Swartfontein Mountain and Desert Guest Lodge, is situated within the Namib Spreetshoogte Reserve, 180kms south-west of Windhoek. It is set at the summit of the Spreetshoogte Pass, and overlooks one of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes in the country. Originally a traditional settlers house, the oldest section of the building was built by a German soldier, with a distinctive Teutonic look to it, complete with rounded windows, a red corrugated iron roof and a wide verandah.

Emphasis in the house, is concentrated on relaxation and space. The cozy living room and dining rooms, are furnished with big leather couches, family portraits, paintings and objects, collected from all 4 corners of the world.

Wining and dining turn out to be memorable occasions. The blend of German and local dishes, prepared with natural ingredients from the vegetable garden, home made bread and ice cream, are complemented by a fine selection of South African wines. (Some are bottled for the Namib Spreetshoogte Reserve.)

Their very own garden has recently been put in place, and vegetables are grown organically, with no use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The organic waste is used for compost, and the allotment supplies 75% of the needs of the Lodge and it's staff.

The large library has a wide selection of books, in different languages, on various subjects, including wildlife, birds, nature conservation and African history. An alternative spot to relax and unwind, would be in the comfortable armchairs on the veranda, or on the lawn, under a sunshade.

Accommodation for up to 16 guests is in 8 well-appointed suites, each named after an African desert. Every suite is individually decorated, with furniture and fabrics from all over the continent. 24hr electricity and hot water, is supplied from solar energy.

Activities and entertainment at Swartfontein Mountain and Desert Guest Lodge centre around the wildlife and diverse scenery of the Reserve. 4x4 game drives or photographic safaris, guided bird, game and flora walks, can be organized. The fit and more adventurous type, can explore the wilder parts of the Reserve, in search for the protected and elusive Hartmann's Mountain Zebra.

At least thirty species of large mammal have been recorded, including the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra and the Aardwolf, both protected and endangered species here. The terrain is home to the rock dassie and dassie rat, and predators such as leopard, caracal, African wildcat, black-backed jackal and bat eared fox, can be viewed. Ungulates such as kudu, oryx, springbok, klipspringer, steenbok and grey duiker, are common visitors. Blue and black wildebeest and the red hartebeest can also be found.

There is a project to reintroduce cheetahs to the area, with the help and support of the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

Approximately 164 species of birds have been recorded, of which four are endemic to Namibia, being the Ruppell's khoraan, Herero chat, rockrunner and white-tailed shrike. The black eagle, which is breeding in the reserve, the black breasted snake eagle, lappet-faced vulture and the secretary bird, can also be spotted.

English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese and Afrikaans, are fluently spoken here.

Game Drives

Guests are taken on game drives or photographic safaris in a 4x4 vehicle, or on guided bird, game and flora walks. For the more adventurous a day walk in the wildest parts of the Reserve in search of the very protected and elusive mountain zebra can be organised on request.

Sundowners

One of the highlights of the stay at the lodge is a sundowner at the top of the escarpment, admiring a breathtaking view over the mountains, the plains and the red dunes of the desert in the distance, while sipping a glass of chilled sparkling wine.

Directions:

Swartfontein Mountain and Desert Lodge is situated north west of Solitaire off the D1261. Turn west off the D1261 between Nauchas and the junction with the C24, 4 km south of Nauchas and 25 km north of the junction with the C24. The lodge is 15 km from the entrance gate.

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