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Grootberg Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Black Rhino and Desert Elephant tracking
- 100% run by the local community
- Fantastic cultural programme
- Stunning Views

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Overview

Grootberg lodge is a sophisticated lodge in the north area of Damaraland, in the North west of Namibia. One hundred percent run by the local community, this camp offers a truly authentic experience from its fantastic position atop Grootberg pass.

The guest areas at Grootberg lodge include a pleasant pool area, large restaurant with an outdoor verandah and comfortable living area; all with dramatic views over the Klip river valley. The great staff are all employed from the local community and have unparalleled knowledge of the local area.

A variety of activities are offered at Grootberg and focus on the tracking of the elusive desert adapted elephant and the black rhino. Rhino tracking in particular has become so popular, that restrictions are having to be put in place to restrict the number of guests participating. This is a unique and rewarding activity so it is worth booking as early as possible to ensure your place on the trip. Twice daily game drives and walking safaris around the plateau edge are also great opportunities to spot local populations of zebra, antelope, jackal and occasionally lion and leopard. A fantastic cultural programme is also offered with local school performances being especially memorable. It is worth noting that unlike most other lodges, the activities here are not included in the price and can quickly outweigh the cost of accommodation.

The accommodation is in traditional rock and thatch chalets and is split into fourteen twin and two family units. All have private verandahs with stunning views across the Klip river valley and are ensuite. The family units house families of four comfortably.

Unusually, there is no minimum age for children staying at Grootberg. Children of all ages can enjoy game drives and walking safaris, however children do have to be over the age of twelve to participate in the elephant and rhino tracking. Families with young children will find it very hard to find a lodge that accepts children of any age on game drives so this would be a rare find. The family units are ideal accommodation and the large swimming pool is great for kids to enjoy during the day.

Grootberg Camp is a fantastic example of the local community engaging and benefiting from eco tourism. The camp is brilliantly run and offers some good activities that makes it a real family favourite.

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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

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