From
United StatesFrom being received personally by the delightful receptionist Rikoo, to the excellent service at the bar by Beverley, this little gem was one of the happiest stays of my life; all due to the kindness shown by all the lovely staff and Wes (?), the owner. The rooms are all above ground level - necessary because this lodge is right on the banks of the Kunene river, so around 8/9 steps up.... but Rikoo very kindly helped this old, partially-disabled man with his one carry-on bag. I bought a mosquito net before flying to Namibia, anticipating lots of those little beasties on the river (and having contracted malaria 40 years ago on the Nile!); not necessary - the very comfortable king-sized (?) bed had its own massive net. During my short stay I never saw a single insect in my room, let alone mosquitos, though I was warned that March - April they might appear! I guess they like stagnant water, not flowing rivers.
The bar- restaurant is beautifully positioned, again up a few stairs, and with the most beautiful close-up view of the top of the Kunene river falls.... just magnificent!
Breakfast and dinner were delicious, service immaculate. Requests always satisfied. Chef could easily be employed by a 5-star international hotel and the high quality of the food was what you'd expect of "haute cuisine" in any top restaurant in a European capital: I simply don't know how the owner managed to find such lovely, efficient, capable staff.
Do NOT miss a fantastic massage by Nella!
The local guide, Owen, was superb. he took me to drink with "the locals'.... the people who live close to the lodge in a very small "township". What lovely people.... I even had an offer of marriage from the Head of the Town!
The highlight of my visit was an invitation to a local OvaHimba village situated some 10 to 15 km from the lodge; I finally managed to satisfy myself about the various contradictions I have read about their culture and traditions.
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