The lodge, located in Namibia’s distant northwest, is surrounded by the vast wilderness of Kaokoland, with various activities for exploration, adventure, and discovery. With just seven individual suites and a two-bedroom family suite, the lodge offers a welcome respite with smooth lines and calming design. Blending in perfectly against the surreal landscape of endless desert, with magnificent vistas of rocky outcrops, sand dunes, and mountain ranges. 

Design 

Each spacious suite has been designed as a retreat from the harsh desert environment, with calming tones throughout to inspire moments of reflection, relaxation, and rest after a day’s adventure. The serene ambience continues through to the ensuite bathrooms, where an indoor shower is shaped from smooth, undulating lines and finished in bleached-white plaster. The family suite has two ensuite bedrooms, a private terrace, and an open lounge, perfect for a family or a group of friends. After a day’s safari and exploration of the breathtaking Namibian scenery, unwind on the shaded patio and luxurious daybed on the private veranda. Giraffes can be seen wandering down the river valley if you look towards the desert, where the shifting sand dunes can reach a height of 300 metres, making them some of the tallest in the world. 

The expansive social spaces offer panoramic views of the glistening turquoise infinity pool and the rising hills beyond. In the main lounge, ceramic amphorae, curios, and inspiring literature are displayed on chunky, recessed shelves on each side of an open fire. Guests can unwind before heading to the dining room, which has been redesigned in sumptuous umber tones, complemented with distressed wooden furnishings and giant rattan lampshades. The open sides of the building bring the outside in, immersing guests in the otherworldly landscape. 

Activities 

From the serene base of Elephant lodge, personalised adventure and discovery await. Take a game drive with expert Himba guides to track desert elephants, lions, giraffes, and plentiful gemsbok, springbok, steenbok, kudu, and exotic bird species. 

For those searching for history, take a trip to the majestic clay castles of the Hoarusib river valley. These towering natural wonders are thousands of years old and soar hundreds of metres high from various gorges along the riverbed – thanks to the isolated location, guests may have them all to themselves. 

The mystery doesn’t end there – spot the Lone Men of Kaokoland while on scenic drives. These almost life-size rock sculptures blend seamlessly with their surroundings, adding to the extraordinary atmosphere. At the end of a day’s adventure, stop to sip a sundowner as the sun sets over the majestic dunes.