10 Best budget Windhoek hotels: the top places to stay in Namibia’s capital
Namibia is a land of vast open spaces, red dunes, desert, and wild coastline, all scattered with wildlife. Windhoek, Namibia's capital city, is the gateway to exploring this beautiful and rugged country. It’s the cultural, economic, and social center of Namibia, a fascinating mix of African and German influences.
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Cheetah, Etosha by Shutterstock
Windhoek has plenty to offer visitors and in this post, we list ten of our favorite places to stay in the city (and some of our favorite places to visit and socialize). If you're planning a visit to Namibia (and we think you should!), here are the best budget Windhoek hotels and guesthouses to stay at.
10 Best Budget Windhoek Hotels & Guesthouses
*Please note that cost and currency conversions (xe.com) were correct at the time of going to press (March 2019). We have included a link to each place’s website, so please head over there to check the most recent pricing.
- Chameleon Backpackers
- UrbanCamp.net
- Emerald B&B
- Rivendell Guest House
- Tilla’s Guesthouse
- African Kwela
- Guesthouse Terra Africa
- Windhoek Gardens Guest House
- Hotel Etambi
- Olive Grove
1. Chameleon Backpackers in Windhoek
There is nothing that compares to backpacking in Africa. One of the best parts of a backpacking trip is the friends you make on your way, staying at backpacker’s lodges with like-minded people from around the world. Added bonus: they are budget-friendly.
Chameleon Backpackers by FB
Chameleon Backpackers in Windhoek is just that: budget-friendly, welcoming, clean and comfy. They offer a range of accommodation options, from 14-bed shared dormitories to budget single/twin rooms with shared bathrooms, all the way up to an executive bedroom apartment, and everything in-between.
Head around the corner to Craft Café in the old brewery building if you’re looking for great home-cooked food and heavenly cakes or if you’re looking for superb cocktails, braai, and great company, pop into Chopsi’s Bar.
Craft Cafe by FB
Cost: From NAD220 (USD15/ZAR220) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Voigt Street North, Windhoek, Namibia
Room types: Dormitory, budget, standard, luxury, and executive apartment
Cool factor: Everything is cool here, especially their focus on sustainability and community upliftment
Accommodation type: Windhoek Backpackers Hostel
2. Urban Camp in Windhoek
Who said you can’t camp in Namibia’s capital city? At the centrally located Urban Camp in Windhoek, you can do just that. With permanent, furnished tents, great, shaded campsites, and clean ablution blocks, it’s the perfect budget-friendly base for exploring Windhoek.
Urban Camp by FB
If you’re camping at Urban Camp, be sure to go to Joe’s Beerhouse, a Windhoek institution, which is fabulously close by. Head in the other direction and enjoy great breakfasts and light lunches under the trees at the Wilde Eend Bistro or experience Utopia – which, to us, means great food – at Fresh ‘n Wild.
Wilde Eend by FB
Cost: From NAD180 (USD50/ZAR180) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Schnanzen Street, Windhoek, Namibia
Room types: Permanent tents, campsites
Cool factor: It’s a hop, skip, and a jump to Joe’s.
Accommodation type: Windhoek Camping Accomodation
Windhoek's looking pretty fine, isn't it? Check out the full listing of our tours departing from and visiting Windhoek. Use the tour filters to find a trip that fits your preferences: overland, camping, lodge-based safari, short excursion to Etosha, or multi-country explorer.
3. Emerald B&B in Windhoek
Situated in quiet West Windhoek, away from the bustle of the city, the Emerald B&B offers budget-friendly and clean accommodation in five rooms on the property. There are facilities for self-catering and breakfast is served in the mornings, to get you up and ready for a day of exploring Windhoek.
Namibia Crafts Centre by FB
While exploring, don’t miss out on the Namibia Crafts Centre, an enormous space where you can see the incredible works of Namibia’s master craftswomen and entrepreneurs. It’s the perfect spot for finding that gift or curio to take home as a reminder of your African adventure. Wanting insight into Namibia’s culture and history? Head to the National Museum of Namibia.
Cost: From NAD550 (USD38/ZAR550) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Best Street, West Windhoek, Namibia
Room types: Single/double
Cool factor: It’s away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD
Accommodation type: Windhoek B&B Guesthouse
4. Rivendell Guesthouse in Windhoek
Rivendell, also situated in West Windhoek focuses on providing comfort and homeliness to those who stay there. They offer both self-catering and B&B options and there’s a fabulous, budget-friendly ‘small room’ if you’re looking for a little place to lay your head comfortably.
Rivendell by FB
Staying at Rivendell also means that you’re contributing to the local charities that they support. These include the SOS Village in Windhoek, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and the Catherine Bullen Foundation.
Cost: From NAD375 (USD26/ZAR375) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Beethoven Street, Windhoek West, Namibia
Room types: Single, double, twin rooms
Cool factor: Their breakfasts will sustain you for the whole day’s exploring of Windhoek
Accommodation type: Windhoek Self-catering/B&B Gueshouse
5. Tilla’s Guesthouse in Windhoek
Five minutes from the city center, Tilla’s Guesthouse is a ‘home away from home.' It offers stylishly furnished single, twin, and double rooms and a self-catering apartment in Windhoek, all serviced daily by the friendly staff. Breakfast is included and it’s good!
Heroes Acre by Raymond June
Heroes Acre, a little way out of Windhoek, is a war memorial to commemorate Namibia’s fight for independence, which it got in 1990, after over 100 years of colonial rule. A huge obelisk dominates the area with various other murals and statues.
