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Ndedema Lodge
Ndedema Lodge

About Ndedema Lodge (currently closed)

Ndedema Lodge is an elegant Victorian House in the heart of Clanwilliam, only about a 2 hour drive from Cape Town.



Wilma and Johan are fantastic hosts and travellers here are made feel at home. Ndedema Lodge is an affordable guesthouse with lots of character and a great base to explore the nearby Cedarberg mountains and a good halfway stop en-route to Namibia.

Stop press: Ndedema has sadly closed it's doors, and there are no plans for it to be re-opened. Please speak to us for alternative accommodation recommendations in Clanwilliam.

Our view

Wilma and Johan are fantastic hosts and travellers here are made feel at home. Ndedema Lodge is an affordable guesthouse with lots of character and a great base to explore the nearby Cedarberg mountains and a good halfway stop en-route to Namibia.

Stop press: Ndedema has sadly closed it's doors, and there are no plans for it to be re-opened. Please speak to us for alternative accommodation recommendations in Clanwilliam.

Tracy Lederer

Tracy Lederer

Country manager: South Africa

Accommodation

4 rooms

Children

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of Ndedema Lodge

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


86%
26 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
12
Good
10
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs RfromSyderstone

Arrived 4 Sep 2022, 2 nights

"Ndedema Lodge review"

"Comfortable enough,... …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Ms L.fromMonmouth

Arrived 10 Sep 2022, 2 nights

"Ndedema Lodge review"

"Friendly and welcoming, nice rooms. …" Read Ms L.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Richard & CarolinefromGB

Arrived 21 Aug 2022, 2 nights

"Ndedema Lodge review"

"Convenient and comfortable B&B with attentive hosts, Traditional good sized room …" Read Richard & Caroline’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr A.fromHertford

Arrived 8 Apr 2019, 1 nights

"Ndedema Lodge review"

"Interesting place to stay but a bit shabby …" Read Mr A.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mr & Mrs GfromCottenham

Arrived 20 Nov 2018, 2 nights

"Great stop on way to Namibia"

"Great stop on way to Namibia …" Read Mr & Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr Y & Dr CfromEssex

Arrived 8 Sep 2017, 1 nights

"Comfortable and homely "

"Nice little guest house on the edge of town run by friendly people... homely... …" Read Mr Y & Dr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms LfromHeathfield

Arrived 12 Sep 2017, 1 nights

"A good place to stay in Clanwilliam"

"The owners of Ndedema Lodge are friendly and helpful... …" Read Ms L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr R & Mrs MfromUK

Arrived 2 Feb 2017, 1 nights

"Ndedema Lodge "

"An adequate place to spend one night. Rather a dark, dreary room with an attractive …" Read Mr R & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

P & SfromPickering

Arrived 29 Nov 2016, 2 nights

"Ndedema Lodge review"

"At the edge of Clanwilliam. Two nights were sufficient. We had dinner at …" Read P & S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs EfromCheshire

Arrived 29 Aug 2015, 4 nights

"Ndedema Lodge review"

"The owner has booked us a meal in a local restaurant for the night we arrived, …" Read Mr & Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Ndedema Lodge reviews

Trips visiting Ndedema Lodge

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Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations • 2 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 7 other areas

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Read more about the Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

Ndedema Lodge: Our full report (currently closed)

Ndedema Lodge is an elegant Victorian House in the heart of Clanwilliam, only about a 2 hour drive from Cape Town.



In 2002 Johan and Wilma bought the house and had lovingly restored it to what it is today. We understand the house is over 100 years old and much of the original features like the high ceilings, doors, original sash windows and shutters have been retained.

There are only four individually decorated en-suite bedrooms at Ndedema Lodge. Two of the rooms are on the front porch of the house and the other two are at the back of the house facing the garden. Each has a large bathroom fitted out with Victorian baths, separate showers, a dressing table; free standing swivel mirrors and has wooden flooring or tiled floors throughout. Complementary shampoo, body lotion and hand cream are provided, as well as towels, bathrobes and slippers.

Inside the rooms each are fitted with an air-conditioner although quite dated, mini fridges, tea/coffee stations as well as some lovely antique furniture and paintings collected by Johann and Wilma over the years. Fresh flowers are put in the rooms regularly and complimentary sherry is supplied.

Out the back there is a lovely garden with grape vines and various other fruit trees and plants, a swimming pool and a few tables and chairs in a shaded area.

Other rooms at Ndedema include a dining room cum kitchen which is adorned with silver and copper ware, a large dining table, an enormous reception desk and paintings on the walls. On our last visit they were busy cleaning and so didn't see the room in its full glory.

Geographics

Location
Namaqualand, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
1 – 2 nights
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
We didn't stay here but understand a hearty breakfast is usually served in the dining room or in the garden.

Lunch and dinner can be served on request.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children 12 years and older are welcome.

Communications

Communications
The area has mobile reception. Internet and a fax service is available at reception.
TV & radio
Each room is fitted with a small television.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There is a doctor and hospital in the town of Clanwilliam
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
None but the lodge has secure parking.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are well placed around the property.

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    On Request
    Laundry facilities
    A same day laundry service is available at an extra charge
    Money
    There is a communal safe and no currency exchange is possible.
    Accepted payment on location
    Master and Visa credit cards are accepted as well as cash payments in South African Rand.

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    Ndedema Lodge's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ndedema Lodge.


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    When to go to Namaqualand

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Ndedema Lodge in Namaqualand


    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    South Africa in January

    January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

    As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

    • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
    • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
    • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
    • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
    • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in January

    South Africa in February

    In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

    The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

    For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

    • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
    • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
    • Slightly less busy than December & January
    • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in February

    South Africa in March

    March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

    The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

    Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

    Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

    • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
    • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
    • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
    • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
    • Accommodation can get busy during major events

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in March

    South Africa in April

    April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

    In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

    The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

    • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
    • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
    • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
    • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in April

    South Africa in May

    May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

    Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

    With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

    • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
    • Day time temperatures drop significantly
    • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
    • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
    • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in May

    South Africa in June

    Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

    The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

    June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

    In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

    Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

    • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
    • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Whales start arriving to have their calves
    • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
    • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in June

    South Africa in July

    The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

    Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

    By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

    At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

    • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
    • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Oyster festival in Knysna
    • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
    • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in July

    South Africa in August

    While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

    The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

    Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

    Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

    • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
    • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
    • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Whales continue to attract visitors
    • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in August

    South Africa in September

    Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

    The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
    Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

    Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

    • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
    • Whale festival in Hermanus
    • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
    • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
    • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in September

    South Africa in October

    The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

    October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

    The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

    • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
    • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
    • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
    • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
    • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in October

    South Africa in November

    By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

    The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

    This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

    • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
    • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
    • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
    • Last month for regular whale sightings
    • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in November

    South Africa in December

    December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

    The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

    The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

    Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

    • Long, hot sunny days
    • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
    • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
    • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
    • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in December

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