Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

Remote, wilderness, intimate

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Namibia

264 61 237 294

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At a Glance

A magical lodge that offers interaction with Himba people and viewing of desert-adapted elephant

Indagare Loves

  •             The spectacular feeling of being at the end of the earth
  •             The chance to interact with the Himba people and to see desert-adapted elephant
  •             The whimsical design of the lodge and warm welcome of the staff

Review

One of the most soulful and remote lodges in Namibia must be Okahiringo Elephant Camp, which sits just outside of the Himba settlement of Purros in the Kaokoland. The lodge, which features seven chalets or cottages, was conceived of by two Italian women who made their money in packaged pasta and fell in love with Africa. They hired an architect who created a camp of fantastical design using regional elements but tweaked for a Mad Max futuristic version of a Himba settlement. Set on a hill above the Hoarusib River, a string of terra-cotta colored buildings with Mopane thatch roofs seem to float between the desert and mountain landscapes. A large domed entrance at their center anchors “the settlement” and features an infinity pool that seems to hover over the desert edge. To one side is a library and lounge area and to the other is a dining area, all linked by walkways and open to the view and the elements. The design scheme enhances the environment with an iron chandelier hanging from a sapling ceiling and billowing curtains framing the view in the dining area and carved tribal tables and a swinging lounge chair in the library. Each of the chalets has a bedroom linked to a large bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a large tub as well as an outdoor lounge area that is perfect for stargazing. While African elements evoke a sense of place, the cuisine draws on the owners’ heritage so even though you are in the middle of the desert, you can expect delicious pizzas, pastas and cappuccinos. Special activities that lure guests to this region are game drives to see desert-adapted elephant and visits to a traditional Himba village. The semi-nomadic cattle herders live in a  family village, and guests can visit to learn about their unique culture. As the lodge sits in a conservation area, each year, to have their license renewed, the owners must prove that the business benefits the local residents. Almost all of the staff are local and the lodge is involved in school and environmental programs in the region. The ideal length of stay is two to three nights so you can visit the Himba and see the desert-adapted elephant as well as relax and enjoy the desert serenity.

Who Should Stay

Those interested in culture and natural beauty.

Written by Melissa Biggs Bradley

What's Nearby

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