Erongo Wilderness all you need to know

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Erongo Wilderness all you need to know

Rooms

Accommodation is in 10 large Mini Meru lodge tents, built on stilts with wooden floors and large wooden decks, and great views.

Mosquito netting is fitted on all windows and doors.

The tents are pitched under broad thatched roofs that provide ample shade.

The thatch extends beyond the back of each tent to cover the bathrooms, which have the ‘feel’ of being outdoors. Walls of natural stone and existing trees ensure privacy.

The bathrooms, which have showers rather than baths, are equipped with electric geysers and septic tanks.

Of the 10 tents, 8 have 2 x three-quarter beds, and 2 have double beds, all made from sleeper wood.

The beds are made up with duvets and 100% cotton linen, and extra blankets are provided in winter.

The tents are not lockable, as it is not warranted (see Security)

Access to the tents is via wooden walkways and stone steps, some of which are steeper / further from the main area than others. Two of the tents are accessible with a minimum of stairs, however the nature and location of the lodge is such that it is regrettably not wheelchair-friendly.

In addition, each room has …

3-speed pedestal fan.

“Bush bar” (mini bar) and tea/coffee making facilities.

Exclusive range of body products in the bathrooms.

2 reading lamps and a selection of magazines.

Tables & chairs, both indoors and on the veranda, or deck.

Fire extinguisher

Plug point

Electricity

The lodge is connected to the national grid (Nampower), which provides 220V, 3-phase power, 24 hours a day. (No noisy and unreliable generators.)

The tents each have conventional 3-prong plug points, with adaptors for 2-prong plugs.

The pathway lights are on timers that switch off at midnight.

Water

The water is provided by Namwater via the municipality, and is perfectly fine to drink. (Many people believe that the water from the region is among the best tasting in Namibia.)

The bathrooms enjoy particularly good water pressure, however, …

Water is a precious commodity and needs to be used sparingly.

Security

A guard is employed to maintain security in the vicinity of the tents at night.

The guest vehicle parking area is secure, and the lodge gates are locked at night.

Guests’ valuables can be kept in the office safe for safekeeping on request.

Medical assistance

A First Aid kit is available at the lodge.

There is a doctor 15 minutes drive from the lodge.

An airstrip is located 15minutes away in the event medical evacuation is required.

Facilities

Telephone, fax, and Internet facilities are available at reception, on request.

The use of cellular phones is possible from the main, or restaurant, area if necessary (but is not encouraged).

Visa and MasterCard are welcomed for the payment of bills; however, we are unable to accept either American Express or Diners Club cards.

Bank, Post Office and petrol/diesel are available in Omaruru, 13 km’s from the lodge.

Airstrip

The Omaruru airfield in situated 15min from the lodge for fly-in guests. Transfers can be arranged.

The co-ordinates for the airfield are: S21°25” E15°56”

Library

Guests can choose from an extensive collection of magazines and books to borrow at the main area.

Swimming Pool

A plunge pool is built into the rocks near the main area, and the water stays cool and refreshing all year round.

A grass area surrounds the pool for lazy afternoons, with deck chairs and pool towels available.

Above and behind the pool is a ‘relaxation deck’ with braai / barbecue facilities for outdoor functions.

Lounge \Restaurant

The lounge and restaurant are housed in a partially open, thatched building, which has a fireplace at its centre for colder winter nights.

There is an outside deck, or veranda, with views of the sunset and the floodlit waterhole.

A fully stocked bar caters for all tastes, while the wine list is a selection of lesser known, quality estates with an emphasis on originality. Wine prices range from N$ 40.00 to N$ 300.00.

Dinner is served as a ‘plated’ meal over 4 courses, with a different set menu each evening. Most specific dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.

Our greatest assets in this department are our two highly trained and innovative chefs. Back

Curios

We are mindful that we are in a service, not retail, industry, and prefer to keep only a limited selection of gifts and mementos for sale. The emphasis is on goods produced in and around Omaruru, such as handmade paper, mobiles, local art, etc.

Activities

Nature drives on the lodge property are conducted in 2 x 10 seater Land Cruisers, which are configured for game viewing (i.e. open-topped).

The excursions are led by either of our 2 qualified guides, both of whom are local to the area.

