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Khowarib Lodge

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Hotel overview

Khowarib Lodge offers an interesting choice for those eager to get a little off the beaten track, as its location is slightly off the usual route between Damaraland and Etosha. Indeed, it is worth spending a few days here as it is an excellent launching point for a varied number of activities, including game-drives to search for desert-adapted elephants or black rhino.

It is a good option for those with a desire to visit a Himba settlement, as its position on the fringes of the sparse and wild north-western region brings it close to a number of Himba villages.

The central lapa dominates the area, sheltering the dining area and lounge, with a viewing deck tucked to one side that gives out onto the Hoanib river (one of the few in the country that often has water in it, so birdwatchers take note!). Accommodation is in 14 canvas ensuite tents that border the river, each with a veranda to add to the views.

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Quirky excursions

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Excursion

Rhino Tracking

The 450,000 hectare Palmwag Concession is a remote and very special place, home to Africa's largest remaining population of endangered black rhino. Guests at Desert Rhino Camp have the privileged opportunity to track these fabulous animals with a skilled guide, often accompanied by a researcher for the Save The Rhino Trust, a pioneering conservation body in Palmwag for close to 20 years. The excursion begins with a leisurely nature drive, while trackers work in the background to locate rhinos. They will then radio your driver who takes you to within a short distance of the animal without causing disturbance through engine noise. Then comes the really exciting bit, as you leave the vehicle and walk as close to the rhino as possible, without startling it or causing any danger to human life and limb! This is a thrilling activity and a real treat, genuinely one of the most unique and exciting things you can do in Southern Africa. For those that don't have the budget to stay at Desert Rhino, or for whom availability is an issue, there is also a worthwhile rhino tracking activity offered at Grootberg Lodge.

Excursion

Desert Elephant Tracking

Damaraland 's desert adapted elephant have become prominent over recent years in nature documentaries focusing on their endless struggle to find water during the driest months in this arid environment. There is a visceral thrill to locating families of desert elephant on a game drive, their very elusiveness lending elephant encounters an extra excitement compared to areas where they are abundant and sightings guaranteed. Elephant tracking drives tend to set out early, either as morning or full day activities. The elephants cover large swathes of territory, following their trunk to where they perceive water is most likely, so viewings are possible in all areas of Damaraland and it is difficult to identify a specific place where you are most likely to see them. Having said that, southern Damaraland close to Mowani, Kipwe and Doro Nawas camps sees regular elephant activity, and Grootberg Lodge offer an excellent, lengthened excursion. Even if you don't find the privacy loving pachyderms, your drive will take in various other animals and some outstanding scenery.

Excursion

Twyfelfontein Rock Art

The smattering of boulders in Twyfelftontein, relatively innocuous at first sight (given the endless drama of Damaraland's landscapes), hide a treasure trove of historical interest. There are hundreds of ancient rock paintings and engravings depicting the near prehistoric lives and struggles of the San people, including hunting scenes, animal representations and rudimentary maps and symbols. The site was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007 and there is now a visitors' centre which blends in pleasingly with the earthy colours of the environment. Paths have been carved out for independent exploration, with viewing platforms to afford better views of some of the more inaccessible works. Self-drivers can visit and explore under their own steam, a guide can be booked at the visitors centre or we can arrange a guided tour from your lodge. Whichever method appeals most, we would definitely recommend you visit the site if you are staying in the area or passing through.

Excursion

Nature Drives - Damaraland

Guided drives in Damaraland can vary significantly depending on the area you are staying. In Palmwag the driving is usually focused on getting you close enough to black rhino to track them on foot, while in the Twyfelfontein, Huab and Brandberg areas the attention is more likely to be on searching for desert elephant. Wherever you're based, it will often be more of a nature drive than a full-on game drive: although the volumes of wildlife are good and there are some true rarities to seek out, there will not be the vast numbers of game you would see in Etosha or the renowned safari destinations of Botswana and South Africa. Fabulous, dramatic scenery and a feeling of true isolation are guaranteed though. The endless horizons and imposing mountains of Damaraland combine to make the very few people who live or visit here feel rather small!

Excursion

Damaraland Nature Walks

Damaraland's rugged mountains and wide valleys are prime walking territory, with exceptional scenic trails at all of the best camps. Possibly our favourite walking area is the Etendeka Mountains, where Etendeka Mountain Camp focuses strongly on exploration on foot with some of Namibia's best walking guides. There are varied routes amidst the imposing basalt mountains, Mopani woodland and dry river beds, with soaring vistas from the highest peaks and fascinating flora and fauna to discover with your guide. Namibia's specially adapted plants and vegetation are genuinely unique, evolved to survive the harshest drought conditions for much of the year, but at times subjected to torrential rains and flooding. The Etendeka Mountains have their own distinct micro-climate and ecosystem that the guides know intimately and will bring to vivid life on your walks. Other superb walks are offered from Grootberg Lodge and Damaraland Camp, while in Palmwag you may even get friendly on foot with black rhino.

Excursion

Village Visits

There are not a great many people in Damaraland given the vast area covered, but some of the villages close to camps have become involved in joint projects, whereby the community benefits from responsible tourism activities and guests are privy to a taster of local life. Perhaps the best example is at Damaraland Camp, jointly run by Wilderness Safaris and the local community within the Torra Conservancy, which represents an eclectic mixture of some of Namibia's indigenous peoples. Members of the community account for a large proportion of the camp staff and the village is often visited as part of a longer nature drive. Stops are made at the school and a local farm homestead, which helps to feed the camp each day! A similar project is in operation at Doro Nawas, where the local Damara/Nama people are intimately involved with operations. Here, educational activities are on offer that detail the unique language, culture and history of the community.

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