Cost: From NAD400 (USD28/ZAR400) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Corner of Beethoven and Strauss Street, Windhoek, Namibia
Room types: Single, twin, double rooms, and a self-catering apartment
Cool factor: Breakfast is a winner here!
Accommodation type: B&B/Guesthouse in Windhoek
Ready to book? Take a look at all our tours and overlands traveling to and through Namibia. Get the full spectrum of Namibia safari options for exploring this truly unique African destination.
6. African Kwela in Windhoek
With six rooms in tranquil surroundings with a sparkling pool to cool off on those hot Namibian summer days, African Kwela offers visitors a peaceful base from which to explore Windhoek. Kwela offers single, double, and family rooms, all en-suite.
Africa Kwela by FB
For great food in a light and airy ‘industrial-style’ restaurant, try The Barn nearby, which also has a great upstairs deck from which to admire the bright blue African sky.
The Barn by FB
Cost: From NAD400 (USD28/ZAR400) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Palm Street, Suiderhof, Windhoek, Namibia
Room types: Single, double, and family rooms
Cool factor: The poolside bar is a winner in summer
Accommodation type: Windhoek Guesthouse
7. Guesthouse Terra Africa in Windhoek
Peacefully situated away from the city center, with wonderful views across the southern valleys of Windhoek, Terra Africa Guesthouse offers top-notch accommodation. It definitely earns its place as one of the best budget hotels in Windhoek. Good linen, a boutique wine collection, and superb service put it up there on our list.
Terra Africa Guesthouse
In addition, it is the first Namibian guesthouse to operate as both a gallery and an accommodation spot. With art showcasing Namibian and other African artistic talents, you’ll get a cultural injection while enjoying Terra Africa’s hospitality.
Cost: From NAD725 (USD50/ZAR725) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Kenneth Macarthur Street, Olympia, Windhoek, Namibia
Room types: Single and double rooms
Cool factor: The temperature-controlled rim pool and sun deck
Accommodation type: Windhoek Guesthouse/B&B
8. Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel
Five minutes from Windhoek’s center, the Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel prides itself on its 28 uniquely Namibian-themed rooms. It’s a rustic and comfortable Windhoek hotel. It and has single rooms, double rooms with twin beds, and family rooms with twin beds and a sleeper couch.
Windhoek Gardens by FB
If you’re looking for a culinary treat, head to Nice for lunch, where the training chefs of the Namibian Institute of Culinary Education (NICE) train. Once your tummy is satisfied, we’d recommend a visit to the National Art Gallery of Namibia to admire the permanent and changing exhibitions showcasing Namibia’s artistic talent.
National Art Gallery of Namibia by FB
Cost: From NA565 (USD40/ZAR565) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Pasteur Street, Windhoek, Namibia
Room types: Single, double, and family
Cool factor: The in-house pub and restaurant (and splash pool to cool off in the summer heat)
Accommodation type: Windhoek Hotel & Guesthouse
9. Hotel Etambi in Windhoek
Looking for comfort and style, five minutes drive from central Windhoek? Hotel Etambi offers 11 elegant, en-suite rooms and a number of self-catering units that sleep up to six. Rooms are well equipped, with air-con, safes, mini-bars, and coffee/tea-making facilities. There’s an emphasis on Namibian hospitality at this Windhoek hotel!
Hotel Etambi by Windhoek
Namibia has a long German history, so where better (in Africa) to enjoy a schnitzel? Head to Schnitzel King in the Baine’s Centre nearby and try one of their multiple schnitzel variations!
Cost: From NAD300 (USD21/ZAR300) per person per night. Check prices and book here.
Location: Gous Street, Pionierspark
Room types: Single, double, family, self-catering units
Cool factor: The hospitality
Accommodation type: Windhoek Hotel & B&B/self-catering
10. Olive Grove Guesthouse in Windhoek
If you’re looking for comfort and style – and a little bigger price tag, which is totally worth it if you can stretch your budget – Olive Grove Guesthouse is the place to stay.
Olive Grove by FB
With an emphasis on stylish luxury in all eleven rooms and impeccable service, you’ll definitely be a happy (non-)camper! Think high-quality linen, mini bars in the room, and scrumptious breakfast waiting for you in the morning
Olive Grove Guesthouse by FB
If home-cooked pastries and freshly cooked daily lunch specials are your thing, try out Baked Neighbourhood Patisserie just down the road. A little further, you’ll find the Lemon Tree Restaurant where you can savor good coffee and great food al fresco’.
Lemon Tree Restaurant by FB
Cost: From NAD915 per person per night (USD63/ZAR915) Check prices and book here.
Location: Promenaden Street, Windhoek, Namibia
Room types: Standard and luxury rooms (single/double) and executive suites (single/double)
Cool factor: The large veranda in front of the rooms – the perfect place to sit and read a book!
Accommodation type: Windhoek Guesthouse/B&B
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Namibia by Shutterstock
One thing we’re absolutely sure of is that nothing beats a safari in Namibia, so check out the trips we offer in Namibia and get hold of one of our knowledgeable travel consultants to book your dream safari now!
Briony is a qualified pharmacist, published author and travel blogger living in Cape Town. She writes her own blog about travel, the arts, music and the good things in life, with a focus on accessibility. She likes watching the world go by, and sometimes it makes her nose twitchy, but mostly it provides golden nuggets with which to light up the page.
