A Himba-inspired lodge within the Puros Conservancy in Namibia’s far north Kaokoland
Open-sided lounge, bar, and dining areas, an infinity pool, a campfire, and a bush boutique
Seven suites with shaded terraces and outdoor showers, a 2-bedroom suite with freestanding bath-tubs, and a private boma
4×4 drives, clay castles excursions, nature walks, and Himba community visits
Days at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge are spent exploring Kaokoland’s rugged desert landscape and being introduced to semi-nomadic Himba communities.
Day-long scenic drives meander along the dry Hoarusib riverbed in the remote Puros Conservancy, where you’ll pass millennia-old clay castles and awe-inspiring desertscapes. Although this is not a typical game drive experience, you’ll be surprised at the variety of desert-adapted species that exist in this harsh terrain. You might cross paths with giraffe, ostrich, elephant, springbok, and Hartmann’s zebra, while stopping for a picnic lunch in the canyon. Mostly, however, this is about exploring a wild, dramatic landscape that very few others ever get to experience.
The clay castles are among the most distinctive geological features of the Hoarusib riverbed, some soaring as high as 70 metres. Your Himba guide will explain these extraordinary sculptures shaped over thousands of years. Though it isn’t for the faint-hearted, you can even climb to the top of one for a bird’s-eye view.
Embark on guided walks through the Puros Conservancy in search of endemic bird species, mammal tracks, and the fascinating insect life that lies along the dry riverbed close to camp. Heading out in the late afternoon across the rocky terrain is also an ideal way to take things at a more leisurely pace as you learn about the local geology and ecology.
Traditional Himba communities live on these lands and are instantly recognisable by their red ochre braids and ornate iron bead necklaces. Visit a local village for a respectful encounter with the community, where you’ll gain insight into their ancient semi-nomadic desert lifestyle.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is located on the banks of the Hoarusib River, within Namibia’s far north Puros Conservancy. From Windhoek Airport, it’s a 2-hour 30-minute light aircraft flight to Elephant Lodge Airstrip, followed by a 30-minute drive.
Okahirongo’s striking main guest areas are inspired by traditional dome-shaped Himba architecture.
Infinity pool
Solar powered
Boutique shop
Overlooking the remote Kaokoland desertscape, the open-sided dining-and-lounge spaces frame different angles of the rocky peaks and plains. Outside, an infinity-edge swimming pool offers endless views of this wild terrain, where you might spot grazing giraffe and springbok from afar. At night, gather around the firepit for drinks and stargazing under one of the least light-polluted skies on Earth. For keepsakes, the bush boutique stocks local sandals, shoes, baskets, traditional Himba perfume, and jewellery. An underground borehole supplies the lodge’s water, and electricity is solar powered.
Accommodation at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge comprises seven individual suites and a spacious two-bedroom family suite.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Himba architecture, the suites combine cool white walls with driftwood to create natural, light-filled spaces. Each 68 sq. m 1-bedroom suite features a king-sized bed (convertible to twins), air conditioning, overhead fans, a tea-and-coffee station, and a pair of Leica binoculars for game viewing directly from your terrace. The en-suite bathroom in every suite is fitted with twin basins along with both an indoor and an outdoor shower. Outside, a private open-air verandah features shaded daybeds with uninterrupted views across the desert. Spanning 152 sq. m, the two-bedroom family suite offers additional living space and includes a freestanding bathtub, in addition to its outdoor showers. It also has a private open-air boma for gathering around the fire under the night sky.
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