5 Activites to explore with Ondili Lodges & Activites Namibia

Ondili presents guests with accommodation in some of Namibia’s most iconic locations such as the Kalahari, the Namib, Twyfelfontein and Etosha. Apart from the unique style and luxury of each establishment, a range of activities are on offer to explore the respective landscapes, whether from the comfort of a game viewer or the saddle of a horse. Let’s look at five adventure activities at Ondili Lodges:

Go slow and experience more on the Trans Kalahari Walk. The first day might be an early start leavingTeufelskrallen Lodge but is richly rewarding when you get to watch the sunrise from the top of a dune with a steaming cup of coffee to take it all in. The almost full-day hike takes you through exceptional landscapes of red Kalahari dunes and tree savannah. Awaiting at the end of the trail is the cosy but luxurious dune camp where you can cool down in the swimming pool and have a hot shower before a delicious meal. The next day enjoy the views during breakfast on the deck, after which a short hike will take you back to the lodge.

Feel the release of endorphins when in the saddle of a horse as you watch a group of gemsbok lazily grazing in the light of the setting sun. Famous for its horseback safaris, Desert Homestead Lodge offers guests a ride out to a simple yet luxurious tented camp with stunning views over the vast Namib Desert. On the late afternoon ride your guide will point out and inform you about the incredible fauna and flora found along the way. At the camp enjoy sundowners before dining under a star-lit desert sky. After breakfast, get back in the saddle for a relaxing ride back to Desert Homestead.

Explore the foothills of the towering Hohenstein, at 2,319 m the highest peak on the western edge of the Erongo Mountains. This hike meanders through interesting granite formations while your experienced guide shares his in-depth knowledge of the trees, birds, wildlife and geological formations of the area. Ask your guide about the tourmaline, aquamarine and other gemstones which are unearthed by the small miners on the mountain, or simply take in the natural beauty of your environment. This afternoon activity ends with a breathtaking sunset and tasty sundowners.

Damaraland is a popular destination for, among others, its striking vistas, ancient rock engravings and desert-adapted wildlife. The Huab Nature Drive takes guests staying at Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp down the dry bed of the nearby Huab River in search of the famous desert-adapted elephants of Namibia’s northwest. While genetically no different from the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), the “desert” elephants have adapted to their harsh environments through unique characteristics such as larger feet and longer legs, and they make do with much less water and food than their savannah-dwelling cousins. This excursion allows guests to observe these interesting beasts from the back of a game viewing vehicle.

What would a visit to Namibia be without an excursion to the world-renowned Etosha National Park! With more than 100 different mammal species, as many species of reptiles and around 340 species of birds, every visit guarantees an exceptional game viewing experience. Watch an elephant cross the massive expanse of the Etosha salt pan, lions lazing under a tree or young springbok rams mock fighting on the open savannah. Etosha Oberland’s enthusiastic guides know the best areas of the park to make the most of your safari experience.