Huab Lodge: Information from the owner

Bungalow

Huab Lodge’s eight spacious, extensively refurbished, stone and thatch bungalows - accommodating a maximum of 16 guests – are spread along the elevated north bank of the river ensuring a magnificent and private view of the Huab River Valley, even from the shower!

Each bungalow has a large private patio and is tastefully furnished with two extra-long double beds. Large windows and sliding doors allow in both light and a view across the Huab. There is in fact no need to even close the curtains – rather watch the stars and listen to the calls of owls and barking geckos as you drift off to sleep.

Birding and Photography

Over the years, Huab Lodge, which is situated in habitats where several endemic or near endemic Namibian bird species occur, has become a ‘Mecca’ for bird watchers and photographers alike.

Among its 210 bird species, the area boasts 9 of the endemic desert bird species including; Hartlaub spurfowl, Rüppel’s parrot, Southern Violet wood hoopoe, Monteiro’s hornbill, Carp’s tit, Barecheeked babbler, Damara rockrunner, and White-tailed shrike.

In late September the Madagascar Bee-eater arrives to breed in Namibia, staying until mid-April, while the Violet-backed starling, Rosy-faced lovebirds, and the boisterous Bare-cheeked babbler can be seen from lodge itself all year round. At sunset, visitors enjoying a sundowner in the main building are also in for a very special surprise!

There are also many mammal and reptile species that are of particular interest in the semi-desert environment at Huab Lodge.

Ephemeral River Drive in search of desert elephants

This full day activity starts with a quick 7am coffee before departure. From the lodge, you depart in the direction of the ephemeral Huab River, passing Khorixas, towards the petrified forest where large tree trunks have, over millions of years, "turned to stone". A packed breakfast is enjoyed en route under a huge sandstone mountain, from where the journey continues towards the Huab River. After turning into the Huab we will stop for a mid-morning snack along one of its tributaries and discuss the plans for the day.

With fences having, for the most part, been removed in the Damaraland area, the desert-adapted elephant are free to roam the entire area and the morning will be spent exploring both the Huab and Aba-Huab rivers, in search of these magnificent behemoths.
At lunchtime, we will find a shady spot to stop and have a bite, before starting the slow meander back to the lodge, stopping off at some unusual and unique sites along the way, aiming to return to the lodge before sunset.

Guided Morning Walks

Early Morning Walk: Offered either before or after breakfast, the best time to do these walks is before the sun reaches its zenith as, even in winter, temperatures can rise to 30 degrees during the day and most animals prefer to find shelter during that time of the day. Longer walking routes for the fitter, or more adventurous guest, can be offered though.

Scenic Drive

Scenic and/or Sun-downer Drive: A drive is offered in a game viewer vehicle, departing the lodge after breakfast to explore the nature reserve and the beauty of the morning.

Another drive is offered in the late afternoon, taking in the magnificent Namibian sunset, along, of course, with the obligatory sun-downer!

Star Gazing

Stargazing doesn’t have to be only after dinner: sometimes you can best view Saturn, Venus, or Jupiter and his moons, before sunrise . . .