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Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge

About Palmwag Lodge

Palmwag Lodge sits in an attractive location next to a palm-lined spring in the Uniab River, which often ...

... flows with water and draws elephants close to the lodge. This is one of northern Damaraland’s oldest lodges, and it’s able to accommodate a significant number of people. The main area was renovated in 2014/15 and the original rooms revamped. Four new bungalows and five tented chalets were also added bring the total number of rooms to 32.

Palmwag Lodge has a lovely setting and following recent renovations to the rooms and main area, it offers a comfortable, convenient and affordable base for guests on a self-drive holiday to explore the rugged beauty and captivating wildlife of Damaraland. The option to spend a night relaxing at the lodge, followed by a night or two camping on the Palmwag Sleep-out, may also appeal to adventurous travellers looking to feel more connected to this pristine wilderness.

Our view

Palmwag Lodge has a lovely setting and following recent renovations to the rooms and main area, it offers a comfortable, convenient and affordable base for guests on a self-drive holiday to explore the rugged beauty and captivating wildlife of Damaraland. The option to spend a night relaxing at the lodge, followed by a night or two camping on the Palmwag Sleep-out, may also appeal to adventurous travellers looking to feel more connected to this pristine wilderness.

Karen Sharpe

Karen Sharpe

Namibia expert

Accommodation

32 rooms

Children

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Palmwag Lodge

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


81%
38 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
13
Good
17
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs HfromWirral

Arrived 11 Sep 2024, 1 nights

"Palmwag Lodge review"

"elephants on arrival …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

BarnesfromHampshire

Arrived 11 Sep 2024, 1 nights

"Palmwag Lodge review"

"excellent location …" Read Barnes’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr&Mrs D + kidsfromHerts

Arrived 26 Aug 2023, 1 nights

"Palmwag Lodge review"

"accommodation is good, stayed to do the rhino tracking - group of approx. 20 ... …" Read Mr&Mrs D + kids’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Rob and GinfromAustralia

Arrived 22 Nov 2022, 2 nights

"Palmwag Lodge review"

"Nice room and dining/bar area. Elephants broke the water supply both night …" Read Rob and Gin’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr K & Mrs NfromUK

Arrived 12 Mar 2022, 2 nights

"Palmwag Lodge review"

"room was comfortable.. food good.. activities excellent & good value.. …" Read Mr K & Mrs N’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs M & Mr DfromGermany

Arrived 2 Dec 2020, 1 nights

"Palmwag Lodge review"

"Newly refurbished, friendly staff, and very well maintained.. very good value.. …" Read Mrs M & Mr D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr J & Ms DfromUK

Arrived 25 Sep 2019, 1 nights

"Palmwag Lodge review"

"The lodge was fine but the fact that our booking was lost and we were left …" Read Mr J & Ms D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Poor

Dr. L & wife fromDenmark

Arrived 2 Aug 2019, 1 nights

"Average to good, but only option."

"...we like this oasis in the desert, that we have visited three times ... …" Read Dr. L & wife ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mr MfromStockport

Arrived 20 May 2019, 2 nights

"Fantastic Rhino trek"

"Rhino trek enjoyable, lucky enough to see three including a baby. …" Read Mr M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

C & DfromWoking/Brighton

Arrived 11 Sep 2018, 1 nights

"An oasis of green and calm"

"Very relaxing after dusty drive... …" Read C & D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Palmwag Lodge reviews

Palmwag Lodge: Our full report

Palmwag Lodge sits in an attractive location next to a palm-lined spring in the Uniab River, which often ...

... flows with water and draws elephants close to the lodge. This is one of northern Damaraland’s oldest lodges, and it’s able to accommodate a significant number of people. The main area was renovated in 2014/15 and the original rooms revamped. Four new bungalows and five tented chalets were also added bring the total number of rooms to 32.

The lodge is the gateway to the vast Palmwag Concession, which covers an area of about 4,500km². Damaraland as a whole supports Africa’s largest free-roaming population of black rhinoceros, of which the Palmwag Concession hosts around 70%. This semi-desert area is also home to a healthy population of rare desert-adapted elephant, as well as a variety of other game including kudu, springbok, oryx, giraffe, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and ostrich. Lion and hyena are also occasionally spotted. However, because it is so arid, wildlife densities in this area are much lower than in the reserves further east, which receive higher rainfall.

Palmwag's rooms differ slightly in construction but all have broadly similar facilities and space, and all cost the same. Typically they are simply decorated with white-washed walls and crisp white linen sheets on the beds. All the rooms have mosquito nets over the beds, power points, a safe, and either a ceiling fan or standing fan, plus insect repellent and an emergency alarm.

Each room has a functional and clean en-suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. Hot and cold water are on tap but no toiletries are provided except for soap.

