Reviews of Zebra River Lodge
(94%) From 74 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Great private canyon hiking trail
Good for walkers for 1 or 2 days. Also fairly close (by Namibia standards!) to Nankluft Park with excellent day walking
Read more about the whole safariZebra River Lodge review
A superb introduction to Namibian 'lodge life' with some great self-guide walking. Communal dining in a cosmopolitan family atmosphere. On our 'must return' list.
Read more about the whole safariLovely location plus warm hospitality.
Marianne was very hospitable and helpful and we enjoyed her company. We were sorry that Rob was away.
The room was lovely. We very much enjoyed our stay.
However, a little more information on the local walking trails (maps etc.) would have been an advantage although the maps which she gave to us for our onward journeys were helpful.
Zebra River Lodge - a true highlight
Although not far on paper, the drive from Kulala to Zebra River was another fairly long one, taking in part of the terrible D854 again. We arrived at lunchtime and were immediately offered an exceptionally warm welcome and plates of food. Marianne was on her own (well, not literally as there are three resident lovely dogs), with Rob, who we would later meet, in Windhoek.
After a lazy afternoon, we did a sundown walk on our own along the opposite ridge with a map, but could not find our way down, so had to return the same way we came; as it was after sunset, we were quite anxious but it was reassuring to know that almost all our movements had been watched by the staff who were keeping a weather eye on our progress (beautiful views from the top, btw).
A nice dinner with all the other guests followed, and the team made every effort to include those guests whose English wasn't the best. The next day we did an enjoyable guided early morning walk to Gail's Cave, and then later another well marked and mapped hike up to the magnificent quiver tree (with more superb views). On our last day, the staff dropped us two hours from a natural spring and we, with two other guests, walked up to it and then back to the lodge, which took pretty much all day. On the way back we also came very close to a wandering black spittting cobra which was, well, exciting I guess! Rob had arrived that afternoon and drove up to meet us on the walk back with sundowner beers, for which we were very grateful!
The only negative point about this part of our trip was the number of armour plated ground crickets around - they got everywhere and aren't very nice, but they do only come out after the rainy season ends apparently. This was a very hospitable, friendly and comfortable place to stay and is highly recommended.
Expert Africa comments
After the rains (usually Jan – early April) it is usual to see armoured ground crickets in Namibia. Marianne from Zebra River Lodge reports that they are exceptionally plentiful this year. She has been in this area for 13 years and this is the first time she’s seen so many. Although intriguing, they are large and not particularly pretty!
Zebra River Lodge review
We were exremely pleased with the superb accommodation at Zebra Lodge with a marvellous view from the natural stone constructed chalet on the hillside.
The welcome that we received from Marianne and Gail was excellent and we really felt part of the family. There was a uniquely friendly atmosphere. Fantastic fresh home made bread.
Be prepared for an adventurous approach to the property along the front drive - not for the feint hearted!
excellent walking
excellent canyon walk which takes about 4-5hrs, good food and a fantastic room up above the lodge (including a resident dormouse)
we had problems on arriving in wet season as rivers flooded and not passable for about 2 hrs even though in 4 x 4
Rob and Marianne were not present - and I think the stay would have been enhanced if they had been as would have liked more local knowledge/geology/nature info/astronomy etc
Expert Africa comments
Rob and Marianne apologised for not being at the Zebra River when these travellers visitied. On occasions they have to go Windhoek to do some shopping, so although they would ideally like to be a the lodge all the time, this just isn't always possible.
Gail, who has been with them for a number of years, is also based at Zebra River and has a very good knowledge of the area, especially the geology. In fact, she has worked on an archaeological dig on the property.
Rob and Marianne are also hoping to put together an information booklet which will then be available in the rooms.
Spectacular canyons and home-from-home
A delightful friendly place with great walks and wonderful hospitality amid the most spectacular scenery and wonderful birdlife. Rob and Marianne's enthusiasm for the area is infectious , and Rob is keen to impart some of his vast knowledge of all the various "ologies". The area is famous amongst paleontologists for rare fossilised algae.
In the evenings the guests are encouraged to mix so enjoy excellent wholesome food in interesting company. The routine was flexible to fit in with guests activities and wishes. Rob helped us plan the route to our next stop, suggesting many fascinating areas to visit on the way.
This was defintiely one of our favourite places; we would like to return to to explore more of the many and varied hiking possibilities.
Fantastic walks, good to be back.
Great hosts, excellent food, great walks and location.
Read more about the whole safariZebra River Lodge review
We have nothing but praise for this lodge and its owners as you might guess from our frequent visits!
Read more about the whole safariA great place to hang out and walk
The owners were away, and Peter and Marilyn Brickford -- he is a leading conservationist in Namibia -- were in their stead, so we had a wonderful time talking about just about every conservation topic in the world.
Great birds, great walks, great landscapes, great geology, good wildlife, competent food, and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere. We could have stayed a week! (We got the honeymoon suite -- fantastic accommodations, but up 3 flights of dangerous stairs). Not for the mobility impaired -- lots of stairs, lots of hidden dangers like patios without rails.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
