Gondwana Collection Namibia

Anticipation builds up as you turn off the main gravel road toward Canyon Lodge. The soft colours of apricot sand merging with the pale green of euphorbias is a prelude to the loveliness of the lodge surrounds. As you turn a final bend, the lodge comes into view. Nestled between rounded granite boulders, Canyon Lodges quaint century-old farmhouse reception, verdant garden and cool pond invite and welcome you into the enchanted enclave.

Take a guided drive to the Fish River Canyon to be inspired by new perspectives, join a 3-4 day Canyon Trail for an experience of a lifetime, follow the 4x4 Wildebeest Drive to view the plains animals, watch sunrise amidst the quiver trees, hike in the rocky hills or savour the sunset either from the adjacent koppie or on the sunset drive. Away from the world, there is a gentle rhythm of peace to find here, reaffirming the goodness of life. For those just wanting a break from the road, lounge at the pool, take a snooze in the coolness of your thatch-and-stone chalet or dip into a book on the terrace. The awe-inspiring canyon wakens our senses to the raw and powerful beauty of Nature.

Offering character and charm, without the glitz, the lodges down-to-earth attractiveness and homeliness is perfect for the rugged Fish River Canyon surrounds. Twenty kilometres from the chasms carved by millions-of-years of Earth history, earth cataclysms, whispers of wind, raging torrents of water and sparkling streamlets, this Fish River Canyon lodge is a hideaway not to be missed.

Fill up on smiles at this extraordinary and out-of-the-ordinary lodge. Resembling a roadhouse of old with a large red roof, the lodge is a veritable treasure-house and a must-do stop when visiting the canyon. The outside area hints of the wonderland interior with its rusty old Chevys and Fords from a bygone era, adorned with corky quiver trees and desert flora. Park your vehicle and step inside.

As if you have entered an Aladdins cave, the large doors open onto an International truck serving as the reception desk, a pompstasie (filling station) bar and an assortment of classic vehicles and transport paraphernalia assembled with an innovative and creative flair - and a good deal of humour! Restaurant tables are placed in between and the cabs of several cars serve as zany fireplaces in the chilly winter months.

Canyon Roadhouse has more than just a fascinating interior. Large attractive rooms, positioned around courtyards, make the Roadhouse a comfortable - and convenient - base when visiting the Fish River Canyon, just 14 kilometres away. The canyon resort has a swimming pool, a campsite, a terrace to enjoy Roadhouse specialities like Amarula Cheesecake (and the best cappuccino for miles around) and a walking trail through the hills.

Sunset is best appreciated from the hill above the lodge looking out onto the flat-topped Holoog Mountain and the Gondwana Canyon Park. Take a guided excursion to the canyon viewpoints, hike the 3-4 day superlative canyon trail or drive the 4x4 Wildebeest Route towards Canyon Lodge and Village to view zebra and wildebeest on the grassy plains. Be sure to include this quirky lodge - constructed with flair, creativity, mischief and a zest for life - into all travel plans!

The 42 rooms of Canyon Village lie at the foot of a sweeping rock face in Gondwana Canyon Park, in the middle of a vast rocky landscape.

Although the lodge is modern, a traditional feel comes from a series of beautifully painted murals that depict various scenes from the history and culture of the Bondelswart Nama, the earlier inhabitants of this area.

Well-appointed cottages in the Cape Dutch style afford views of the vast canyon scenery. The thatched main building is built right into the massive granite boulders and houses a restaurant and cosy bar.

Relish the peace and quiet and enjoy the views at the pool with a view.

Canyon Village has 2 sister lodges, the nearby Canyon Lodge and the eccentric Canyon Roadhouse.

As if an African kingdom of old, Damara Mopane Lodge is constructed in a semi-circle of interlinking pathways leading to a lavish swimming pool at its centre. Innovatively designed, each chalet has its own small garden planted with vegetables. Bright yellow sunflowers peep out between verdant spinach, beetroot and zany scarecrows, creating an enchanting lodge setting. The labyrinth of walkways leads to a large and cheerful central area. A wash of fresh green brightens the interior as does the heart-shaped mopane leaves stencilled throughout the lodge. Situated near Khorixas en route to the famed Twyfelfontein engravings, Damara Mopane Lodge incorporates the spirit of Damaraland and the Damara people, extending its hand to locals and visitors alike in a Hello neighbour greeting, linking cultures and nationalities.

