The Stiltz is the most creative and interesting of the Swakopmund Hotels (in every aspect but its name! ) As you can expect, the lodge is built on stilts but that's as far as your expectations will be met. In a town where buildings are mostly solid, neo-Gothic monstrosities, The Stiltz is as fresh as the Atlantic breeze that fills its sails. The entire lodge is built of wood and raised at least six feet above the swampy marsh of the Swakop River mouth.

Though it is a dry riverbed the mouth is fed by the tide and a feeding and breeding ground for many species of bird including pelicans, plovers and terns. The lodge faces south and looks out to sea and the picturesque dunes across the river. Each room is a separate unit with quirky interiors, en suite bathrooms and private balconies. The rooms are linked by elevated walkways and the main lodge is multi-dimensional wood and glass construction and the scene of a hearty breakfast feast.

Stiltz Hotel: Fresh sea and dune air

Facing south-west and on the southern edge of Swakopmund, The Stiltz is built just where the river course meets the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast to the almost barren desert, the Atlantic is rich in marine life and the salty sea air is a heady elixir. The view of the sand sea across the river mouth emphasises your seafront position. With all this fresh air and the serene views, you can watch the pelicans below your balcony gaze into the middle distance for hours on end until you realise you're doing exactly the same thing.