About Kalahari Anib Lodge
Kalahari Anib Lodge is situated 30km east of Mariental, along the C20 towards Stampriet, and is a friendly ...
... oasis in the heart of the southern Kalahari. It is a relatively large lodge, often appealing to groups as it has 51 rooms, but makes a nice overnight stop, either at the beginning or the end of your trip, especially if you are on your way to or from Fish River Canyon.
Overall we found the Kalahari Anib Lodge had a lovely buzz to it and the staff members were friendly and very helpful. Although it is a fairly big lodge, it still manages to be cozy and we found it extremely welcoming – and the new renovations lend a fresh and well thought out design. The service was good, there was always someone around who was ready to assist guests or answer questions.
Our view
Overall we found the Kalahari Anib Lodge had a lovely buzz to it and the staff members were friendly and very helpful. Although it is a fairly big lodge, it still manages to be cozy and we found it extremely welcoming – and the new renovations lend a fresh and well thought out design. The service was good, there was always someone around who was ready to assist guests or answer questions.
Accommodation
51 rooms
Children
Any age.
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Kalahari Anib Lodge
52 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 7 Sep 2024, 2 nights
"Oasis in the Kalahari"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Sep 2024, 1 nights
"Kalahari Anib Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 16 Aug 2024, 1 nights
"Kalahari Anib Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 22 Jul 2024, 1 nights
"Kalahari Anib Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 30 Apr 2024, 1 nights
"Great Stay and Sundowner Drive"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Mar 2024, 1 nights
"Kalahari Anib Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Dec 2023, 1 nights
"Kalahari Anib Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 5 Nov 2023, 1 nights
"Kalahari Anib Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 5 Nov 2023, 1 nights
"Kalahari Anib Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 28 Jun 2023, 1 nights
"Kalahari Anib Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent









