Zebra Kalahari Lodge: Our full report
Deep in the Namibian Kalahari within the 100km² Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve is Zebra Kalahari Lodge.
The flagship property on the reserve, it is surrounded by the deep-red sands that are typical of this environment.Zebra Kalahari shares the Intu Afrika reserve with its sister properties, Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge and the simpler Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp. Although we have never stayed here, we have visited this established reserve on several occasions, most recently in May 2018. Despite a decidedly frosty reception from the lodge management on this occasion, all the other staff members we met were friendly and happy to help.
Zebra Kalahari ‘s 13 en-suite rooms are split into eight “luxury” rooms and five dune suites, all with the same brown and red décor. Air conditioning, minibars and hairdryers are standard, as are bathrooms with either a bath or a shower (or both in the honeymoon suite), brightly coloured towels and a flush toilet.
- The terraced ”luxury” rooms, next to the main area, are very spacious, which does make them feel a little sparsely furnished, even though they contain a double bed, wardrobe, table and chairs. Double glass doors open onto a patio with a table and chairs for sunset viewing or soaking up the scenery.
- The split-level dune suites are further from the main area, surrounded by orange sands and with a more uninterrupted view. On the lower level is a comfortable lounge area, complete with black leather sofas and armchairs, and above is a big double bedroom. Although larger than the “luxury” rooms, the suites have more furniture so tend to feel less spacious. One of them, with a fireplace and a bath, is usually reserved for honeymooners.
Taking in views of the red dunes of the Kalahari, Zebra’s main area encompasses a large open-plan lounge and dining room with a fireplace and more leather sofas, and leads to an outside seating area. An L-shaped pool, with a deep section and a smaller much shallower splash pool, is surrounded by sunloungers, and in turn overlooks a small waterhole. Further back is a small grassy garden with a pond and shaded seating areas.
Activities at Zebra Kalahari Lodge include afternoon game drives where you may spot ostrich or springboks, quadbiking, a Bushman walk and sundowner drives. (NB: It's essential that you read the Quadbike warning in the 'Health & Safety' section below for our comments on insurance issues regarding this activity.) They also offer massages and a few other spa treatments.
Zebra Kalahari is the largest property on the reserve, and probably the most luxurious option, although its solid feel and slightly formulaic approach may not appeal to everyone. We understand that it is also a popular destination for many of Namibia’s small-group tours, which may alienate individual travellers.
Our view
Zebra Kalahari Lodge feels a little formulaic in its approach and often isn’t our first choice in this area, but it offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxing, scenic spot and would make a perfectly adequate overnight stop to break the journey between Windhoek and the Fish River Canyon. Some interesting activities may serve to interest those with more time.
Geographics
- Location
- Southern Namibia, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 1-2 nights
- Directions
- Zebra Kalahari is set in the Intu Afrika reserve west of the town of Kalkrand in the Namibian Kalahari.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- We have not stayed at Zebra Kalahari Lodge but we understand that breakfast here is served as a buffet whilst dinner is a set menu. A light à la carte lunch menu is also available.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Zebra Kalahari Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Camp beds can be added to rooms for children, and high chairs are available on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- With terraced rooms allowing parents to be close to children we feel that Zebra Kalahari Lodge is family friendly although there isn’t a lot to entertain younger children.
- Notes
- Children must be supervised at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator in case of a power failure.
- Communications
- There is sporadic mobile reception here and WiFi is available in the main area.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- There is hot and cold running water and a flush toilet in each room.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Mariental 76km away..
Quadbike warning: Quadbiking is sometimes available as an activity from Zebra Kalahari Lodge. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it's vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quadbike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings; check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is a guarded gate at the entrance to Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve.
- Fire safety
- A fire extinguisher is found in each room.
Activities
4WD Safari
Cultural excursion
Quad-biking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
- Money
- There is a safe in each room.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, along with cash in Namibian dollars, South African rand, US dollars and euros.
Other lodges in Southern Namibia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.