Damara Mopane Lodge in central Namibia is another back-to-basics gem from the folks at Gondwana: the back-to-basics masters.

Built in a thicket of Mopane trees, the Damara Mopane Lodge is an oasis in the hot Namibian landscape. The chalet-style accommodation is set out in a semi-circle around a wonderfully refreshing pool with paths leading to the main reception and restaurant area. Each chalet has its own vegetable and herb patch along with a veranda which you can sit out on and admire the hundreds of different home-made scarecrows which are used to keep the birds away from the veggies.

All the buildings at this lodge are decorated with prints of the famous bushman paintings which can be found at Twyfelfontein, 130km's away.

At the restaurant the fare is simple but fresh, offered as a buffet with a set starter and dessert. The pool is surrounded by shady trees which can be a respite after a long day on the road. Make sure you keep your eyes out and your bird book ready to identify the multitude of birds which are found in this area.

At sunset, walk up to the viewing deck and watch the sun go down over the African bushveld, this is the perfect spot for taking pictures and to get a birds-eye view of the lodge.

The Damara Mopane Lodge is the perfect stop-over between Swakopmund and Etosha.