Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is situated in the Purros Conservancy in Kaokoland, one of the last truly wild areas in the North West of Namibia and it features beautiful mountain landscapes and rugged tranquillity. Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, tracking the renowned desert adapted elephants, walks and visits to the local Himba village.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is located in the Purros Conservancy, 55km from the skeleton coast and around 200km south of the Kunene River in the north of Namibia. Often described as one of the last true wilderness areas, the Kaokoveld is home to the nomadic Himba tribe as well as uniquely desert adapted Elephant, lion, black rhino and giraffe.
The lodge, in the Purros Conservancy area, is a no risk malaria destination and can be reached by 4x4 vehicles. Alternatively a 2 ½ hour flight from Windhoek in a small aircraft will take you to our landing strip, which is located approximately 5 minutes from the lodge.
Activities:
Explore the true untouched wilderness area of the Purros Valley in an open safari vehicle and discover the area’s bountiful surprises in terms of wildlife. Game drives take you through lushly vegetated riverbeds and scraggy mountains, home to a versatile and adapted flora and fauna.
You might catch sight of the rare desert adapted Elephants and lions as well as various antelopes, giraffes and even black rhino. Activities include nature drives in the mornings and afternoons, night drives, morning walks and visits to the local Himba village. Sundown cocktails and special breakfasts in the most spectacular settings can also be organized.
Accommodation:
With seven luxury terracotta double chalet and one presidential suite Okahirongo Elephant Lodge can offer a highly sophisticated desert experience for up to 18 guests. Possibly one of the most remote lodges in Namibia.
THE TERRACOTTA DOUBLE CHALET is a luxury 70 square meters cottage with en-suite large bathroom featuring bathtub overlooking the magnificent surroundings, two basins, a choice of indoor and open air shower and a spacious private gazebo with a sun bed. King-size bed and decorations in a rich and sensuous fusion of ochre, honey and sand colours complete a unique atmosphere that will let immerse yourself in absolute silence and complete privacy.
THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE: a private villa featuring 2 luxury bedrooms, each one with its own vast bathroom, bathtubs and both internal and open air shower, for those who like absolute privacy. An extended lounge area with external veranda and two gazebos, day beds and cushions for daydreaming or star watching. The décor is a rich combination of earthy tones, dark African wood and unrefined natural surfaces - textures reminiscent of the ragged edges found in the landscape. Ethnic and local sculptured furnishing bring the excitement and romance of Africa to life.
Buildings are cleverly positioned to make the most of the grand views over the rugged Purros valley – blessed with its lush green river bed and purple mountains in the distance.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
ScenicCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Luxury Suites
Each of the seven suites has a king-size bed, air conditioning, a bathroom just down a corridor with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private terrace with a covered day bed overlooking the desert.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Family Villa
This is the ideal option for families with its two spacious bedrooms, separated by a terrace with an open-air bar and private boma, plus two spectacular bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs.
Property Facilities
Barbeque Facilities, Communal Dining, Library, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
When you reach this ultra-remote location in the Purros Conservancy, you’ll be rewarded with a fascinating living landscape. You may even spot desert-adapted elephants from the lodge’s sun deck or pool. The expert Himba guides escort you on morning treks or afternoon game drives to encounter a range of desert wildlife: the emblematic elephants and lions, iconic giraffe, Hartmann's mountain zebra, and a wide variety of antelope: gemsbok, springbok, steenbok and kudu, with their unusual striped flanks and manes and the males’ distinctive spiral horns. Birdwatchers will keep their eyes peeled for native and exotic species, from large and lethal vultures to delicate bee-eaters, the distinctive Rüppell's Korhaan and Monteiro's hornbill.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
The Hoarusib River winds through the heartland of the Purros Conservancy, attracting a variety of large and small wildlife, from elephants and giraffes to oryx and jackals. Scenic drives with our local guides bring you closer to the animals and breathtaking landscapes. The river has carved a path deep into the mountains, creating spectacular cliffs and the stunning natural phenomenon of the “Clay Castles”, thousands of years old and hundreds of metres high, these towering yet fragile castles inspire awe at the power of nature. A scenic drive through the Hoarusib Valley includes a satisfying picnic lunch.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Watch the sun set over the majestic dunes as you sip a delicious sundowner – yet another unforgettable experience. Our guides will set up snacks and drinks whilst guests can experience a sight seen only by a lucky few. Guests can also enjoy sundowners in the tranquil setting of the lodge’s sun deck, and at nearby picturesque locations.
You can visit an authentic Himba village and meet the tribespeople, to get a taste of their lives and culture. See how they have adapted to desert life, including their unusual skincare routine. They use ochre pigment for protection from the harsh desert climate, giving their skin and hair a distinctive reddish hue. We’re grateful to have a close and respectful relationship with the local Himba people.
