Etosha Safari Lodge: Our full report

Opened in 2008, Etosha Safari Lodge is set on top of a hillock, about 10km south of Etosha's Andersson Gate and 2,4km from Etosha Safari Camp, it's sister property.

Etosha Safari Lodge has 65 chalets all in a long row either side of the main building. They are built in a cottage-style, with brick columns, white washed walls, high ceilings, and small private verandas overlooking the bush. Each bungalow has air-conditioning and a double bed; five chalets are suitable for families, with a total of four beds. The chalets are decorated in white and blue, and are clean and spacious. In the corner of the rooms are a wooden wardrobe and a desk with a fruit bowl, a tea and coffee station and some small snacks. Each room is fitted with an intercom connecting it to the main building.

The en-suite toilet and shower are located behind the bed, each accessed from a separate side. The shower is enormous, and next to it is the basin and towel rail. Soap is provided in a dispenser on the wall.

Etosha Safari Lodge's main building houses a reception area, with a large range of curios for sale. Through the reception area is the dining room, split in half by a a small area which is where the buffet meals are presented. At one end of the dining room is the large, well stocked bar. The dining room has a balcony where tables are also set out for meals. Along a walkway is a drinks area built on stilts high above the ground. The lodge is raised on a hill, so this area has fantastic views over the bush and Etosha National Park in the distance. There is also a fire pit here.

Spread along the row of 65 chalets are the three swimming pools. Each has a small hut next to it filled with deck chairs and sun umbrellas that guests have free use of while they are at the pool. The pools are all very clear and blue, and look most inviting after a hot day's game driving.

There is a fair distance between the rooms and the main building, especially the rooms at either end. For this reason, the lodge also provides a minibus shuttle service between the lodge and the main areas.

It's worth bearing in mind that Etosha Safari Lodge caters to a lot of large groups, which may mean that the service is less personal than at some of the other lodges in the area.

Whilst staying here, activities focus on game drives into Etosha National Park. Self-drivers are free to explore Etosha on their own; those who don't want to drive themselves can make use of the lodge's daily Etosha excursions – half or full day guided game drives to Etosha National Park in open vehicles..

Our View

Etosha Safari Lodge is a good base from where to explore Etosha National Park and its fantastic wildlife – either on your own, or with one of the lodge's guided game drives.

Geographics

Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Directions: Etosha Safari Lodge is located on the C38, about 2,4km from Etosha Safari Camp, and 10km south of Etosha's Andersson Gate.

Key personnel

Owner: Etosha Safari Lodge is part of the Gondwana Etosha Collection.

Staff: Etosha Safari Lodge's managers are Bryan & Juanita Holmes (who formerly managed Desert Homestead, and lodges run by Wilderness Safaris), as well as Hilma Amutenya (who previously managed Canyon Village).

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Breakfast is a buffet, served in the dining room. Guests are offered cereal, fruit, yoghurt, tea and coffee, bacon and scrambled eggs. The hot breakfast is precooked and guests can help themselves, so sometimes it is not as fresh as it could be.

Lunch and dinner are also buffet meals, with a wide choice of salads, soup, meats, vegetables and fruit or cooked dessert.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: £10-15

Drinks included: No

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Etosha Safari Lodge.

Equipment: Highchairs and cots are available.

Generally recommended for children: There is not a huge amount to keep children entertained, apart from the swimming pools.

Notes: Children must be supervised at all times, especially on the balcony, which has a large gap between the railing and the floor.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There are plans to have guest access to the internet in the future.

TV & radio: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Outjo.

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Security measures: There is a guard on the main gate at night.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers and hose pipes are located in the main areas.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge

Money: No currency exchange is available.