Finding the best accommodation in Namibia is the secret to a successful road trip, as the vast distances and remote landscapes mean where you rest is just as important as the drive itself.
In this guide, I’m sharing the eco-friendly and luxury stays I personally tested, from the quiet streets of Windhoek to the dramatic Atlantic coast in Swakopmund.
Best Accommodation in Namibia: From Windhoek to Swakopmund
Essentials to Know Before Traveling to Namibia
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (May to October): This is the best time to visit! The weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes.
Wet Season (November to April): The landscapes are lush and green; however, some areas in the north are less accessible due to heavy rains.
How to Get Around Namibia
Namibia is one of the easiest African countries to travel independently, and self-driving is by far the most popular way to get around. Roads between major destinations are well marked, traffic is minimal, and most travelers you’ll meet are doing the same route.
If you want full flexibility and don’t mind long scenic drives, renting a sturdy car or 4×4 in Windhoek makes planning much easier, especially for places like Sossusvlei or Etosha!
If you’re not keen on driving yourself, shared shuttles between Windhoek and Swakopmund are available and surprisingly convenient. Transfers usually take around 4 to 5 hours, include hotel pickup, and remove the need to navigate gravel roads or organize fuel stops. It’s a popular option if you want a relaxed start to your coastal stay without renting a car.
Namibia Highlights Map: Windhoek and Swakopmund
See your key stops in this Namibia travel guide, including Windhoek, Swakopmund, nearby desert tour starting points, and coastal highlights.
Internet and WiFi in Namibia
Free WiFi is generally available in most hotels, lodges, and cafes, but it can be slow and inconsistent. If you always want to be connected, make sure to purchase an eSIM card for Namibia, especially for GPS when driving.
Best Accommodation in Namibia, Windhoek: Where to Stay & What to Do
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, sits at the heart of the country. It blends modern amenities with a rich colonial past. The city’s streets are clean and well-organized, featuring many historic German buildings alongside newer structures. If you’re out and about, the best places to see are the Christuskirche, Independence Memorial Museum, and lively local markets.
Best Eco Luxury Hotel in Windhoek
If you want a stylish, quiet sanctuary to recover from your long flight, book Windhoek Luxury Suites here. The rooms feel more like private apartments than hotel suites, and the lush bird-filled gardens make you forget you’re in the capital. It’s right across the road from the best wine bar in town, so you don’t have to worry about driving for dinner on your first night.
What really sets it apart is how easy everything feels. It has a lush garden area that attracts many bird species, rooms are named after wine types and you have a pool to refresh in summer. You’re centrally located, the area is safe and walkable, and the wine-focused Stellenbosch Tasting Room and Wine Bar right across the road takes care of dinner plans without needing to drive again.
Places book out fast, so check availability for all Accommodation in Namibia, Windhoek!
What to Do in Windhoek & Beyond
Windhoek will most likely be your starting point in Namibia and is the gateway to Namibia’s deserts and safaris. Since Windhoek is compact and easy to navigate, you can explore most highlights independently or through your hotel.
Etosha National Park
One of Namibia’s absolute highlights is Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most impressive safari destinations. Centered around a vast salt pan, the park is home to elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope species.
If you don’t want to deal with long driving distances, park logistics, or planning overnight stops yourself, a guided multi-day tour is the easiest way to experience Etosha properly. This 4-day Etosha and Swakopmund tour combines game drives with cultural stops in Damaraland and finishes on the coast. It makes a smart option if you want to see a lot without constantly repacking or second-guessing your route.
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is one of Namibia’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations. It’s located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and is known for its stunning red sand dunes. Imagine, some of them are among the highest in the world, reaching up to 300 meters!
Getting there independently requires a 4×4, confident driving on sand, and careful timing. If you’d rather skip that stress, make sure to reserve a spot on this guided 3-day Sossusvlei and Namib Desert tour that takes care of transport, permits, and accommodation while covering all the key highlights. It’s the easiest way to experience the dunes without turning logistics into a full-time job.
