Responsive image

Ai-Aiba Rock Painting Lodge

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Excellent rock art and rock formations
- Peaceful, laidback property
- Stunning mountain backdrop
- 10 chalets, pool, lounge area, bar

Speak to someone who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 0203 291 2907

Enquire

Overview

Ai-Aiba Rock Painting Lodge is a uniquely situated property in central Namibia. It's located around a three-hour drive from the country’s capital, Windhoek, and is also about three hours away from the popular Etosha National Park. What makes this lodge particularly appealing is not only its fabulous setting, but also the opportunity to visit the numerous rock painting sites in the vicinity. The weather-beaten rocks and large granite boulders of the Erongo Mountain Range provide a dramatic backdrop for this lovely, relaxed resting place. The various rock formations in the immediate area were once part of a volcano and date back over 130 million years so there is plenty to explore here on guided and independent walking trails which showcase the ancient local history and rock art. The lodge provides a superb, comfortable base with a modest-sized pool, a good offering of activities and great food and wine.

There are 10 thatched, private chalets, each of which has decor inspired by various African styles and traditions. The chalets have stunning views of the surrounding rugged terrain thanks to their large windows, private patios and their strategic locations across the grounds. Air conditioning is provided, as are luxury toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities. Each chalet comes with a spacious lounge area, as well as an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and toilet and two bedrooms; of the total 20 rooms, 19 are standard twin rooms, and one is a designated family room which accommodates up to four people.

For those looking to explore the mountains, guided hikes and drives are available, with several departure times throughout the day. These provide the opportunity to visit some of the many rock art sites and fascinating geological formations dotted throughout the area; it’s also possible to spot local wildlife and visit certain vantage points for breath-taking views. Tours of the San Living Museum are also on offer, providing the opportunity to learn about the locals’ rich heritage and traditions, as well as their hunting and general survival practices.

Back at base, the lodge promotes a leisurely pace of life and guests are free to lounge by the pool, unwind in the public lounge with a good book or enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar.

Nearby Alternatives

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

+
See more reviews

Decisions...

Stop searching and speak to someone who knows.

Enquire Now