A highlight at the end of the day is to ascend the hill to a viewing platform for a sweeping vista of the mopane woodland illuminated by the setting sun. It also is the best spot for a sundowner drink and to gain a view of the intriguing construction of the lodge. As the day darkens its time to return to the restaurant where a fire burns in a grate and a delicious supper awaits - served with a fine selection of fresh vegetables and herbs! Damara Mopane Lodge is a Damaraland lodge that charms guests with its original themes, touching hearts and eliciting smiles. Whether sitting on your stoep looking out onto your vegetable garden, swimming in the pool or celebrating sunset from the deck, this novel and delightful lodge provides a good base from which to explore the rich sandstone treasure of Damaraland.

Between Kaokoland and the Skeleton Coast, where the flat-topped Etendeka mountains and the carpet of rich red rock greet the tributaries of the Uniab River, lies Palmwag Lodge and Camp. Amid swaying makalani palms and robust mopane trees nourished by underground water, the lodge overlooks the sweeping northern Damaraland landscape peppered with green euphorbias.

Feel the freedom of the north-western corner of Namibia, one of Africa’s last wildernesses, a refuge for black rhino and lion, and home to the famous desert elephant that follow the ephemeral rivers spanning the land like arteries of life. The hustle and bustle of daily living dissipates here as you entertain a slower rhythm of life. In the Kaokoveld extremes, where wildlife wanders freely, the infinite dome of blue sky holds sway during the day, and at night, the brilliance of the night sky takes the stage.

Join a guided hike, a day or morning of exploration, a sleep-out or a sundowner drive in the 582 000-hectare Palmwag Concession, a vast conservation area with an abundance of wildlife. Palmwag collaborates with neighbouring conservancies, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and Save the Rhino Trust to safeguard this rich wild heritage, offering guests extraordinary unrivalled African experiences.

When the rugged reds soften into pinks and purples at the end of the day, touching your soul with their magic wand of beauty, and a buttery moon rises regally over the horizon, a deep peace pervades your being. Sit back in comfort listening to barking geckos calling their mates and the wind dancing in the palm fronds, content in the generous arms of a wild Namibia.

Namushasha River Lodge celebrates the wonders of the Zambezi water world with accommodation fit for a king. Theres a magic, a feeling or a charm that enraptures you in these northern realms. With elephants, hippos, myriad bird species, waterlilies and African bush, a visit to Namushasha provides an enriching adventure into Nature - to the accompaniment of the chiming of reed frogs, bird calls, hippo grunts and the soothing sound of a boat skimming through water. Namushashas impressive central entrance, designed in true African style with a wooden chandelier and carved animals, leads guests into the attractive lodge set between the trees. The dining room, with its high thatched roof, is open on the sides to the river world, providing a suitable - and airy - welcome to wonderland.

One of the captivating Zambezi lodges, Namushasha River Lodge offers guests a superlative choice of exciting activities: Stroll past the green-lawned campsite to the traditional heritage centre; hop aboard the river boats for early morning or late afternoon river cruises to explore the channels and discover the diverse bird life; or take a trip to the Bwabwata National Park, first by boat along the waterways to later transfer to a game vehicle for an excursion into African bush. At the end of the day, theres nothing that can quite compare to a red Zambezi sunset. Whether teetotaller or not, youll want to have something cool and refreshing on hand to toast the day. Situated 24km south of Kongola on the C49 (D3501), Namushasha is the perfect stopover en route to Victoria Falls - or a grand destination in itself. Be enraptured.

Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. Conveniently located within short walking distance of the ‘Mole’, our modern, uplifting and inviting hotel is the ideal base for your stay.

Every effort is made to surprise and delight guests with thoughtful touches and locally inspired reasons to smile. From the easy comfort of our hotel, the warm and welcoming service Gondwana is known for, to the assistance provided by our knowledgable Delight Host for anything from activity bookings to dinner reservations – your stay is always an effortless and memorable experience.

Just east of Aus, Klein Aus Vista is nestled in the granite-gneiss hills with magnificent views of the landscape. This is the area where the Namib Desert begins to merge with golden grasses, where wild horses roam free and people once gathered with diamond dreams. Klein Aus Vista provides the perfect base to explore south-western Namibia, as a destination in itself or a perfect halfway stop en route from the canyon to the red dunes of Sossusvlei or vice versa.