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 14 pictures and 1 videos of Kalahari Anib Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryKalahari Anib Lodge: Our full report
Kalahari Anib Lodge is situated 30km east of Mariental, along the C20 towards Stampriet, and is a friendly ...
... oasis in the heart of the southern Kalahari. It is a relatively large lodge, often appealing to groups as it has 51 rooms, but makes a nice overnight stop, either at the beginning or the end of your trip, especially if you are on your way to or from Fish River Canyon.
This is a sister property to the much smaller Kalahari Farmhouse, which is around 30km west in the town of Stampriet.
Driving up to Kalahari Anib Lodge along the gravel driveway you pass through a classic vegetated Kalahari environment and you should keep a look out for resident wildlife, grazing by the roadside along the way.
The lodge itself sits behind a beautiful front garden, filled with a multitude of colourful flowers, green lawns and tall shady trees. It is a relaxed and comfortable lodge with plenty of lounging areas and lots of helpful staff.
Although groups are frequent visitors here, they have made an effort to try and make sure individual travellers feel welcome too.
The 32 standard rooms sit around three sides of a courtyard, all-facing into the garden with a large swimming pool in the centre. Whereas the 19 comfort rooms are set slightly further away from the main area, down a network of pathways, where you will also find guest parking and a second pool.
All of the bedrooms in both areas have private verandahs complete with a small sofa and a hanging ‘egg’ chair. The comfort rooms are semi-detached, as they are built in blocks of two or three with a dividing wall separating the verandahs, whereas the standard rooms are terraced and built in one long block. What you will find inside each room type differs very little, however the comfort rooms are slightly larger. They are decorated in neutral creams and browns with double or twin beds, surrounded by mosquito nets. Tea and coffee making facilities can be found in one corner and there is plenty of space for hanging clothes or storing luggage. Each has an en-suite bathroom complete with a shower, flush toilet and washbasin. Where the standard rooms look towards the swimming pool, the comfort rooms have in, our opinion, a nicer outlook - towards small dunes and some can see a small waterhole which is sometimes frequented by eland and oryx. All rooms also have air-conditioning and safes in the room.
Making up the bulk of the main area is the huge reception and curios shop – very well stocked to pick up some souvenirs! Next to this is a large restaurant, which considering there could be up to 120 guests staying here at any one time, it would have to be. It features large windows on three sides, helping to bring the outside in and tables are located both inside and on a deck outside. There are also some comfortable seating areas and a number of large fireplaces in order to help heat this large room on chilly winter mornings and evenings. Overall it has a stylish, bright and cool feel, assisted by the wooden floors and interesting light features.
In a separate room the bar is a nice place to relax. There's another fire here in a small sandpit so you can sit around the fire’s warmth with your feet in the Kalahari sand!
As mentioned earlier Kalahari Anib Lodge has two swimming pools, one larger than the other, but both beautifully clear with plenty of loungers, and both open to all guests. One is situated close by the standard rooms and another close to the comfort rooms.
Activities available during your stay here include a morning nature drive on the Kalahari Anib Lodge's private reserve. They can also offer sundowner drives, as well as guided and unguided walks of various lengths. They have plenty of vehicles and so can take out up to 80 guests at one time.
On a previous visit, we drove out with a very knowledgeable guide. He stopped at regular intervals to point out interesting things, such plants that were originally used for traditional medicines and are now commercially used in pharmaceutical drugs. You may come across a variety of birds such as the sociable weaver bird, ostriches, white-quilled korhaan, pale chanting goshawks and black-shouldered kites.
Geographics
- Location
- Southern Namibia, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 1-2 nights
- Directions
- Kalahari Anib Lodge is situated 24km east of Hardap, along the C20 towards Stampriet,
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- We didn't get to sample the food on our last visit in April 2018, but on previous visits the meals were delicious! They served good sized portions, which were well presented and there was a nice variety of game meat and plenty of fresh vegetables.
Kalahari Anib Lodge happily caters for vegetarians and with advance notice can accommodate various dietary requirements. With young children the lodge is flexible with meal times and will even make special meals - but parents must let the lodge know in advance.
Breakfast is served in a buffet style with a variety of fruits, cereals, toast and preserves as well as fresh-baked bread and a cooked breakfast. Fruit juices, tea and coffee are also available.
Lunch is usually a light meal such as a salad or sandwiches (at an extra cost) which can be chosen from an a la carte menu. Dinner is then usually a buffet.
On a previous stay we found that the staff were always very friendly and attentive. The assistant managers and various team members made a point to stop by each table to enquire if the guests needed anything. The chef also came by the individual tables during desert to introduce himself and ask how the dinner was, which was a lovely touch. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included, they are charged at an extra cost to be paid directly at the lodge.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Yes, child friendly
- Property’s age restrictions
- None, accept children of all ages
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities specifically for children, however the lodge is flexible – families with young children can request to do shorter activities. Special kids meals are also available on request.
The staff at Kalahari Anib Lodge seem very child-friendly, and explained to us that they often make big efforts to make children feel welcome and comfortable. They also have 5 family rooms. - Equipment
- Kalahari Anib Lodge has two cots and two high chairs for children. There are also four family comfort rooms with varying numbers of beds in each, one even has bunk beds.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- Though Kalahari Anib Lodge is not specially geared towards children, they try hard to be flexible, varying the length of the activities for children, and the meal times. They also allow children age 2+ on game drives.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Kalahari Anib Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Kalahari Anib 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.

73% success

69% success

62% success

57% success

46% success

27% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Communications
- There is WiFi at the bar and in the restaurant area, up to 100mb is free and after this you can pay for extra data.
- TV & radio
- The lodge has DSTV (Satellite television) in the bar area.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Each chalet has flush toilets, hot and cold running water.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest hospital is in Mariental, which is approximately 30km away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is always a security guard posted at the entrance gate to Kalahari Anib Lodge. All of the guests are signed in and then at night the gate is also locked.
- Fire safety
- Kalahari Anib Lodge does not have fire extinguishers in the rooms, though there are some strategically placed around the lodge's main areas.
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Mountain biking
Private activities
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Yes -there is a laundry service for guests staying a minimum of two nights,
provided the items are handed in on the first day. This is charged as an additional extra, direct at the lodge. - Money
- No currency exchange facilities are available. There are safes in every room.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted for card payments whilst South African rand and Namibian dollars are accepted currencies for cash payments.
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Kalahari Anib Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kalahari Anib Lodge.
Other lodges in Southern Namibia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

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Central Lodge
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Kalahari Red Dunes
A good stop between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon, Kalahari Red Dunes is set around a dry lake on a private reserve, with excellent walking opportunities.

Dabis Guest Farm
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Kalahari Bush Breaks
Kalahari Bush Breaks, situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, is a perfect stop-over whilst driving between Namibia and Botswana.

Hotel Helmeringhausen
Hotel Helmeringhausen is a unique hotel in the heart of southern Namibia's farming district and makes a good stopover option.

