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Huab Lodge

Relax in a naturally peaceful environment in Namibia

Huab Lodge began as an idea to generate funds to save the desert-dwelling elephant from being harassed and shot. Since 1992 awareness has increased, as has tourism and the "value" of the elephant is changing. The Huab Conservation Trust was set up to protect the habitat of the desert elephant and other animals originally found in the area from the ever-expanding human activities, and is actively bringing back the life which belongs on the banks of the river. The original farmland is a small, unique area called Monte Carlo which boasts stunning views bisected by the mostly dry Huab River. At a special site just down river from the old rest camp, where the Germans built the so-called German Bath in the late 1800s, the lodge was erected. Despite its size the unique main building blends well into its surroundings. The irregular thatch roof mirrors a mountain on the opposite bank. The stone and thatch bungalows spread along the elevated north bank of the river ensuring a private and magnificent view - even from the shower!

The main building at Huab Lodge is an enormous thatch roof with open sides so you feel as though you are outside but well in the shade! There is a cosy seating arrangement with a well-assorted reference library as well as photographs of all the guests who have come to stay. A permanent coffee and tea bar is laid out. The long dining table and other convenient tables and chairs are made of heavy Rhodesian teak sleepers and the easy chairs have colourful handmade cushions. Natural rock islands protrude into the area and are decorated with curious details. A small curio shop and the bar fill the spaces.

Eight stone and thatch bungalows can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests. Meals are enjoyed with the hosts at the family table, where in the Lodge's friendly atmosphere guests can make friends and exchange opinions and learn more about the country. In Huab Lodge tradition a variety of less well-known South Africa wines are presented ceremoniously each evening for guests to appreciate and enjoy.

The spacious bungalows have a large private patio and are tastefully and practically furnished. They all include a separate en-suite toilet, two hand-wash basins and mirrors and even the shower has a view. The airy room with two king size beds has large windows giving lots of light and a view across the Huab River. Tea and coffee making facilities are set out. Mosquito nets, a ceiling fan, and a torch as well as biologically degradable soaps and shampoo are provided. 24 hours 220 volt power comes from the silent solar energy plant concealed on the hill. The chemically untreated water has a neutral pH value.

There is no need to close the curtains, instead you can watch the stars and listen to the calls of several owl species and the barking geckos as you drift off to sleep. In the morning as you look out from the comfort of your (extra long) bed you can enjoy the soft light as the sun catches the mountains and a new day begins. The dawn chorus gives voice to grey hornbills, fork tailed drongos and white-browed sparrow-weavers in particular. The "heart-attack" call of the red-billed francolin ensures a rush of adrenaline first thing in the morning and the Hartlaub's francolin shrieks his "machu pichu" call somewhere in the granite.

Use of the swimming pool with its decorative island is recommended, and you can also enjoy a wallow in the thermal spring, which contains soothing and healing minerals and has a neutral pH value and NO sulphur. The temperature fluctuates around 37 to 39 degrees Centigrade and the pool is shaded by an attractive thatch roof which still enables star-gazing. There is a cool plunge-pool next to the hot wallow. A secluded bird-bath makes this a prime spot for birders.

Huab Lodge has an aromatherapist who offers reflexology and aromatherapy massages in the privacy of the bungalow or at the thermal spring. This additional offer has proved extremely popular since its inclusion in the array of activities and can be another reason for wanting to stay longer.

With all it has to offer, and being off the beaten track thisis not a place for a single night-stop. You should allow several days to enjoy and absorb the tranquillity and quiet, the welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, and the many activities. There is an airstrip near the lodge.

Details: All Rooms | Some Rooms | Not Available Number of rooms: 8 Check in time: 13.00 Check out time: 10.00 Hotel / Lodge Facilities Room Facilities Children Restaurant Fitness Centre Swimming Pool Laundry Service Non Smoking Rooms Spa Lounge Disabled Access Internet Secure parking En-suite bathroom Television Telephone Room Service Mini Bar Air- Conditioning Fan Mosquito Nets Tea / Coffee Making In room safe High Chairs Cot Babysitting Activities Sunrise Walk - Your guide will show you many things such as the spoor of the brown hyaena, the antlion's trap, the imprint of raindrops, the place where a duiker marked his territory, the droppings of a mopane worm! We call this: reading the bushman newspaper. All these things are important in nature. There is an ancient saying that if you see a tortoise the rain is on its way. Morning Drive - After breakfast go on a drive in the 8,000 hektare private nature reserve and find out more about the fascinating aspects of life out there. Enjoy the breath taking views that keep changing and offering different geological formations. Afternoon Drive - The afternoon drive will take you into a completely different area such as the Huab River course itself. here there is water on the surface and you drive through stretches of it. Animals and birds come to drink here and on the steep banks of the river you can find klipspringer and rock hyrax, kudu and black eagles nesting. Elephant Tracking - Join us on the tracks of the Desert Elephant, search for nearly 200 species of birds, wonder about the ancient rock art and the people who made it, discover the southern skies at night - or just relax. Hiking- Huab Lodge offers great hiking along unmarked trails up the mountains surrounding the lodge. Orientation is easy from the heights of the mountains and because of the river bed running parallel to them. Some hikes start at the lodge and head for chosen peaks walking along game trails. They may be undertaken alone or with a guide. Hip carriers are provided with water, cool drinks and a snack, as well as a walkie talkie and a walking stick. The views are phenomenal from the Brandberg to the Grootberg and the morning and evening light provide excellent photographic opportunities. Other hikes start at a point away from the lodge and hikers are driven to the starting point early in the morning. Less strenuous walks can of course be selected. There is something for everyone!

Other Lodges in the Kamanjab Area Kamanjab Lodges Ermo Guest Farm Hobatere Lodge Huab Lodge Kavita Lion Lodge Otjitotongwe Cheetah Lodge Rustig Toko Lodge

Rate - valid from 1 November 2007 - 31 October 2008

Fully Inclusive Rate (FI) - lunch on the day of arrival, afternoon sundowner / nature drive, drinks, early morning guide walk, morning nature drive, laundry (for stays of 2 nights or more)

Rates are subject to change without prior notice

Directions

From Outjo you can cut off about 70kms by first heading 10km towards Okaukuejo on the C 38, then turn left for a further 40km on the tar towards Kamanjab on the C 40. Then turn left again onto the D 3236. At the T-junction with the C35 turn north toward Kamanjab for 15km and just after the narrow bridge take the Monte Carlo signboard and the Huab Lodge sign on the D2670 going west ward. 35km later on a road that becomes more and more breathtaking as you continue you arrive at your comfortable and inviting lodge!

A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary, except maybe in the rainy season. The road, D 2670 halfway between Khorixas and Kamanjab is a well-maintained all-weather gravel road. If the rains are really heavy then even a 4-wheel drive vehicle will not help get you across roaring rivers! PLEASE do not attempt to cross these! If you are on your way to Huab Lodge and you have a booking, we are expecting you. As we know the weather conditions and are in contact with our neighbours, we ensure that a rescue car comes to meet you if conditions are uncertain. A saloon car can easily manage these gravel roads, obviously you need to drive carefully! The driving time from Khorixas as well as from Kamanjab is 1 hour 30 minutes, at a safe speed but without stopping to smell the flowers! The driving time from Outjo is 2 hours 30 minutes, from Swakopmund 5 hours and from Windhoek 6 hours.