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Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge

About Grootberg Lodge

Grootberg Lodge is located on a large private concession in the remote northwest of Namibia, part way between ...

... Damaraland and Etosha National Park. Perched on the edge of the Etendeka Plateau, Grootberg has some of the most spectacular views of any lodge in Namibia – and a range of activities from rhino-tracking to walks and interactions with the local communities.

After our most recent visit in 2018, once we had tackled the steep drive up to the top of the plateau, we were incredibly impressed. Grootberg has a very homely and welcoming vibe – partly due to the managers and partly due to the community involvement here. Its location is amazing and its generally excellent activities make it a very good choice in Damaraland

Our view

After our most recent visit in 2018, once we had tackled the steep drive up to the top of the plateau, we were incredibly impressed. Grootberg has a very homely and welcoming vibe – partly due to the managers and partly due to the community involvement here. Its location is amazing and its generally excellent activities make it a very good choice in Damaraland

Richard Trillo

Richard Trillo

Namibia expert

Accommodation

16 chalets

Children

Best for 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Grootberg Lodge

99 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


92%
99 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
67
Good
23
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs SfromE Sussex

Arrived 27 Sep 2024, 2 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs M fromHagley

Arrived 31 May 2024, 2 nights

"Unforgettable"

"The views of the pass are spectcular. …" Read Mr & Mrs M ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

I and CfromWorcester, UK

Arrived 12 May 2023, 3 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

"amazing view, comfortable rooms, lovely local staff - amazing landscapes …" Read I and C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

WallingtonfromUK

Arrived 28 Apr 2023, 2 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

"Spectacular views …" Read Wallington’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs SfromBedfordshire

Arrived 10 Feb 2023, 1 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

"A very welcoming simple lodge. Stunning location. …" Read Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr AfromMallorca

Arrived 27 Dec 2022, 2 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

"amazing views and something different again …" Read Mr A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms TCfromFlorida

Arrived 5 Oct 2022, 2 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

"The views from the lodge were amazing, however, the room was small and had …" Read Ms TC’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mr & Mrs HfromHerne Bay

Arrived 31 Jul 2022, 2 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

"a lovely lodge - spectacular scenery, friendly staff, good food .. …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs C.fromDubai

Arrived 1 Apr 2022, 2 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

"The views are to die for …" Read Mrs C.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs CHfromGuildford

Arrived 19 Mar 2022, 2 nights

"Grootberg Lodge review"

"drive to Grootberg & the views take your breath away... fabulously situated... …" Read Mrs CH’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Grootberg Lodge reviews

Safaris visiting Grootberg Lodge

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas

US$5,480 - US$5,880 per person

Read more about the Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

Grootberg Lodge: Our full report

Grootberg Lodge is located on a large private concession in the remote northwest of Namibia, part way between ...

... Damaraland and Etosha National Park. Perched on the edge of the Etendeka Plateau, Grootberg has some of the most spectacular views of any lodge in Namibia – and a range of activities from rhino-tracking to walks and interactions with the local communities.

Grootberg was built in 2005 in conjunction with the local #Khoadi//Hoas community, and is believed to be the first middle-market lodge in Namibia that is 100% owned by the community. Building was funded by a big donation from the European Union, through the Development Programme of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. It is the sister lodge to Hobatere Lodge located just outside of the western side of Etosha National Park.

Friendly and helpful staff from the local community are being trained to run and manage the lodge, with the aim for Grootberg to be completely run by the local people within the next ten years.

The entrance to the main building is through a long, arched hallway, its whitewashed walls adorned with just a few photographs and batik paintings. This leads into a large room with very relaxed and cool feel. The lounge area has a large central fire and comfortable sofas in neutral colours with casual throws. There is a small bar here, too, while at the other end of the room are classic wooden tables and chairs for dining, with this area extending out of the glass doors onto a wooden deck with breathtaking views. Tea and coffee are available all day for guests to help themselves.

Outside, from tables and chairs on the wide elongated veranda, you can enjoy the sun and the most stunning views across the valley. Although the veranda has a balustrade, this has gaps in it, so because of the very steep drop below it, we'd advise parents with young children to be very careful indeed here.

