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.

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.

1. Chameleon Backpackers
2. UrbanCamp.net
3. Emerald B&B
4. Rivendell Guest House
5. Tilla’s Guesthouse
6. African Kwela
7. Guesthouse Terra Africa
8. Windhoek Gardens Guest House
9. Hotel Etambi
10. 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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 centre, 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 friendly staff. Breakfast is included and it’s good!

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 overland trips travelling 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.

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.

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 centre, 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.

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 centre, the Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel prides itself on its 28 uniquely Namibian-themed rooms. It’s a rustic and comfortable Windhoek hotel. It has single rooms, double rooms with twin beds, and family rooms with twin beds and a sleeper couch.

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 recommend a visit to the National Art Gallery of Namibia to admire the permanent and changing exhibitions showcasing Namibia’s artistic talent.

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!

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.

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

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’.

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

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!