About Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Just 4km from Namibia’s historic UNESCO World Heritage Twfelfontein rock engravings site is Twyfelfontein Country Lodge.
The lodge is nestled at the base of imposing red sandstone hills and looks out over sweeping views of gravel plains. Its design has taken inspiration from the colours and shapes in the local landscape, and in this way the lodge seems to blend in with the surroundings. Since our last visit in December 2015, the rooms have been given a ‘facelift’ and have been fitted with new bathrooms and soft furnishings so that they look brighter and more up to date.
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is larger and less personal than other lodges in this area, but it is good value. Although it receives quite a few groups, it offers both good service and a warm and friendly welcome.
Accommodation
57 rooms
Children
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Cultural excursion
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
55 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 11 Oct 2024, 2 nights
"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 24 Oct 2023, 2 nights
"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Jun 2023, 3 nights
"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Jun 2022, 2 nights
"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 25 Sep 2021, 2 nights
"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 Jul 2021, 2 nights
"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Nov 2018, 2 nights
"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 14 Oct 2017, 1 nights
"Loved the view from the bar"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 20 Sep 2017, 1 nights
"Great location hidden within the rocks"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 6 Aug 2017, 2 nights
"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 64 pictures of Twyfelfontein C'try Lod. to get the candid view.
View galleryTwyfelfontein Country Lodge: Our full report
Just 4km from Namibia’s historic UNESCO World Heritage Twfelfontein rock engravings site is Twyfelfontein Country Lodge.
The lodge is nestled at the base of imposing red sandstone hills and looks out over sweeping views of gravel plains. Its design has taken inspiration from the colours and shapes in the local landscape, and in this way the lodge seems to blend in with the surroundings. Since our last visit in December 2015, the rooms have been given a ‘facelift’ and have been fitted with new bathrooms and soft furnishings so that they look brighter and more up to date.
Working in partenership with the local Uibasen Conservancy, a portion of what each guest pays goes towards local community ventures. This ensures that the local community benefits from tourism to the area and that they have an awareness and appreciation of their surrounding environment,
In front of Twyfelfontein Country Lodge there is a group of huge angular boulders that was once a Ceremonial Rock for ancient hunter-gatherer communities and makes a dramatic entrance. A narrow path squeezes between the large rocks and leads through to reception and the main area of the lodge. There are a number of rock engravings on these boulders that are worth exploring.
The main area is a large double story thatched building. On the ground floor is the reception, activity booking counter and curio shop. Up a short slope from here occupying the second floor are the dining room to one side and the bar to the other. Both have lovely views over the surrounding area. The dining room is completely enclosed in a mesh to prevent the birds and bats from entering and disrupting meal times!
Below the bar is a fair sized swimming pool, surrounded by vibrant green grass which is frequented by multicoloured rock agamas. At one end of the pool is a rock from which water cascades into the pool. Dotted around the pool are a few loungers, and towels are also provided.
The 56 standard rooms are set out in blocks of eight, with four rooms at the front and four at the back. Half the rooms therefore face the mountains and the other half face the open plains. There are four inter-leading rooms and four triple rooms, which can be used for families. The rooms are a little small but they are still comfortable. They are simply decorated with light grey walls, wooden furniture, and crisp white sheets, brightened with African print throws and pictures. Each room has a large mosquito net around the bed, a fan, and water and insect repellant are provided. All are also en-suite and the bathrooms have recently been renovated with new sinks, toilets and shower fixtures, as well as being completely retiled. The thatch and stone building materials keep the rooms fairly cool, and we understand that there are also plans to install air conditioning in time for the 2017 peak season. Outside each room has a small verandah with a couple of chairs to relax in.
Located further away from the main building, but with its own parking area, the slightly overbearing VIP suite looks more like a house than a suite. It has its own private plunge pool and bar, as well as two bathrooms, a kitchen (with a fridge and microwave) and a very spacious bedroom. Some of the boulders have been integrated into the room, which also has a television. Although this suite is extremely large and has several luxurious features, on our most recent visit in March 2017 we found it to be rather dated and dark, and somewhat lacking in character.
With its own activities desk, Twfelfontein Country lodge offers a variety of activities, including stargazing (subject to availability), and of course, the popular trips to see the rock art at Twfelfontein, Burnt Mountain, the petrified forest and the organ pipes, although if you are on a self-drive trip this can easily be done on your own. An ephemeral river drive is offered along the Huab and Aba rivers in search of desert adapted elephants. This activity only takes place in the afternoon and departs around 4pm.
Geographics
- Location
- Damaraland, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- A one night stay is ideal for visitors who are mostly interested in viewing the nearby rock engravings on their way to northern Damaraland or Etosha National Park. We recommend that visitors who wish to undertake a guided excursion in search of desert-adapted wildlife should plan to spend two nights at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge.
- Directions
- Situated only a few kilometers from Twyfelfontein rock engravings - a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- The quality of food during our most recent visit was acceptable but not outstanding. When the lodge is busy (with more than 20 guests) meals are served buffet style and there is plenty of choice.
A full English and Continental breakfast buffet is served between 6.30 and 9am.
Lunch is a light a la carte menu, and a buffet is served for larger groups. Lunch packs can also be ordered at reception.
Dinner is served between 6.30pm and 9pm. We partook of the buffet that included soup for starters, a salad bar, a choice of several meats from the carvery, a selection of vegetables, rice and potatoes. There was also cold meats and cheeses, fruits and hot and cold desserts. When the lodge has less than 20 guests dinner is a four course set menu. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No age restrictions
- Special activities & services
- There are interleading rooms, ideal for families.
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs can be provided on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- The lodge is recommended for children although there may not always be enough to keep them amused.
- Notes
- Children must be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Twyfelfontein C'try Lod.
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Twyfelfontein Country 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.

