Kalahari Farmhouse: Our full report

Kalahari Farmhouse opened in 2009 and is located 60km northeast of Mariental, next to Stampriet, in the Kalahari Desert. This attractive colonial-style farmhouse is built on the banks of the Auob River.

Kalahari Farmhouse consists of 12 chalets, all in a row in front of the farmhouse. One of these is a four bed room, and two are interleading, suitable for families. The rooms are mostly painted white, with a little colour coming from a complimentary bowl of fruit and a brightly patterned quilt on the beds. In front of the beds is a small table and chairs in front of a fireplace, although this is unfortunately not in use. A cupboard, a luggage rack and a bedside table make up the rest of the furniture.

Each room has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, flush toilet and basin. Soap, shampoo, moisturizer and shower gel are all provided.

The farmhouse makes up the main area of the lodge, and contains the restaurant, lounge, bar and curio shop. A menu showing the evening's dinner is in front of you when you enter, and the whole interior is decorated with little nick nacks and items collected over the years. The restaurant has an open fire for the colder evenings, and screen doors that open onto an attractive plant-filled terrace for dining on warmer nights.

The bar is again filled with little trinkets and funny postcards, and offers a TV above some comfortable sofas. Outside the bar is another terrace which also backs onto the pool. In front of the whole building is a pretty, leafy garden that is well looked after and which must be crossed in order to reach the rooms.

Kalahari Farmhouse is surrounded on two sides by vines and fields, and on the other the town of Stampriet can be seen, distracting somewhat from its idyllic farmhouse feel.

There are unfortunately no activities on offer at Kalahari Farmhouse, but guests are welcome to join with the activities offered at Anib Lodge, 30km away. You can also visit the small farm at Gondwana's Self-Sufficiency Centre which supplies fresh produce to lodges in the area.

Our View

Kalahari Farmhouse offers comfortable accommodation in a pretty farmhouse setting and can be used as a stop off on the long journey between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon.

Geographics

Location: Southern Namibia, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 1-2 nights

Directions: Kalahari Farmhouse is found just off the main street running through Stampriet, around 50km from Mariental.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: On our last visit here in June 2011 we found the standard of food to be good, with lots of fresh produce used.

Breakfast is a buffet with a selection of cheeses, meat, yoghurt, bread, fruit and cereals, with a cooked breakfast available on request.
A light lunch menu is offered, with salads and sandwichs as well as burgers and pizza.
Dinner here is a set menu, which we found to be very tasty on our last visit. We tucked into smoked meat salad, T bone steak and chips and then a delicious tiramisu for dessert.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Equipment: None at the moment, but there are plans for cots to be available.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Children must be supervised at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There are no phones in the rooms but the mobile reception here is good.

TV & radio: A TV with DSTV is available in the bar.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The closest doctor is in Mariental.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There is a guard on the gate during the day.

Fire safety: A fire extinguisher is located outside every room.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Laundry is available for an extra cost.

Money: No currency exchange facilities are available.