Amani Lodge: Our full report

Amani Lodge is a small, owner-run safari lodge, set a mere 28km southwest of Windhoek on the C26. Standing at an altitude of 2,150m, it's the highest lodge in Namibia, entirely surrounded by Namibian veld and the imposing Khomas Hochland Mountains. Due to its French owners' passion for Africa's big cats and stargazing, Amani is home to number of cheetah, lion and leopard, and houses its own telescope.

Amani Lodge has 3 bungalows and 3 double suites, to accommodate a maximum of 12 to 14 persons at a time. We understand that each guest room is tastefully decorated in a French style, with an en-suite bathroom, and great views over the surrounding landscape.

The main house – a spacious open-sided lapa – boasts a large patio and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a breakfast area, a bar, and a restaurant serving international cuisine with a French touch. On Sundays, the lodge's restaurant is open to day visitor for lunch.

Amani's major attractions are its big cats: two Kalahari lions (Bongani & Surabi), one leopard (Raffiki), and several cheetah have been given a home on the lodges' grounds. We're told that some of the cheetah may be returned to the wild when they are older and strong enough. This refuge and rehabilitation project, which was created by Amani's owners Alain & Olivier Houalet and works closely with Namibia's Cheetah Conservation Fund, and gives visitors the opportunity to view and photograph some of Africa's big cats at very close range.

Whilst staying here, other activities include visits to Namibia's capital city, Windhoek; hiking in the mountains surrounding Amani Lodge; stargazing during the winter months, when the sky is clearest; nature walks and birdwatching.

For casual stargazers, or serious astronomers, Amani Lodge has its own observatory building, the Capella Observatory, in which it claims to have the largest amateur telescope in Africa! Stargazing is exclusively available for guest staying at Amani Lodge – and the owners are generally very happy to spend time with you introducing you to the cosmos!

Our View

Amani Lodge has been built to a high standard in a peaceful, stunning setting high in the Khomas Hochland Mountains near Windhoek. If you want to view wild predators at very close range, then Amani's 'Big Cats' Experience' promises to add to your safari holiday, whilst its telescope should appeal to serious astronomers and stargazers alike.

Geographics

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

Directions: Amani Lodge is located on the Kupferberg road (C26), about 20km south west of Windhoek.

Key personnel

Owner: Amani Lodge is owned and run by Alain and Olivier Houalet, who are originally from France.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: The restaurant at Amani Lodge serves international cuisine with a French influence.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Central communications

TV & radio: There are no TVs or radios in any of the rooms.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: In Place

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge