For a country so sparsely populated, Namibia is surprisingly well served by luxury 5* lodges!
Dotted around the arid landscape, miles of nothingness on every side, are the likes of &Beyond Namibia, Wolwedans Dune Lodge, Zannier Omaanda and Hoanib Valley Camp, to name but a few.
All of these stellar lodges are nothing short of superlative. They don't come cheap though - you won't be booking any of them for prices under at least £500 per night, and rates can often be far less affordable than that.
So with a view to experiencing the enjoyment of an authentic lodge stay while touring around Namibia, without completely breaking the bank, we have put together a list of mid-tier budget lodge options.
Not quite bargain territory yet mind you, but neither will you have to take out a second mortgage to finance this holiday, and all the lodges on this list are wonderful in their own right (as attested by the hotel booking site reviews!).
So without further ado, some of the best low (-er) cost lodges in Namibia -
Naankuse Lodge
Starting off our summary of Namibian lodges with more reasonable prices is possibly the most famous one on our list, given its partnership with Angelina Jolie: The Naankuse lodge.
Located close to the airport as well as the Namibian capital, it is particularly well-placed for starting or ending off a trip to Namibia.
The lodge is well-known for its conservation efforts, and there is a vast selection of wildlife tours and activities that you can book onto during your stay.
You can find out more in our full review of the Naankuse lodge here.
Our Habitas
Also just a quick drive from the Windhoek airport, this lodge is in the same part of the country as our first pick.
The countryside in this part of Namibia can be flatter and a bit less eye-catching than many other parts of the country.
But what Our Habitas lodge lacks in comparitive scenery, it more than makes up for in personality. This lodge is an absolute stunner, and is definitely nudging up into luxury territory.
We've pushed the envelope of our definition of 'reasonable pricing' here a bit, as the lodge can at times be pricey, but we thought is worth including in the list - firstly because the lodge itself is so wonderful, and secondly because with a bit of flexibility it is possible to find rates here that are less expensive.
Teufelskrallen Lodge
Driving due south for about 2 hours from the capital Windhoek on the B1 highway will bring you to Teufelskrallen.
More flattish Kalahari desert scenery here, this lodge is known for the opportunity to explore the diverse local wildlife, including rare species, on its guided tours.
This is one of the more budget friendly lodge options on our list. Combine this with an ideal location for visitors seeking a relaxation retreat, perfect for star gazing and a deeper connection with Namibia's pristine wilderness, and Teufelskrallen is definitely worth a look for a more bargain stay.
Desert Hills Lodge
Making our way west to Namibia's Sesriem area, we come to a few hotel accommodation options for trips to see Namibia's most-visited location: Sossusvlei (and with good reason! read our review and see Sossusvlei photos here).
First on the list is the Desert Hills lodge, which is about an hour and a half drive from the Sossusvlei site.
As the name implies, the lodge is surrounded by stunning desert hills, and the accommodation units are private and make the most of the scenery.
The hotel is comfortably appointed, with large bedrooms, and service is top-notch - everything you need for a great lodge stay.
Sossusvlei Lodge
One of the best located lodges for visiting the Sossusvlei area, this one is literally at the gate to the Namib Naukluft park, you won't easily be better situated than that!
Accommodation is comfortable, and rates can be reasonably cheap given the excellent location.
The hotel provides dinner on a large terrace perfect for sunset and overlooking the beautiful surrounding area.
If what you want is to make the most of your visit to picturesque Sossusvlei, and getting there before most of the other day visitors, then this lodge is the one to choose. For more information, here is our review of Sossusvlei lodge.
Desert Grace Lodge
Also in the Solitaire area and a choice when visiting Sossusvlei for the day - though the journey would be nearer 2 hours - is this wonderful lodge.
Everything about this holiday accommodation hits the right note.
The chalets themselves are upscale, with beautifully decorated interiors, and best of all: Each room comes with its own private pool out front, perfect for cooling down in the desert heat and for gazing out at the stunning backdrop.
Service is wonderful, the restaurant with its bay windows all around is another great place to take in the surroundings or catch a sighting of the local wildlife, and the peaceful nature of the entire site is exactly what you need to appreciate Namibia in all its glory. In fact, we'd say that any of the Gondwana lodges in Namibia are worth a look for magnificent stays at reasonable prices.
We actually used this lodge as a midpoint stay - after our Sossusvlei day before heading further north - during our 1 week itinerary around Namibia, and it was in the end our favourite lodge of the whole trip!
Read more on the lovely Desert Grace lodge (review) here.
Ondudu Safari Lodge
Moving north to the Erongo region near Omaruru, we find the lovely and authentic Ondudu lodge.
Nestled within the rocky outcroppings of the Erongo nature conservancy is this lodge dedicated to the conservation of the local fauna and flora.
The lodge organises safari tours by local guides, to spot some of the diverse wildlife - including elephants, giraffes, and lions - as well as sunrise and sunset hikes.
The food we were served at this wonderful lodge was second to none, surrounded by stunning views, and the service charming and personal. Here is the full breakdown of our stay at Ondudu.
Omurenga Lodge
Another highly rated lodge in the Omaruru region of Erongo is the Omurenga lodge.
Just like at the previous lodge, a stay here allows for a peaceful ambiance and an immersive desert experience, set within splendid scenery.
Guests can engage in a variety of activities, from thrilling wildlife safaris to nature walks, where they can spot unique desert-adapted animals.
The accommodations at the lodge are warm and charming, and the atmosphere is one where visitors can unwind and connect with the stark nature that is Namibia’s rugged landscapes.
Conclusion
Finding budget friendly lodges in Namibia is certainly doable. On the other hand, stays at really authentic lodges, the properties integrated into their environments and committed to giving back to their local communities, do not generally come cheap.
But that does not mean that there is not still good value to be had.
The above 8 lodges stand out as exceptional properties that provide the true Namibian lodge experience, and that still provide decent value for money. To find some of the best prices at these lodges, try booking outside of the tourist high season, and look out for bargains.
The high praise reviews of these lodges speak for themselves, and if you decide to put some of your precious holiday budget towards any of them, you are sure not to be disappointed!
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