Taleni Etosha Village

Set in a private reserve two kilometres from the Andersson Gate to Etosha National Park, Etosha Village is laid out on the plan of a Namibian rural settlement. Fifty-five individual units stand among mopane trees, each with a spacious air-conditioned bedroom, en-suite bathroom with shower, and a fold-out sleeper couch. A private patio and outdoor seating area face the forest. Each unit includes a refreshment station with fridge, electronic safe, and tea and coffee facilities.

The main lodge comprises three dining areas modelled on the traditional division of space in northern Namibian villages. Breakfast is served buffet-style; lunch is à la carte; dinner returns to a buffet format with grilled meats, stir-fries, salads, and a cheese board. A 24-hour coffee station stands in the buffet area. The round bar replicates the shape of a rondavel and holds a fire pit, big-screen television, and South African wines. The poolside garden contains a 4 × 10-metre lap pool, a medium rounded pool, and a children's pool.

Guided morning and full-day drives depart at dawn for Etosha, following a route through the Andersson Gate to Okaukuejo and the waterholes beyond. Walking trails cross the lodge's own reserve, with hides and lookout decks for spotting small game. Sundowner drives head into the mopane forest in late afternoon. Stargazing sessions run from May to October when the southern constellations are visible. Boma dinners can be arranged in a clearing in the forest. The on-site Cuca Shop stocks essentials, ice-cream, reading material, and curios.