Central Lodge: Our full report

Central Lodge, as its name suggests, is centrally located in the town of Keetmanshoop. Although not one of Namibia's most picturesque towns, Keetmanshoop (considered the capital of the south) does have some handsome historic buildings and an interesting museum showcasing the town's past. Central Lodge and Keetmanshoop offer a comfortable place to stop over en-route to the Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz or the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. It is also worth visiting the nearby Quiver Tree Forest and Giant's Playground during your time here.

Central Lodge offers a small oasis in what are otherwise, fairly arid surroundings. Guests step through the main entrance of the cheery yellow building into a cool reception area where they are welcomed by the staff.

Most of the 22 rooms are set around a courtyard of green, manicured lawn. A central fountain and well placed palm trees complete the atmosphere of tranquility. Each of the rooms are air-conditioned and furnished with comfortable beds, a writing desk, two chairs, and a coffee table. A built-in cupboard and luggage rack supplies ample storage space and tea/coffee facilities provide the chance for a revitalising boost after what is often a long drive to get here. Each room also has a TV and a telephone.

The en-suite bathrooms are fairly small in size but make up for the lack of space by being clean and functional. Each has flush toilet, basin and a shower. Four of the double rooms have a larger bathroom and boast a spa bath.

Of the 22 rooms, two are large enough for families with a double bed and three single beds. Central Lodge also has a self catering unit that can also sleep up to five people.

The gardens are well kept with a pretty water fountain forming a central feature. There is a swimming pool which is partially screened off from the garden and rooms providing some privacy to swimmers. Outdoor furniture is set up on the lawn surrounding the pool creating a nice area to relax with a drink or a quiet lunch.

Although it is possible to ask the staff to recommend a restaurant for the evening meal, it is often easier to eat at the lodge's own à la carte restaurant. Central Lodge also has a fully licensed bar which is usually popular with Keetmanshoop locals as well as guests. Food and drinks can be ordered here throughout the day.

If you'd like to explore Keetmanshoop a little further before continuing on your travels through Namibia, it is possible to store luggage with the reception staff.

Our View

Central Lodge offers a comfortable bed and works well for a night's stopover between visiting Namibia's sights. There are no bells and whistles here but the owners have done enough to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Occasionally there is the odd maintenance problem but we found the staff always available for any queries we had during our visit.

Geographics

Location: Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: Well situated for a one night stopover between Namibia's more dramatic landscapes and sights.

Directions: Central Lodge is set on Fifth street in Keetmashoop, almost next to the town's Standard bank and near the information centre.

Key personnel

Owner: George Roux

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Breakfast is usually served between 6 and 9am. A buffet layout offers a fairly standard guesthouse type fare including a variety of cereals, breads, cold meats, fruit, juice and yogurt. You'll also be offered a selection of cooked eggs. Tea and coffee is self service and there is a range of flavoured teas.

Various light meals are on offer for lunch. These are ordered directly from reception and include meals such as toasted sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Dinner is served in the restaurant between 6 and 9pm. An a la carte menu offers a variety of straight forward fish, steak and chicken meals. We tried out the Wiener Schnitzel with mushroom sauce which was tasty!

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included

Children

Attitude towards children: Central Lodge welcomes families and has a few rooms that will easily accommodation parents and children.

Equipment: Highchairs and cots are available on request.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Children must be under the supervision of their parents at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There are phones in each of the rooms at Central Lodge. If you are travelling with a mobile phone you will also have good network coverage in Keetmanshoop. Internet and fax facilities are also available in the office and can be used on request.

TV & radio: The lodge has DSTV (Digital Satellite Television) in all the rooms and an entertainment system in the restaurant and bar. Soft music is played throughout the day.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The Keetmanshoop hospital is about 1km outside of the town centre. The Daan Viljoen clinic is about 10 min away from the lodge.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: The Central Lodge has a secure parking area and a security guard on duty throughout the day.

Fire safety: There are no fire extinguishers inside the rooms but there are a few evenly placed outside some of the rooms.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available for an extra charge.

Money: The Central Lodge does not accept or exchange foreign currency. There are no safes in any of the rooms, but guests can lock their rooms or ask that valuables be stored in the office behind reception.