Gondwana Collection | Lodges

Damara Mopane Lodge

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Overview of Damara Mopane Lodge

Damara Mopane Lodge is located 20 kilometers east of Khorixas on the C39 road in Damaraland, Namibia. This property is designed like an African kingdom of old, with 60 chalets arranged in a semi-circle around a central swimming pool, connected by pathways lined with gardens.

Each chalet has its own small vegetable patch featuring spinach, beetroot, and sunflowers, complete with scarecrows for a whimsical touch. The lodge incorporates the spirit of Damaraland and the Damara people, fostering connections between locals and visitors.

Positioned en route to the Twyfelfontein rock engravings, it serves as a base for exploring the region's ancient sandstone treasures, including petrified forests and cultural sites. The central area is bright and cheerful, with mopane leaf motifs stencilled throughout, and a green interior palette that evokes the surrounding woodland.

The lodge provides a relaxed setting for individuals, couples, and families, with accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly rooms. It emphasizes sustainability through its garden-integrated design and offers views of the mopane woodland from a hilltop platform, ideal for watching sunsets.

Guests can enjoy the pool, dine in the restaurant, or join guided outings to nearby attractions. The property is part of the Gondwana Collection and focuses on a welcoming atmosphere that blends cultural elements with natural beauty, away from busier tourist areas.

Location and Accessibility

At GPS coordinates S 20° 18.101 E 015° 10.466, the lodge is situated in a mopane woodland area, providing a peaceful stopover between Khorixas and Twyfelfontein. It's accessible by standard sedan cars on gravel roads, with secure parking available.

The site is partially accessible for guests with restricted mobility, including two wheelchair-friendly inter-leading twin rooms. Transfers can be arranged via shuttle services to locations like Swakopmund or Etosha, though not included. No airstrip is mentioned, so road travel is primary.

Accommodation Options

The lodge has 60 twin bungalows, arranged for privacy and views.

Bungalows

• 60 twin rooms, including five sets of two inter-leading rooms and one set of two wheelchair-friendly inter-leading rooms.
• Family configuration: Five inter-leading twin family rooms, each accommodating two adults and two children or four adults, with separate bathrooms per room.
• Each bungalow features air conditioning/heating, an en-suite bathroom with shower, a safe, veranda, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, and umbrella.
• Rooms overlook individual vegetable gardens for a unique touch.

No camping is available at this property.

Property Facilities and Amenities

Shared facilities include:

• Restaurant and bar for meals and drinks.
• Cold water swimming pool at the center.
• Curio shop for local items.
• Wi-Fi at reception (1MB free per person per day).
• 24-hour security and mobile connectivity.
• Laundry service available.
• Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard.

Dining and Meals

Meals are served in the restaurant at set times:

• Breakfast: 07:00-09:00.
• Light lunch: 12:00-14:00.
• Three-course lunch: 12:00-14:00.
• Dinner: 19:00-21:00.

Bed and breakfast is included for room bookings, with lunches and dinners available for purchase. Options include buffets or à la carte, and lunch packs can be prepared.

Activities and Experiences

Activities explore Damaraland's natural and cultural features, with guided and unguided options.

Guided Activities

• Damara Elephant Explorer: Full-day tour tracking desert-adapted elephants, potentially including Twyfelfontein engravings, Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, and a Damara village (9 hours, departs ~07:00, includes snacks, lunch, refreshments, fees; not for under 12).
• Birding Morning or Afternoon Walk: Spot local birds like Crowned Lapwing or Rüppell's Parrot (1-1.5 hours, departs 30 minutes after sunrise or 1.5 hours before sunset).
• Sundowner Walk: Escorted hill ascent for woodland views at sunset (own time, departs 45 minutes before sunset; drinks charged separately).

Unguided Activities

• Hiking Trails: Marked paths like Mountain Trail (challenging) or Valley Trail (easier), in own time.

These provide ways to appreciate the region's ancient rock art and wildlife.

Child Policy and Reservations

Children are welcome:

• Up to 5 years: Free of charge.
• Ages 6-13: 50% of the bed and breakfast rate.

Some activities are not suitable for under 12.

In summary, Damara Mopane Lodge offers a charming base in Damaraland, with garden chalets and access to cultural sites. It's suited for relaxed stays exploring Namibia's northwest.

INCLUDES

• Bed and breakfast (for room bookings)
• Air conditioning/heating in bungalows
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Safe in bungalows
• Veranda for each bungalow
• Tea/coffee facilities in bungalows
• Hairdryer in bungalows
• Umbrella in bungalows
• Access to cold water swimming pool
• Wi-Fi at reception (1MB free per person per day)
• 24-hour security
• Mobile connectivity
• Secure parking
• Curio shop access

EXCLUDES

• Lunch and dinner (available for purchase)
• Guided activities (e.g., Damara Elephant Explorer, Birding Walk—bookable separately)
• Drinks on Sundowner Walk (charged to room)
• Laundry service (available for a fee)
• Transfers or shuttles (arrangable separately)
• Additional Wi-Fi beyond 1MB free per person per day
• Any items from the curio shop (for purchase)