styles – some with views, some with kitchenettes (did we mention the on-site delicatessen?), some split level – and all very comfortable indeed. With so many options, the Weinberg works for individuals, couples, even families; what more could you ask? See our full report on Weinberg Hotel

Dead Valley Lodge opened on the 1st of July 2019. The lodge is situated inside the Namib-Naukluft Park, in-between Sesriem and Elim Dune. We understand it’s a good value mid-range lodge and an excellent base from which to visit the famous dunes and pans of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei.

"excellent location... friendly staff... comfortable"

Jane UfromLondon

Arrived 9 Dec 2023, 2 nights

We are looking forward to visiting Dead Valley Lodge for the first time. It seems like a great new addition to the Sossusvlei area and being inside the park makes it an interesting new prospect. See our full report on Dead Valley Lodge

Small, friendly and particularly personable, Cornerstone has a welcoming feel that makes you feel instantly at home. It’s also in a near-perfect location: close to the heart of Swakopmund, yet just a short walk to the ocean, and barely more than that to the fringing sands of the Namib Desert. After a long drive or a busy safari, this owner-run bed and breakfast is an ideal spot to catch your breath.

Set yourself up for the day in the large, bright breakfast room, where a substantial buffet is matched by home-cooked bacon and eggs. Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or tea against a background of soft music, or rummage through the selection of books about Namibia before setting off to explore.

Swakopmund itself has cafés, shops, museums and restaurants aplenty – all within easy walking distance of Cornerstone. Just a little further afield you could take a guided trip into the desert, head south to the lagoon at Walvis Bay, or challenge yourself to one of the local adrenalin activities.

"The guest house was well managed"

Mr & Mrs H fromLeicester

Arrived 16 Sep 2024, 3 nights

Returning to your comfortable room in the afternoon, a powerful shower awaits, as does a private patio set with a table and chairs – or you could wander round the attractive gardens. Then all you need to do is decide where to have dinner – perhaps over a refreshing cool drink. See our full report on Cornerstone Guesthouse

A partnership with the local community, the fortress-like Doro Nawas is strategically placed for visiting the highlights of Damaraland. Brooding atop a rugged hill like some dark, Moorish castle, Doro Nawas boasts 360-degree views across the surrounding plains.

Like all proper castles, it comes complete with great big wooden doors, a crackling fireplace, and a rooftop look-out post where 21st-century inhabitants can gaze at the stars – or scan the plains for ostrich or even desert-adapted elephants.

Encircling the slopes below, steeply thatched chalets are cool and dark inside, contrasting with the harsh sun above. A cooling fan and extra blankets are on hand to counter the extremes of temperature, and fluffy towels bring warmth to the spacious bathrooms.

Outside, a shaded veranda features a shower-with-a-view, with privacy guaranteed by simple wooden palisades. But when the veranda really comes into its own is after dark, when the beds can be rolled out for you to cosy up under the stars.

Born of a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the Doro !Nawas community, the lodge is an outstanding example of such partnerships.

"Staff was so exceptional that this was a highlight of our stay - joyfulness"

MDBfromAlaska

Arrived 9 Oct 2024, 2 nights

A stay here is particularly memorable as most of the staff are drawn from the area, giving guests the opportunity of an insight into their culture that is far more personal than any structured village visit. See our full report on Doro Nawas

Perched atop a dolomite hill, Mountain Lodge has commanding views of one of Namibia’s largest private reserves. This wildlife-rich area, Etosha Heights, covers 600km² and shares a 65km fence with the iconic Etosha National Park. The lodge, more formally known as Etosha Mountain Lodge, was established in 1999 as the original safari destination on the reserve.

"Absolutely superb"

Mr and Mrs MfromScotland

Arrived 17 Nov 2023, 3 nights

Mountain Lodge is a comfortable lodge in the classic Namibian style, within a wildlife haven that is of a different kind to the neighbouring national park. We recommend travellers come here to avoid the crowds of Etosha and enjoy the kind of flexible activities that can only be enjoyed on a private reserve, such as walking, night drives and driving off road. Time spent here would combine well with a few nights closer to the national park. See our full report on Mountain Lodge

Simple yet welcoming, the relaxed Mushara Bush Camp is a perfect option for families. Family tents can sleep two small children; a fenced shallow pool sits alongside its larger sibling; books, crafts and toys are there for the asking; there are even childminders on hand. For the safari goer with youngsters, it's pretty impressive.

Yet it's by no means all about children, for Bush Camp has plenty of other cards up its sleeve. Excellent value, for starters, along with really friendly service and a superb location for visiting Etosha.

Then there are cool, spacious tents, their beds festooned with net curtains adorned with small buttons, their lighting reminiscent of old-fashioned lanterns. And private verandas with twin canvas chairs that overlook the bush.

Plentiful and varied meals may be taken in the warmly lit dining area, but are often served semi-alfresco, shaded beneath a deeply thatched roof. As the temperature falls after sunset, gather around a welcoming campfire to discuss the day's adventures.

"Wonderful place, beautiful setting, very private"

Mr & Mrs BfromWraysbury

Arrived 19 Sep 2024, 2 nights

With Etosha just 9km from Mushara, those adventures can be many and varied. Explore the park in your own vehicle, perhaps watching animals at one of the waterholes, or join a guide for a 4WD game drive, and benefit from their experience and knowledge. Both can be excellent; what a choice! See our full report on Mushara Bush Camp

To stay at Ai Aiba is to be immersed in an extraordinary gallery of ancient rock art. It's no accident that the place is also known as The Rock Painting Lodge, for here – amidst the rugged terrain of the remote Erongo Mountains – the San people were recording their way of life in art more than 2,000 years ago.

It’s fitting, then, that Ai Aiba is a simple lodge, its deeply thatched roofs and small windows keeping the extremes of weather at bay.

That’s not to say it goes without creature comforts: air conditioning in the 20 en-suite rooms is welcome in the summer heat, while enjoying a coffee in your own living area or veranda is the perfect way to unwind in privacy.

The main area is comfortable, too, with tables laid for good, home-cooked meals, a warming fire for winter evenings and a bar on hand for cooling drinks.

But it’s the great outdoors that is at the heart of the lodge’s appeal. Even without leaving the grounds you can bask by the palm-shaded pool or settle down in the peace of the lush gardens.

"Beautiful chalets spread out to face the dessert and hills."

P and J fromSF

Arrived 11 Sep 2024, 2 nights

Explore on foot, with or without a guide; you just choose the distance. Or venture further by 4WD and discover more of Erongo’s secrets. And to learn more, take in a visit to one of Namibia’s “living museums”, where San people depict their traditional way of life. See our full report on Ai Aiba Lodge