Bitterwasser Lodge
Accommodation and flying centre
South of Uhlenhorst, on the C15, about 59km from the B1, is a specialist lodge that caters for glider pilots up to world-class level. This is not a school for gliding - it is a place for those who already know how to glide. A number of world records have been achieved at Bitterwasser, and each one has been marked with a king palm. In addition to this, a new palm tree is planted for every flight over 1000km. There's an avenue of palm trees lining the way to the airfield, where each palm was planted to commemorate a record. Every year, the avenue grows.
Bitterwasser Lodge is the ideal place for those interested in gliding, especially if you can bring your own glider. The fantastic thermals of the Kalahari desert provide the opportunity for not only incredibly fast, but also exceptionally long glider flights. The large 3km diameter Bitterwasser salt pan, provides the runway system and is the perfect airfield to initiate glider flights.
The Bitterwasser farm area consists of a total of 5,500ha of land including a game park. There is a wonderful variety of Namibian flora and fauna, and a garden with beautiful old trees, all in a peaceful and relaxing environment.
The previous farm infrastructure has been replaced by a new modern Lodge. There is a main building with restaurant, lounge, curio shop and a 'computer corner'.
The luxurious pool is located in the shady garden. Comfortable chairs, canvas beds and towels are provided, and drinks or snacks can be ordered here.
The restaurant team of Bitterwasser Lodge and Flying Centre pride themselves on their Namibian and International cuisine. It has a terrace and is right in the middle of the resort, the perfect meeting place for pilots and guests alike.
Accommodation at Bitterwasser Lodge and Flying Centre is in either one of 22 air-conditioned bungalows, or a country house located in the dunes. They all have en-suite facilities and 24hr electricity supply. Some have air conditioning and CD-radios. The 13 rondavels (African style huts), are more basic, with simple furniture and a central ablution block.
Gliding is not the only activity at Bitterwasser Lodge and Flying Centre. There are flights with gliders and motorized gliders, round trips with Ultralight and motor planes, biking trails, walks, game drives, and of course spectacular sundowner walks or drives.
- Gliding
- Bitterwasser is world famous for gliding - numerous world records have been set on the property. Bring your own glider and enjoy the views!
- trips with Ultralight and motor planes
- Experience an arial view of the area
- Biking trails
- For the more energetic
- Walks
- There are several walking trails on the property
- Game drives
- Daily trips around the property in search of game
- sundowner walks or drives
Directions:
From Windhoek take the B1 south, and the C21 to the left at Kalkrand (north of Mariental).
Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge
Excellent lodge in the Kalahari Desert, offers accommodation in units made of straw bales or wood. Bagatelle proves to be consistently popular with guests
Hardap Dam Resort
Really only suitable for fisherman - until renovations happen it is probably best not to subject yourself to this.
Kalahari Anib Lodge
Tends to cater for larger groups, but the low rates make it attractive for those looking to save some money.
Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp
The meerkat or suricate is a small mammal which inhabits the Kalahari - we do not know why this lodge is named after them. Perhaps if you stay here and find out you can tell us and then we can make this slightly more descriptive.
Zebra Kalahari Lodge
The third lodge on the Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve (along with Suricate & Camethorn Lodges). The Kalahari is absolutely magnificent and really should be a part of any visit to Namibia.