In the immediate vicinity of the lodge are a number of activities and attractions, including; the region’s only wine producer, microlighting, quad biking, additional Bushman Rock Art sites, various gem jewellery and other craft outlets in nearby Omaruru.

Paula’s Cave Nature Drive and Walk

After about an hour and a half drive through the scenically beautiful lodge property you will end up at the foot of the hill where the site of Paula’s Cave can be found. The slow drive in an open 4x4 vehicle through the different habitat and vegetation types is a great way to view the variety of animals occurring in the area. An easy walk up the hill will take you to the National Monument site of some outstanding bushman rock art. After exploring the rock art, relax with a cold ‘sundowner’ drink and enjoy the closing of the day. The drive searching for nocturnal animals with the help of a spotlight will bring you back to the lodge in time for dinner.

Erongo Wilderness Lodge is situated on a 2000-hectare farm, which forms part of a further 6000-hectare farm. Over the years, all farming activities have been ceased and the farm has been left to recover to its natural state. The animals occurring naturally in the Erongo Region have been encouraged to return to the area by means of waterholes, salt and mineral licks and through good farm management. Even though Erongo Wilderness Lodge is not situated in a ‘controlled’, ‘fenced in’ game park, a large variety of animals can be seen living as Nature intended in their Natural habitat following Natural behavioural patterns.

Guided walks

Walking the area surrounding the Lodge is highly encouraged and is the best way to experience the beauty of the Erongo Mountains. Our guides have been very well trained on the interesting Fauna and Flora of the area and are available to escort guests through the property at any time that suites them. We have put together a number of interesting walks to suit people of all different fitness levels.

Sundowner walk: Very close to the lodge, you will be guided up a granite hill where chairs and benches will be waiting for you on the rocky outcrops. Enjoy a cold sundowner drink while watching the sun set over spectacular views of the Erongo and Brandberg Mountains.

Mountain top walk: Best done early morning, you will set out on a two to three hour walk through the bush and up along a huge Granite mountain with spectacular views.

Birding

Erongo Wilderness Lodge has an abundance of bird life. From the raptors to the tiniest of sunbirds, the viewing of birds in the area is superb.

The nests of two breeding pairs of Black (Verreaux) Eagles can be seen on cliff faces, with sightings of this magnificent bird occurring nearly every day. The lodge dining room and bar overlook a small valley where over 48 different species have been sighted. These include both Namibian and South African endemics such as: Redbilled Francolin, Hartlaub's Francolin, Ruppell's Parrot, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Monteiro's Hornbill, Carp's Black Tit, Damara Rockrunner, Pririt Batis, Whitetailed Shrike, Violet-eared Waxbill, and the Redheaded Finch.

The abundance of water around the lodge in what is an otherwise dry area, also make it a haven for Plum-coloured Starlings, Melba Finches, Rock Kestrels, Masked Weavers, Rock Buntings, White-bellied Sunbirds and a whole host of others.

Children’s policy

Much of the charm of Erongo lies in its tranquil wilderness setting and may therefore not always be appreciated by all children. It is a condition therefore that adults accompanying children take full responsibility for the conduct and safety of their children.

Staff tips

Tipping of staff is usual in Namibia and should be done in relation to the level of service received.

The guides are usually tipped separately because of the close interaction they have with the guests.

A communal tip box is therefore kept at reception should the guests wish to reward the other staff who, although mostly in the background, contribute equally to the quality of the Erongo experience.

Weather

The region’s climate is usually pleasant, dry, and warm. Summer days can become hot, up to 40°C, but are tempered by a cool afternoon breeze. Whilst the winter days are mostly warm, the nights can be cold.

The climate includes a summer rainfall, with most of the (modest) rain falling in February & March. Guests are cautioned that the pathways are slippery when wet.

Entrance to Lodge

The lodge is situated approximately 1000m from the entrance gate, of which the final 800m is only accessible to 4 x 4 vehicles or those with a high ground clearance. Guests who are driving suitable vehicles are welcome to proceed directly to the lodge, alternatively, …

A parking area for sedan–type vehicles is situated 200m inside the lodge gate, where waiting staff will attend to the transfer of guests to the lodge.

It is essential for us to be informed of any unusual time of arrival (i.e. before lunch \after sunset).

