Lodge Damaraland

Built as a base for tracking desert-adapted wildlife in Namibia's Kunene region, Lodge Damaraland stands near Khorixas along the Arid Eden Route. Thirty air-conditioned rooms divide between twenty-six twin rooms sleeping two and four twin rooms sleeping up to four. Each has an ensuite shower, a private stoep, mosquito netting, a fridge, and tea and coffee facilities. The lodge runs on a 50-kilowatt solar grid and cooks with gas.

Daily elephant drives depart at seven in the morning to track herds through dry riverbeds, returning around one in the afternoon. Full-day black rhino tracking begins at midday and includes a packed lunch and a short hike, with a donation from each guest supporting Save the Rhino Trust. A guided Gin and Geology walk leads through mopane woodland to a lookout point for a local gin tasting at sunset. Guides lead visits to a nearby Himba village east of Khorixas. The on-site spa offers hot stone and aromatherapy massage using Namibian products, and hair-braiding sessions take place in a private treatment room. The Petrified Forest and Twyfelfontein lie within driving distance. You can see the surrounding mountains from the pool deck. The restaurant serves three meals daily, and a boma fire burns in the evening. Wireless internet is complimentary throughout.