River Crossing: Our full report

Just 3km from the centre of Windhoek, towards the airport, River Crossing is set in a 6,500-hectare game reserve.

Although it is close to Windhoek, it has a quiet rural setting and feels more like a safari lodge than a hotel. The lodge is built on a hill offering views of mountains in one direction, and the city of Windhoek in the distance in the other.

From the entrance at River Crossing, steps lead up to a modern U-shaped main building, where you are welcomed by friendly staff at a free-standing bar at the base of the U. To one side, the lounge area is filled with big leather sofas and dark-wood furniture, and decorated in russet colours. Floor-to-ceiling windows at one end give a light, bright feel and offer lovely views of the surrounding mountains. In the dining area, individual tables and chairs are set both inside and outside on the deck, with more stunning views.

Sheltered within the centre of the U outside is a rectangular swimming pool, surrounded by a relaxing patio where guests can sit for meals or drinks at any time of day.

Gravel pathways wind through the bush towards the rooms at River Crossing: 20 terracotta-coloured individual bungalows dotted along the hilltop. Of these, 14 have views towards the mountains and the sunrise, and six towards Windhoek, whose twinkling lights are appealing after dark. Most of the rooms are identical in style, although two 'honeymoon' rooms have a bath rather than a shower in the bathroom, and four of the rooms have three beds – ideal for guests travelling with children.

The rooms are simple in style, spacious, clean and are air conditioned. All have polished concrete floors scattered with rugs, and are decorated in neutral browns and creams in a range of textured fabrics. Black-and-white photos of Windhoek from bygone days adorn the walls, and bright patterned cushions and pillows add a splash of colour. The furniture is dark wood and you'll also find a well-stocked minibar (not included in the cost), tea and coffee making facilities, a wall-mounted television, a writing desk and two small seating areas – one inside, and one on the covered veranda. The en-suite bathrooms have a shower (or bath), single basin and toilet, with a range of toiletries provided.

River Crossing offers a selection of activities, at extra cost, all of which can be arranged locally. There are scenic drives by 4WD vehicle through the reserve, which is home to giraffe, eland, wildebeest, zebra, impala and waterbuck among others (N$600/£30 for 3 hours). Alternatively, guests can explore the area on foot with a local guide (N$250/£12 for 2 hours). There are also some nearby stables (not owned by the lodge) where it is possible to do morning and afternoon horse rides.

Our view

River Crossing is only a 30-minute drive from Windhoek airport so makes a great overnight stop at the beginning or end of your Namibia trip. Its tranquil setting makes it an ideal option for travellers not wanting to overnight in the city.

Sabina Hekandjo

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: 1-2 nights
Directions: River Crossing is well signposted from the airport road, about 15 minutes' drive from the centre of Windhoek and 30 minutes from the airport. From the main road it is a further 2km to the lodge about 1.5km of which is on a gravel road and the last, steeper stretch is paved.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: Breakfast is served buffet style with a selection of fruit juices, cereals, yoghurts, freshly baked breads and muffins, cold meats and cheeses, as well as cooked options.

A light lunch menu offers sandwiches, chicken salad, mushroom pasta, fish and chips and beef sirloin or rump steak.

The dinner menu changes daily and includes three courses with a starter, choice of main course (normally fish, meat or vegetarian) and a dessert. On our last visit in October 2016 we tried the salmon and avocado salad starter, followed by pork neck in mustard with potato gratin, and chocolate brownie for desert. We thought the food was fair but not outstanding.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service is available.
Drinks included: Drinks are not included. At the time of our visit a glass of wine cost N$35/£1.75, a beer N$20/£1.00 and a soft drink N$15/£0.75.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at River Crossing.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at River Crossing.
Special activities & services: There are no special activities for children, but they are welcome to take part in those activities on offer.
Equipment: A cot and highchair are available on request.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Children must be supervised by their parents at all times as the lodge is not fenced in and the pool is open.

Communications

Communications: WiFi is available in the main building as well as all the rooms and the area has good cellphone reception.
TV & radio: All rooms have TVs with a selection of satellite channels.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: The borehole water is filtered for drinking

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: There are many doctors and hospitals in Windhoek.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There are security guards on duty at night.
Fire safety: Each room has a fire extinguisher.

Activities

4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Self-guided walking

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service at extra cost, from N$5/£0.25 to N$30/£1.50 per item.
Money: There is no currency exchange available at the lodge, but that can be arranged at the airport or in Windhoek. There are no safes in the rooms but valuable can be left in the main safe at reception.
Accepted payment on location: Visa and MasterCard are accepted as well as cash in Namibian dollars and South African rand.