This is one of those rare places to call home from home without being lynched by the anti-cliche brigade. A relaxed place with a family vibe. Escape the city and relax under old trees poolside. Friendly dogs complete the picture.

Immanuel Wilderness Lodge is in a valley between the Khomas Highlands and the Otjivahera Mountains. It’s owned by German expatriates Sabine and Stephan. They took so many holidays here that in 2007, they decided to emigrate. They have neither hospitality nor tourism backgrounds, instead they’re merely graduates of the school of ‘passion for this place’. And they’re doing a good job, going by all their hospitality awards. This really is their home. So they look after it, they love it.

They call it ‘Afro-chic’ which sounds rather smashing. The rooms are in traditional thatched buildings with private terraces. There are single, twin and double rooms - doubles have a king-size bed. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, hot water, air conditioning and tea & coffee making facilities. The family room has enough space for parents and two children between the age of 3 and 14. A baby cot can be provided. There is also a thatched guest house which is private and set away from the main house.

You must, must, must eat here. The food is first class. Stephan just happens to be an award winning chef. Every night he cooks up a storm - 4 courses of fresh, yummy delight.  All meat served at the lodge is hand selected, from nearby cattle farms, so you’ll be tucking into superior quality, expertly aged, organic beef and local game.

Next morning, breakfast is an equally grand affair with a daily spread of organic cheese, homemade “Brötchen”, and a range of cold meats such as Zebra Salami, smoked Kudu Carpaccio and cold meat selection from Oryx. Oh, by the way, Stephan won an award for best restaurant in Namibia too.