Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary — Hotel in Kunene Region

We had misgivings about staying here for several reasons, including cost. But all went well in the booking process with our questions being answered promptly and thoroughly. We went and it was a god choice.||We normally explore areas with our own vehicle but due to recent heavy rains this may have proved a bit foolhardy as the river was still flowing and the sand soft. Even on arrival in Purros we were pleased to find that they had kindly sent a vehicle to guide us over the river Hoarusib to the Lodge on the hill above. That was a start to a pleasant stay.||The architecture is a bit quirky, in reminded me of Lilliput in the Disney film, but it works internally. There are about 8 bungalows set along a ridge divided by the central communal areas such as office, pool, lounges and restaurants. I say restaurants (plural) as there were several rooms where private dining would be possible but as we were almost the only guests that was a bit academic during our stay.||All was immaculately clean and maintained.||Our bungalow was well equipped and fitted out and was one of the nicest of places. The bedroom was accessed from a gate to a small lobby and on the other side was the bathroom complete with bath and washbasins as well as shower stall . A really nice idea. At the end of the lobby/hall was a lounge and sunbed on a small balcony/stoop with tremendous views out over the harsh desert lands and mountains. There was much to look sat from a family of Ostrich to a daily parade of Springbok going about their business in total security. I dare say elephant and other large mammals pass by in season as there were many animal tracks criss crossing the desert.||Meals were very nicely cooked from a choice of main courses. The was a hint of italian in the cooking process and when I enquired if the chef was italian, I was proudly told that she was 'pure blood Himba'. As the informant was proudly Ovambo it was good to see that the lodge was providing good work for local Namibian people.||Due to the conditions I took advantage of their game drives each morning and their guide 'Wahni' was excellent and hard working in seeking out wildlife and birds as well as explaining the local way of life and its interaction with wildlife.||All in all a very nice place to stay for a few days in teh sparse Purros area and we plan to return again on...

We had misgivings about staying here for several reasons, including cost. But all went well in the booking process with our questions being answered promptly and thoroughly. We went and it was a god choice.||We normally explore areas with our own vehicle but due to recent heavy rains this may have proved a bit foolhardy as the river was still flowing and the sand soft. Even on arrival in Purros we were pleased to find that they had kindly sent a vehicle to guide us over the river Hoarusib to the Lodge on the hill above. That was a start to a pleasant stay.||The architecture is a bit quirky, in reminded me of Lilliput in the Disney film, but it works internally. There are about 8 bungalows set along a ridge divided by the central communal areas such as office, pool, lounges and restaurants. I say restaurants (plural) as there were several rooms where private dining would be possible but as we were almost the only guests that was a bit academic during our stay.||All was immaculately clean and maintained.||Our bungalow was well equipped and fitted out and was one of the nicest of places. The bedroom was accessed from a gate to a small lobby and on the other side was the bathroom complete with bath and washbasins as well as shower stall . A really nice idea. At the end of the lobby/hall was a lounge and sunbed on a small balcony/stoop with tremendous views out over the harsh desert lands and mountains. There was much to look sat from a family of Ostrich to a daily parade of Springbok going about their business in total security. I dare say elephant and other large mammals pass by in season as there were many animal tracks criss crossing the desert.||Meals were very nicely cooked from a choice of main courses. The was a hint of italian in the cooking process and when I enquired if the chef was italian, I was proudly told that she was 'pure blood Himba'. As the informant was proudly Ovambo it was good to see that the lodge was providing good work for local Namibian people.||Due to the conditions I took advantage of their game drives each morning and their guide 'Wahni' was excellent and hard working in seeking out wildlife and birds as well as explaining the local way of life and its interaction with wildlife.||All in all a very nice place to stay for a few days in teh sparse Purros area and we plan to return again on...

The combination of a very luxurious lodge in a very remote location - Namibia’s northwest close to the Angola border – and the very friendly staff made our two-night all-inclusive stay at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge so memorable – including two activities each day. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Definitely! The meals were five-star, great wine, attentive waitresses and beautiful, rugged scenery. Special thanks to Dieter, Dana and Dione from their family-owned Ondjamba Safaris who booked this accommodation for us as part of our 14-day guided Namibian highlights tour. Dieter knows the remote, rugged Purros area very well and made sure we had a very competent, safe driver. The ‘roads’ are an ‘experience’! The highlight of our stay was spending a morning visiting the authentic nearby Himba village with Okahirongo’s guide Day and his assistant guide Mourhenye to meet some of the tribe who still live a very traditional life. A lifelong dream for my partner – and now lifelong memories for both of us of a very special region. That afternoon, Day and Mourhenye took us ‘on safari’ to try and find one of about 12 rare desert-adapted elephants in the Purros Conservancy. For nearly three hours, they used their superb ‘bushmen’ skills to track down an elephant for us. They were as excited as us to drive around a corner and spot one. They patiently waited while we took LOTS of photos from the safety of our VERY comfortable safari jeep. They topped off this magical day by setting up a picnic table/linen tablecloth and drinks – we enjoyed G&T – on the top of a mountain overlooking roaming giraffes while we admired a gorgeous sunset – with no other car or person in sight. We are now huge fans of the Namibian tradition of a ‘Sundowner’ – ‘happy hour’ in the African bush at sunset. Special thanks also to the very friendly and professional Hilma, from Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, who regularly checked in with us to ensure we were having the best experience there. And, finally, a huge thanks to the brilliant housekeeping staff – our washing was returned ‘gift-wrapped’ in paper and our dirty suitcases were cleaned. And it was very emotional leaving with all the staff outside to farewell us with their traditional singing...