Gondwana Damara Mopane Lodge

Named after the mopane trees that grow here, this is another green oasis (an overused phrase, but appropriate) in the hot, harsh deserts of Damaraland. Featuring a large swimming pool surrounded by concentric semi-circles of cottages and abundant birdlife, it is a relaxing spot to hang out en route to those early mornings in Etosha. The rooms are large and comfortable, as are the shower/bathroom. The air conditioning struggled to cope with temperatures in the high 30s, and the room seemed to be substantially hotter than the outside temperature, even with windows open, although it did cool down overnight with the windows open. There is a nice little trail up to a sunset deck, and a much longer one round the whole mountain, and even a small waterhole. The food is top rate, although portions are unnecessarily large, as they are throughout Namibia it seems (consider sharing), and they coped fine with vegetarians without any fuss. Each cottage has a garden where fruit and veg are grown - spinach, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, herbs, lemons, papaya, you name it - so the lodge must grow more of its own food than anywhere else in Namibia.

This was an ideal stop in Damaraland between Swakopmund and Etosha. The hotel was a green oasis in an otherwise very dry location. We really liked that each room had its own garden growing produce for the kitchen. The staff were very friendly and helpful and we enjoyed watching the sunset from the viewing deck. We travelled with guests with limited mobility and of all the lodges we stayed in, this was the best for accessibility. The site was relatively level and well lit. The only minor negative was that the food while perfectly adequate, was not quite up to the standard of other places we stayed.