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.
Each room has a private terrace with a covered day bed overlooking the desert, plus a bathroom with both indoor and open-air showers.
The private family suite, with two bedrooms, two spectacular bathrooms, a private terrace, and a personal lounge.
Barbeque Facilities, Communal Dining, Library, Mobile Connectivity, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Bed Linen, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Hairdryer, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea
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 Puros 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.
The Hoarusib River winds through the heartland of the Puros 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.
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.