Namtib Desert Lodge
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Otjimbondona
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Kalahari Farmhouse
Kalahari Farmhouse, located in Stampriet has comfortable chalets in the gardens of an old farmhouse.
When to go to Southern Namibia
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kalahari Anib Lodge in Southern Namibia
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Namibia in January
January is at the heart of Namibia’s rainy season. However, as you’d expect from a country dominated by desert and semi-desert environments, the rains are often (but not always) weak and usually quite localised. Some days will be clear, the strong sun raising temperatures to around 30ºC/86ºF; on others humidity and clouds build, sometimes culminating in spectacular thunderstorms. In extreme cases, these generate flash-floods which race down the beds of ephemeral rivers.
Across the country, the greening landscape makes a refreshing change, especially in desert areas. Many birds are in full breeding plumage and migrant species are here in force. In the north, where the rains are more reliable, the abundant water and food allows wildlife to disperse, making it trickier to spot.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry, or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional, highly localised thunderstorms
- Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
- Wildlife dispersed & harder to see, especially in Etosha & the Caprivi
- Very few tourists (apart from the New Year) so rates mostly low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Namibia in February
February is the wettest month, but as Namibia is dominated by deserts, the rains are often weak and patchy. The variation in weather across Namibia is significant, too; the central highlands and Caprivi can see some heavy rain. More typically, some February days are clear with a hot, strong sun; others are cooler as cloudy skies build and, sometimes, culminate in short, spectacular thunderstorms. Occasionally these generate flash-floods, bringing ephemeral rivers to life and making travel more challenging.
Across the country, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, small pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it hard to spot the wildlife.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional localised thunderstorms meander over the landscape
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Namibia in March
March usually sees Namibia’s main rains tailing off, although actual precipitation varies hugely across the country and can be unpredictable from day to day. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun driving temperatures up. On others, clouds will build, and the late afternoon may see a short, spectacular thunderstorm. Such deluges reduce in both frequency and volume as the month progresses.
Across the country, landscapes are often vivid: a “green and pleasant land”. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, so smaller animals and insects are in evidence. In the north, where rains are generally heavier, pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it difficult to spot larger animals.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Afternoon thunderstorms less common as March progresses
- Animals looking sleek and well-fed, after 3–4 months of plenty
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Namibia in April
Typically, April is dominated by dry weather; there’s an ever-decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures are now below their peak and continue to fall. Even so, days remain pleasant and warm, but there might be a slight chill in the air at night. The rains usually leave many parts of the country verdant and green, so animals are in fantastic condition – often with fast-growing young in attendance.
With the dust washed out of the atmosphere, photographers make the most of clear air, spectacular landscapes and healthy animals. Stargazers will have clearer night skies as the month progresses. In the game parks of Northern Namibia, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can prove trickier than later in the year.
- Becoming drier &, especially at night, also cooler
- Few visitors, except around Easter, so rates remain low
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi remains relatively hard to see
- Migrant birds have started to leave
- Fresh, clean air and often green, verdant landscapes
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Namibia in May
By May, Namibia is usually drying out fast as the rains have ended. If they’ve been good, then the land remains green, but wildlife starts to congregate at more permanent water sources. Over much of the country the air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography.
Typical days are warm, with crisp, clear mornings and clear blue skies. Evenings are usually cool, and temperatures may dip below 10ºC (50ºF) overnight. Many lodges still charge “low season” prices, although with Namibia’s increasing popularity in recent years, some have started to introduce higher “shoulder season” rates.
May’s good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear air combine to make this one of our favourite months in Namibia.
- Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
- The country is drying out although many landscapes remain green
- Fantastic air clarity – ideal for keen photographers
- Visitor numbers are often still low, mirrored by lodge rates
- Wildlife is starting to congregate more around remaining water
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Namibia in June
Namibia is dry again. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Days are lovely: warm and dry; nights are cold, sometimes below freezing in the desert. Most swimming pools in Namibia are always outdoors, making them too cold for all except the very dedicated.
Take a warm hat and gloves for game drives, where dawn and dusk will feel particularly chilly. In the north, especially Etosha, wildlife viewing is now into its dry-season pattern, focusing around the waterholes – though the park is still not busy.
Photographers come for superb air clarity, with minimal dust or smoke in the air. Historically, June rates have been low. However, with Namibia’s increasing popularity many lodges now count it amongst their “high-season” months, and request higher prices.
