Reviews of Spitzkoppen Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
33 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Spitzkoppen Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
The owner moved our bags to parking area and checked us out at 6am. The Lodge has terrific food with vegetarian and vegan options. We only had one full day and we chose to climb in the morning and see Bushman's Paradise in the afternoon.
A park guide is required to visit Bushman's Paradise and apparently leaves at 4 pm. A very kind and informative guide from Little Bushman's Paradise willingly stayed late to guide us and a couple other groups through. The view and climb with the chain up the rocks alone were well worth the time.
An advantage of traveling in the rainy season was lots of different reptiles, amphibians and migratory birds. The accommodations are very comfortable and uniquely adapted to a fragile desert environment. We loved watching the agama lizards fight for territory while hyrax ran by and we ate lunch.
A magical and remote environment with every amenity." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
Zebra
1 sighting
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
However, the scenery is amazing and we had a great afternoon excursion to the rocks / rock art and the sunsets were pretty spectacular.
Staff were very friendly and our only flat tire of the trip was spotted by one of the team and very quickly and willingly fixed for us.
A good stop en route to Windhoek." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
We arrive in the lodge, where we are greeted by a staff member. He gives us cold towels to clean our hands and face for dust and cold juice for the throat. Highly appreciated after the dusty drive. The lodge itself has a unique setting, fused in between the red granite boulders. There is a “natural swimming pool”, where you can cool down and enjoy the many birds drinking (and shi…..) in the same water. Nevertheless, it´s a nice place to rest, have a drink and watch the sunset. We get our “tent” no. 15. It´s situated privately furthest away from the lodge, thus we could enjoy the solitude. I reckon 10 minutes’ walk away from the lodge, the first part on an elevated wooden walkway.
During night, we are kept awake by the hard wind shaking the whole construction, a loud ever-changing sound reminding us of the solitude. In contrast, during the middle of the day, we are dizzy from the sunny 35C, no wind and no air condition! But most of the time, we are just enjoying this spectacular place.
We opt for two activities and a private drive in our own car. At first, we hike to the third highest mountain top in the area together with a guide. Second, we go on a group tour to the nearby; Rock Arch, Little Bushman´s Paradise and the Snake Fossil.
The hike starts at 7 am. After a short drive to the starting point, we follow the slope up the mountain. Quite OK. Then, it becomes increasingly steep and difficult. Wisely, my wife decides to stay behind and wait until we return. The last part that cannot be recommended to anyone in fear of heights. There is nothing to hold on. If you fall, you are in serious troubles for some seconds (then you are released from all future troubles when you hit the ground below). However, the view on the top is spectacular!
Next, the tour to the nearby; Rock Arch, Little Bushman´s Paradise and the Snake Fossil was nice and recommended." See all these reviews: 35n in Namibia
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
Unfortunately it was very windy on the one night we stayed so it was difficult to sleep - they did provide earplugs in the room which was helpful.
Not as flexible with the food offerings as other lodges we stayed at, though we may not have been clear enough with our request." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Zebra
1 sighting
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
Excellent guide for an early morning trip" See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
The scenery is grand, Spitzkoppe in the evening or very early morning light is quite something to behold. The lodge grounds are enlivened by a troupe of dassies (rock hyraxes), who are quite entertaining. The pool by the main building is a large bird bath, but that didn’t deter my wife to have a (very cold) dip in it.
The food served at dinner was nice, though not quite on the gourmet level we had expected from the advertised fact that the chef had apparently entered some nationwide competition. Breakfast was very good though and unusual – a welcome break from the standard offerings, with several quiches and pastries (both savoury and sweet) to choose from.
We did one activity, namely an evening tour to the famous rock arch, some ancient Khoi San rock paintings and narrow rock formations to clamber about in, which was a nice addition." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Zebra
1 sighting
"Spitzkoppen Lodge stay"
When we arrived, the lodge itself appeared as strange and otherworldly as the landscape it sits within, and on first sight I found it a weirdly unnatural imposition, with its raised metal walkway, beach-hut style tents and the noisy buggies used to deliver baggage and guests around the camp. However after reading the information provided about the design and construction of the lodge I completely changed my point of view. The lodge has clearly been designed with a great deal of thought and care for its environment, and its position "on top" of its surroundings means the whole thing could be dismantled and removed without leaving any permanent trace or damage.
The lodge is equally admirable in terms of community involvement, with local staff coming from the small village of Spitzkoppe, which benefits from 50% of lodge profits and a shared water treatment system.
We didn't feel the need to join any of the activities and appreciated that no-one tried to encourage us to book... instead we were given a local hand drawn map and some recommendations and left to explore by ourselves which was super easy. The short climb up to Bushman's Paradise was a real surprise thanks to a very passionate and well educated local guide from the nearby village, and we all enjoyed clambering around the boulders near the famous rock arch.
Food was consistently good and we enjoyed some great chats with the lovely Anna in the restaurant, who is a real credit to the place and is hopefully on her way to great things.
Our connecting family rooms had been thoughtfully kitted out and felt very luxurious, even if the tent roofs can get very noisy on windy nights. We didn't sleep well on one night here because of the noise, and were woken early on both mornings by the buggies collecting departing guests. Other than that we really enjoyed our stay here." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
Zebra
6 sightings
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
Nice rooms, not over the top, very pleasant." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia
Zebra
1 sighting
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
An easy drive from Swakopmund which breaks up a journey nicely.
You are borderline guaranteed to see zebra as the reserve the lodge sits on is small and fenced to keep the zebra in." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Zebra
1 sighting
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
Sundowner drive to get close to hills and rock paintings well worth it." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
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