8 Best Hotels in Windhoek, Namibia

Constructed from natural materials in a low-impact manner (including being completely solar powered), this luxe tented camp seamlessly blends into its surroundings atop a rocky outcrop that's reminiscent of the Masai Mara all while offering guests every creature comfort. This is the closest you'll get to a safari just 45 minutes from the international airport. Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of this 123,552-acre nature reserve, which also prioritizes health and wellbeing through its retreats, and spa and wellness offerings. Habitas is the epitome of Namibia hospitality and five-star service, from the thoughtful lodge playlist you receive upon reservation to the genuine welcome at your "homecoming" ceremony, and everything else in between—we're warning you, you won’t want to leave. 

Windhoek's premier boutique hotel, the Olive Exclusive, with its six large suites each decorated thematically according to each of Namibia's regions, is an upmarket treat either before or after your safari. As each suite is equipped with all the mod-cons—laptops, Wi-Fi, espresso machines, minibars, and satellite TV—it's the right kind of place to manage your transition from the solitude of the bush to the connectivity of the city and vice versa. The decor strikes an elegant balance between chic and African without overdoing the latter (as many lodges do) and while the huge suites have their own plunge pools, guests can also use the communal pool. The Olive Exclusive restaurant, with its playful menu that features great Namibian produce, is an intimate spot worth visiting even if you aren't a guest at the hotel.

This comfortable and elegant hotel has all the conveniences of a large, smooth-running operation, with staff on hand at every corner to assist and pleasant rooms that characterize the property. Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stayed here in 1990, the year of Namibia's independence. Ultimately it's the hotel's central location that makes it an attractive option, though the new rooftop ballroom restaurant, bar, and pool are a worthy spot for a sundowner.

With its vibrant sprawling gardens, this new, family-owned establishment will make you do a double take when you realize it’s within the capital city. Large trees wrapped in fairy lights add to the property's charm, while a private wine-cellar dining experience, a trendy restaurant, and a spa set Droombos apart from other properties in Windhoek. Rooms are on the small side but are elegantly decorated with all the modern conveniences you'd expect for a comfortable night's rest.

Just on the outskirts of Windhoek, this well-appointed lodge has all the safari charm and sophistication of a luxury lodge. Perched on top of a rocky hill, in a 6,000-hectare (14,000-acre) reserve, the lodge blends in with the surrounding countryside due to the use of natural elements in the building and decor. Glossy wooden chalets have thatched roofs and sunken baths that look out over the bush. Two waterholes, on either side, are well-visited all day long by antelope. GocheGanas offers a unique wellness village with an indoor pool—set in a high-roofed cave-room—surrounded by loungers, a spa, and endless bush views. The 360-degree Toko Bar is a perfect spot to catch an African sunset before heading to a delicious Namibian dinner.

This is your chance to stay in a turn-of-the-20th-century castle, a white fort with battlements set high on a hill and commissioned by a German count for his fiancée in 1914. The spacious interiors have a luxurious fairy-tale quality, with handmade furniture, mirrors, and chandeliers, and beautiful fabrics that transport you to a stylish bygone age perfectly mixed with state-of-the-art modern comforts. The hotel also has amazing views of the city, and offers an excellent breakfast on the gorgeous outdoor patio. The fine-dining food and wine at Leo's at the Castle are synonymous with the style of the hotel.

Book well in advance, as this is a sought-after hotel in the city.

Located about a 10-minute drive north of the city center, this elegant guesthouse is incredibly popular for its stylish simplicity and great service. The aesthetic is minimalist chic, with polished concrete floors and a color scheme of sage and olive with well-placed details like beautiful handmade tiles and Moroccan-style lanterns. Attention to detail and thoughtful treats for guests are a specialty here (e.g., honeymooners can expect bubbly and flower petals). Families are also welcome; the humongous and super luxurious executive suite is an absolute stunner.

The concept of conservation and the genuine rehabilitation of the resident flora and fauna is at the forefront for Zannier Hotels, as is property design as evidenced by these airy and spacious thatched villas built to reflect Owambo architecture fused with five-star flare. Each villa has a double-sided fireplace, open-plan adjoining rooms, and a large bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower. The lodge's expansive infinity pool, lounge area, and rustic bar make for a peaceful place to unwind surrounded by the savannah, even though it is only 30 minutes outside of Windhoek. Zannier partnered with the Naankuse Foundation to establish the 22,239-acre Zannier Reserve on a former cattle breeding farm, where it offers a true sanctuary and forever home to animals that have been injured or rescued from untoward tourism practices, as well as endangered species.