Huab Lodge began as an idea to generate funds to save the desert-dwelling elephant from being harassed and shot. The original farmland was in a small area called Monte Carlo, which boasts stunning views, bisected by the mostly dry Huab River.

The Huab Conservation Trust was set up to protect the habitat of the desert elephant and other animals originally found in the area, from ever-expanding human activities. The Trust is actively bringing back the wildlife, which belongs on the banks of the river.

The lodge was erected on a special site just down river from the old rest camp, where the Germans built the so-called German Bath in the late 1800's. 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 has an enormous thatch roof with open sides, giving their guests the impression of being on the outside, but well in the shade! There is a cozy seating arrangement, with a well-assorted reference library, not to mention a photographic collection of Haub Lodge's guests. A permanent coffee and tea bar is laid out here.

The long dining table and some other tables and chairs are made of heavy Rhodesian Teak sleepers. The easy chairs have colourful handmade cushions. Natural rock islands protrude into this area and have been decorated with somewhat rather curious details. A small curio shop and the bar fill up the remaining space.

Meals are enjoyed with the hosts at the family table, an ideal situation to make friends and exchange opinions and stories. In true Huab Lodge tradition, a variety of some less well-known South Africa wines are presented ceremoniously each evening for guests to appreciate and enjoy.

Accommodation is in 8 spacious, stone and thatch bungalows, sleeping a maximum of 16 guests. They all have a large private patio, and include a separate en-suite toilet, two hand-wash basins with mirrors. Even the shower has a view! Each room has two king size beds, and large windows enable an abundance of natural light to stream inside. The view across to the Huab River from here is wonderful. Tea and coffee making facilities are set out. Mosquito nets, a ceiling fan, and a torch are also on hand, as well as biologically degradable soaps and shampoo.

The 24hr, 220v power supply comes from the silent solar energy plant concealed on the hill. The chemically untreated water has a neutral pH value.

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.. The temperature fluctuates around 37 to 39 degrees Centigrade, and the pool is shaded by an attractive thatch roof. There is a cool plunge-pool next to the thermal spring. 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. These treatments have proved extremely popular with their guests since its inclusion.

Activities include morning and afternoon game drives and early morning guided walks.

There is an airstrip near the lodge.

Accommodation in Namibia

Sunrise Walk

Your guide will show you many things such as the spoor of the brown hyena, 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 hectare 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.

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 westward.

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.