In most of the Western world, light pollution can make it difficult to admire celestial bodies, but you won’t have that problem in Namibia. In fact, NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Explore Africa tested lodges for the ultimate experience, and these locations scored the highest stars.

Namib’s Valley of a Thousand Hills

Our rental car is extremely delayed, so it’s already dusk when we leave Swakopmund. In a few hours, we drive 275 kilometers through the Namib-Naukluft National Park to reach the Namib’s Valley of a Thousand Hills Lodge. The road takes us over the Kuiseb Pass at 905 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest roads in Namibia and is known for its phenomenal views. However, we miss this sight because it is already dark when we pass. Shortly afterward, we arrive at the Namib’s Valley of a Thousand Hills.

The electricity is out at the lodge, so we have to wait until the next morning to discover it. This turns out to be a blessing in disguise because we are here for the stars, and they sparkle magnificently. From the balcony, we gaze at the Milky Way, which stretches beyond the shadows of the mountains in the distance. The next morning, we are equally delighted. The view when we wake up is sensational: for the first time in seven years, the thousands of hills of the Guab Valley are covered with grass. What a privilege to witness!

Review Namib’s Valley of a Thousand Hills

Location: The Namib’s Valley of a Thousand Hills is located between Swakopmund and Sossusvlei, making it a perfect stopover.
Service & Facilities: Good. The lodge is particularly small with only a few bungalows and three campsites.
Rooms: The bungalows have a magnificent view of the rolling hills of the Guab Valley. The furnishings are simple but functional.
Accessibility for the Disabled: No.
Price: From 172 euros per night.

Agama Lodge

Near Solitaire, at the foot of the Naukluft Mountains, are the luxury chalets of Agama Lodge. We stayed in a Deluxe Chalet. All chalets have a second bed on the rooftop terrace. So that evening, we snuggled under the covers while stargazing and toasting with wine. Since our knowledge of astrology is not extensive, the “StarGazer” app helps us out. Lo and behold, we point our camera in the direction of a star and immediately recognize it as the Scorpion’s scissors. We fall asleep with the starry sky imprinted on our retinas. What a unique experience!

Review Agama Lodge

Location: Agama Lodge is located at the foot of the Naukluft Mountains, near Solitaire.
Service & Facilities: Great. The chalet is beautiful and equipped with air conditioning, which is particularly pleasant in the summer. Sleeping under the stars is a special experience that we wholeheartedly recommend!
Rooms: We stayed in the Deluxe Chalet, a room that lives up to its name.
Accessibility for the Disabled: No.
Price: From 196 euros per night.

Le Mirage

The last hotel where we settled for this test is Le Mirage. This modern fairy tale offers multiple tower rooms where you can spend a night under the stars. The tower rooms are equipped with an outdoor shower and toilet. You overlook the courtyard and the desert. During our stay, a layer of clouds covers the Milky Way, so we cannot judge the experience ourselves. However, the facilities are abundant. You can read more about them in the Le Mirage review.

Our stay was made possible by About Africa Safaris. They also offer these overnight stays as part of your tour through Namibia.