Gondwana Collection | Lodges

Palmwag Lodge

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Overview of Palmwag Lodge

Palmwag Lodge is situated a few kilometers north of the C43/C39 junction in northern Damaraland, Namibia, between Kaokoland and the Skeleton Coast. This property overlooks the sweeping landscape where flat-topped Etendeka Mountains meet rich red rock formations and tributaries of the Uniab River.

Amid swaying makalani palms and robust mopane trees nourished by underground springs, the lodge provides a refuge in one of Africa's last wildernesses—a 582,000-hectare concession that's home to black rhino, lion, and desert-adapted elephant.

It's part of the Gondwana Collection and collaborates with neighboring conservancies, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, and Save the Rhino Trust to protect this biodiverse area. Guests can experience the freedom of northwestern Namibia, with infinite blue skies by day and brilliant star-filled nights, far from daily hustle.

The lodge offers a place to slow down, explore vast conservation lands, and reconnect with nature's rhythms.

The accommodation suits adventurers, families, and campers, with options for rooms, self-catering tents, and campsites. It's accessible by standard vehicles, though a 4×4 is recommended for the gravel roads and excursions.

The property emphasizes sustainable tourism, providing extraordinary experiences like tracking wildlife on foot or sleeping out under the stars. Wildlife wanders freely along ephemeral rivers, and the area invites hikes through euphorbia-dotted plains.

At sunset, the rugged reds soften to pinks and purples, fostering deep peace as barking geckos and wind in palm fronds fill the air. An on-site fuel station and airstrip add convenience for remote travels.

Location and Accessibility

Located at GPS coordinates S 19° 53.134 E 013° 56.218, the lodge is in Gondwana Palmwag Concession, where the Uniab River supports life in the arid region. It's about 150 kilometers from Sesfontein and 110 kilometers from Khowarib, positioning it well for trips into Damaraland or Kaokoland.

The landscape features red rock carpets, green euphorbias, and ancient water sources sustaining palms and mopane. Access is via gravel roads (C43/C39), with secure parking at the main lodge. A 1,300-meter airstrip is 1 kilometer away, with free transfers (return, max 6 pax per vehicle).

The property has 24-hour security and is partially accessible for restricted mobility—inquire for details. Transfers to other airstrips like Sesfontein or Khorixas can be arranged separately.

Accommodation Options

The lodge provides 22 rooms, eight Camping2Go units, and 18 campsites, blending comfort with wilderness immersion.

Rooms

• 10 standard twin rooms with twin beds, mosquito nets, en-suite bathroom with shower, air conditioning/heating, and tea/coffee facilities.
• 10 comfort twin rooms with twin beds, mosquito nets, en-suite shower bathroom, air conditioning/heating, shaded veranda, and tea/coffee facilities.
• 2 comfort family units, each accommodating 2 adults and 2 children or 4 adults, with mosquito nets, en-suite shower bathroom, air conditioning/heating, shaded veranda, and tea/coffee facilities.

Camping2Go Units

• Eight pre-set tents, each with four beds, bedding and towels provided.
• Includes en-suite shower/bathroom, fully equipped shaded outdoor kitchen with seating, fridge, gas cooker, power points, barbecue facilities, and water cooler.
• Self-catering setup near main facilities.

Campsites

• 18 sites, each for up to six people with one camper van or two SUVs.
• Private ablution facilities with hot and cold water, power points, barbecue areas, shade, and lights.
• Wood available for purchase; no pets allowed.

Property Facilities and Amenities

Shared areas enhance the wilderness stay:

• Restaurant and bar for meals and relaxation.
• Two cold water swimming pools.
• Curio shop for souvenirs.
• Wi-Fi availability.
• Mobile connectivity.
• 24-hour security.
• Secure parking.
• Fuel station (07:00-19:00, diesel 50ppm and unleaded petrol).
• Airstrip (1,300m, 1km from lodge).
• Playground with jungle gym.
• Laundry service available.
• Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard.

Campsite and Camping2Go guests can use these facilities.

Dining and Meals

Meals are served in the restaurant at set times, using fresh ingredients suited to the remote setting:

• 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. Lunch packs can be prepared for excursions.

Activities and Experiences

Activities explore the concession's wildlife and landscapes, with guided options for deeper insights.

Guided Activities

• Morning/Afternoon Half-Day Scenic Drive: Explore the concession (3 hours), with refreshments and snacks; departs ~07:00 AM or 3 hours before sunset.
• Full-Day Damaraland Excursion: Scenic drive experiencing flora and fauna (full day, min 4 pax), departs ~07:00 AM.
• Under Canvas Sleep-out: Overnight in a tented camp (sleep-out, min 2/max 8 pax, not for children under 12), departs 15:30, returns 11:00; includes meals, beverages, guide, vehicle, equipment, game drive, and walk.
• Morning Hike 2km: Discover smaller wildlife and tracks (1.5 hours), departs ~07:00 AM.
• Morning Hike 5km: Similar exploration (3 hours), departs ~07:00 AM.
• Half-Day Rhino Tracking: Track black rhino on foot (half-day, min 2 pax, not for children under 12), departs 06:00-06:30 AM.

Unguided Activities

• Welwitschia Walk: Discover local flora (1.5 hours) in your own time.

These allow guests to encounter desert-adapted species and appreciate the area's conservation efforts.

Child Policy and Reservations

Children are welcome, with a playground available:

• Up to 5 years: Free of charge.
• Ages 6-13: 50% of the bed and breakfast rate.
• Some activities not suitable for under 12.

Video of Palmwag Lodge

In summary, Palmwag Lodge serves as a gateway to Damaraland's wilderness, offering rooms, camping, and activities to track rhino and elephant. It's ideal for immersive stays in Namibia's remote north.

INCLUDES

• Bed and breakfast (for room bookings)
• Air conditioning/heating in rooms
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Mosquito nets in rooms
• Tea/coffee facilities in rooms
• Veranda for rooms (shaded for comfort/family)
• Access to two cold water swimming pools
• Playground (jungle gym)
• Wi-Fi availability
• 24-hour security
• Mobile connectivity
• Secure parking
• Curio shop access
• 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 lights at campsites

EXCLUDES

• Lunch and dinner (available for purchase)
• Guided activities (e.g., Scenic Drives, Rhino Tracking, Sleep-out, Hikes—bookable separately)
• Wood for camping (available for purchase)
• Laundry service (available for a fee)
• Fuel (available at station for purchase)
• Transfers (free to Palmwag Airstrip; others arrangable separately)
• Pets (not allowed)
• Additional Wi-Fi if limited
• Any items from the curio shop (for purchase)