Onduli Ridge

Built into the side of a small granite mountain in the heart of Damaraland, Onduli Ridge is an intimate, modern lodge that keeps nature at the forefront.

• The open-air suites that allow you to roll the bed onto your private patio at night and sleep under the stars

• The wide range of activities, including e-biking and nature hikes, directly from property

• The beautiful views, which are kept at the focal point in all suites and common areas, and are completely different from other regions of the country

Named after the resident giraffe in the area, Onduli Ridge is situated in the heart of Damaraland, the mountainous region between the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National park. While still a desert environment, a visit here trades in endless sand dunes for golden plains, dried up riverbeds and red granite mountains, making for a gorgeous setting. Always keeping the landscape as the focus, Onduli harmonizes contemporary design with the rugged, unspoiled beauty of its surroundings.

The six suite property (along with it’s sister Onduli Enclave, which is a three-bedroom takeover villa just on the other side of the mountain) ensures guests have an intimate experience over the course of their stay. The lodge itself is built into the mountainside, with boulders protruding from the walls and decor that compliments the coloring and landscape. Everything is open air, with retractable glass paneling separating the indoor and outdoor common spaces, and suites with shuttered walls that can be completely opened up to an expansive private patio.

The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, and guests have access to variety of on-property amenities like a pool, sundowner deck, small spa with treatments (also available in-room) and an outdoor fire-side dining area where build your own pizza evenings are hosted.

Days at Onduli can be spent on nature drives exploring dried up riverbeds in search of desert-adapted elephants, visits to the bushman rock carvings at Twyfelfontein or exploring the reserve via e-bike or foot. For those staying for three nights, the unique opportunity to track desert-adapted rhino on foot through Onduli’s partnership with Save The Rhino Trust is highly recommended. While excursions here are shared with other guests, including nightly sundowners, Indagare can arrange a private guide ahead of your stay.

Couples, families and groups of friends who would be happy with more basic accommodations in return for other wow-worthy experiences.

2-3 Nights. Damaraland is home to sub-saharan Africa’s largest population of unfenced black and white rhino, and guests who stay at Onduli for three nights have the opportunity to meet with researchers and track rhino on foot.