The 260km2 Vogelstrausskluft Reserve was formed in 2001 with the view to re-naturalise three former sheep and goat farms situated in the Fish River Canyon area. Vogelstrausskluft Lodge was built close to the site of the old Vogelstrausskluft farmhouse.
The accommodation at Vogelstrausskluft Lodge are divided into 4 luxury suites and 20 standard rooms grouped in 5 thatched buildings surrounding the main area.
The air-conditioned rooms are spacious and uncluttered. Each standard room has twin beds and a sitting area with leather sofas and an ottoman. The suites are a bit larger and fitted with two double beds. Just as in the main building, dark wood and leather dominates the décor – the feel is reminiscent of a gentleman's club or smoking room. Sliding doors open out onto a small private patio with directors chairs from which you can enjoy views of the valley below. The rooms are all en suite and the bathrooms include a shower and the suites also have a separate corner bath.
The lodge is built on the rise of a small hill, overlooking an ancient river course which forms a grassy valley below. The design and layout of the lodge means you can enjoy spectacular sunsets each evening whilst relaxing on the deck with a refreshing drink in hand.
When you arrive at Vogelstrausskluft Lodge and enter the main building, the first thing that strikes you is the dark wood, leather and beautiful stone tiles. Something a little different from other lodges in Namibia, and a nice feature are the huge rattan lights hanging from the thatched ceiling. The main building houses the reception, reading room with a small library and a large lounge set out with plush leather sofas and wicker armchairs. There is also an atmospheric bar with a frame made out of large tree logs and a natural wood bar top.
A large mahogany deck extends out from the main building and offers great views of the valley and small waterhole below. Wrought iron tables and chairs with shady umbrellas are dotted across the deck and a small infinity pool stands at one end, surrounded by sunloungers.
When we last visited Vogelstraussfkluft Lodge in June 2011, they were in the process of building an upmarket curio shop with a small library and an internet corner. This was being built on a level above the dining area.
Vogelstrausskluft recently added a 50-seater boma to the property, about 2km from the main building. This can be used for dinners when the weather is good, or for group dinners if there is a large group staying.
The Fish River Canyon takes on a variety of forms. As well as the deep gorge found further south there are the surrounding plateaus, the canyon rim and the canyon plains which are littered with small, yet deep, fissures and interesting rock formations. All these environments can be visited and explored from Vogelstrausskluft Lodge. A variety of activities are offered here. Morning and afternoon nature drives lasting a couple of hours give you an idea of the immediate terrain and the scattered desert wildlife that might be seen here. It is also possible to join a full day 4WD excursion over canyon plains and down into the canyon's depths. This is a fairly long and hard drive and involves descending a very bumpy route into the canyon to have a picnic lunch by the permanent rock pools along the Fish River, but various stops are made en route to visit several view points, breaking the journey. Guided walks in and around the lodge are also offered whilst longer 2 or 3 night camping packages in the Fish River Canyon are available for the more serious walkers.
In conclusion… Vogelstrausskluft Lodge is a lovely lodge with great views and a good base for exploring Fish River Canyon. It is a little further from the Canyon than other lodges in the area, but don't let this put you off, as the comfortable rooms, welcoming hospitality and excellent food more than make up for it.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 24 rooms
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: We recommend a visit of two nights to Vogelstrausskluft Lodge in order to make use of the various activities which explore the diverse depths of the Fish River Canyon.
Directions: Vogelstrausskluft Lodge is situated about 90kms south-west of Keetmanshoop on the D463. After the small outpost of Seeheim, a drive of about 25kms gets you to the Feldshahorn turn off (D463) from where it is another 22km to the lodge.
Accessible by: Self-drive
Key personnel
Owner: Lodge Management Company
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: The food at Vogelstrausskluft Lodge is strongly European with simple but well presented and tasty dishes. Breakfast is served between 7 and 9am and is made up of a selection of cereals, breads, yoghurt and fruit along with eggs cooked at your request.
Lunch usually takes the form of a picnic whilst on various activities. However there is a light selection offered at the lodge for those that stay on a more relaxed holiday.
Dinner is normally served as a buffet between 7 and 9pm and is a five course menu. On our last visit we thoroughly enjoyed broccoli and stilton soup, steak with mushroom sauce and parsley potatoes and brandy pudding. Sometimes a braai is served and this can be requested.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
Drinks included: There is a small bar at Vogelstrausskluft Lodge offering a good selection of drinks, all of which cost extra and are paid for locally.
Special interests
Walking: Vogelstrausskluft Lodge makes the most of its vicinity to the Fish River Canyon and offers guided walks covering the various fascinating terrains found here. These can take the form of short strolls near the lodge, longer walks lasting a few hours or hikes through the canyon lasting 2 or 3 days.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for walking in Namibia
Children
Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Vogelstrausskluft Lodge.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions here.
Equipment: Highchairs are available and can be provided on request.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: There is no cell phone reception in the rooms at Vogelstrausskluft. Phone, fax and internet facilities are available at reception and on request. Wifi is available throughout the main lodge.
TV & radio: None of the rooms are fitted with a TV or radio. There is a stereo in the main building that plays soft music in the bar area during the day and in the restaurant at meal times.
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: The closest hospital or doctor is in Keetmanshoop.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Fire safety: Each chalet has a fire extinguisher.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is available at an extra charge.
Money: No currency exchange is available. There is a safe at reception.
Accepted payment: Visa and MasterCard are accepted forms of payment.
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We want you to understand more about Vogelstrausskluft Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Vogelstrausskluft Lodge's homepage. Click here for more information about the Vogelstrausskluft Reserve and the various activities offered here.
