Frans Indongo Lodge is situated on a 170km2 farm in the proximity of the Waterberg Plateau and about 43km's north from the town of Otjiwarongo. The lodge is named after its owner, Dr. Frans Indongo. He was born a local farmer's son who tended the family livestock during his childhood, but with a healthy entrepreneurs mind, he went to become one of the wealthiest men in Namibia. One of his enterprises was to buy the farm upon which Frans Indongo Lodge now stands. Part of the farm is still used for agricultural purposes but the main focus is wildlife and the property is home to species rarely seen in Namibia such as sable, roan and eland.
Although Frans Indongo Lodge has a modern feel to it, the décor is very Namibian using traditional Ovambo arts and crafts. Each of the 12 rooms is built from natural stone and covered with a reed thatch roof. The interior is spacious and light with white walls and tiles broken by the darker colours of woven Ovambo baskets, earthen pots and wooden figurines. They are furnished with a large double or twin beds, a desk and chair, a small fridge, television and an air-conditioner. Two of the rooms are suitable for families and all of the rooms have en suite bathrooms complete with a shower and a bath.
The main complex is divided into the restaurant, thatched lounge with bar and a decked terrace – all of which overlooks a floodlit waterhole. A central fire place surrounded by comfortable chairs makes the lounge a cosy spot to relax in the cooler months. The outside deck is dotted with chairs and sun loungers surrounding a pool perfect for a refreshing swim in the warmer months. Although each central area offers a great vantage point from which to watch wildlife as they drink, there is also an observation tower from where you could watch the sun set over the surrounding landscape too.
Whilst staying at Frans Indongo Lodge activities might include bird watching, nature drives and walking self-guided trails on the farm or half day visits to the nearby Cheetah Conservation Fund, the Otjiwarongo Crocodile Farm or the Rare and Endangered Species Trust to observe the Cape Griffon Vulture.
In conclusion… Frans Indongo Lodge is a well-run, comfortable, affordable option with a modern feel for travellers en-route to Etosha National Park or Namibia's Caprivi Strip.
Ideal length of stay: Frans Indongo Lodge makes for a convenient 1 night stop for travellers heading north. Alternatively, it's within easy reach of the fascinating Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and makes a great 2-night base from which to visit the centre.
Directions: Frans Indongo Lodge is situated 43 km north-east of Otjiwarongo. Turn right onto the D2433 and the lodge is approximately 17 km along this road.
Accessible by: Self-drive
Key personnel
Owner: Dr. Frans Indongo
Staff: Camp/Lodge Manager: Astrid and Alf Walter
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: No
Children
Attitude towards children: Frans Indongo Lodge does welcome guests with children and have two rooms suitable for families.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: The closest doctor is in the town of Otjiwarongo.
Beautifully designed relaxing place
The buildings are beautifully designed inside and out - comfortable places to sit inside and out on the deck overlooking the farm.
There is a great variety of animals - unusual types of buck, ze...
Good place to end (or start) trip to Namibia
As this was our last place prior to flying back we just relaxed, taking a couple of walks, reading by the pool and watching the animals visit the waterhole. We did though go on an evening game drive ...
very smart just not quite right for us
a lovely lodge very well run. some of the best accomodation we had. it just felt slightly corporate ...probably due to this being the only TV in bedroom we had.
My travelling companion was very sn...
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