Affiliation: HAN



Welcome to Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge is a landmark in Namibia for the tourism industry as it is the first middle-market establishment in the country that is 100% owned by the conservancy. The European Union funded the project through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism's Development Programme with a donation of N$4.5 million to develop the 12-room Lodge.

At the same time, the private sector has been called in to supply the training and management skills until the community becomes self-sustainable.

The purpose of the Grootberg Lodge is not only to offer a professional service, great surroundings, extremely good food, well-trained guides and exceptionally good local management but, at the same time, to benefit the local community thanks to the revenues generated by the Lodge.

While sustainability of the Conservancy is a primary objective which the Lodge would contribute towards, there are additional benefits such as increasing direct job opportunities in a poorly developed area; supporting marginal people with projects such as building schools, clinics, creating a community kitchen for the elderly and vulnerable groups and award bursaries to promising pupils with the proceeds of the lodge.

Another important aim of the Lodge is to reduce the animal/human conflict in this community so that the locals will be more tolerant of the lions, cheetahs and elephants and give them a value from a tourism perspective.

The success of the lodge is critical to demonstrate the value of the land-use which the conservancy is promoting. The exclusive development area needs to show the value in setting aside "core" areas for tourism and biodiversity conservation.

Management
Currently Journeys Namibia is managing two lodges: Grootberg Lodge as well as Fish River Lodge the only lodge situated on the ridge of Namibia’s famous Canyon.
Journeys Namibia also does marketing for Desert Homestead Lodge, near Sossusvlei and River Crossing Lodge in Windhoek.

Hoada Campsite
The Hoada Community Campsite is opening early March 2012 under the management of Grootberg Lodge, a well-known landmark in Namibia.

Situated 25km east of the lodge or 75km on the C40 from Kamanjab to Palmwag, the campsite is located among beautiful granite hills and mopane trees. Currently, there are three campsites, each with its own well equipped bathroom facilities including showers and toilettes.

To add an eco-friendly touch, the hot water system works in combination with the braai area, therefore whilst you are busy cooking your food, your water will be warmed up for your shower.

All three luxury camp sites can easily accommodate four persons, with ample designated areas for four tents or vehicles with roof-topped tents.

Our Activities
Guided walks on top of the plateau
After a scrumptious breakfast on the veranda of the restaurant with the Black Eagles hovering around the cliffs, the guests who prefer an early start to the day will depart at around 7.30am for a 3 hour walk on top of the plateau. Our knowledgeable guide will enable guests to enjoy the local flora, the amazing rock formations of the Etendeka Mountains and the shy wild animals, long inhabitants of this plateau.

Elephant tracking
This is one of our most popular activities. A guide with a tracker will take you out into the surrounding farms in search of the elusive desert elephants, giving one also the opportunity to appreciate the life style of the local people. Lunch takes place in the shade of a tree in the remote wilderness of Damaraland Departure at around 7.30am and back at the lodge in the early afternoon. Damaraland is one of the few last places where the wildlife roams freely thus we cannot guarantee sightings.

Rhino Tracking
Departure is at 6.00am after an early breakfast at the lodge. The guide, along with the game trackers will take the guests in an open 4x4 game vehicle down to the Klip River. Part of the tracking will take place on foot, with the possibility of between 1 to 3 hours walk at the most. At lunchtime there will be a stop near the springs where people can enjoy some refreshments. It's almost a full day activity going along bumpy roads and walking in rocky terrain, so not advisable for the faint-hearted. Damaraland is one of the few last places where the wildlife roams freely thus we cannot guarantee sightings.

Himba trip
Come and visit one of the last most traditional peoples of Namibia in a small settlement near Palmfontein surrounded by makalani palms and dry river beds. These friendly people, closely related to the Herero, are herdsmen, breeding mainly cattle and goats while leading a semi-nomadic life. Learn how the proud Himba women spend many hours on beauty care and clean themselves with herbal steam baths. See their homesteads, cone shaped structures made from palm leaves, mud and cattle dung. Due to their lifestyle the trip cannot be guaranteed all year round.

Scenic drives down the Klip River
The lodge offers scenic drives down to the Klip River Valley where permanent springs provide water for the local population of zebras, antelopes and occasionally elephants, lions and black rhinos. Springboks, kudu and oryx are a permanent fixture and even the nervous and shy klipspringers are sometimes seen leaping about on the steep cliffs of the mountain as if they were flying. The morning drive starts after breakfast and takes between 3-4 hours, the afternoon drive is shorter, leaving after tea and coffee at the lodge for a 2-3 hours drive.

Horse rides
Meander through the mopane savanna on a shiny steed and enjoy the view of this beautiful landscape and appreciate the pristine farmland of the region. Guests can choose to enjoy a morning or afternoon ride. All rides are guided, giving you peace of mind to enjoy the ride . Beginners are welcome to join us for this scenic experience. All rides commence from the picturesque Hoada Campsite, situated 23km from Grootberg Lodge. The Lodge will arrange transfers for your convenience.

Directions

The majority of the route is on a tarred road.
The last 95km on the C40 from Kamanjab to Grootberg Lodge is on gravel road.
The two closest fuel points to the Lodge are at Kamanjab (90km east of the Lodge) and Palmwag (23km from the Lodge)