Erindi Game Reserve
Lodges in Central Namibia
Erindi Private Game Reserve is set on 71,000 ha of pristine wilderness, with landscapes as varied as mountains to savannah, with the added advantage of being in a malaria-free area. It is situated in the Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Omaruru triangle, where more than 15,000 head of game roam. Erindi means 'The Place of Water,' in the local Herero language. Rare and endangered species of leopard are being conserved and all of the big cats, including lion, cheetah plus black rhino, the rare African Wild Dog and brown hyena can be viewed here.
The main building is the 'Old Traders Lodge,' comprising of the main dining room and a viewing deck. All meals can be ordered from set menu's, complimented with a selection of wines, beer and cool drinks from the bar. Guests who have any dietary requirements, as well as the physically challenged, are asked to book their requirements in advance. Hippo and crocodiles can be seen, not to mention a variety of other game, that come to drink and graze at the floodlit waterhole.
There are also conference facilities for up to 20 delegates, but this can be upped to 60 on request. Some audio / visual equipment, overhead projectors, flip charts and booklets, pens & pencils are provided.
Children of all ages are welcome on the game reserve and the indoor and outdoor play centres, provide a safe environment for children to let off steam, as well as giving mummy and daddy a rest for a few hours. Kids are welcome to make use of the pool, but under supervision.
There are 35 well-appointed suites and they all look out onto the small floodlit waterhole. They are all equipped with a comfortable double or twin single beds, (with crisp linen and warm blankets) an en-suite bathroom, (with bath and shower) remote controlled air-conditioning, a fridge and kettle, tea/coffee station, an in-room safe and study desk and satellite TV. There is a gauze screen on the sliding doors and windows and insect repellent provided. The 2 disabled guest suites, cater for those with special needs.
Leopard is said to be the most sought after and the most persecuted big cat on the planet. Erindi has embarked on a conservation research project to aid in the better understanding of this phenomenal creature to help reduce human/predator conflict and find methods to ensure that man and leopard benefit each other long term and that other creatures reap the rewards of the relationship.
In 2007 the capture and collaring of leopards at Erindi Game Reserve began. 4 leopards were captured, but only 2 were fitted with radio collars. (Young leopards were not fitted with collars, as when they grow injuries occur as the collar becomes too tight.) In early 2008 a further 3 leopards were captured and fitted with radio collars, bringing the total numbers of radio-collared leopards up to 5. With these devices, the reserve can see very distinctive pattern of territories developing, at what is the beginning of an exciting project, that is sure to last!
Rehabilitation includes vegetation surveys and veld condition assessments, with the long term aim to manage a careful ecological balance between vegetation, herbivores and predators. The restoration of local wildlife to Erindi Game Reserve is phenomenal, and the hunted and persecuted have found a safe haven, and are fully protected. Highly endangered species such as black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), lion, (Panthera leo) the rare brown hyena (Hyena brunnea) resides in the area and together with good numbers of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatis) and leopard (Panthera pardus) give Erindi a predator diversity that is matched by only a few other wildlife destinations. They can all be viewed on morning and afternoon game drives.
Erindi Private Game Reserve. A whole new outlook on Namibian wildlife.
- Early morning Game Drives
- The day begins before first light. Meet at the main lodge where the kitchen prepares hot brewed coffee, tea, muffins. Then we depart in the Land Rovers, the air crisp and the morning alive with the sounds of the bush. The rangers have an intimate knowledge of the environment, reading signs of last night’s activity they take us into their world. It’s not long before we pick up the spoor of a predator left not long before as the first rays of sun pierce the mountains in the distance. Communicating by radio the vehicles share information on sightings giving us a greater chance of experiencing as much as possible.
- Evening Game Drives
- A short trip takes a sundowner location. Intense golden hues make the evening surreal as we sip drinks and enjoy light snacks. The light softens after a magnificent sunset, as the sun dips behind the horizon, the air cools day transforms to night. Animals leave the safety of their daytime shelters. The numerous nocturnal hunters, including lion and genet pick up scent trailing the night air. Evening trips also bring incredible viewing of little creatures such as striped polecat, African wild cat, bat eared foxes, porcupine and pangolin, brown hyena, spotted hyena and jackal.
- Informative & Educational
- Apart from the daily game drives that are aimed at providing knowledge on the unique fauna and flora of Erindi Private Game Reserve, interactive lectures are offered to interested guests. The “Global Leopard Project” presentation focuses on the leopard research project conducted at Erindi and the “Awesome Ecology of Erindi”. Other presentations give insight into the daily fieldwork that leads to the successful functioning of one of the most amazing conservation areas on earth. Kids game drives, children under 6 can’t view any of the big 5 animals. If the lodge is full kids under 6 wont be able to go on game drives and a baby sitter will be available.
Directions:
- From Windhoek
- Drive north through the town of Okahandja on the B1 - about 45km after Okahandja turn left off the B1, take the D2414 for about 40kms. At this point fork off to the left on to the D2328. After continuing on the D2328 for 4kms, the private road to the lodge is on your left. It is another 20kms to the lodge
- From Otjiwarongo
- Approximately 100km south of Otjiwarongo (on the B1), turn right on either the D2187 or the D2414. The D2187 takes you to the Omatako Entrance gate to Erindi, while the D2414 leads you to the main gate

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