Funding from the European Union allowed Grootberg Lodge to be built, becoming the first lodge to be wholly owned by the local community. The friendly staff are employed from the surrounding area and offer a high level of service, and the lodge itself has an authentic African style, with high thatched ceilings and wooden beams.
The lodge is situated almost 1,700 meters above sea level, with each of the chalets positioned to take advantage of the exceptional views over the Klip River Valley below. The pool area and outdoor deck also afford sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, which you can enjoy over a drink after a day’s safari.
OUR OPINION:
The views from the lodge are truly breath-taking, and its staff and guides have excellent knowledge of the area. We can recommend this as an option for breaking up the journey between Etosha and Swakopmund.
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Photos of Grootberg Lodge
Rooms
The rock cottages feature traditional African-style thatched roofs, wooden beams and rock walls. Set on the hillside, they each have a private deck looking out over the valley, where black eagles can sometimes be seen circling in the sky. Further amenities include double or twin beds, writing desks and en suite bathrooms with showers. Tea/coffee making facilities are also provided, with refills available in the main communal area. Two of the rooms are suited for families of two adults and two children as they鈥檙e joined together under the same roof.
Location
The lodge is located at the top of the Grootberg Pass, some 25 kilometers east of Palmwag, set within the Khoadi/Hoas Conservancy. The Etendeka Mountains create a dramatic backdrop, and this area of Damaraland is rich in wildlife such as desert elephant, antelope and even rare black rhino.
Food and drink
You can dine out on the wooden deck area, which affords superb views over the valley. Food is of a good quality and well prepared. After dinner, enjoy a sundowner on your private deck as the sun sets over your wild surroundings.
Families
The family rooms are a good option for those traveling with older children, as these rooms are next door to each other rather than featuring adjoining doors.
Facilities and activities
Walking and driving safaris are also offered with experienced local guides for a chance to see wildlife such as rhino, desert elephant, oryx, giraffe, lion and mountain zebra. Afterwards, relax by the pool or indulge in a massage to soothe aching muscles after a safari or long flight.
Accessibility
The road leading up to the lodge is very steep 鈥� if you prefer, you can park at the bottom and the lodge will transfer you to the top. The car park has a 24-hour attendant to look after the cars.
Environmental and social responsibility
Staff at the lodge are employed from the local community and trained by Journeys Namibia, who manage the property on behalf of the conservancy. The lodge has brought a sustainable income to the community, and their ownership of the property has enabled them to learn about the benefits of conservation. Some of the guides are former poachers who have used their bush and tracking skills and knowledge of the area to gain income from showing people the area鈥檚 incredible wildlife rather than through poaching.
Tour ideas in Damaraland
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Grootberg Lodge as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Camp Kipwe, Damaraland]()
Camp Kipwe
Damaraland -
![Damara Mopane, Damaraland]()
Damara Mopane Lodge
Damaraland -
![Damaraland Camp, northern Damaraland]()
Damaraland Camp
Damaraland -
![Outdoor viewing platform, Desert Rhino Camp]()
Desert Rhino Camp
Damaraland
Damaraland and nearby places
- The Skeleton Coast 162 kilometers away
- Kaokoland 209 kilometers away
- Erongo Mountains 260 kilometers away
- Etosha National Park 236 kilometers away
- Swakopmund and Pelican Point 318 kilometers away
- Waterberg Plateau 334 kilometers away
- Walvis Bay 347 kilometers away
- Northern Namibia 364 kilometers away
- The Central Highlands 402 kilometers away
- Windhoek 431 kilometers away