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Simbavati River Lodge

Mr Rangers review of Simbavati River Lodge
By Deepinder S. Ranger Added 28 June 2009

Thanks for a wonderful time.

We had a wonderful 4 nights at Simbavati River Lodge and the hosts,Arend and Marisa were very hospitable and guides Robert and Louis were excellent trackers.

We managed to see all big 5 and plenty of birds !Excellent photo ops.

Regards,

Deepinder S.Ranger

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Ongava Lodge

By Kate Bergh Added 17 November 2007

"Though I probably preferred the bush feel of Tented Camp, Main Lodge does have a number of advantages - its stunning hillside setting, the larger pool area for summer visitors, the superb waterhole and, very important in Namibia - air-conditioning." I stayed at the ultra-luxurious Little Ongava (see separate website entry) which was wonderful but also expensive."

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Onguma Tented Camp

By Peter Bates Added 17 June 2007

"Onguma Tented Camp is one of my favourites. The rooms were spacious, with canvas roof and walls but with a generously sized sliding door giving access to the decking area. The free-standing bath and separate shower added to the comfortable feel and the quality of the finish was superb. The rooms and communal areas are built in a crescent around the water hole. In the afternoon I sat on my decking and watched Kudu glide past and congregate at the water hole. "

"The lounge and dining areas of the lodge continue the theme of restrained earthy tones and light, airy space and the food was exceptional - the chef deserved the plaudits from the contented guests. We enjoyed an evening game drive on Onguma's own reserve and a morning drive into Etosha National Park - the Camp's proximity to the entrance gate allowing us to extract maximum value from the drive."

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Mowani Mountain Camp

By Kate Bergh Added 01 November 2008

"A stunning lodge! Though you can stay just one night, I think most people would enjoy two nights here simply because it is a stunningly designed lodge in a magnificent setting. The rock swimming pool is tucked into boulders (which also helps to give it some natural shade in summer!)

There are 12 luxury tents with teak furniture and interesting use of African fabrics to liven up the décor. The deck looks out onto a awe-inspiring view. Tent No 5 is the honeymoon tent with a double bed. It has an open air rock bathroom with a bath and shower built into the rocks.

Finally there's the private suite which is stunning but rather expensive. It is set away from the rest of the camp. There's a large deck where they can have a private dinner or breakfast if they want. Inside is a large sitting room filled with interesting pieces of African furniture. A step up and you come to the bedroom also with spectacular wraparound views. (The canvas sides can be completely rolled up to open out both the sitting room and bedroom). Another smaller dome structure houses a delightful bathroom with double vanity and indoor shower and then outside a few steps down to another deck with a huge bath in the open air and an outside shower. Perfect for honeymooners and those with a very healthy budget!

Finally a word about the activities. If you are staying only one night, please arrive preferably by lunchtime (1 to 2pm). Then you have time to relax at the lodge and see the rock engravings later on when it's cooler. They have a sundowner spot to watch the sunset where they serve snacks and there's a bar set up for drinks. In the morning you could take a guide walk with a staff member which can be as short or as long as you like. If you stay two nights, you have more flexibility. Mowani also has a nature drive in search of the desert elephants. This heads into the Abu-Huab or Huab dry river beds. Before the rains (when the elephants disperse quickly), you have quite a good chance of spotting them. The other activity is to enjoy hot air ballooning, a microlight flight or a scenic flight over the area. This is done by Francolina Tours which is situated about 4-5km from the lodge."

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Huab Lodge

By Kate Bergh Added 01 November 2007

"We really liked this lodge (as have all our previous clients) and feel that everyone who comes to Damaraland should stay here for at least part of their stay. There is something very special about it - the spectacular setting, Jan's relaxed expert guiding, the possibility of seeing desert elephant as well as zebra, kudu, gemsbok and the delightful hot springs. I can easily see why people would want to spend 3 nights or more there if they needed to relax.

Jan takes you on an afternoon game drive around the concession, which is extremely scenic, up and down hillsides and through dry river beds. En route you learn about the flora, the birds and the wildlife. The game is all free roaming which means that you never know what you might see - gemsbok, kudu, mountain zebra and of course even desert elephant. The element of uncertainty is part of the charm but Jan's unhurried and calm exposition about life on the reserve is always enjoyable regardless of what you see. In the morning you enjoy an early morning walk from 6am to 7.45am before breakfast and then there is the option of another drive after breakfast so there's lots of opportunity to enjoy the reserve.

Dinner was a wonderful experience. Jan welcomes everyone and introduces the wines which we'd be having with dinner. The food was good and the emphasis was on relaxation and interesting conversation.

Finally the hot springs were a personal favourite! A short 2 minute walk from the pool deck brings you to the hot springs pool which is set under a thatched canopy with a couple of sun loungers and chairs, a hammock and a cold pool next to it for cooling off."

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