Highlights
- Close to famous Twyfelfontein rock carvings
- Beautiful, rugged location
- Namibia Country Lodges portfolio
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EnquireTwyfelfontein Country Lodge is a large, 56-room property located in the dry Huab valley in Damaraland, north-eastern Namibia. Just 4km from the Twyfelfontein rock carvings, Namibia's first UNESCO heritage site, the lodge looks out across stunning rocky scenery from its hillside base. Giraffe, wildebeest and oryx can be sighted, with the opportunity to scout out desert-adapted elephants on a game drive.
Situated within stone buildings beneath tiered thatched roofs, the lodge’s natural colours and décor blend in to the desert surroundings. The main areas are open-plan, with the dining room located on a raised wooden deck a few steps up from the main reception and curio shop. Spacious and well-lit, the decking area is covered with thatch and enclosed only by mesh, allowing uninterrupted views across the landscape, whilst simultaneously protecting from bats and birds. Above the restaurant sits the bar, and below there’s a grass lawn featuring a good-sized pool, which is fed by a small rock waterfall. While the lodge's expansive size may make for somewhat patchy service at times, staff are invariably friendly and approachable.
All 56 en-suite rooms are equipped with triple, twin, or double beds, and are distributed across a series of separate thatched cottages, with eight rooms per unit. They have a cosy and modest feel, with tribal-print throws and wooden furniture brightening the cream walls and white sheets. Every bathroom has a shower, and air conditioning keeps the units pleasantly cool. Although the rooms have a fairly basic feel, nothing can detract from the fabulous desert views which are a real delight. There is a more spacious and charmingly quirky luxury suite set apart from the other accommodation, with boulders and bleached tree trunks incorporated into its interior. The suite boasts a wide range of amenities including the property’s only en-suite bath, a TV, and a kitchen with fridge and microwave. Some guests may find that the dark and imposing décor somewhat detracts from the luxurious feel, although it is well equipped and a private plunge pool overlooking the rocky expanse below certainly adds to its appeal.
The lodge has a designated activities desk, where staff will assist and help organise a wide range of exciting desert excursions. Its unbeatable proximity to the incredible ancient rock art remains the main draw for visitors, and trips to these as well as the Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest, and Burnt Mountain, are a must. Game drives to track desert-adapted elephants are also on offer. Morning and the afternoon guided hikes are also available and at night, this wonderfully remote location boasts amazing star-gazing opportunities, along with educational talks.
While there are no designated family units, some of the rooms are linked by interconnecting doors. There are no age limitations at the lodge, but the activities on offer may prove a little subtle for the very young. Note that both the lodge and pool are unfenced, so parental supervision is essential at all times.
The Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is a large hotel with a somewhat commercial feel. That said, its proximity to the UNESCO rock engravings makes it a perfect base from which to explore stunning scenery combined with fascinating ancient culture.
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024