Zebra River Lodge
Tsaris Mountains - Namibia
Set in it's own canyon, with 13,000ha's to explore, Zebra River Lodge is situated in the Tsaris Mountains. It has been described by many as an 'oasis amidst the canyons.' The lodge is well-situated for day trips to the dunes at Sossusvlei or the nearby Naukluft Mountains. There are also several natural springs within easy reach of the lodge, ideal for a days walking and bird watching. (Black eagles and rosy-faced lovebirds are resident here.)
The lodge is sheltered amongst the rugged mountain landscape with the farmhouse having been converted into the main building, which has a lounge, dining room and a bar. Postcards and a few souvenirs are on sale here. In late 2009 Zebra River Lodge was sold and since the new owners have been very busy making many changes & improvements. New rooms have been built, a bigger swimming pool added and upgrades to the electrical and water system have been implemented.
Another new innovation is the organic fruit & vegetable garden which supplies the kitchen with lettuce, tomatoes, aubergines, butternut, beans, peppers and lots more. These are then converted into superb home-cooked meals which are served from the lodge's set menu. It has been noted by many guests and guide books alike that Zebra River Lodge is 'one of the friendliest, most welcoming places in Namibia.'
There are 13 individually, decorated and spacious rooms. They all have en-suite bathrooms and fly-screens are fitted to the windows. Each room has a verandah for guests to relax and enjoy the lodge's cool, shady setting.
There is much to do and see from the Lodge. There are a number of marked walking trails,with varying degrees of difficulty. The surrounding area has several natural springs, well-worth the effort for either day hikes, or 4x4 drives. A new waterhole near the lodge (which will soon be spotlit) attracts wildlife which includes mountain zebra, kudu, klipspringer, baboons and leopards.
Guests can visit scenic spots on the plateau's, that overlook the canyons. Geology, paleontology, archeology and, of course, ornithology, are all available in and around Zebra River Lodge.
There is a landing-strip right outside of the main building.
- Activities at the Lodge
- Activities around Sossusvlei
- Geology
- The lodge is of international interest as it has the oldest fossils of stromatolites and namacalatus (the very first living organisms with a shell) discovered anywhere in the world.
- Hiking
- There are numerous hiking trips which range in length from half an hour to a full day (maps and advice are available at the lodge). Those going on longer hikes can be supplied with lunch packs - guided hikes can also be arranged.
- Birding
- Zebra River Lodge has 118 species of Namibian birds including Verreauxs (Black) Eagle, Pygmy Falcon, Auger Buzzard, Herero Chat and Rüppell’s Korhaan.
- Wine tours
- To a neighbouring farm can be arranged on request.
- Guided trip to springs
- There are several rock pools surrounded by whiled fig trees on the Zebra River Lodge property, giving the arid surroundings these little oasis' of green are a welcome sight when walking. Great for swimming and relaxing.
- Sossusvlei Excursion
- The lodge can offer guided tours to the dunes at Sossusvlei
Drift over the dune fields at Sossusvlei and enjoy a champagne breakfast wherever the wind takes you
light aircraft regularly depart on scenic flights over Sossusvlei and its surroundings
Directions:
Located due east of Sesriem and south-east of the Naukluft mountains, in the canyons of the Tsaris Mountains. Zebra River Lodge is situated on the D 850, 19 km from the intersection with the D 854 and 10 km from the intersection with the D 855. Accessible with a normal sedan car, but care must be taken on the 5 km driveway.

The settlement of Bullsport is marked on nearly every map, however it consists of little more than the guest farm. Great for hiking.
Rustic lodge on the banks of the Tsauchab River - an excellent place for walking and enjoying the surrounding scenery
Another excellent place for hiking, in the Tsaris Mountains. As there are many lodges located closer to Sossusvlei than Zebra River Lodge it is often overlooked, but if you want a genuinely warm welcome at a special lodge then the problems of location can easily be overlooked.