60% success

25% success

25% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Twyfelfontein Country Lodge has a back-up generator in case of power cuts.
There are both European two pin and South African three round pin sockets in the rooms. - Communications
- There is sporadic phone reception at the lodge and WiFi is available in the main area.
- TV & radio
- There is only TV in the VIP suite.
- Water supply
- Borehole
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a basic first aid kit in reception. In emergencies, guests can be flown out. The nearest doctor is in Khorixas – 100kms away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Security guards are on duty from 6pm.
- Fire safety
- There is one fire extinguisher for every four rooms.
Activities
4WD Safari
Cultural excursion
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available but it costs extra.
- Money
- Change is possible for more major currencies. There is a safe in reception but not in the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- MasterCard, Visa and most European credit cards are accepted forms of payment at Twyfelfontein Lodge, and Namibian dollars and South African rand are accepted for cash payments.
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Twyfelfontein Country Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Twyfelfontein C'try Lod..
Other lodges in Damaraland
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Doro Nawas
Comfortable rooms and a convenient location make the community run Doro Nawas a great base for exploring Damaraland.

Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani is a beautiful and stylish mountain retreat in southern Damaraland; it makes a great base for visits toTwyfelfontein.

Damaraland Camp
Setting the standard for community partnerships, Damaraland Camp offers a beautiful location, a range of activities – and a genuine welcome.

Camp Kipwe
With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.

Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare opportunity to track black rhino on foot in one of the last true wilderness areas – an amazing experience.

Etendeka Camp
Etendeka is an owner-run camp in the remote and less visited north of Damaraland. The camp is renowned for it's spectacular guided walking trails.

Grootberg Lodge
On the edge of an ancient plateau Grootberg Lodge has a stunning location and arguably the best views of any lodge in Namibia.

Spitzkoppen Lodge
Spitzkoppen Lodge provides stylish accommodation in an area of scenic grandeur with guided access to sites of ancient Bushman rock art.

Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge has a great location by a spring in the Uniab River and offers access to an area where you can see a variety of desert-dwelling animals.

Huab Lodge
Huab is a classic little Namibian Lodge which is slightly off the beaten track in a lesser visited part of Damaraland.

Brandberg White Lady
Brandberg White Lady Lodge, nestled at the foot of its namesake, makes a good base from which to visit bushman rock paintings including the 'White Lady'.

Vingerklip Lodge
Vingerklip Lodge occupies a lovely location, but is a little too far east for guests to visit Damaraland's main attractions.

Khowarib Lodge
Khowarib Lodge has a great location overlooking the Hoanib River. This is one of the few places to offer authentic Himba village visits.

Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.

Malansrus Camp
Within easy reach of Twyfelfontein, Malansrus offers a simple but comfortable base for visits to the rock engravings or seek out desert-adapted elephants.

Etendeka Hiking Trail
The Etendeka Walking Trail promises to offer a back-to-basics walking and camping experience in one of Namibia's most remote and untouched wilderness areas.

Ozondjou Trails
The simple Ozondjou Trails gives a unique perspective on living with Damaraland’s desert-adapted elephants and how tourism is key to protecting them and the livelihood of the people.

Palmwag Sleep-out
Palmwag Sleep-out is a simple camping experience and a great way to enjoy the remote beauty of the vast Palmwag Concession

Camp Doros
Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.

Sorris Sorris Lodge
Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.
When to go to Damaraland
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Twyfelfontein C'try Lod. 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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