Alte Kalköfen Lodge opened in August 2010 and is the perfect base to visit some of southern Namibia's main tourist attractions. It is located 90km west of Keetmanshoop, the capital of the south, which is in the Karas Region. The lodge is situated on the farms Sandverhaar and Simplon.

The name 'Alte Kalköfen' means 'limestone ovens' and indeed these can be found near the lodge. They were used in days of old to produce lime in the building and agricultural trades.

Alte Kalköfen Lodge proudly hosts the biggest collection of Lithops in Namibia. The 'Flowering Stones' or ' Baba Boudjies' as they are known locally in Afrikaans (translates into babies buttocks in English) are displayed in a specially constructed hothouse called the Cole Lithoparium, named after Professor Desmond and Mrs Naureen Cole, in recognition for their pioneering work in the Lithops genus field.

A Lithops is a succulent plant that consists of 2 opposing leaves that are fused together. The majority of the plant remains under ground. They resemble pebbles and stones found in their natural habitat. William Johan Burchell discovered Lithops in 1811 and stated: 'On picking up from the stony ground what was supposed to be curiously shaped pebble, surprisingly proved to be a plant'.

The old farmhouse has been restored as the reception and restaurant, serving home-cooked breakfasts, light lunches and delicious evening meals. Alte Kalköfen is fully-licensed and open to the public for functions. Other facilities include a swimming pool, fridge/freezer, DSTV in the guest lounge, on site parking, an internet / telephone / fax connection and there is a safe for securing valuables in reception.

Alte Kalköfen Lodge offer 10 double or single, en-suite bungalows. A fan and a tea/coffee station are standard. The accommodation overlooks Gurib riverbed, where large camelthorn trees survive because of their deep root systems. There are some memorable sunset views from the comfort of your own room.

Lithops

Alte Kalkofen Lodge has the largest collection on Lithops in Namibia, the lodge has a self drive activity where you will be accompanied by a guide and can visit up to 20 sites (from Luderitz to Helmeringhausen and the Fish River Canyon) where lithops are commonly found. The guide then helps with identification and information about the various lithops.

Directions:

on the dusty district road D462, Alte Kalköfen Lodge is situated 90 kilometres West of Keetmanshoop