Located on the banks and overlooking the seasonal Omaruru River, and in the town of the same name, is Kashana Lodge. It is the ideal stopover to investigate the creative nature of Omaruru; many local Namibian artists live here. Omaruru is also known for the quality of its wines and chocolates. The beauty and charm of the surrounding Erongo Mountain region richly deserve some exploration as well.

There are numerous routes to and from Omaruru, all within 1 day's travel. Your itinerary can include visits to the seaside town of Swakopmund, the Cape fur seal colony at Cape Cross, Namibia's highest peak at Brandberg Mountain, over 2,000 rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, Waterberg Plateau and Namibia's number one tourist attraction, Etosha National Park.

The volcanic Erongo Mountain range is also one of the country's most popular tourist draw cards. Flanked by the Namib Desert to the west and a mixed, woodland savannah to the east, a gathering of ecosystems have formed over the years. A home to a most impressive array of plant, reptile, mammal and bird species, some endemic to Namibia, has evolved. Rock paintings are also a lure, the most notable being the 'White Elephant' frieze in Phillip's Cave on the southern edge of the mountain.

Facilities include a bar and a restaurant with separate terrace and 2 private function rooms. Namibian style food is served as well as a continental and English breakfast, an 'A la Carte' and set menu for lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch packs can be ordered in advance as can any special dietary requirements and set menus for groups. The swimming pool has a 'lounging area' and there is a laundry service, hair dresser shop, goldsmith, herbal shop are also available.

Kashana Lodge is also home to the Nawa Nawa Arts Centre, complete with a gallery and several shops, offering locally made arts and crafts. The focus here is of recycling materials. Old oil drums, building rubble and reeds from the riverbed have been used to make innovative, high quality Namibian Arts and Crafts. Artists featured include Thelma van Rhyn, Annette Niedermeier and Martie Zwemmer.

Accommodation is in 10 bungalows. Each unit has an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, mini-bar, tea/coffee station, TV, Internet connection, an in-room safe and 220v AC power supply. Available are:

• 6 x bungalows: Fitted with a king-size bed or two double beds, an en-suite bathroom with bidet and a private verandah.
• 2 x family bungalows: An upstairs loft, 2 x double beds and 2 x single beds, shared bathroom with bidet, private verandah.
• 2 x suites: 1 x twin suite and 1 x double suite, each with an en-suite bathroom, separate lounge, extra bed for families and shared verandah.

English, German & Afrikaans are spoken, and children of all ages are welcome at Kashana.

Accommodation in Namibia

Winery

Visit the Kristall Kellere winery in Omaruru

Shopping & Food

Omaruru has established itself the Namibian artists retreat. Although it is still primarily a small farming town there is an unusually high proportion of interesting cafes and shops

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