Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari: Day-by-day

Elegant is a simple, homely guesthouse that provides the ideal starting or finishing point for an epic Namibian road-trip. A simple, chic Windhoek guesthouse that’s the ideal place to relax at the beginning or end of your trip. Elegant by name, elegant by nature. It’s the watchword of this simple, contemporary pension in quiet residential neighbourhood Klein Windhoek. The guesthouse is close enough to the city centre (five minutes’ drive ish) to revel in the low-key buzz of Namibia’s capital, but far enough away to offer a slice of suburban cool (literally, thanks to plenty of shady spots).

Six low-slung white-and-brick rooms gathered around a courtyard are welcoming and comfortable, and the palm trees sticking out of the corrugated roof add a playful touch.

There’s an easy-breezy open-plan feel here, helped by the homely lounge (particularly inviting after a hot afternoon spent exploring Windhoek), pool surrounded by sun loungers, pot plants placed at jaunty angles around the property and groomed lawn complete with bistro furniture. The easy-going vibe makes it an ideal place to begin or end your Namibia trip.

"Great city hotel. Very clean, tidy and well located. Staff were friendly."

Mr NfromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 7 Nov 2023, 1 night

Although the breakfast here is excellent (think eggs and bacon on demand), make the pilgrimage to Joe’s Beerhouse down the road from the hotel for lunch or dinner. It’s a lively, beer bottle-decorated sprawl of tables and a local must-do. See our full report on Elegant Guesthouse

Underpinning almost every stay at Okonjima is the chance to track – and photograph – wildlife, and especially leopard. Even for the most casual visitor, the plains, rocks and riverine thickets of the huge Okonjima private reserve make an enticing setting for a game drive or a walk through the bush; for the keen photographer, it's close to leopard heaven.

To an extent, Plains Camp mirrors the size of the reserve in its sheer scale. Whether they're after a drink or a substantial meal, a curio or to book a game drive, guests gather in The Barn, a spacious yet contemporary take on a traditional farm building, complete with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the plains. Murals depict the cattle-farming origins of the camp, while an old farm dam is the influence behind the swimming pool.

Echoing the sense of space are the bedrooms, where splashes of colour and African artwork offset the light décor, and views from the beds could be an incentive for a lie-in.

"a number of guided walks, well marked and quite challenging on rocky terrain."

Mr & Mrs LfromGloucester

Arrived 11 Oct 2024, 1 night

And in case you need a further incentive, a stay at Okonjima also contributes to the work of the AfriCat Foundation, which is committed to further wildlife conservation through education and research. See our full report on Okonjima Plains Camp

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.

"Fantastic location and great outlook... staff friendliness second to none"

J&LfromUK

Arrived 17 Nov 2024, 3 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

For most visitors, Okaukuejo is about just one thing: a wonderful floodlit waterhole that's a magnet for wildlife. Right in the heart of Etosha, the waterhole is – for humans and animals alike – the focal point of the Okaukuejo Resort. Despite changes over the years, the camp remains true to its roots: a place where visitors can get up close and personal with the park's fabled wildlife.

The rambling range of accommodation remains, too, making it work for solo travellers, couples, families, or groups of friends. It may not be luxury, but it is relatively affordable, with self-catering options for those on a budget, and a small convenience shop on site.

A rather old-fashioned bar makes a good place to start the evening, before dining inside or out at the buffet restaurant (which is open for breakfast and lunch and dinner). Three swimming pools vie for family attention, and a fuel station looks after the basics.

"It is worth coming because the animals are amazing"

Mr & Mrs HfromYorkshire

Arrived 1 Nov 2024, 3 nights

But all this is to Etosha as popcorn is to the cinema: a sideshow to the main event. By day or by night, find a ringside seat by the waterhole, then sit back and watch. Or explore by vehicle – your own wheels or an organised game drive – and discover why Etosha is Namibia's flagship national park. See our full report on Okaukuejo Camp

A luxurious retreat on a private reserve, Mushara Outpost is just a short hop from Namibia’s flagship national park. And what a retreat! With just eight rooms, a dining table that oozes grandeur and a very smart swimming pool, it's both intimate and classy.

Tented rooms at Outpost feel more like substantial chalets, their polished floors mirroring solid wooden frames, their air conditioning mitigating the extremes of Namibia's climate.

Neutral décor creates an airy feel, while full-length white curtains frame glass picture windows and doors with views over the reserve – views shared by a glass-walled shower and a spacious raised deck.

Spectacular monochrome photos set the tone in the main area, whose leather chairs, quirky light fittings and wraparound veranda take the so-called “farmhouse” style to a whole new level.

Adding to the sense of relaxation are mature trees in well-tended gardens which in turn attract the birds. For a closer look, though, head for the small hide and settle back in comfort with a pair of binoculars, and perhaps a drink.

"Beautiful lodge with excellent facilities...the best wildlife guide"

Mr&mrs Afromlondon

Arrived 30 Oct 2024, 3 nights

Yet for all the style, the key to Outpost is its location: just 10km from the eastern gate into Etosha. It's easy to drive yourself, but consider, too, the option of an organised game drive, with a knowledgeable guide to seek out the best sightings. See our full report on Mushara Outpost

Situated on the banks of the Kavango River, Hakusembe River Lodge is a substantial but established lodge, which has been extended in recent years. It's a peaceful spot, about 12km west of the town of Rundu at the gateway to Namibia’s Caprivi Strip (or Zambezi Region). The lodge is set in lovely well-kept gardens, with roses and other colourful flowers planted in lawns that lead down to the river. Ample shade is provided during the heat of the day by acacia trees, beloved of the resident bird population.

