Taleni Etosha Village: Our full report

Opened in October 2008, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable self-catering option (although there is a restaurant too), about 4km south of Etosha's Andersson Gate. Built in the style of a traditional African village, with spacious en-suite units, it's perfect for families and a good base from where to explore one of Namibia's major attractions.

Upon entering Taleni Etosha Village, you'll first pass the lodge's central facilities. These include a secure parking area, the reception, as well as guest cloakrooms. A well-stocked utility store – the 'One-Stop-Cuca-Shop' – sells souvenirs, groceries, beverages and other essential self-catering items; ideal for those self-catering. Beside this, there are two swimming pools (one for kids), and three canopied outdoor dining sites (the Brauhaus, the Garden Pavillion and the Tented Pavillion), laid out kraal-like around the kitchen area/restaurant. This offers buffet-style breakfasts, lunches and dinners. After dinner, you can enjoy chilly drinks in Taleni Etosha Village's open-air bar, which also has satellite TV; tea and coffee are available 24 hours.

Built from canvas on raised timber decks, Taleni Etosha Village's 40 accommodation units are arranged in a way ensuring total privacy. Adjacent to the outside dining area, which is furnished with a wooden table and chairs, is a small kitchenette, complete with a washing-up area, 2-plate hob and under-counter fridge. Outside, there's a BBQ area; cooking & eating utensils are available at the lodge's reception.

The tented bedrooms at Taleni Etosha Village feature twin beds, shelves and hanging space for clothes, a writing desk with chair, as well as an additional sleeper couch for children – note that children under the age of 12 are free of charge, when sharing a room with their parents! The en-suite bathrooms have mopane branches for walls, and are equipped with a hand basin, a separate toilet and an open-air shower.

Whilst staying here, activities include early morning and afternoon game drives into Etosha National Park; Taleni Etosha Village has two semi-open vehicles, each suitable for 10 guests. Morning drives start around 6:30, afternoon drives leave the village around 14:00, lasting approximately 6 hours and costing around N$550pp (including entrance fees and light refreshments). They follow a route to Okaukuejo, then on to various other waterholes in the area, before going back to Okaukuejo. The expert guides can also suggest alternative routes, to ensure stunning wildlife sightings.

Other activities arranged by Taleni Etosha Village include sundowner trips into the bush. The vehicles leave around 6.30pm, taking you to a nearby hill to relax with a sundowner while the sun sets, and return around 7.30pm. Those trips cost around N$95pp, including your sundowner drink and light snacks.

Our view

Taleni Etosha Village is a comfortable, affordable option for families, close to Etosha National Park and its fantastic wildlife.

Geographics

Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Directions: Taleni Etosha Village is located about 4km south of Etosha's Andersson Gate, on the C38.

Key personnel

Owner: Taleni Etosha Village is owned by Taleni Africa Tourism Holdings (Pty) Ltd.

Staff: The lodge's general manager is Fanie van Rooyen.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Room Only

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Taleni Etosha Village.

Equipment: Highchairs and cots are available on request.

Notes: There's a sleeper couch for children in every room, and children under the age of 12 are free of charge, when sharing a room with their parents.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

TV & radio: The open-air bar has satellite TV.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Security measures: There's a safe in every unit, and a secure parking area on site.

Extras

Disabled access: In Place

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge