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Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge


20°34’15.1"S 14°22’10.2"E

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.

Our view

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.

Richard Trillo

Richard Trillo

Namibia expert

Accommodation

57 rooms

Children

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

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


83%
55 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
22
Good
22
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
LyndafromNomad

Arrived 11 Oct 2024, 2 nights

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"

"I was very hesitant to take this late option but did not want to drive all …" Read Lynda’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

StuartfromLondon

Arrived 24 Oct 2023, 2 nights

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"

"Liked the design - Nice pool - Food excellent. …" Read Stuart’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs L.fromParis

Arrived 1 Jun 2023, 3 nights

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"

"Excellent Twyfelfontein Country Lodge …" Read Mr&Mrs L.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs O.fromIndiana

Arrived 1 Jun 2022, 2 nights

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"

"well-situated to the places of interest in the area - enjoyed elephant excursion …" Read Mr and Mrs O.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr R.fromPaia, Hawaii

Arrived 25 Sep 2021, 2 nights

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"

"Would have liked to stay more than two days... …" Read Mr R.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs Wfrom RSA

Arrived 3 Jul 2021, 2 nights

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"

"location is beautiful …" Read Mr & Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Boghall birderfromRoslin

Arrived 8 Nov 2018, 2 nights

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HfromTaunton

Arrived 14 Oct 2017, 1 nights

"Loved the view from the bar"

"Loved the cave paintings. …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Miss GfromThetford

Arrived 20 Sep 2017, 1 nights

"Great location hidden within the rocks"

"Beautiful room and facilities, with excellent customer service throughout. …" Read Miss G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

J FamilyfromWashington

Arrived 6 Aug 2017, 2 nights

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge review"

"Location was exceptional but lacked personal service and quality of food …" Read J Family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Twyfelfontein Country Lodge reviews

Twyfelfontein 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.

Elephant

60% success

Giraffe

25% success

Oryx

25% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Lion

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Zebra

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

    4WD Safari

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Private activities

    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..


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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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