There’s nothing like a cool, refreshing pool after a hot, dusty day exploring the stunning natural wonders of Namibia. One of the driest countries in the world, Namibia enjoys up to 300 days of sunshine per year. Daytime temperatures in summer often reach 40°C (104F) and the average winter temperature is around 20°C (68F).

Apart from excellent beers and good food, lodges in Namibia offer some extra refreshment: their often-stunning pools not only offer a perfect way to relax at the end of a blazing day, but they also offer views and ambiance that can’t be beat. Here are 17 of our favorite Namibian pools.

1. Ai Aiba Lodge in the Erongo Mountains west of Omaruru is a base to explore the many indigenous rock art in the surrounding mountains. The pool is a welcome retreat after a day of exploring.

2. Rostock Ritz’s pool is set high about the plains below. The guesthouse is 250km southeast of Swakopmund and perched on a hill, surrounded by mountains.

3. Guests reach Moon Mountain Lodge only by 4×4 transfer. Perched high on the mountain overlooking petrified dunes of the Namib Desert, each chalet has its own plunge pool.

4. Ndhovu Safari Lodge on the Okavango River in the Kavango province of Namibia is an unpretentious lodge with 11 tents and a pool overlooking the river.

5. Surrounded by the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert, Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch’s pool is a welcome refresher in the hot months of central Namibia’s summer.

6. Koimasis Ranch’s chalets and dark pool are built into the rocks of the Tiras Mountains in the west of Namibia. At night, you can hear the bats swirling and dipping to drink at the pool.

7. The grey-coloured pool of Divava Okavango Lodge and Spa is set in lush gardens next to the spa and surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs.

8. The bright blue pool of Erongo Wilderness Lodge near Omaruru is built into the rocks of the Erongo Mountains. Above the pool is a terrace for reading and relaxing.

9. GocheGanas is a luxury lodge and spa in a game reserve 30km south of Windhoek. The pool and loungers have a view of a waterhole below where animals such as giraffes come to drink.

10. The water of the Ai Ais Resort indoor pool is fed by the sulphurous hot springs in thearea. The water is believed to have healing properties. Chalets, campsite and rooms facing the indoor pool and wellness area are available.

11. High on a hill, overlooking the savannah towards Etosha, is Etosha Safari Lodge. Popular with group tours, the lodge has three pools including this one just below the viewing deck.

12. Grootberg Lodge is in the northwest of Namibia and is 100% community-owned. Their pool is on top of a cliff overlooking the rim of the Grootberg Plateau.

13. Kuzikus is a private game farm and reserve in the Kalahari region southeast of Windhoek. The family-owned farm has six rooms, a sauna and a huge pool.

14. The man-made rockpool of Mowani Mountain Camp is set in huge granite boulders of the southern Damaraland near Twyfelfontein. A dark blue hue, pool is a refreshing contrast to the desert landscape of the area.

15. Between Solitaire and Sesriem in Namibia’s west, is the Namib Naukluft Lodge. Built in a 1970’s style, lodge’s angular architecture is in contrast with the slightly organic shape of the pool.

16. The newly renovated Palmwag Lodge in the northwest of Namibia has two pools set close to the river where the desert elephant come to graze. In the background are makalani palm trees.

17. Kulala Desert Lodge’s pool is an oasis in the barren and rocky desert of the Sossusvlei area. Thatched sunroofs and loungers provide the ideal hideaway on blazing hot days in the south.

Related content on AFKTravel:

Otherworldly Escapes: Namibia’s Best Remote Safari Camps
8 Rejuvenating Spas In Namibia
Designed By Nature: The Earthy Interiors Of Namibian Lodges

Want to discover the finer side of Africa? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.