As Khowarib Lodge is set on the limits of Kaokoland, a stay here provides 'the perfect jumping-off point' to explore the remote and rugged territories of north-west Namibia. The lodge nestles perfectly on the banks of the ephemeral Hoanib River, a feature which runs through the dramatic Khowarib Gorge.
It is along this dry river bed that expeditions to track desert-adapted elephant and black rhino are often conducted. As there are many Himba settlements within easy reach of the lodge, the cultural aspects of these fascinating nomadic people can be experienced as well. Explore the region in your own 4x4 self-drive vehicle or on a lodge activity.
A large rock kopje(hill) provides an attractive backdrop to the large main area at Khowarib lodge. A viewing platform sits centre stage flanked on either side by the dining areas and the comfortable guest lounge. Meals can be ordered from a set menu, but a buffet-style system is introduced for larger groups or when the lodge is fully-booked. Enjoy a glass of wine in the bar whilst admiring local artwork.
Take a dip in the pool and relax and unwind on sun loungers afterwards. Browse through the small library or around the curio shop. There is a laundry service, secure parking and wireless internet is available in the main lapa.
Take a short walk from the lodge to the river bank and your accommodation. There are both double & family rooms available at Khowarib Lodge:
Double Chalets. There are 14 double Canvas Chalets elevated on stilts. Twin/double beds, spacious en-suite bathrooms, tall floor fans, tea/coffee station, an in-room safe and mosquito netting on the windows and doors are standard. Enjoy gorge vistas from your front-facing viewing platform, shaded by Mopane trees.
Family Units: The family units are slightly larger than the double rooms and are fitted with an extra bed. The facilities are the same as the double rooms. Children of all ages are welcome at Khowarib Lodge.
There is an interesting array of Namibian wildlife in the area, the most striking of which are the Desert-adapted elephant and rhino. Other animals include oryx, zebra, giraffe, kudu, black-backed jackal, springbok, klipspringer, small spotted genet, steenbok, meerkats and ground squirrels. Birding is also popular in the area around the Khowarib River and one can expect to see Tawny eagle, lanner falcon, greater kestrel, Burchell's courser, Namaqua sandgrouse, bokmakierie, rock martin, Cape sparrow, larks, dusky sunbird, tractrac chat, pale-winged starling and Orange River francolins.
Desert Elephant Experience: A full day guided trip along the Hoanib River bed to track desert-adapted elephant. Many other game viewing opportunities present themselves en-route. Explore additional areas after lunch. An optional stop at the old German fort of Sesfontein can be arranged. Return in time for dinner.
Rhino Tracking: Begin after breakfast for a full day guided excursion heading south into the Palmwag Concession. Rhinos are monitored by the Save The Rhino Trust (SRT) who employ around 30 trackers from the local community. They oversee the safety of approximately 130 rhino.
Meet the Himba: An early morning visit will coincide with the men driving livestock herds into the bush. Meanwhile women and children will engage in day to day activities. Admire the distinctive skin colouring of the women. Your guide will explain the history of the Himba on the way.
Rock Art Excursion: Take a full morning to view some of the 2,000 rock engravings in the region. Some of the most impressive rock art is only 20kms west of the lodge. Duration: 4-5 hours.
Nature Drives: Enjoy a drive in either the morning or afternoon. View narrow gorges, valleys and several ephemeral rivers. A dam and a waterfall attract many species of bird. Duration: 4-5 hours.
Guided walks: A walk with your guide on an interesting nature walk along the Hoanib riverbed can be arranged. Duration and route depend on your health and fitness levels.
Birding: Birders can book a half-day birding trip, either on foot or by vehicle. Species include auger buzzard, rock kestrel, black eagle, Monteiro's hornbill, rufous-naped lark and Marico fly-catcher.
A tented camp on the banks of the Kunene River close to Epupa Falls and Himba settlements.
A rustic option but closest situated to Epupa Falls, this site previously only provided campsites, but recently added rooms on stilts overlooking the river and falls.
AMONGST THE MOUNTAINS AND SAND DUNES OF REMOTE NORTH-WESTERN NAMIBIA IS HOANIB VALLEY CAMP, A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE GIRAFFE CONSERVATION FUND AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES
A great lodge in a remote location on the banks of the Kunene River, for those interesting in birding, relaxing or river rafting this lodge is an absolute must. Undoubtedly one of our favourite out of the way lodges.
Near the tiny settlement of Puros, this luxury lodge offers you the ability to search for the desert adapted elephants.
On a hillside overlooking the Kunene River this small intimate camp offers accommodation for a maximum of 14 people.
Welcome to Kaokoland, a true wilderness that is home to the Himba, one of the world’s last semi-nomadic cultures. Despite the harshness of the arid surrounds and the isolation of the area, this truly is the land of milk and honey. An off-the-beaten track experience! Beyond a gorgeous campsite overlooking the Kunene River, this camp offers guests comfortable tented chalets, all en suite. Each chalet is equipped with a watercooler to keep the heat at bay, as well as a terrace for relaxing while the river waters meander past. Omarunga offers a sunset excursion to a lovely look out point, where the Epupa-Falls can be appreciated in their full majesty. As well as visits of local Himba villages, and for he more adventurous, a river rafting trip.
These are honest reviews, both good and bad, from our travellers who visited this property.
Very friendly staff. Good location. We had difficulty crossing the river to reach it. Food good. Rooms good and clean.
Another superb lodge. Loved the tented rooms with outdoor bathrooms. Food once again very good. Only disapponting bit was no possibility of wifi, but we did not really miss it as we had such a lovely time exploring the surroundings!
The camp is situated 1 Km off the main track from Palmwag to Sesfontein (D3706) to the east of the Khowarib settlement. Consequently, the lodge is easily accessible to casual tourists as well as 4x4 parties. The nearest airstrip is at Sesfontein 20 kms away. Lodge vehicles are available to collect guests arriving by air charter.
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