Stylish Accommodation in Namibia, Swakopmund: Where to Stay & What to Do
Swakopmund is a coastal town in Namibia, known for its blend of German colonial architecture and desert landscape. It sits along the Atlantic Ocean and is a lot cooler than the other parts of the country.
Swakopmund is also a gateway to adventure, offering activities like sandboarding, quad biking, and skydiving in the nearby Namib Desert.
Charming Boutique Hotel In Swakopmund
For a personal, ‘home-away-from-home’ vibe in the heart of the coast, reserve your room at Villa Margherita here. This family-run boutique hotel is famous for its incredible ‘high-tea’ style breakfast and organic, eco-friendly focus. It’s especially suited for travelers who value atmosphere, personal service, and a slower pace, while still being close to everything Swakopmund has to offer.
The hotel places a strong emphasis on sustainable amenities, including eco-friendly shampoos and locally produced souvenirs that support the community.
One of the highlights of this boutique hotel is the amazing breakfast. Think homemade marmelade, yogurt & granola, cheese, meat cuts, little muffins and nuts. Definitely one of the best accommodations in Namibia I got to stay at.
Top Luxury Accommodation in Swakopmund
If you want to wake up to the sound of the Atlantic and have everything you need under one roof, book The Strand Hotel Swakopmund. It’s located right on the iconic mole with direct access to the promenade and three of the town’s best restaurants. It’s the most convenient and polished stay in Swakopmund – perfect if you want sunset walks right outside your door.
One of my favorite things to do was walking along the promenade at sunset. The greenery and clean paths along the coast are such a relaxing activity. During the day, it’s also nice to spend some time by the beach and join the locals – especially on the weekends!
It’s a great choice if you like having everything under one roof, from dining and drinks to beach walks at sunset. Especially for shorter stays, the Strand saves time and simplifies logistics while still offering a high-end experience.
Check the availability of accommodation in Namibia, Swakopmund.
The One Tour Worth Booking in Swakopmund
Swakopmund is Namibia’s adventure capital and the easiest place to access the Namib Desert without doing all the planning yourself.
If you don’t plan on self-driving into the dunes, make sure to book a guided desert tour from Swakopmund for the easiest and most rewarding way to experience this landscape. While you think the desert is only sand and shrubs, you fail to see all the wildlife living there – if you don’t know where to look for it!
This one typically includes hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and access to areas you can’t visit on your own. You’ll learn about the desert and encounter fascinating wildlife such as the translucent Namib gecko, the stunning Namaqua Chameleon or small desert vipers.
Sandwich Harbour Tour
For a more dramatic experience, a full-day Sandwich Harbour tour combines towering dunes with the Atlantic coastline and is ideal if you want to see Namibia’s most iconic coastal scenery in one go. The unique beauty of the dunes seemingly emerging from the ocean makes this one of Namibia’s top sights. Definitely reserve a spot on a guided Sandwich Harbour 4×4 Tour that takes you to all the best spots!
Swakopmund is one of those places where it’s easy to balance adventure with downtime. Whether you’re heading out into the dunes or keeping things relaxed along the coast, having the right base makes a noticeable difference. Staying centrally means less planning, fewer transfers, and more time to actually enjoy the experience.
Namibia is a destination where good planning pays off, especially when it comes to accommodation and tours. Distances are long, options can be limited, and the best places tend to book out early. If you’re planning your trip right now, I recommend securing your stays in Windhoek and Swakopmund first, then building your route around them. It’s the easiest way to travel smoothly and focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
Keen on more Africa travel guides?
After Namibia’s deserts, Mozambique offers the perfect contrast with warm ocean water and palm-lined beaches. Here’s my guide to the best places to experience Mozambique’s coast. Also to continue from here, head to Zambia and Zimbabwe for exploring the mighty Victoria Falls on a 3 day Zimbabwe Holiday! After exploring Namibia’s deserts, head to Ballito for a laid-back coastal getaway with sandy beaches, great surf, and charming seaside vibes.
Women Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without
Travel Insurance
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Travel Money Card
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