On the farm Anibib, approximately 45kms from Omaruru, is Ai- Aiba, the Rock Painting Lodge. It is set amongst a massif of granite rock boulders, and the view overlooking the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, is simply stunning. This is the place to come and explore an area rich in historic rock paintings. Ai Aiba is a Khoekhoegowab word meaning 'the person who walks in front to show the way'.

The rock art was first recorded by Abbé Breuil, a French archaeologist, anthropologist, ethnologist and geologist, noted for his worldwide studies of cave art, especially in Southern Africa. He undertook three expeditions to South West Africa and Rhodesia (Namibia and Zimbabwe respectively) in the late 1940's and described this period as 'the most thrilling years of my research life.) (Don't we all!)

In 1953 he discovered a painting over 6,000 years old, subsequently named The White Lady, under a rock overhang in the Brandberg Mountain. Breuil, a competent draughtsman, painstakingly reproduced the cave paintings he came upon, and published many books and monographs on the subject.

The main building houses the restaurant and Bushman Bar, and TV room, with a collection of reference books, mainly of the local flora and fauna of the area. Guests can relax by the palm-fringed swimming pool and gardens.

There are 20 luxurious rooms, in 10 thatch-roofed bungalows, in a combination of single, double or family. They are tastefully furnished ' African style,' and each room as an en-suite bathroom, with a private patio affording wonderful, scenic views.

Activities at the lodge are geared towards exploring the full and diverse subject of rock paintings. There are various guided walking trails to enjoy, including a short hiking trail quite close to the lodge, which serves as a good introduction to rock art in general. With the choice of a guide, 4 other sites can be visited in about 45 minutes.

The Ai Aiba Rock Painting Drive is approximately 3 hrs long, with rock-art discovered along the way. A visit to a neighbouring farm, the Ai Aiba Etemba picnic drive, highlights the paintings in the well-known Hain Cave.

Ai Aiba is an active member of the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, an association of farmers dedicated to the protection and preservation of the unique fauna and flora, as well as the magnificent granite landscape of the Erongo.

Unguided walk

The walk is approximately 45 minutes long and takes you passed the massive granite boulders near the bungalows.

Sundowner drive

AiAiba is situated on a 5600 hectare farm. All farming activities have been ceased and the farm has been left to recover to its natural state. This 2 hour drive takes you over only a small part of the farm to one of the highest mountains on the property. View the Okombahe mountain and on a clear day, you can also see the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain.

Rock Painting Drive

This morning drive leaves at 08:00 and takes you on a drive to see only a few of the many rock paintings and beautiful landscapes on the farm. If you are lucky, you will also see some animals like kudu, springbok, eland, zebra and jackal. As there are so many mountains and granite boulders, the area has many leopard. Get back at the lodge approximately 3 hours later.

Directions:

Traveling from Windhoek use one of the following routes:

• From Windhoek, take the B1 to Okahandja, which becomes the B2 as you head towards Swakopmund. Shortly before Karibib take the C33 towards Omaruru. Travel along this road for 63 km, and just before the town of Omaruru, turn left onto the D2315. After 10 km of gravel road enter the Conservancy gate. Another 45 km will bring you to the entrance of AiAiba Lodge.
• This route is approximately 40 kilometers shorter in total than the previous one, but involves an extra 70 kilometers of gravel road. About 70km after Okahandja take the turnoff C36 towards Wilhelmstal on your right. Travel on this gravel road for about 67km until you reach a junction with the Karibib - Omaruru tar road (C33). Turn right on this road towards Omaruru. About 3km along this road and about 3 km before reaching the town of Omaruru turn left onto the D2315. Travel 10 km of gravel road to enter the Conservancy gate. Another 45km will bring you to the entrance of AiAiba Lodge.

Traveling from Swakopmund

• From Swakopmund, the route is more scenic. Follow the B2 from Swakopmund to Usakos. At Usakos, turn left on the D2306 towards Okombahe. After about 50 km turn right on the D2315 towards Omaruru and continue along this road for about 10 km until you see the signs to turn left at the AiAiba Lodge.

Traveling from the North

• Travel through the town of Omaruru on the C33 towards Karibib. About 3km out of Omaruru, turn right onto theD2315. After 10 km of gravel road enter the Conservancy gate. Another 45 km will bring you to the entrance of AiAiba Lodge.

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