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Hero Image Swimming Pool Area Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene
Hero Image Swimming Pool Area Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene
Kunene, Namibia

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

In the Otjiherero language of the Ovahimba people, the word Okahirongo translates as ‘Special Place’. The name is apt for this luxurious & beautiful lodge in its awesome setting. In the Otjiherero language of the Ovahimba people, the word Okahirongo translates as ‘Special Place’. The name is apt for this luxurious & beautiful lodge in its awesome setting.
In the Otjiherero language of the Ovahimba people, the word Okahirongo translates as ‘Special Place’. The name is apt for this luxurious & beautiful lodge in its awesome setting. In the Otjiherero language of the Ovahimba people, the word Okahirongo translates as ‘Special Place’. The name is apt for this luxurious & beautiful lodge in its awesome setting.
Low Res Africa Namibia Kunene Okarihongo Elephant Lodge Sr002791
Location
Near the small village of Purros in Namibia’s isolated and dramatic Koakoveld region, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge sits on the edge of the floodplain of the Hoarusib River. Just a few hundred metres away, the river cuts the Purros Canyon Gorge through the rugged mountains that lie between here and the Skeleton Coast, which lies 50 kilometres to the west. For those who are prioritising comfort and speed on a multi-centre trip involving fly-ins, the Purros airstrip is only about 10 minutes away. Otherwise, it’s a 13-hour drive from Windhoek.
Arfrica Namibia Kunene Okarihongo Elephant Lodge Sr002782 Lower Res
Bedroom Views Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene
Bathroom Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene
Private Deck Views Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene
Accommodation
Despite whitewashed architecture that almost seems to have been transported from Santorini, the buildings of Okahirongo Elephant Lodge owe their form to traditional Himba structures. What Himba villages lack, however, is the focal point of this cluster: a gorgeous sparkling swimming pool as the foreground to an epic view.

Seven of the buildings around that pool are cool and spacious chalets where guests delight in double bedrooms decorated with a combination of white walls, earthy-toned furnishings, and wooden fixtures.
Private verandas extend the living space outdoors for that all-important view and for relaxation with a drink at the end of the day beneath the starlit heavens. Indoor and outdoor showers are just two of the features of the luxurious bathroom facilities. If you need further perks including another bedroom and lounge, along with a secluded gazebo, opt for the Presidential Suite.

Also around the pool are the communal spaces of the bar, open-sided dining area and lounge with fireplace. The lodge used to have Italian owners, and the tradition of excellent ice cream continues, so perhaps find out which flavour goes best with an oryx steak.
Sitting Area At Sunset Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene
Sitting Area Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene

Experiences

The Purros Conservancy is an expanse of rugged wilderness that exceeds 3,500 square kilometres. It’s a land of sweeping arid plains, striking rocky outcrops and the ephemeral channels of the Hoarusib River, all of which is the backdrop to sparse but resilient human and wildlife communities.

  • When you venture out into the conservancy, or even just when you gaze out over the pool, sightings of baboons, oryx, ostriches and giraffes are reasonably common.
  • Explore the gorge of the Hoarusib River to see its ‘clay castle’ rock formations, which are reminiscent of the landforms of Utah.
  • The nearby Himba village of Okongombesemba is a place to visit and learn about the lifestyle of these semi-nomadic people. They will show you how they apply their famous and beautiful otjize (butterfat and ochre) pigment.
  • Adventures from the lodge go out in desert-adapted vehicles, which give a thrilling ride and allow you to cover the distances required to track the most elusive animals. Black rhinos and elephants are possible sightings.
  • Visit the Desert Lion Project which is run in partnership between the Purros Conservancy and Okahirongo and which tracks the movements of the famous Hoarusib pride.
Swimming Pool Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene
Sundowners Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Kunene
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For Families

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge has a large suite with two bedrooms, a spacious living area and a separate gazebo: all of which add up to the perfect accommodation for families.
A family group can enjoy tailored itineraries that include guided game drives, wildlife tracking sessions, and cultural encounters with local communities, ensuring that everyone – from the curious youngster to the seasoned adult – takes away lasting memories and valuable insights into nature, culture and conservation.

Evening times are magic as staff give guided tours of the starry heavens with a laser pen, and kids love venturing out to learn about the adaptations of the plants and animals in this challenging arid environment.
View Of Kunene River Namibia
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