"Great location by the river with great food and friendly staff."

Boghall birderfromRoslin

Arrived 14 Nov 2022, 1 night

Hakusembe River Lodge is in a fantastic location and setting. Despite its size it serves as a good-value and relaxing staging platform for a trip along the Caprivi Strip. It would also be a good base for keen anglers. See our full report on Hakusembe River Lodge

Floating down the narrow, lily-strewn channels that surround Nxamaseri offers a truly tranquil perspective on the Okavango. As your boat glides up to Nxamaseri's wooden jetty, the lodge's island location comes into its own. Cast away for the duration of your stay, you'll be welcomed and looked after by staff drawn largely from the local community.

Spacious chalets of wood and canvas nestle into the thick riverine vegetation, most high enough to look over the water from their wooden decks and semi-open bedrooms – and deliciously cool even in the heat of the day.

Sharing that perspective are a comfortable lounge with handcrafted furniture, a solid communal dining table, and a firepit where guests gather to discuss the day's adventures.

Nxamaseri was founded as a fishing lodge, and remains a superb spot for both experienced anglers and those just wanting to have a go – in the expert hands of guides who have grown up around these waters.

Come, too, for the birds – the resident waterbirds, the occasional rarity such as the slaty egret or African skimmer, and those that flock here on migration, including the spectacular carmine bee-eater.

"The food, service and room were excellent...would love to return Nxamaseri!!"

Ms J.fromNorthallerton

Arrived 29 Jun 2023, 2 nights

But most of all, come for the setting – both the river itself, and the nearby Tsodilo Hills, whose ancient rock art reflects a culture whose influence continues down the years. See our full report on Nxamaseri Lodge

Jackalberry Tented Camp lies in the far north of Namibia, on its own exclusive concession deep within Nkasa Rupara National Park (formerly Mamili National Park). It was initially opened in 2015 as a self-catering camp for those looking to enjoy unrivalled access to the park. Then in February 2016 the owners decided to change tack and it is now an intimate, fully catered and hosted eco-camp.

"we would often see warthog and other small game from outside our bedroom window."

Mr & Mrs GfromCottenham

Arrived 7 Dec 2022, 2 nights

Small and remote, Jackalberry Tented Camp has a real wilderness feel. We think that it would suit those looking for something off the beaten track and a little adventurous without compromising on comfort. See our full report on Jackalberry Tented Camp

Traditional yet informal, Muchenje is perched on an escarpment with commanding views over the Chobe River. And those views are magnificent! Spread out on either side of the river are seasonal floodplains, their open spaces a magnet for wildlife. Just to watch from your chalet, or from the viewing deck by the pool, is to become absorbed in the comings and goings below. Zebra and wildebeest, elephant and giraffe, the predators largely hidden in the dense bush behind.

Like the surroundings, Muchenje feels almost fixed in time. Comfortable and solidly built, it’s a place to exhale and enjoy, with good yet relaxed service, and excellent guiding.

The guides do their utmost to ensure that you make the most of your time here, whether it’s venturing up the Chobe River by boat, or exploring the varied habitats of Chobe National Park in an open-sided 4WD. Take a picnic for a full-day’s excursion, or return for lunch in the heat of the day. Or perhaps – a bonus of Muchenje’s location outside the national park – walk with a guide into the forest reserve, or head out after dinner in search of Botswana’s nocturnal creatures.

".. lovely position overlooking the Chobe River. Fabulous views.. Great guide."

Mr & Mrs J.fromChester

Arrived 25 Sep 2022, 3 nights

Then make your way to the firepit for a nightcap: a fitting end to a fascinating day. See our full report on Muchenje Safari Lodge

Barely ten minutes’ walk from the fabled Victoria Falls, Ilala is perfectly placed to marvel at nature’s grandeur. Whether you visit on your own, or join a guided tour booked through the hotel’s activity centre, the Falls are unmissable!

Proximity to the Falls doesn’t make Ilala remote; in fact, it's even closer to the small town of Victoria Falls. Yet the setting is far from urban, with sweeping lawns dotted with mature golden laburnums, their shade welcome in the heat of the day.

The hotel remains family owned, and despite an increase in size it retains a “lodge” atmosphere. Its 73 air-conditioned rooms and suites offer plenty of choice, their crisp white linen offset by dark wood giving a colonial feel. Each has patio doors that open either onto a veranda or balcony, and every room has a view.

Making the most of the setting are umbrella-shaded sunloungers around a sparkling swimming pool, with a cocktail bar just arm’s reach away.

In the evenings, dine in the Palm Restaurant, where the food is among the best in the area. Tables spill over onto a terrace and live piano music adds a touch of romance – perhaps enhanced by the moon rising behind the spray from the Falls.

"Lovely hotel, great food, very helpful staff"

Mr & Mrs HfromWirral

Arrived 18 Sep 2024, 2 nights

Please note: Ilala Lodge will be closed between 19 Jan 2025 to 01 March 2025 as they do an extensive upgrade to the hotels main kitchen. See our full report on Ilala Lodge