Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary in Windhoek, Windhoek: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Windhoek, Windhoek
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Naankuse is one of the most family-friendly wildlife experiences in Namibia. The charity model means your visit directly supports conservation, and the close-up cheetah and meerkat encounters are unforgettable for children. Expect comfortable lodge facilities and a genuine conservation ethos.
What is Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary?
Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary sits on a 3,200-hectare reserve near Hosea Kutako International Airport, about 45 minutes from central Windhoek. It is Namibia’s only charity lodge: all profits go back into conservation and community projects, and activities are led by local San guides. Families can join carnivore feeding tours, cheetah experiences, meerkat encounters and “Behind the Scenes with Marlice” tours, or simply relax by the pool. Six chalets and 16 holiday homes accommodate families, and children’s activities and kids’ meals are available.
Charity lodge supporting San community and wildlife conservation.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Book ahead Activities and rooms fill up.
- Cheetah experience Age limits apply; confirm.
- Book ahead Activities and rooms limited.
- Age limits Confirm for cheetah experience.
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Good | Lodge facilities and gentle animals. |
| 3–5 years | Good | Meerkat encounters and pool. |
| 6–9 years | Excellent | Carnivore feeding and cheetah experience. |
| 10–12 years | Very good | Horseback riding and conservation tours. |
| 13+ years | Excellent | Full activity menu. |
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Key details
- Price
- Entry from NAD 0
- Address
- Near Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek, Namibia, Windhoek
- Opening hours
- Reception 24 hours; activities from 08:00 Open now
- How long to plan
- Overnight or day visit
- Suitable ages
- All ages (some activities age-restricted)
- Setting
- Wildlife sanctuary and lodge
- Booking
- Required for activities and accommodation
- Payment accepted
- Cash, card
What to expect when you visit
Carnivore feeding, cheetah experience, meerkat encounter, horseback riding, pool
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Is the cheetah experience suitable for young children?
Age restrictions apply; confirm when booking. Younger children can join meerkat encounters.
Does the lodge support conservation?
Yes, it is Namibia’s only charity lodge and all profits fund conservation and San community projects.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Yes, lodge facilities
- Minimum age
- 0 (activity limits may apply)
- Facilities
- Chalets
- pool
- restaurant
- kids’ meals
- Access and parking
- Paved access
- Safety notes
Wildlife area; supervise children
Tickets and costs
- Ages that pay the child rate
- All ages
- Toddler age band
- Yes
- Ticket notes
Room rates from approx. NAD 4,680 per night. Activities priced separately. Children stay free. Confirm current rates and age limits.
- Parking
- Free
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Cheetah experience, meerkat encounter, horseback riding
- Food and drink per person (estimate)
- Free
- Return transport (estimate, flat)
- Free
- Transport estimate note
- About 45 minutes from central Windhoek near the airport
- Prices last checked
- Rates and family activities cross-checked with Tripadvisor and Naankuse Collection, October 2026
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Dry season
- Busiest times
- School holidays
- How to get there
Near Hosea Kutako International Airport; signed.
- By car
- Yes, parking available
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Taxi or lodge transfer
- Public transport
Not practical
- Combine with
- Haven Zoological Park — small zoo
- Daan Viljoen Game Park — self-drive safari
- What to bring
- Closed shoes
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Cash for activities
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Confirm with lodge.
Family-friendly.
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- What are the Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary opening hours?
- Reception 24 hours; activities from 08:00. Busiest: School holidays.
- Is Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: 0 (activity limits may apply). Wildlife area; supervise children
- How long do you need at Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary?
- Plan for Overnight or day visit.
- What payment methods does Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary accept?
- Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary accepts Cash, card. It does not accept cash.
- Is Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Paved access.
- What is the best time to visit Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary?
- Dry season. It is busiest School holidays.
- How do you get to Naankuse Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary?
- Yes, parking available. Ride-hailing: Taxi or lodge transfer. Public transport: Not practical Near Hosea Kutako International Airport; signed.
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