Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HOTELS
Hotels in Namibia are much like hotels anywhere else, ranging from tired old has-beens to
palaces of luxury and indulgence. Rarely, though, will you find a dirty or unsafe hotel in
Namibia given the relatively strict classification system, which rates everything from
small guesthouses to four-star hotels.
One-star hotels must have a specific ratio of rooms with private and shared facilities.
They tend to be quite simple, but most are locally owned and managed, and provide clean,
comfortable accommodation with adequate beds and towels. Rates range from around
N$320 to N$400 for a double room, including breakfast. They always have a small dining
room and bar, but few offer frills such as air-conditioning.
Hotels with two- and three-star ratings are generally more comfortable, and are often
used by local businesspeople. Rates start at around N$450 for a double, and climb to
N$600 for the more elegant places.
There aren't really many four-star hotels in the usual sense, though most high-end
lodges could qualify for a four-star rating. To qualify for such a rating, a hotel needs to be
an air-conditioned palace with a salon, valet service and a range of ancillary services for
business and diplomatic travellers.
SAFARI LODGES
Over the last decade the Namibian luxury safari lodge has come along in leaps and
bounds, offering the kind of colonial luxury that has been associated with Botswana. The
Gondwana Desert Collection ( www.gondwana-desert-collection.com ) is a prime ex-
ample.
Most of the lodges are set on large private ranches or in concession areas. Some are
quite affordable family-run places with standard meals or self-catering options. In general
they are still more affordable than comparable places in Botswana or the Victoria Falls
area, yet more expensive than those in South Africa.
Activities
Given its stunning landscapes, Namibia provides a photogenic arena for the multitude of
outdoor activities that are on offer. These range from the more conventional hiking and
4WD trails to sandboarding down mountainous dunes, quad biking, paragliding, balloon-
ing and camel riding. Most of these activities can be arranged very easily locally, and are
relatively well priced.
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