Gondwana Collection | Lodges

Kalahari Anib Lodge

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Overview of Kalahari Anib Lodge

Kalahari Anib Lodge sits on the eastern fringes of Namibia's Kalahari Desert, providing a practical base for travelers exploring this unique region. Positioned about 30 kilometers northeast of Mariental along the C20 road, it's part of the Gondwana Kalahari Park. The lodge is easily reachable by standard sedan cars, making it a convenient stop for those journeying between Windhoek and southern Namibia or onward to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The surrounding landscape features red sand dunes, open savannah dotted with camelthorn trees, and wildlife such as oryx, springbok, zebra, and wildebeest. Guests can often spot these animals during walks or drives, offering a chance to connect with the desert's natural character.

The lodge caters to a range of visitors, including individuals, families, and groups, with options for rooms, self-catering tents, and camping. It emphasizes a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere, serving as an oasis in the desert where you can unwind and experience the Kalahari's subtle beauty, especially during the late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow over the sands.

Location and Accessibility

The lodge is accessible without the need for off-road vehicles. It's about 300 kilometers from Windhoek, positioning it well for overnight stays or short visits. The area is known for its burnished red sands and features like sociable weaver bird nests in the trees and thriving gemsbok populations. Transfers can be arranged via shuttle services to nearby spots like Windhoek or Sesriem, though these are not included in standard bookings.

For those with mobility needs, the property offers partial accessibility, including one standard room adapted for guests with restricted mobility and secure parking. However, campsites lack wheelchair facilities.

Accommodation Options

The lodge provides 51 rooms in two categories: standard and comfort, along with camping choices for a more immersive experience.

Standard Rooms

• 32 rooms in total, arranged around a courtyard with views of the main swimming pool.
• Includes 30 twin rooms (with one pair of inter-leading rooms and one for restricted mobility), one triple room with three beds overlooking the savannah, and one family room with twin beds plus bunk beds for children under 12.
• Each room features twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with shower, air conditioning/heating, a safe, veranda, mosquito nets, tea/coffee station, and hairdryer.
• The family room is open-plan and best suited for families rather than four adults.

Comfort Rooms

• 19 rooms offering more space, with 15 twin rooms and four family rooms.
• Family rooms have two separate bedrooms: one with twin beds and one with bunks for children under 12, each with its own en-suite shower bathroom.
• Amenities mirror the standard rooms, including air conditioning/heating, safes, verandas, mosquito nets, tea/coffee facilities, and hairdryers.
• All rooms face the open Kalahari savannah for direct landscape views.

Camping2Go Units

• Eight pre-set tents, each with four beds, located about 1 kilometer from the main lodge facilities.
• Designed for self-catering, with bedding and towels provided.
• Includes a fully equipped shaded outdoor kitchen with seating, fridge, gas cooker, en-suite shower/bathroom, power points, barbecue facilities, and water cooler.

Camping Sites

• Three campsites, each accommodating up to six people with one camper van or two SUVs, also about 1 kilometer from the main area.
• Features private ablution facilities with hot and cold water, power points, barbecue areas, shade, and lighting.
• Wood is available for purchase; no pets allowed, and no wheelchair facilities.

Property Facilities and Amenities

The main lodge area includes shared spaces to enhance your stay:

• Restaurant and bar for meals and relaxation.
• Two swimming pools: one main pool and a smaller one.
• Playground with a jungle gym for children.
• Wi-Fi at the reception area (1GB free per person per day).
• 24-hour security and mobile connectivity.
• Curio shop for souvenirs.
• Laundry service available.
• Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard.

Camping2Go and campsite guests can access these facilities, though they are a short distance away.

Dining and Meals

Meals are served at set times in the restaurant, focusing on straightforward options suitable for the desert setting:

• Breakfast: 07:00-09:00.
• Light lunch: 12:00-14:00.
• Three-course lunch: 12:00-14:00.
• Dinner: 19:30-21:30.
• Boma dinner for groups of at least 10 people, starting about three hours before sunset.

Bed and breakfast is included for room bookings, while lunches and dinners are available for purchase. The bar offers drinks to enjoy by the pool or with savannah views.

Activities and Experiences

Activities focus on exploring the Kalahari's environment, culture, and wildlife, with both guided and unguided options.

Guided Activities

• Bushmen Wisdom Experience: A 2-3 hour morning drive and walk with a local expert, learning about animal tracking, medicinal plants, and hunter-gatherer stories. Includes refreshments and a light snack; book in advance.
• Sundowner Drive: A 3-hour afternoon tour in an open vehicle for panoramic dune views. Includes refreshments and a light snack; departs about 3 hours before sunset.
• Dune Walk: A 2-hour morning guided walk exploring the sands. Includes refreshments and a light snack; bookable on-site.
• Desert Night Walk: A 45-minute post-dinner stroll using UV light to spot nocturnal creatures like scorpions; bookable on-site.
• Morning Drive for Families: A 2-hour morning outing with a guide, ending at a dune for playtime in the sand. Includes coffee, hot chocolate, and facts on fauna and flora; subject to availability.

Unguided Activities

• Hiking trails: Self-paced walks from 6 to 9.5 kilometers, with maps available at reception. Return before nightfall advised.

These activities allow guests to appreciate the Kalahari's magic, such as the glowing sands at sunset or the vast weaver nests.

Child Policy and Reservations

Children are welcome, with a family-friendly policy:

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

The playground, family rooms, and tailored activities make it suitable for kids.

Video of Kalahari Anib Lodge

In summary, Kalahari Anib Lodge offers a balanced way to experience the desert, combining comfort with opportunities for exploration. It's ideal for short stays within a Namibian itinerary, providing essential services in a natural setting.

INCLUDES

• Air conditioning/heating in rooms
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Safe in rooms
• Veranda for each room
• Mosquito nets in rooms
• Tea/coffee station in rooms
• Hairdryer in rooms
• Access to two swimming pools
• Playground (jungle gym)
• Wi-Fi at reception (1GB free per person per day)
• 24-hour security
• Mobile connectivity
• Secure parking
• Curio shop access
• Trail map for unguided hiking
• Bedding and towels in Camping2Go tents
• Fully equipped outdoor kitchen, fridge, gas cooker, en-suite shower/bathroom, power points, barbecue facilities, and water cooler in Camping2Go tents
• Private ablution facilities, power points, barbecue facilities, hot & cold water, shade, and light at campsites

EXCLUDES

• Lunch and dinner (available for purchase)
• Guided activities (e.g., Bushmen Wisdom Experience, Sundowner Drive, Dune Walk, Desert Night Walk, Morning Drive for Families—bookable separately)
• Wood for camping (available for purchase)
• Transfers or shuttles (arrangable separately)
• Pets (not allowed)
• Wheelchair facilities at campsites
• Additional Wi-Fi beyond 1GB free per person per day
• Refreshments and snacks outside of included activity provisions
• Any items from the curio shop (for purchase)