Grootberg Lodge
Lodges in Damaraland
Perched on the rim of the Grootberg Plateau, the Grootberg Lodge stands sentinel over the Klip River Valley. The lodge has 11 rock and thatch chalets which offer views out over the gorge, where Black Eagles hunt just below the level of your private deck. 12 000 hectares have been set aside by the Khoadi / Hoas community for conservation and tourism and it is through this pristine wilderness that you meander either on foot or by car to encounter the inhabitants of this remote biosphere.
Grootberg Lodge is a landmark in Namibia for the tourism industry as it is the first middle-market establishment in the country that is 100% owned by the conservancy. The European Union funded the project through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism's Development Programme. At the same time, the private sector has been called in to supply the training and management skills until the community becomes self-sustainable. The purpose of the Grootberg Lodge is not only to offer a professional service, great surroundings, extremely good food, well-trained guides and exceptionally good local management but, at the same time, to benefit the local community thanks to the revenues generated by the Lodge.
Desert elephant, black rhino and lion are some of the more impressive mammals to be found. But you will also find a myriad of smaller mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and plants. For travelers making the journey between Etosha and Swakopmund, this lodge provides the ideal midway stopover, whilst allowing guests to experience the true wilderness that is Damaraland.
|
Facilities
- Double en-suite rooms
- Swimming pool
- Bar facilities
- Restauraunt
Activities
- Guided walks on top of the plateau -
After breakfast on the veranda of the Grootberg Lodge restaurant with the Black Eagles hovering around the cliffs, the guests who prefer an early start to the day will depart at around 7.30am for a 3 hour walk on top of the plateau. Our knowledgeable guide will enable guests to enjoy the local flora, the amazing rock formations of the Etendeka Mountains and the shy wild animals, long inhabitants of this plateau.
For the afternoon walkers, departure is around 4.30 pm after coffee and tea, served with home made cakes for extra energy for the hike.
- Guided walk down the mountain to the Klip River Springs - For the more adventurous guest, a challenging hike down into the Klip River, with the possibility to see kudu, oryx, klipspringers and mountain zebras. It is usually a 3 hour walk. Hikers will then be returned to the lodge in the comfort of our custom built Range Rover.
- Elephant tracking -
one of the most popular activities at grootberg. A guide with a tracker will take you out into the surrounding farms in search of the elusive desert elephants, giving one also the opportunity to appreciate the life style of the local people. Lunch takes place in the shade of a tree in the remote wilderness of Damaraland Departure at around 7.30am and back at the lodge in the early afternoon.
- Rhino Tracking -
Departure is at 7.00am after an early breakfast at the lodge. The guide, along with the game trackers will take the guests in an open 4x4 game vehicle down to the Klip River. They will track the rhinos from the vehicle using telemetry as transmitters have been inserted into the animals' horns for monitoring purposes. Part of the tracking will take place on foot, with the possibility of between 1 to 3 hours walk at the most. At lunch time there will be a stop near the springs where people can enjoy some refreshments. It's almost a full day activity going along bumpy roads and walking in rocky terrain, so not advisable for the faint-hearted.
- Scenic drives down the Klip River -
Grootberg lodge offers scenic drives down to the Klip River Valley where permanent springs provide water for the local population of zebras, antelopes and occasionally elephants and black rhinos Springboks, kudu and oryx are a permanent fixture and even the nervous and shy klipspringers are sometimes seen leaping about on the steep cliffs of the mountain as if they were flying. The morning drive starts after breakfast and takes between 3-4 hours, the afternoon drive is shorter, leaving after tea and coffee at the lodge for a 2-3 hours drive.
- Horse sundowners -
Meander through the mopane savanna on a shiny steed and enjoy the view of this beautiful landscape, with the possibility of a close up encounter with the general game of the area. The guide will stop for a sundowner for you to appreciate the pristine wilderness of the plateau while sipping a cold drink. Beginners are welcome.
|
|
Rate - 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2008
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (DBB)
| Rate per Room |
|
| Single Room |
N$1 208 |
| Double Room |
N$1 900 |
| Children (sharing with parents) |
|
| Aged 0 to 12 years |
N$460 |
Activities & Additional Meals
| Rate per person |
|
| Game Drives (am) |
N$402 |
| Game Drives (pm) |
N$287 |
| Game Drive (full day) |
N$690 |
| Rhino Tracking |
N$1 035 |
| Elephant Tracking |
N$690 |
| Guided Walk |
N$1783 |
| Light Lunch |
N$65 |
| Lunch Packs |
N$65 |
Rates are subject to change without prior notice
Directions
Take the C40 via Kamanjab to the Grootberg Lodge. Follow the signs boards to the lodge.
Accommodation in Namibia
Travel in Namibia
Safaris Namibia - Car Hire in Namibia - Accommodation & Lodges Namibia - Adventures & Day Trips - Namibian maps - Search Site
Getting Here - Namibia travel advice - Namibia - Places & National Parks in Namibia - Contact us - Self Drive Namibia