The veranda stairs leads down to a stunning infinity pool which, like many areas of Grootberg, has a spectacular view of the Klip Valley unfolding below it.

The 16 en-suite rock chalets at Grootberg Lodge are built from local rock, and from the outside appear to be almost dry-stone walls topped by thatched roofs. Inside they are uncluttered, with whitewashed walls beneath the open thatch. Simple paintings brighten up the walls and small branches are tucked in corners as part of the décor. Furniture is all of light wood, with some interesting carvings. Each chalet has a desk with a tea/coffee station but hot water must be requested from reception and will be brought to you in a flask. Although the chalets have no air conditioning or ceiling fans, mostly they remain cool.

Sliding doors lead to a small, private deck with two chairs from where seemingly endless views over the Klip River valley can be enjoyed. The bathroom is not big but it is practical, with a shower, washbasin and separate toilet – and a big window that allows good views from the shower! Hot water, heated by a wood-burning stove outside the chalets, is available on request.

11 of the chalets have twin beds and three have double beds (but no mosquito nets), and there are also two family chalets. These are much larger with a shared entrance/living space and two bedrooms, one double and one twin, with a shared bathroom in the middle. Otherwise they are similar to the twin and double chalets.

For some pampering and relaxation, Grootberg has a small and simple massage room close to the pool offering a variety of treatments.

Activities from Grootberg Lodge include, a visit to the Damara communities to learn more about the damara culture, tracking of desert-adapted elephants, following black rhino on foot and scenic drives down the Klip River. There are also hiking trails which you can explore with a guide from the lodge, as big game is occasionally in the area. We were also told on our most recent visit that they offer a sleep-out excursion. We understand that this involves an afternoon drive to the camping site where tents and amenities are already set up. We believe there to be a permanent toilet construction and a water tank and the tents to be of a dome style. This may suit those who want to experience a night around the campfire, out in African bush but with some necessary comforts.

Grootberg Lodge fits really well into a trip between Damaraland and Etosha, but we'd concur with our travellers that it's worth spending two of three nights here; one night is really not enough.

Geographics

Location
Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
At least two nights are needed here, and preferably three or even four if you want to get the most out of the full range of activities.
Directions
Grootberg Lodge is about seven hours' drive from Swakopmund, about 90 minutes' drive from Twyfelfontein, and perhaps four hours from Etosha's Andersson Gate, south of Okaukuejo.

The lodge is just off the C40 road, up a 1km steep, narrow and rocky track. This should only be attempted if you have a good 4WD, and are an experienced and confident driver. Most visitors park their car at the bottom, where a security guard is stationed; he'll then radio up, and you'll be driven up to the lodge.

For fly-in visitors the nearest airstrip is 25km east of Grootberg.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
Mealtimes at Grootberg are flexible - when we visited we didn’t eat here – but this is what we understand about the meals on offer:

Breakfast is a buffet with the usual choice of cereals, yoghurts, breads and fruit; as well as bacon and eggs cooked to order.

There is a choice of light à la carte lunches, such as salads.

Dinner is normally a three-course set menu served at around 7.00pm.
Dining style
Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is possible on request.
Drinks included
Drinks are not included at Grootberg Lodge.

Special interests

Wellbeing
With its stunning location and views along with an on-site spa offering a range of treatments and massages, we think that this would be a great choice for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay in the area.
See ideas for Wellbeing in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Grootberg Lodge.
Property’s age restrictions
There is no age restriction at Grootberg
Special activities & services
There are no special activities at Grootberg Lodge for children. They can go on a walking trail with their parents but considerable care should be taken as the area is very rocky. The rhino-tracking trip is not suitable for children under the age of 12, both for safety reasons and as the walk is very strenuous in places.
Equipment
There is one cot available.
Generally recommended for children
Yes, but only for sensible older children who cope well with walking on uneven surfaces, and can understand the dangers of the raised platforms on which the main building and chalets are built.
Notes
Parents should constantly supervise children, especially when they are joining activities, as the area is very rocky, and the patio and pool areas are very steep.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Grootberg Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Grootberg Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Zebra

85% success

Giraffe

62% success

Oryx

58% success

Black Rhino

50% success

Elephant

18% success

Spotted Hyena

13% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Lion

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
The generator provides power to the main area and solar and wind power is used to power the lights in the rooms. There are no plug sockets in the rooms but travellers are welcome to charge items in the main area.
Communications
There are no phones in the chalets at Grootberg, and there is no cellphone reception

There is WiFi in the main area that is free for guests to use.


