Activities

Damara Cultural Tour Le Roux van Schalkwyk - Venture Media

Guests will embark on a guided tour through the conservancy farms in the vicinity, visiting several authentic Damara homesteads. This excursion offers an exclusive opportunity to spend time with the local hosts, providing a deep understanding of their heritage, cultures, traditions, and their strategies for managing human-wildlife conflict in the challenging desert conditions.

The tour also encompasses a visit to the #Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy office, allowing guests to meet the staff and comprehend the conservancy's role in preserving the region's natural resources. Additionally, guests will discover the positive impacts and benefits gained by the conservancy through its ownership of Grootberg Lodge.

Departure: Early morning, please inquire at the reception.
Duration:
Please Note: A minimum of 2 guests per excursion, with a maximum of 8 per vehicle. Children under 12 years receive a 50% discount.

Our Lodge Portfolio

Fish River Lodge

On the Edge of Eternity

Perched on the western rim of the Fish River Canyon, the lodge offers mesmerising views, comfortable accommodation and a range of activities for the adventurer. This is the only lodge situated directly on the canyon and surrounded by 45,000 hectares of untouched landscape – here you will experience extraordinary isolation. With unique décor, delicious home-cooked food and friendly Namibian staff this is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. The lodge's design draws inspiration from the rugged landscape, incorporating dry stone walls that serve as a visual testament to the enduring legacy of the area, reflecting the ancient landforms and geological formations that have shaped its unique character.Wide windows, wrap around decks, comfortable loungers and open-air showers allow you to immerse yourself in the canyon views throughout the day.  At night a million stars will twinkle through the clerestory windows of your chalet.

Grootberg Lodge

In the Footprints of Giants

‘//Khore//harel’!Prepare to be warmly greeted in the Damara-Nama tradition as you arrive at this remarkable lodge. Standing sentinel on the rim of the Etendeka Plateau, the vistas spanning the Klip River Valley will leave you breathless, while the captivating history of this area promises to enthral you.Grootberg Lodge is proud to be 100% owned by the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, an 8,808-hectare expanse of land nestled along the western border of the renowned Etosha National Park. Established in 1998, this Conservancy represents a pioneering initiative for its community and the nation. It operates as a self-governing entity, although it is subject to oversight by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, adhering to specific rules and regulations.Frequently, these conservancies join forces with the private sector that offer support and assistance, and such is the case with the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy and Journeys Namibia. Over the past years, a deep and meaningful partnership has blossomed between Journeys and the Conservancy's residents, marked by a commitment to community development through various initiatives and training programs.The workforce at Grootberg Lodge is predominantly drawn from the local community, not only providing them with supplementary income but also enhancing their skill sets through training opportunities. While Journeys Namibia oversees the lodge's management, it plays a pivotal role in generating revenue for the conservancy and its inhabitants. With a genuine stake in the community's future, the dedicated staff are eager and enthusiastic to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. With the spectacular setting, numerous activities, and friendly staff, your time at Grootberg will be unforgettable. So sit back, soak up the atmosphere and view, and savour the moments in this amazing corner of the world.

Hoada Campsite

Between a rock and a hard place

The word “Hoada” is the Damara-Nama term for “everybody”, reflecting the core values of Journey’s Namibia and the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy in their commitment to benefitting the community, the environment, and the adventurous travellers experiencing our beautiful country. The campsite is owned by the ≠Khoadi-//Hôas conservancy, along with Hobatere and Grootberg Lodge, and is a testament to the efforts in creating sustainable tourism and self-sufficiency for the local communities. Managed by Journey’s Namibia, this group of spectacular accommodations in the wilderness of Damaraland will awe you, whether you are seeking camping or comfort. Through our collaborative endeavours to enhance the well-being of the local community, we prioritise the employment of local staff.The name ≠Khoadi-//Hôas, means “Elephant’s Corner”, and you can hope to see these desert-adapted elephants as they wander the area. Although we cannot guarantee sightings as the animals roam free in these vast open spaces, do keep watch for them as they are a spectacular sight. A stay at the Hoada Campsite will ensure you leave with your heart light, your soul restored after evenings stargazing around the fire, and renewed energy to further your travels through this remarkable country.

Hobatere Lodge

Become one of the Pride

The ≠Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, home of Hobatere Lodge, is situated on the western border of Etosha National Park, a very short distance from the Galton Gate. This jewel of a lodge in its idyllic setting has earned it the nickname of “Little Etosha” due to its location and bounteous wildlife.Upon entering the gates, you will immediately sense the tranquil ambiance of this quiet corner of the world. The drive to the lodge from this point is a mere 16 kilometres, however, based on the road conditions it can take a little time to navigate. This is the perfect opportunity to take your foot off the accelerator and look for the abundant game that inhabit this area while you drive through the spectacular bushveld and riverine vegetation. You will be welcomed into the heart of this lodge with warm cloths to wipe away the dust of your travels and a refreshing drink while you book in, and can immediately retire to your room for a well-deserved rest or enjoy any of the amenities on offer.The name “Hobatere” translates to “find him/me” in the native Nama and is appropriate here, as the lodge peeks out of a forest of indigenous trees near a riverbed, overlooking a wide plain and very active waterhole. This rustic and cosy lodge will draw you into a setting of tranquillity paired with the magic of the African bushveld and savannah, where you can dine under a thatched roof or the evening stars, and go to sleep to the roar of the lions. A stay at this enchanting facility will have you put aside the stresses of life as you fall prey to the allure of Hobatere Lodge, the open spaces, incredible wildlife, friendly people, and fascinating history.

Ondudu Safari Lodge

Where giants play

Just 14 kilometres west of the small town of Omaruru you will find The Ondudu Safari Lodge, nestled amongst the rugged granite koppies (hills) of the lower Erongo Mountains. The lodge is the founding member of the 2,000 square kilometre Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, which brings together 30 private landowners in an effort to conserve this diverse Eden. These awe-inspiring mountains that are home to the lodge give you the impression that giants once played here, tossing the boulders across the landscape. At 1245 meters above sea level, they are a geological wonder, the ruin of a volcano formed over 130 million years ago. History is captured in the ancient Bushmen rock paintings amongst the boulders, that will make you think about an era long past. The first inhabitants of this area, the San, still maintain their old ways, and allow us a peek into their world with arranged tours.The area is also well-known for its excellent hiking trails, where you can take a relaxing stroll or go on a guided walk, suitable for the more experienced hiker.This bushveld Eden is also home to bounteous birdlife, with over 260 local species. Namibia has approximately 900 species in total - truly a birders paradise. Many different constellations can be easily seen once the sun has set, allowing stargazers to view the Milky Way as they’ve never seen it. The lack of artificial light in the vast expanse ensures the stars are at their brightest and most visible.So kick off your shoes and relax by the pool, or lace them up and take a long walk through this harsh landscape. Either way, here, you will have the ability to relax and dream, or take on an adventure. Please ask at reception, check the website or the information booklet found in your chalet for more details on all our activities.

Journeys Active

from N$POR / person

The Journeys Active itinerary provides endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation and photography.

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Activities - Itineraries | Journeys Namibia

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Banner: Fish River Lodge

Banner: Grootberg Lodge

Banner: Hobatere Game

Activities

Damara Cultural Tour

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