Broadly speaking, Palmwag Lodge has two main styles of accommodation. There are:

  • 19 stone and thatch bungalows the majority of which are located closed to the main area. This includes two family units which can sleep five and which share a small pool, garden and picnic table.
  • 13 tented chalets.of which four are next to the central area. The remaining nine chalets are built slightly further away and overlook the reed beds of the Uniab River. These nine chalets are elevated on stilts and each has a raised wooden veranda at the front, with a table and chairs, where you can sit and watch birds and animals come for a drink at the spring below.
The focal point at Palmwag Lodge is the large, thatched open-plan central area, incorporating the restaurant, lounge and bar, and with two large verandas looking over the reedbeds of the Uniab River to the mountains in the distance. Here you can while away the hours watching a variety of birds flit in and out of the reed beds, or observe the elephants that regularly come to the spring.

The big, friendly Uniab Restaurant, with its wooden tables and a buffet bar for breakfast, is decorated with beautifully woven baskets, African bush drawings and masks. In the adjacent small lounge area, a big sofa has large comfy cushions and a few reference books on Namibia. On cooler winter evenings, seek out the tall wood-burning heater between the dining room and the lounge. A small, well-stocked bar is constructed partly of natural tree branches.

The lodge has two swimming pools: one with loungers under shady palm trees; a second with a pool-side bar (where, bizarrely, they won't serve you drinks by the pool). This is near to the campsite, and so sometimes gets a lively crowd. Palmwag's curio shop is open 6.30am–8.00pm.

Because of the number of people that can be based here and the number of groups that pass through, the lodge can feel quite busy at times, and service can be a bit hit and miss.

You can use Palmwag Lodge as a stopover, or stay for longer to take part in some of the activities offered here. These include daily morning and evening scenic nature drives; guided walks to Two Palms which can take approx. three hours. Half Day Rhino tracking activity which can last up to six hours and Full Day Rhino tracking activities which can last up to ten hours. Information about the activities offered can be found in the reception area.

With advance booking, there are also various full-day game-viewing and cultural excursions. The adventurous might consider the option of an 'under canvas' sleep-out within the Palmwag Concession, which explores the breathtaking landscapes and spends the night in comfortable dome tents with rustic bush facilities (although no showers) and nature all around you. Many of our travellers enjoy a night based at Palmwag Lodge, followed by a night camping in the wilds, but these trips can last as long as you wish.

There is a petrol station at Palmwag Lodge where diesel and Unleaded 95 petrol can be purchased (however please note that this is only payable in cash) using NAD and ZAR.

Geographics

Location
Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
2–3 nights
Directions
Palmwag is in northern Damaraland just west of the C43.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
When we last stayed at Palmwag Lodge in June 2014, the standard of food was good.

Breakfast is served between 6.30 and 9.00am, and consists of a large buffet offering cereals, fruit, yoghurt, breads, cheese, meats and hot options.

Lunch and other meals are available from 10.00am to 10.00pm at the Makalani pool bar, where there is a short menu offers a variety of salads, pasta and burgers with prices ranging from N$80 to N$170.

Tea and coffee are available in the restaurant area throughout the day, with cake being provided from 3:00pm.

Dinner is 3 course buffet which is served in the restaurant from 7pm, and should be booked before 3pm. An a la carte menu is also available at the pool bar

Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No room service available.
Drinks included
Tea and coffee are included in the rates; all other drinks are extra.

Special interests

Wildlife safaris
Palmwag is one of the last wilderness areas in the world outside of a national park. You can see a variety of game including, with a bit of luck, free-roaming black rhino, desert-adapted elephant and lion, all in the most spectacular landscape far off the normal tourist routes.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
Palmwag Lodge has a very good attitude to children – and two special 'family units' that share their own plunge pool.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
Palmwag Lodge do not offer any special services for children.
Equipment
One small bed and a highchair and are available for guests' use.
Generally recommended for children
Yes
Notes
Parents should be aware that the camp is not fenced and that dangerous big game often passes through (elephants are pretty regular visitors).

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Palmwag Lodge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Palmwag 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.

Elephant

89% success

Giraffe

75% success

Oryx

71% success

Zebra

60% success

Black Rhino

43% success

Wildebeest

25% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Lion

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a backup generator in case of a power cut.
Communications
There is a central phone, fax and email. There is cellphone reception and you can also purchase phone cards which can be used in the public phone. There is no WiFi available.
TV & radio
No
Water supply
Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The nearest doctor is in Khorixas. Nurses are available closer and there is a medical kit in the lodge. Medi-rescue is also available.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There are five guards on site and they each carry a deterrent against animals.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in every room and in the central areas.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
There is an extra charge for laundry of between N$3 to N$15 per item.
Money
The lodge will exchange cash in US dollars, euros and British pounds, but not travellers' cheques.

Each room has an electronic combination safe.
Accepted payment on location
They accept payment by Visa and MasterCard, as well as in cash (US dollars, euros and British pounds).

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Palmwag Lodge's location

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When to go to Damaraland

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Palmwag 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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