TV & radio
There are no TV's or radio
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
We understand that the borehole water at Grootberg is safe to drink.

Sustainability

Grootberg Lodge sustainability

Authentic experiences exchanged

Located in the east of Damaraland, Grootberg Lodge takes pride in being fully owned by the local #Khoadi//Hoas community. Since its construction in 2005, the 16-chalet property has been eminently involved bridging the gap between locals and tourists. By encouraging the cultural exchange, locals benefit financially through employment and improved access to education, whereas guests are offered a culturally immersive experience.

Currently 45 people - 98% of the staff at Grootberg - are directly employed by the lodge and another ten work for the ≠Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy. Chosen for their excellent tracking skills and intimate knowledge of the area, the lodge influenced even former poachers to join conservations efforts as the best candidates for the position of guides.

Tourists can also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area by choosing to donate 1% of their bill for supporting a child’s education or for the renovation of the local primary school. In exchange for their financial contribution, the lodge offers a cultural tour of Damara, whereby tourists are guided through conservancy farms and get to understand the lifestyle and culture of the indigenous tribes. Visitors are then welcomed at the #Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy office to meet the staff and learn about the projects which benefit the community each day. The tour concludes at the Erwee Primary School where young pupils enjoy putting up a cultural performance.

See more great sustainability projects in Namibia

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The closest hospital is in Outjo, about three hours' drive away.
Dangerous animals
Moderate Risk
Security measures
The lodge is relatively remote, with no guards on site at night. During the day there are guards on the gate, keeping an eye on the cars parked at the bottom of the driveway.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in all the chalets, and in and around the main buildings.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
There are no laundry facilities.
Money
The doors to the rooms at Grootberg don’t have locks, but there is a safe in each chalet to store valuables.
Accepted payment on location
Grootberg Lodge accepts cash payments in Namibian dollars and South African rand. Visa and Mastercard may be used without commission, but no other credit cards are accepted.

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Grootberg Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Grootberg Lodge.


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When to go to Damaraland

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Grootberg Lodge in Damaraland


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Damaraland in January

In Damaraland, January marks the start of the rainy season. The rains, though often light and localised, bring life to the desert landscape.

At Twyfelfontein, the rock engravings glisten after sporadic showers. Some days are clear and hot, with temperatures around 30°C/86°F, while others see dramatic thunderstorms. These can create flash floods in ephemeral riverbeds like the Ugab, temporarily transforming the arid terrain. The greening landscape provides a refreshing backdrop for the ancient rock art at Brandberg Mountain.

Many birds in the region are in full breeding plumage, with migrant species adding to the variety. Wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants, disperses across the rejuvenated landscape, making sightings more challenging, but rewarding. The Damara Living Museum offers insights into how local communities adapt to these seasonal changes.

  • Variable weather: hot, dry or humid with rain
  • Occasional localised thunderstorms
  • Wildlife dispersed, harder to spot
  • Stark mountains against atmospheric skies
  • Few tourists, low rates at accommodations

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Damaraland in February

February is typically the wettest month in Damaraland, though rainfall remains patchy across this predominantly arid region.

The Spitzkoppe granite peaks against thunderous, atmospheric skies create dramatic vistas for photographers. Some days are clear and hot, while others see afternoon thunderstorms that briefly but dramatically charge the landscape. These rains can make travel more challenging, especially to remote sites like the Epupa Falls. However, the landscape feels vibrant and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily spotted, and seasonal flowers blooming. Many birds and animals are raising their young, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

Despite the rains, the rock art at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest remain accessible.

