5 Incredible Luxury Lodges to Explore With Car Rental in Namibia

Namibia is home to otherworldly desert landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a coastline littered with mysteries. It’s no surprise, then, that you can find some of southern Africa’s premier luxury hotels, lodges, and camps throughout the country. At Drive South Africa, we believe that car rental in Namibia is the best way to get to them.

Whether you want to enjoy sweeping views of the Namib Desert, see the Big Five up close, or experience the power of the Atlantic Ocean, Namibia has it all. We’ve put together a list of our five favourite luxury destinations in Namibia. Read on to learn more about them and how you can get there with car rental in Namibia.

Desert Whisper Gondwana Collection Namibia

The view from the Desert Whisper Pod

Namibia is a place where isolation is key. To fully appreciate the endless dunes and plains, you need to get away from the crowds. That’s where Desert Whisper comes in. This two-sleeper pod is an architectural masterpiece, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape.

You can find the pod near the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park. The mountain retreat features a luxurious open-plan living area complete with a fully-equipped kitchen and bar. Gondwana Collection designed the pod to remain comfortable all year round, making it ideal for both summer and winter.

You also get your own private pool and terrace where you can enjoy Namibia’s famed sunsets. Make no mistake – this isn’t a place for a one night stopover. Instead, we encourage you to make this your home in the desert. 

Plus, with car rental in Namibia, you can easily access nearby attractions like Sossusvlei, Sesriem, and Dune 45.

Ohorongo Safari Lodge

An oryx visits the waterhole at Ohorongo Safari Lodge

The desert is only one element of Namibia’s natural beauty. Up north, Etosha National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. However, the region is also home to several private wilderness areas like the Ohorongo Game Reserve.

Here, you can treat yourself to a luxurious getaway at Ohorongo Safari Lodge. This genuine oasis features luxury bungalows, delicious cuisine, and wild experiences like private game drives and guided nature walks.

During the day, you can escape the heat at the swimming pool. When evening arrives, you’re invited to gather around the raging bonfire. The reserve itself is dedicated to creating a sustainable conservation legacy in Africa. As such, it works to preserve the highly endangered black rhinoceros and 40 other protected species.

If you opt for car hire in Namibia, you can explore Etosha National Park in the northeast and the Skeleton Coast National Park in the west.

Onduli Ridge

Car rental in Namibia is the best way to get to Onduli Ridge

Looking for incredible views in all directions? Onduli Ridge in the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Damaraland maximises each and every angle of the surrounding landscapes. It’s a luxury retreat that just keeps giving. 

It’s located just 20 minutes from Twyfelfontein (/Ui-//aes), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see one of Africa’s largest concentrations of petroglyphs (rock engravings). Some of these date back to more than 2,000 years ago. 

Onduli Ridge offers guests six luxury suites hidden between huge granite boulders. Each one features a bed that you can roll out onto the wooden deck, creating an unparalleled stargazing experience. There’s also a communal swimming pool, lounge, campfire, and bar. 

Activities include elephant tracking, solar e-biking, nature drives, and guided walks. With car rental in Namibia, you can also drive to Etosha National Park to search for the Big Five.

Pelican Point Lodge

The building at Pelican Point Lodge

If you didn’t know it was there, you’d probably miss Pelican Point Lodge entirely. This unusual luxury lodge is situated on a remote peninsula near Walvis Bay, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Walvis Bay lagoon on the other.

At first glance, Pelican Point Lodge looks like a lighthouse. In fact, it was once a harbour control building until new owners developed it into a boutique hotel. Guests have a choice between 10 suites, including the Captain’s Cove penthouse. Up here, you can enjoy 360° views of the surrounding area.

The lodge also offers experiences like guided walks and drives, beach strolls, dolphin cruises, and kayaking with Cape fur seals. The dining room serves excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options paired with local and South African wines.

To get to Walvis Bay, it’s best to secure car rental in Namibia, whether at the local airport or at Windhoek International Airport. There’s lots to see on the Atlantic coastline, including Swakopmund, Hentiesbaai, and the Skeleton Coast National Park.

Zannier Hotels Sonop

A bathtub with a view at Sonop

If you want to experience true luxury in Namibia’s Karas region, Sonop might be the place for you. This plush tented camp overlooks vast stretches of the Namib Desert, pairing impeccable service with supreme comfort.

Hotel staff cater to your every whim, striving to recreate a lodge experience straight out of the 1920s. Zannier Hotels calls it an “old-world adventure”, complete with British colonial styling and “expedition-style grandeur”. 

Each room features period furniture, a telescope for stargazing, and a wrap-around wooden deck with seating. Each evening, chefs and butlers serve up a gala-style five-course dinner. Afterwards, you can wind down in the regal Cocktail and Cigar Lounge.

Sonop also offers a wide range of experiences like nature drives, horse riding excursions, and an outdoor cinema. For an entirely different perspective, you can book hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours over the Namib desert.

Car Rental in Namibia

The swimming pool at Onduli Ridge in Namibia

Wherever you choose to stay, make sure you secure the very best car rental in Namibia. At Drive South Africa, we even offer Namibia car rental in Windhoek, directly at the airport. If you’re looking for more than just car hire in Namibia, we also have a range of 4×4 rental options to help you conquer more difficult terrain.

Interested in learning more? Speak to one of our expert car hire Namibia agents today or view our selection of vehicles here.