- Clear, bright days with blue skies; cold nights, mornings & evenings
- Great air quality, especially welcome for photographers
- “Shoulder season” for some lodges: lodge rates moderate
- Wildlife gravitates to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
- Some greenery in the landscape, depending on the last rains
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Namibia in July
Reliably warm daytime temperatures (upwards of 20ºC/70ºF) and good wildlife sightings make this a popular month to visit Namibia. Rain would be very unusual indeed and clear skies make for great photographs. Once the sun sets, though, temperatures cool rapidly bringing cold nights that may dip below freezing in the desert. Be prepared: dress in layers and expect early-morning and late-afternoon drives, and anywhere coastal, to be cold.
As the land dries and vegetation shrivels, game congregates beside drinking water: Etosha’s waterholes are busy with animals. Across the country, lodges charge “high season” rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays (from the latter half of July to late August).
- Dry days, warm in the sun, with crisp, cold nights
- Cloudless skies: July is usually superb for stargazing
- The beginning of European school holidays so more families travelling
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Namibia in August
August is the height of Namibia’s “winter”. Expect cloudless skies and plenty of warm sun in the day, but nights down to freezing in the desert. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes (including hats and gloves) for chilly starts and evenings. Only the hardiest even contemplate using outdoor pools.
It’s 3–4 months since any rain, so the land is dust-dry and much vegetation is golden brown. Many landscapes appear sparse and harsh. Wildlife congregates around available water sources, helping to guarantee good animal sightings.
Namibia is never really “busy” by the standards of Europe or the USA, but August is the most popular time to visit, especially for families. Book early (over a year in advance) if you want to stay at the best lodges.
- Dry days, warm in the sun; cold mornings, evenings & nights
- Cloudless skies in the day; spectacular stars at night
- Busy by Namibian standards: family rooms in particular demand
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Namibia in September
September is a month of blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of. As the month progresses, the days and nights get warmer. In some areas, daily maximums hit around the low 30s Celsius, although low humidity ensures this feels comfortable. The contrast makes the nights seem very cold. The air is becoming dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from fires – so becoming hazy for photographic purists.
In the national parks, animals congregate around remaining water sources – making September one of the best months for game viewing. Hence it’s one of Namibia’s most popular months for visitors: a “high season” month that is often the time of choice for safari aficionados.
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Warm days & cold nights, with temperatures rising during the month
- Many plants have faded from green to golden brown
- Air can be hazy – with dust & sometimes smoke
- High season rates; many lodges & camps are full 9 months in advance.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Namibia in October
Namibia is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40ºC/100ºF, though with humidity close to zero, even this rarely feels oppressive.
In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. More usually, the end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly in Etosha. The place feels like a desert as spectacular herds of thirsty animals gather around the available water. October is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings.
- Probably the most spectacular month for wildlife-viewing in Etosha
- Hot and dry: much of the country feels like a desert
- The air can be hazy with dust & smoke
- It’s peak time to visit, so expect high season rates
- Lodges & camps are full, especially early in October
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Namibia in November
November is always a bit unpredictable: sometimes dry and hot; sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless and clouds appear in the afternoon. Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly local – being completely absent from desert areas, for example. Places that do get good rain will flush green, with a tangible feeling of new life softening the landscapes. Many mammals give birth to their young.
Once any rains come, wildlife dissipates in search of food, and game viewing in Etosha becomes harder. Conversely, this is a great time for birdwatchers, with migrant species in breeding plumage.
- A very interesting, variable month, depending on the rains
- With rains come an amazing explosion of both vegetation & new life
- Wildlife viewing better in Damaraland than Etosha if it has rained
- Shoulder season: mid-range rates offer great value
- Away from the Namib, showers are more likely later in the month
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Namibia in December
December is the first “proper” month of Namibia’s rainy season, and one of its hottest. Clear mornings give way to building clouds and, with luck, the occasional short, spectacular thunderstorm: refreshing and cleansing. These are often highly localised and generally warmly welcomed: most Namibians love rain!
Rains clear the air of dust. Even relatively short showers enable plant life to erupt, carpeting this thirstland in green and providing food for the young animals which abound. Animals disperse widely, which can make game viewing challenging. Many birds are breeding and so sporting their most colourful plumage.
Christmas and the New Year fall within local “summer holidays” – so places to stay can be surprisingly busy, especially in and around coastal towns, where temperatures are cooler.
- Hot and humid; sometimes refreshed by cooling showers
- Landscapes flushed green if/where there has been rain
- A tangible life and energy amidst this often green & pleasant land
- Very photogenic: blooming deserts amidst crystal-clear air
- Best time for birdwatchers; larger animals harder to spot
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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