  • Hot and humid with occasional rain showers
  • Thunderstorms meander over the landscape
  • Birdlife spectacular, migrant species present
  • Wildlife harder to see, but landscape lush
  • Low tourist numbers, great for solitude

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Damaraland in March

March in Damaraland usually sees the main rains tailing off, though precipitation varies greatly across the region. Many days are clear, with strong sun driving temperatures up, while others may experience light rainfall.

The landscape often appears vivid and green, providing a striking contrast to the bare rocky outcrops of Spitzkoppe and Brandberg. Animals such as springbok and mountain zebra may be finishing raising their young. Small herds of plains game such as these can be more visible against the greener backdrop. The Damara Living Museum showcases how local communities adapt to these seasonal changes. The clearer skies towards the end of the month make for excellent stargazing at lodges where you can move your bed to sleep under the stars.

  • Weather becoming drier as month progresses
  • Animals looking healthy after months of plenty
  • Balmy nights sleeping under star-filled skies
  • Migrant birds begin to depart
  • Few tourists, rates often low at lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Damaraland in April

April in Damaraland is typically dominated by dry weather, with decreasing chances of rain. Temperatures begin to fall, but days remain pleasantly warm. The rains often leave the landscape verdant, creating stunning photo opportunities at sites like the Etendeka Plateau and Klip Valley.

Animals are in fantastic condition, often with fast-growing young in attendance. The desert-adapted elephants may be more easily spotted as they begin to return to the riverbeds to feed on Ana and Camelthorn trees. With dust washed from the atmosphere, photographers can capture clear shots of spectacular landscapes. Stargazers will enjoy increasingly clear night skies. In the Palmwag Concession, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding mammals such as black rhino can still be challenging, but worth the effort.

  • Cooler nights, days still warm and pleasant
  • Landscape still green from recent rains
  • Air clear, for crisp photographs
  • Wildlife starting to become easier to find
  • Easter sees an increase in visitors

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Damaraland in May

By May, Damaraland is usually drying out fast. If rains have been good, the land remains green, especially around natural springs found in valleys and craggy rocksides. The air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography at sites like Twyfelfontein and along the remote Hoanib riverbed.

Temperatures are moderate, typically warm with crisp, clear mornings and blue skies. Evenings are cool enough to wear an extra layer. Many lodges still charge low season prices, offering good value. The combination of increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes, and crystal-clear air make May one of the best months to visit Damaraland. It's an excellent time to explore the region's geological wonders, such as the ancient Etendeka lava flows.

  • Lovely weather: warm days, cool nights
  • Landscape drying out, still some greenery
  • Clear, sharp colours for photography
  • Wildlife more visible along scenic riverbeds
  • Low visitor numbers, moderate lodge rates

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Damaraland in June

June sees Damaraland dry and clear, with blue, largely cloudless skies. Days are often lovely and warm, but nights can be cold, sometimes below freezing in desert areas.

Visitors should pack warm clothing for early morning nature drives to spot desert-adapted elephants or black rhinos. Most outdoor pools are too cold for swimming, except for the very dedicated. It’s a particularly good climate for walking; either short walks or perhaps a multi-day hike on the Etendeka Plateau.

Historically, June prices have been low, but Damaraland's increasing popularity means many lodges now consider it high season.

  • Clear, bright days and cold nights
  • Wonderful for stargazing and night walks
  • Good wildlife viewing in remote wildernesses
  • Hiking comfortable in cooler temperatures
  • Moderate lodge rates, increasing bookings

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Damaraland in July

July in Damaraland offers fairly warm temperatures above 20°C/68°F in the middle of the day, but often cold nights. Visitors should dress in layers and be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings.

Rain is extremely rare, and clear skies make for great photographs of the sandstone mountains in morning and evening light. As vegetation shrivels, animals gather near food and water sources, making sightings of desert-adapted wildlife more likely. Elephant herds are more regularly seen along dry riverbeds during this period.

Lodges charge high season rates, and many are booked up well in advance, especially during European school holidays.