Suggested 2-day itinerary (based on Summer times)

This is purely a suggested itinerary that has proved to be very popular with guests. All times and activities are completely flexible and dependant on the guests’ needs and preferences.

Day 1

14h00/16h00 – Mid afternoon arrival
16h00 – Tea, coffee, cake at the lounge
18h00 – Guided sundowner walk
20h00 – Dinner

Day 2

07h00 – Tea, coffee, biscuits, rusks
07h30 – Early morning guided walk
09h30 – Brunch
11h00/15h30 – Relax, swim, explore
16h00 – Tea, coffee, cake
16h30 – Nature drive, usually to Paula’s Cave rock art site (not included) – Sundowners
20h00 – Dinner

Day 3

07h00 – Tea, coffee, biscuits, rusks
07h30 – Early morning walk
09h30 – Brunch
11h00 – Depart

Many guests choose to stay longer for a variety of reasons. Serious and occasional birders find the area to be particularly rewarding, while others use the lodge as a base from which to explore the arts and culture-oriented town of Omaruru, or the nearby Spitzkoppe Mountains. Many others stay merely to savour the tranquillity and special nature of Erongo.

Environment & Wildlife

The lodge is situated within the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy. The Conservancy comprises 29 privately owned farms, covering an area of over 200 000 hectares, that have joined together in order to protect an area of incredible bio-diversity.

The Erongo Mountains have particular importance in Namibia, as they host a vast array of plant, reptile, mammal and bird species that are endemic or near endemic to Namibia. Some examples of these include the Angolan Dwarf Python, White Tailed Shrike, Hartlaub’s Francolin, Ruppell's Parrot, Damara Rock Runner, and Hartmann’s Zebra.

There are also species that, although not endemic, are extremely rare and have found refuge in the Erongo Mountains, e.g. Peregrine Falcon and Booted Eagle, which are almost certainly breeding in the area. The striking Black Eagle can also be seen breeding in many parts of the Mountains.

The area is once again home to five endangered Black Rhino which were re-introduced in 2008. A project to re-introduce the near-endemic Black-Faced Impala is also in the pipeline.

Walking in the area is considered safe, however, there are some potentially dangerous animals such as Leopard and Baboon roaming the area, and guests are asked to take great care when walking beyond the perimeter of the lodge itself.

Directions:

Travelling from Windhoek, use one of the following routes:

From Windhoek, take the B1 to Okahandja, which becomes the B2 as you head towards Swakopmund. Shortly before Karibib take the C33 towards Omaruru. Travel along this road for 63km, and just before the town of Omaruru, turn left onto the D2315. After 10km of gravel road enter the Conservancy entrance gate and 500m later turn left into Erongo Wilderness Lodge.

This route is approximately 40km shorter in total than the previous one, but involves an extra 70km of gravel road. About 65km after Okahandja immediately after the Wilhelmstal junction, take the turnoff C36 towards Omaruru on your right. Travel on this gravel road for about 67km until you reach a T-Junction with the Karibib – Omaruru tar road (C33). Turn right on this road towards Omaruru. About 3km along this road and about 3 km before reaching the town of Omaruru turn left onto the D2315. Travel along this road for 10 km, enter the Conservancy entrance gate and 500m later turn left into Erongo Wilderness Lodge.

Travelling from Swakopmund, use one of the following routes:

From Swakopmund, take the B2 towards Windhoek and Karibib. Shortly after Karibib, turn right onto the C33 towards Omaruru. Travel on this road for 63km before turning left onto the D2315. After 10 km of gravel road turn left into the lodge.

For a more scenic route from Swakopmund, follow the directions above towards Karibib and Usakos. At Usakos, turn left on the D2306 towards Okombahe. After +/- 50km turn right on the D2315 towards Omaruru and continue along this road for +/- 48km until you see the signs to turn right into the Erongo Wilderness Lodge gate. This route is accessible with a normal 2 wheel drive vehicle, will add on +/- 30 min to your journey and will take you on gravel roads through the scenic Erongo Mountains.

Travelling from the North, travel through the town of Omaruru on the C33 towards Karibib. About 3km out of Omaruru, turn right onto the D2315. After 10 km of gravel road turn left into the lodge.