The attractive and airy rooms of Desert Horse Inn, are built in a style indicative of the late century farmhouse and painted a deep, rich sienna that glows alluringly in the late afternoon sunshine. Put up feet on your veranda enjoying Klein Aus calm, partake in a day or sunset drive or explore the numerous mountain-bike and walking trails that skirt the rocky hills. Here you will discover old WWI ramparts, an old Hudson motorcar riddled with bullet holes from an almost-forgotten shoot-out with diamond smugglers, viewpoints with extraordinary vistas, springbok on the plains and, if lucky, klipspringer poised on the rocky slopes. Further afield, visit the wild horses at the Garub waterhole, 20km to the west, and the old diamond mining town of Kolmanskop and Lüderitz, 100km onwards. Return in the late afternoon to Klein Aus peace. Relax on the upstairs wooden deck, around the fireplace in the cosy lounge or at the Wild Horse bar until you cannot resist the enticing supper aromas any longer. Outside the sky will be alight with streaks of sunset colour until the twinkling stars and moon appear. And with them lie the promise of a good nights sleep and the anticipation of a new day.

Forever landscapes, solitude, silence and sunsets. Klein-Aus Vista’s Eagle’s Nest is a self-catering getaway with 8 individually built rock chalets. After check-in in at Desert Horse Inn reception it is a 7 km drive to Eagle´s Nest. Keep to yourself or drive to Desert Horse Inn’s restaurant for delicious fare and congenial company. Return to dream of peace and wake to magnificent sunrise scenery.

Down to earth, relaxed, innovative and charming are Etosha Safari Camps alluring qualities - and of course, its proximity to Etosha National Park. This friendly safari camp has cosy accommodation set between the mopane trees, an inviting circular swimming pool, a lush green campsite and ample character. Extending the theme of Etosha as being a Place of Legends, Etosha Safari Camp takes it one step further by bringing home the story and spirit of Africa. And the result is - legendary! Here, the typical informal bar or shebeen, well-known and beloved throughout southern Africa, is given expression in the Okambashu (Our home) restaurant and Oshebeena bar with local colour and country bric-a-brac.

A delicious array of food is laid out on an old train compartment. Guests have a choice of dining in the intriguing township dining rooms, around fireplaces in the cooler months or outside in the courtyard where The Etosha Boys strum guitars and sing lively local songs. African wildlife takes priority during the day at this Etosha camp, only a short drive from Andersson Gate, the portal to the magnificence of the animal kingdom.

Explore the national park on your own or join our professional guides for an enlightening and informative wildlife journey. Or do both, with a break in the day for a siesta at the Camp. From the black-faced impala to the wizened elephant giants and lion kings, the wild world is simply spellbinding. As the end of the day approaches, race the sun home to Etosha Safari Camp to laughter, comfort and good cheer. Tap toes to the beat of Africa.

Entering Hakusembe River Lodge at the end of the winding gravel track, you are greeted with a refreshing image of green lawn, large trees, a collection of thatched chalets and a strip of sparkling river. Instantaneously the fresh balm of beauty soothes your weary soul. You have reached the verdant Hakusembe River Oasis. A feeling of calm descends. And it remains present for the time of your visit.

River birds fly up between the reeds, people row their dugout canoes on the river and soft muted sounds float over the waters from the villages on the far bank. As you sit on the floating deck, legs up, book in hand absorbing the peace to the accompaniment of bird calls and the gentle splashing of water, all worldly worries float away.

Those who can muster the energy to move can cool off at the pool in the luxuriant garden, try their luck at catching the elusive tiger fish, take a stroll to the Mbunza cultural village and hop aboard the Hakusembe River Queen. Situated 16km from Rundu in the Kavango region, this gem of a lodge (with campsite) provides that necessary break from the road.

It's one of the accommodation treasures to discover - and frequent - when in the northern reaches of the country. It will soon be etched into itineraries, breaking the long haul from Windhoek and Etosha to the Zambezi Region and Vic Falls. Excitement builds up as you turn onto the entrance road and relief washes over you as you reach Hakusembe River Lodge. You are back.

Enjoy the peaceful solitude on the banks of the Chobe River, overlooking the floodplains. Our lodge offers 20 tented chalets, designed to provide extraordinary experiences. Inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape, the chalets are built using local Mopane timber and canvas, creating a beautiful and eco-friendly setting.

Visiting the camp promises a unique and wonderful experience. You’ll encounter large herds of zebras, elephants, wildebeests, and antelopes. Though activities may vary by season, they are sure to amaze and intrigue our guests.

Chobe River Camp is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, making it the perfect getaway.

Location: About 4 km from the Ngoma border post between Botswana and Namibia.