  • Dry days, clear skies, crisp cold nights
  • Peak time for wildlife viewing in Damaraland
  • Desert-adapted elephants more easily spotted
  • Wonderfully cool for day walks and longer hikes
  • High season rates, book accommodations early

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Damaraland in August

August is the height of Damaraland's winter. Expect cloudless skies and usually warm sun during the day, but nights can drop to freezing in desert areas. Visitors should bring warm clothes for nature drives and walks in chilly mornings and evenings.

The landscape begins to change from green to golden grasses and stark hillsides. Wildlife sticks close to dry river-beds where desert-adapted elephants dig for water, creating waterholes for other animals.

The clear, dry conditions make it an excellent time for hiking and exploring geological features like the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain.

August is the most popular time to visit Damaraland, especially for families. Booking well in advance is essential.

  • Perfect weather for outdoor activities
  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Popular time for hiking and tracking rhino on foot
  • Good time for cultural experiences at Damara Living Museum
  • Peak season, lodges booked up well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Damaraland in September

September in Damaraland brings blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of, and as the month progresses, days and nights quickly get warmer. Daily maximums can reach the low 30s Celsius/mid-80s Fahrenheit, though low humidity keeps it comfortable. The air becomes dustier, occasionally affecting visibility for photographers at sites like Twyfelfontein or Brandberg.

In the Palmwag Concession and along the Ugab River, animals congregate around remaining water sources, making September one of the best months for game viewing, especially for desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, but also desert-adapted lion. It's a popular month for visitors, particularly safari enthusiasts seeking sightings of these unique sub-species.

The Himba at Khowarib provide insights into how local communities adapt to the dry season.

  • Warm days, nights getting warmer
  • Landscape golden brown, very photogenic
  • Prime time for seeing desert-adapted wildlife
  • Air can be hazy with dust
  • High season rates, book well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Damaraland in October

Damaraland is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build throughout the month, with daily highs potentially exceeding 40°C/104°F towards the end. The extreme dryness, though, makes even these high temperatures bearable.

Wildlife watching is at its best, particularly in areas like the remote Palmwag Concession and along the Hoanib River. October is popular among wildlife enthusiasts, as shyer species such as brown hyena and cheetah are more regularly seen. However, dust and occasional smoke may make the air hazy, challenging landscape photographers but creating beautiful sunsets.

Visitor numbers can decrease towards the end of the month, potentially allowing for last-minute bookings at some lodges.

  • Hot and dry, true desert conditions
  • Wildlife congregates at remaining water
  • Excellent month for photographing sunsets
  • Peak tourist time, expect higher rates
  • Unusual species like brown hyena more regularly seen

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Damaraland in November

November in Damaraland is unpredictable; sometimes dry and hot, sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and clear, with clouds gathering from the afternoon. Humidity builds, occasionally resulting in spectacular thunderstorms with convection rainfall in late afternoons. These storms are usually localised and may not reach desert areas.

Places receiving good rain, like parts of the Palmwag Concession, quickly turn green, softening the landscape. Many mammals give birth, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Once rains settle in waterholes, wildlife disperses in search of food, making game viewing more challenging. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatchers, with migrant species arriving and taking on breeding plumage.

The rock art at Twyfelfontein and Brandberg can be particularly striking after light rains.

  • Variable weather, possibility of rain
  • New growth if rains arrive, landscape greens
  • Wildlife viewing still good, with babies often born
  • Shoulder season rates offer better value
  • Birdlife increases with migrant arrivals

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Damaraland in December

December is often a dry month between November’s short rains and the main rains in January, and is one of its hottest months. Occasional short, often spectacular thunderstorms are often highly localised and generally welcomed, clearing the air of dust and allowing plant life to flourish. This creates a green carpet across the usually arid landscape, providing food for young animals.

Wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants, disperses widely as food is more plentiful, making game viewing in areas like the Palmwag Concession more challenging. But sightings in early December can be enjoyed and photographed at leisure often with few or no other viewers. Many birds are breeding, sporting their most colorful plumage.

Christmas and New Year fall within local summer holidays, so accommodation options can be surprisingly busy, especially in cooler areas near the coast.

  • Hot days, possibility of refreshing showers
  • Landscape may become green with early rains
  • Good time for seeing young animals
  • Desert-adapted species less concentrated
  • Holiday season brings more visitors

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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