Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is in the Purros Conservancy and could easily take the prize for 'Most Remote Lodge in the Country'. Accessible by light aircraft or sturdy 4x4 vehicle, the lodge is a peaceful and modern retreat in a land that hasn't changed in aeons.
If you are self-driving and not keen to brave the terrain - "off the beaten track" - from Sesfontein to the lodge, good news, they offer a daily pick-up (at an additional cost).
The lodge is built from local adobe on the banks of the Hoarusib Riverbed and looks like a medieval hacienda in a Martian landscape. Each of the seven suites looks out over the endless wilderness and has been fitted with pure luxury: en suite bathrooms with indoor and open-air showers, private shaded terraces with covered day beds and cushions. The décor is a combination of neutral tones and pale woods, that leave you feeling light as if you can breathe again and all around you enough space to revel in it.
There's also a private villa with two bedrooms, two bathrooms a private terrace, open bar and boma area. It's only a notch up from the rest. We don't say that because it isn't worthy of the title, it's just that all the suites are spectacular.
The main lodge features two open-sided lounges, a pool with a sun deck and shaded gazebo, a romantic dining area and a small library. This is indeed an oasis in the middle of the desert, in the middle of nowhere. Everywhere you go is that age-old view in perfect silence. Tranquillity is complete.
Elephant tracking, scenic morning, afternoon and evening game drives, night drives; visit local Himba village; hiking trails in and around the Hoarusib Valley; bird watching
Your nature drives follow the tracks of lion, elephant, black rhino and giraffe. And if you're lucky enough to see any of these majestic creatures, you'll be seeing the only desert-adapted versions of their kind in the world. On top of that there are several of Namibia's rare and endemic birds and smaller animals to look out for.
"We can't wait to return"
I can't thank you enough for helping to put together this trip. It exceeded all our expectations and we fell in love with your country.
"We loved our experience with NTS"
We loved Namibia and its unique landscapes and kind people. It was certainly an adventure and a privilege to get to spend time there.
"We had a wonderful time in Namibia"
All in all we had a wonderful time and appreciate the effort made to ensure all aspects of our tour ran smoothly with prompt email support where needed.
"What a wonderful journey we had in beautiful and friendly Namibia!"
Namibia has stolen our travel-heart and you can consider us as new ambassadors of this spectacular country.