Ask almost any Namibian tour guide where their favourite place is and the answer will almost certainly be Damaraland. Something about the wide-open spaces, the isolation, and the delicate balance of nature in such a rugged and dramatic landscape captures the heart. Or perhaps it’s the Huab Lodge.

Built on the banks of the (almost always dry) Huab River, this small owner-managed lodge blends luxury and simplicity in a way that embodies true Namibian hospitality. Slightly off the beaten track – even by Damaraland standards – Huab Lodge features eight stone-and-thatch bungalows with tiled floors, textured fabrics and private verandahs overlooking the vast Huab River valley on an 8,000-hectare private nature reserve. There’s even a double-storey honeymoon chalet with exceptional panoramic views across the valley.

The main lodge is an enormous open-sided thatched gazebo filled with comfy chairs, reference books, a family-style dinner table and a cosy bar – the kind of place where you instantly feel at home.

And the drawcard, if you still need one (beyond the endless silence and wide-open space)? A natural hot spring that sits at a soothing 40°C. Tucked beneath its own thatched gazebo and open to the surrounding wilderness, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the tranquillity.

After 14 years, elephants have begun returning to the lodge, made possible by the removal of the last remaining perimeter fences – a powerful testament to the conservancy’s commitment to restoring natural wildlife corridors.

For those interested in culture and ancient history, Huab Lodge also boasts over 100 Bushman rock engravings on its private reserve – a Twyfelfontein-like experience, but without the crowds and with the privilege of exclusivity.